Abstract:
A pipe branching manifold including a multitude of pipe branches, wherein each pipe branch of the multitude of pipe branches includes an entry block valve, an exit block valve, and a bleed outlet including a bleed valve arranged between the entry block valve and the exit block valve, wherein in a standard operation of each pipe branch a respective entry block valve and a respective exit block valve is open and a respective bleed valve is closed, wherein in a test operation or maintenance operation of each pipe branch the respective entry block valve and the respective exit block valve is closed, and the respective bleed valve is open, wherein the pipe branching manifold includes a selector device for selecting either none or one out of the multitude of pipe branches for switching from the standard operation to the test operation or the maintenance operation.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of International Application PCT/EP2016/050074 filed on Jan. 5, 2016 claiming priority from European Patent Application 15154113.3 filed on Feb. 6, 2016, both of which are incorporated by their entirety by this reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a pipe branching manifold and to a method of operating the same, the pipe branching manifold having a multitude of pipe branches, each of the pipe branches having an entry block valve, an exit block valve, and a bleed outlet with a bleed valve between the entry block valve and the exit block valve, wherein in a standard operation of each pipe branch, the respective entry block valve and exit block valve are open, and the respective bleed valve is closed, and wherein in a test operation or maintenance operation of each pipe branch, the respective entry block valve and exit block valve are closed, and the respective bleed valve is open, and the manifold having a selector device for selecting either none or one out of the pipe branches for switching from standard operation to test operation or maintenance operation, wherein the selector device allows only the one entry block valve of the selected pipe branch to be closed, which subsequently allows the respective bleed valve and exit block valve to be opened and closed to switch to the test operation or to the maintenance operation respectively. 
         [0003]    Alternatively wherein in a test operation of each pipe branch the entry block valve is closed and both the bleed valve as well as the exit block valve are open, enabling the bleed valve to be used as entry point for a test fluid at a test pressure and wherein in a maintenance operation of each pipe branch the respective entry block valve and exit block valve are closed and the respective bleed valve is open, where by alternatively a dedicated test connection can be added downstream of the exit block valve. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Devices featuring the above are commonly known as “one out of N double block-and-bleed manifold”, wherein “N” is a digit above 1, and the phrases “one out of N” and “double block-and-bleed” are often abbreviated as “1ooN” and “dbb”. 1003 dbb manifolds are in particular used in “High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems” (HIPPS) for a fluid line, in particular in oil or gas piping systems. In such HIPPS, the three lines of the 1oo3 dbb manifold—it can also be two lines of 1002, or more (four lines or more)—each contact independent pressure transmitters or switches to the pressure to be monitored downstream of an ON/OFF-Valve. Whenever any of the pressure transmitters signals the pressure to exceed a critical value, the HIPPS closes the one or more valve(s). The pressure is measured by the pressure transmitters, the pressure transmitter signal is voted 20oo3 by the logic solver, when 2 of the 3 transmitters give high signal, the logic solver will close one or more valves to prevent further pressure increase. 
         [0005]    Having three independent pressure transmitters ensures redundant measurement, and operation without interruption in particular during periodical inspection, testing, calibration, maintenance, repair or replacement (hereinafter summarized as “test and maintenance”) of the pressure transmitters: For inspection of any of the pressure transmitters, the related pipe branch is separated from the fluid pipe by closing its entry block valve, remaining pressure released from the pressure transmitter by opening its bleed valve to the ambience, and the pressure transmitter isolated from the ambience by closing its exit block valve. After inspecting and/or maintaining the pressure transmitter, any remaining pressure is released from the pressure transmitter by opening the exit block valve, then the pressure transmitter closed from the ambience by closing the bleed valve, and last the pressure transmitter re-connected to the fluid line by opening the entry block valve. 
