Patent ID: 8051875
Filing Date: 2011-11-08
Classification: F16K,F17D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A protection apparatus for detecting and reducing overpressure in a fluid pipeline having a fluid input end and a fluid output end, the fluid input end being connected in use to a fluid source, comprising: first and second pipeline valves connected in series along the pipeline with the first pipeline valve being connected at a location closer to the input end than the connection location of the second pipeline valve, the first and second pipeline valves being independently switchable between open positions in which fluid flow through the pipeline is permitted and closed positions in which fluid flow through the pipeline is blocked; a pressure transducer for determining the fluid pressure in the pipeline at a point intermediate the first and second pipeline valves; a bypass line having a first end fluidly connected to the pipeline between the input end and the first pipeline valve and a second end fluidly connected to the pipeline between the first and second pipeline valves; a bypass valve connected along the bypass line, said bypass valve being switchable between an open position in which fluid flow through the bypass line is permitted and a closed position in which fluid flow through the bypass line is blocked; a vent line fluidly connected to the bypass line between the bypass valve and the second end of the bypass line, the vent line leading to a venting means a vent valve connected along the vent line, said vent valve being switchable between an open position in which fluid flow through the vent line is permitted and a closed position in which fluid flow through the vent line is blocked; wherein after an overpressure event, the opening of the bypass valve and vent valve reduces the overpressure between the input end and the first pipeline valve, and a subsea control module in communication with and configured to control the bypass valve, wherein after an over pressure event, the subsea control module is configured to open the bypass valve for a predetermined time, and further configured to subsequently reset the system.