Experience with Deploying HIPPS in Subsea Production and Processing Systems

Abstract

Challenges associated with High-integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) design, assembly testing and commissioning are presented in this session. It is based on the experience of completing 10 projects successfully over last decade. The method involves reviewing various logs at different stages of a project lifecycle and determining the root cause of the challenges faced. Implementation of the process control methods around design and assembly demonstrates the benefits of continuous improvement. The trend of issues experienced over time also demonstrates the effectiveness of close loop feedback process existing in the infrastructure. The paper details how functional safety management principles can be applied to the supply of HIPPS systems, from the development of Safety Requirements Specification, through development of the Safety Instrumented System (SIS), Verification & Validation of the (SIS), Commissioning the SIS, Operation and Maintenance of the SIS, and finally decommissioning the SIS. The paper also discusses the impact of functional safety on the subsea control system, and the requirements of the functional safety standards IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 (and ISA 84.00.01), and how these standards impact both the supplier and the operator of the HIPPS. The paper highlights the maturity of the High Integrity Pressure Protection System solution, and the track record of these systems once deployed. Lessons learned spans over 20 years and across 10 projects involving 25 systems. They are distributed in the areas of design, functional safety assessment, interface management, supply chain, testing and commissioning. Given the low volume of product solutions and safety considerations, it is necessary to determine cause of "every" anomaly beginning from design analysis through life of field. Lessons learned and experience in managing challenges form critical part in deploying technically sound HIPPS units in a timely manner in future.