8 replies to this topic

[Lowflo]

Can anyone point me to a reference saying whether or not High Integrity Protection Systems (HIPS) are acceptable in PED jurisdictions?

I've browsed the PED Guidelines and find several that indicate that HIPS are allowed (Guideline 1/20 & 1/43) but I can't find a definitive answer.

Is anyone using HIPS in Europe?

Thanks

[Art Montemayor]

Lowflo:

If by the acronym PED you mean the Pressure Equipment Directive existing within the European Union (EU) then I can’t help you there because I don’t have a copy of the PED.

HOWEVER, I just finished a tour of duty on a mega project in Spain and I can state from personal experience that we designed, purchased, and have installed a fully integrated High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) system on an offshore platform. So what I can offer you is empirical proof that the HIPPS systems are entirely acceptable within the EU jurisdictions.

If you require further information and/or details, contact me through my Forum Messenger communication and I can possible give you further details.

[gvdlans]

Everyone who has access to the Internet has access to the European Directives such as the Pressure Equipment Directive: PED

I can also confirm that HIPS systems are being used inside the European Economic Area (EEA) instead of mechanical devices such as safety valves. For example, have a look at the Norwegian standard NORSOK P-001, chapter 5. Note that although Norway is not a member of the European Union, it is a member of the EEA and therefore the European Directives are also applicable in Norway. Also note that NORSOK now calls HIPPS a "safety instrumented secondary pressure protective system".

You can also see this in the PED, have a look at the following sections of the PED:
Article 1, section 2.1.3 second bullet
Annex I (Essential Safety Requirements), section 2.10

Edited by gvdlans, 10 February 2011 - 02:30 PM.

[Art Montemayor]

Guido:

Thank you very much for contributing your experienced and valued comments on this important topic. Your recognized background in European process safety practices and standards is well-established through the years on our Forums and I am sure that this kind of expert reference is of utmost help to LowFlo.

Best Regards

[Lowflo]

Art/Gvdlans...thanks, that answers my question.

So, an SRMCR (Safety related measurement, control and regulation system) is the same as HIPPS. I'd read about SRMCR, and it sounded the same, but I wanted verification. I have a copy of the harmonized standard EN 764-7 which has requirements for applying SRMCR. For our European facilities, I'll be sure our HIPS work process is compliant with that for SRMCR.

[paulhorth]

Lowflo,

HIPPs systems have been installed in the North Sea for many years now. Projects include HB Liverpool Bay, BP ETAP, Conoco CMS, BP Andrew, and numerous others. I am currently working on a project where a HIPPS will be used to protect pipelines from 915 barg upstream pressure.

I cannot quote chapter and verse from PED, but the standard IEC61508 has been issued since 1999 and sets out the requirements for instrumented protective systems and SIL analysis.

The major oil companies, such as Shell, BP, TOTAL, and the Norwegian companies al have developed their own design standards for HIPPs and the risk assesment procedures which support the installation of HIPPs.

I would be interested to know whether HIPPs have been installed in the USA?

Paul

[gvdlans]

Note that the main purpose of the PED is to ensure free movement of goods within the EEA. It is not a technical document. By following the harmonized standards you should also meet the Essential Safety Requirements of the PED.

Edited by gvdlans, 13 February 2011 - 03:57 AM.

[Lowflo]

I would be interested to know whether HIPPs have been installed in the USA?

Paul

Paul,

Yes HIPPS are allowed in the US. They're authorized by ASME Sec VIII UG-140. Specific guidance is found in API 521 Annex E.

[paulhorth]

Lowflo,
Thank you

Paul