What is the role of a HIPPS (High Integrity Pressure Protection System) in process safety?

The role of a HIPPS (High Integrity Pressure Protection System) in process safety is to prevent over-pressurization of a protected system by rapidly isolating the source of high pressure when predetermined pressure limits are exceeded. HIPPS is a type of Safety Instrumented System (SIS) specifically designed to protect downstream equipment and pipelines from overpressure scenarios. Unlike traditional pressure relief valves, which relieve excess pressure by venting fluids to the atmosphere or a flare system, HIPPS prevents the overpressure from occurring in the first place by quickly shutting off the source of the high pressure. A HIPPS typically consists of pressure sensors, a logic solver, and shutdown valves. The pressure sensors continuously monitor the pressure in the protected system. If the pressure exceeds a predetermined setpoint, the pressure sensors send a signal to the logic solver, which activates the shutdown valves. The shutdown valves are designed to close rapidly, isolating the source of the high pressure and preventing it from reaching the protected system. HIPPS are used in situations where the consequences of overpressure are severe, such as potential equipment rupture, environmental release, or personnel injury. For example, HIPPS may be used to protect a low-pressure pipeline from overpressure caused by a high-pressure gas source.