Pipeline safety taken to a new level

The innovative Pipeline Management Control (FlexSILon® PMC) hybrid solution is based on a HIMA’s SIL 3 safety controller, with integrated safe leak detection and leak localization capability. The company shows how safety-oriented monitoring systems can significantly reduce leak-induced downtime and risks to people, facilities and the environment.

There are many potential causes of damage to pipelines. Along with material failure, corrosion and wear, pipelines are threatened by theft, terrorist attacks and the increasing risk of cyber attacks. In light of growing digitalisation the combination of functional safety and leak detection helps operators of pipelines in refineries and chemical plants as well as overland pipelines to improve their safety and cyber security. HIMA’s innovative pipeline management solution integrates into a safety controller high availability leak detection and localisation with emergency shutdown (ESD) capability for safe system shutdown.

“Each year, 2000 incidents occur in the European pipeline network. This network needs to have the right equipment installed and processes in place. Pipeline need to meet safety standard and the key is broad pipeline expertise. Using FlexSILon PMC will further increase the economic viability of your pipeline,” said Sébastien Lachaise, HIMA UK & Ireland Sales Manager.

HIMA designates this hybrid system ‘FlexSILon PMC’ and offers it as a complete pipeline management automation solution. In addition to protecting the facility, this unique package solution controls and regulates safety-related processes for uninterrupted operation over the entire lifecycle. It can continuously monitor pipelines, shut them down automatically in hazard situations, and prevent or significantly reduce damage. Thanks to this functional integration, FlexSILon PMC enables reliable and cost-effective pipeline operation while conforming to all relevant standards.

Along with the automation components necessary for control, regulation and monitoring of gas and liquid pipelines, the solution includes customer support and service. It significantly increases the safety and profitability of pipelines by quickly and accurately detecting and localising leaks, thereby reducing false alarms and downtime. Pipeline operators benefit from higher availability, lower liability and consequential cost risks, and avoidance of environmental damage and loss of reputation. As a closed system with integrated security, FlexSILon PMC also provides significant defense against cyber attacks.

HIMA will join the SPE Offshore Europe in Aberdeen (5 – 8 September 2017) for the first time and can be visited at Stand 3B200 in the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/13062017/pipeline-safety-taken-to-a-new-level/