High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems (HIPPS) Development for the Gulf of Mexico: Update on Deepstar, AP1170 and Industry Developments

摘要

As oil and gas exploration has moved into increasingly deep water in the Gulf of Mexico, the potential to find increasingly higher pressure and higher temperature reservoirs has increased. High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems (HIPPS) are seen as essential for development of these prospects. The paper will cover the key differences between applying HIPPS in the Gulf of Mexico compared to North Sea applications, as well as the associated regulatory process involving the Minerals Management Service, the regulatory authority in the Gulf of Mexico. It will also provide an update on API 170 and industry developments.