Reliably delivering gas to your property requires a number of systems. The rock stars in the process lineup are gas plants, heaters and fractionation plants. One you seldom hear about but often need is this unit we shipped this week:
An Over Pressure Protection skid (OPP).
What An OPP Protects Against
The OPP protects a pipeline against unforeseen operational occurrences such as upstream pressure spikes. It senses system pressure and, if triggered, automatically shuts down items like upstream pumps and/or opens a relief valve downstream to ease down pressure.
A utility or midstream company buys an OPP because it mitigates the chance of accidents and avoids downtime by actively managing fluctuations in pressures.
Problems That An OPP Can Address
Here are some specific problems that an OPP solves to show you their broad uses:
- Regulator failure: A mechanical or diaphragm failure in a pressure regulator.
- Pump/compressor malfunction: A pump or compressor continues to run after a downstream valve has closed.
- Thermal expansion: A sudden, unexpected temperature rise.
- Surges: Pressure spikes from interconnected systems.
Over Pressure Protection Skid by OilPro
OPP Applications In The Oil & Gas Business
OPP Skids are essential in several high-risk stages of the oil and gas lifecycle:
Pipeline Integrity: Installed between high-pressure and low-pressure pipeline segments to protect the lower-rated pipe.
Pressure Testing: Used in-line during high-pressure hydrotesting or pneumatically testing new pipelines or vessels. The skid ensures the test pump automatically shuts down if the pressure exceeds the maximum test pressure.
Wellhead Control: Integrated into systems that manage high pressures coming directly from the wellbore.
Gas Distribution: Protecting downstream appliances and distribution lines from overpressure caused by regulator failure.
Next Steps
Do you require specialty oil or gas handling equipment like an OPP for your facilities or infrastructure?
Call OilPro at 403 215-3373, or contact us at [email protected].