         [0006]    ASTAVA B. V., Meppel/NL provides an interlocking system for a 1oo3 and 1oo2 dbb manifold, based on a crank handle that is mechanically caught in a complex track, that only allows, by positioning and turning the handle, first to select a pipe Branch, then to close the entry block valve, then to open the bleed valve, and last to close the exit block valve of the selected branch. Smith Flow Control Ltd., Lynbrook/AU and Netherlocks Safety Systems, Alphen aan den Rijn/NL each provide elaborate loose key systems, wherein any key, if delivered from a control room, and applied to a compatible valve, allows the operator only to open or close this same valve. Both the known track-caught handle, and the known key systems, allow for building pipe branching manifolds according to the above. 
         [0007]    In technical background of the invention, U.S. Pat. No. 4,429,711 A discloses a multivalve interlock and control system for connecting a pair of pipelines to a differential pressure measuring instrument. The known system has three valves, each driven by a swiveling handle, each of the handles having a circular control device, that has up to three notches for mechanically interacting with the other control device, so as to allow the valves to be opened or closed in a mechanically defined sequence, only. 
         [0008]    Disadvantages of prior art: cumbersome to operate, not easy to adapt for remote operation like subsea operation. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is an object of the invention to provide a 1ooN dbb pipe branching manifold that is kept both mechanically simple, and easy to operate and can be adapted for remote operation by a so called ROV in a subsea application. 
         [0010]    The object is achieved by a pipe branching manifold including a multitude of pipe branches, wherein each pipe branch of the multitude of pipe branches includes an entry block valve, an exit block valve, and a bleed outlet including a bleed valve arranged between the entry block valve and the exit block valve, wherein in a standard operation of each pipe branch a respective entry block valve and a respective exit block valve is open and a respective bleed valve is closed, wherein in a test operation or maintenance operation of each pipe branch the respective entry block valve and the respective exit block valve is closed, and the respective bleed valve is open, wherein the pipe branching manifold includes a selector device for selecting either none or one out of the multitude of pipe branches for switching from the standard operation to the test operation or the maintenance operation, wherein the selector device allows only an entry block valve of a selected pipe branch of the multitude of pipe branches to be closed, which subsequently allows a respective bleed valve and a respective exit block valve of the selected pipe branch to be opened and closed to switch to the test operation or to the maintenance operation respectively, wherein the selector device includes a standard blocking element and a test permitting element, wherein the entry block valve includes an entry control device which includes a standard blocking counter element positively fitting to the standard blocking element, and a test permitting counter element positively fitting to the test permitting element, wherein in the standard operation of the respective pipe branch, mechanical interaction of the standard blocking element and the standard blocking counter element prevents the entry block valve from closing, and wherein after selecting the respective pipe branch for test operation mechanical interaction of the test permitting element and the test permitting counter element allows for closing the entry block valve and subsequent opening and closing of the respective bleed valve and the respective exit valve to enable either the test operation or the maintenance operation. 
         [0011]    The invention suggests that the selector device has a standard blocking element, and a test permitting element, and that each of the entry block valves has an entry control device with a standard blocking counter element positively fitting to the standard blocking element, and with a test permitting counter element positively fitting to the test permitting element, wherein in standard operation of the respective pipe branch, mechanical interaction of the standard blocking element and the standard blocking counter element prevents the entry block valve from closing, and wherein after selecting the respective pipe branch for test operation, mechanical interaction of the test permitting element and the test permitting counter element allows for closing the entry block valve and subsequent opening and closing of the respective bleed valve and exit valve, to enable either the test operation or the maintenance operations. 
         [0012]    The selector device in the pipe branching manifold according to the invention, in interacting with each of the entry control device has a double function: In standard operation this interaction blocks the respective entry block valve (which necessarily implies the selector device to be an integral part of the pipe branching manifold), and in test operation or maintenance operation releases the selected entry block valve and subsequently the other valves in the branch. Both the double function of the selector device, and its integration as a component into the pipe branching manifold, keeps the same mechanically simple, can be locked, and easy to operate. 
