摘要 |
A high integrity protection system (HIPS) for protection of a gathering line downstream of a number of wellhead flow lines includes: an inlet; an outlet; two sets of two series-connected isolation valves (ZVs) in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, the two sets being in parallel fluid flow relation to each other, either one or both of the sets of ZVs operable as a path for fluid entering the inlet and passing through the outlet to the downstream pipe; two vent control valves (VCVs), each connected to piping intermediate one set of series-connected ZVs, the VCVs being in fluid communication with a vent line, whereby, upon opening of a VCV, process pressure between the two ZVs is vented; a signal-generating safety logic solver, in accordance with preprogrammed safety and operational protocols; and pressure sensing transmitters attached to piping upstream of the HIPS outlet. The system allows full-stroke, tight shut-off testing of the ZVs without interruption of wellhead production.
|