         [0013]    Preferably, in a pipe branching manifold according to the invention, the standard blocking counter element and the test permitting element are notches, shaped into the selector device, and into the entry control device, respectively. Notches can easily be shaped into the selector device, and into the entry control device, e.g. by mold forming, or by milling. 
         [0014]    Advantageously, in a pipe branching manifold according to the invention, the entry control device are pivot able disks. Commonly known valves have swiveling handles, or wheels, for manual operation. A pivot able disk can easily by design be added to the axis of such handles, or wheels. 
         [0015]    Favorably, in such pipe branching manifold, the test permitting counter element has a radius of the disk. The test permitting counter element being a segment of a circular disk, is particularly easy to manufacture into an entry control device that basically is a circular disk. 
         [0016]    Ideally, in a pipe branching manifold according to the invention, the selector device is a pivot able disk. In such pipe branching manifold, selecting any pipe branch for test operation is easily performed by turning the selector device about an axis of the pivot able disk. In another pipe branching manifold according to the invention, the selector device might be a slid able bar, and the entry control device being arranged side by side, along the bar. 
         [0017]    In a preferred embodiment of the pipe branching manifold according to the invention, each of the bleed valves has a bleed control device with a second standard blocking counter element positively fitting to a second standard blocking element in the entry control device, and with a second test permitting counter element positively fitting to a second test permitting element in the entry control device, wherein in open state of the entry block valve, mechanical interaction of the second standard blocking element and the second standard blocking counter element prevents the bleed valve from opening, and wherein in closed state of the entry block valve, mechanical interaction of the second test permitting element and the second test permitting counter element allows for opening the bleed valve. 
         [0018]    In such pipe branching manifold, each of the entry control device, in addition to interaction with the selector device, has further a double function in interacting with the respective bleed control device: In standard operation this interaction blocks the respective bleed valve, and in test operation releases the same. The further functions of the entry control device keeps this pipe branching manifold even more mechanically simple, and easy to operate. 
         [0019]    Preferably, in such pipe branching manifold according to the invention the second standard blocking counter element and the second test permitting element are notches, shaped into the entry control device, and into the bleed control device, respectively. Notches can easily be shaped into the entry control device, and into the bleed control device, e.g. by mold forming, or by milling. 
         [0020]    Advantageously, in such pipe branching manifold according to the invention, the bleed control device is a second pivot able disk. Commonly known bleed valves have a swiveling handle, or a wheel, for manual operation. A pivot able disk can easily by design be added to the axis of such handle, or wheel. 
         [0021]    Favorably, in such pipe branching manifold, the second standard blocking element has the radius of the disk, and the second test permitting counter element has a radius of the second disk. The second standard blocking element being a segment of a circular disk, is particularly easy to manufacture into a bleed control device that basically is a circular disk. 
         [0022]    In a preferred embodiment of the pipe branching manifold according to the invention, each of the exit block valves has an exit control device with a third standard blocking counter element positively fitting to a third standard blocking element in the bleed control device, and with a third test permitting counter element positively fitting to a third test permitting element in the bleed control device, wherein in open state of the entry block valve, mechanical interaction of the third standard blocking element and the third standard blocking counter element prevents the exit block valve from closing, and wherein in open state of the bleed valve, mechanical interaction of the third test permitting element and the third test permitting counter element allows for closing the exit block valve. 
         [0023]    In such pipe branching manifold, each of the bleed control device, in addition to interaction with the entry control device, has further a double function in interacting with the respective exit control device: In standard operation this interaction blocks the respective exit block valve, and in test operation releases the same. The further functions of the bleed control device keeps this pipe branching manifold even more mechanically simple, and easy to operate. 
         [0024]    Preferably, in such pipe branching manifold according to the invention the third standard blocking counter element and the third test permitting element are notches, shaped into the bleed control device, and into the exit control device, respectively. Notches can easily be shaped into the bleed control device, and into the exit control device, e.g. by mold forming, or by milling. 
         [0025]    Advantageously, in such pipe branching manifold according to the invention, the exit control device is a third pivot able disk. Commonly known exit block valves have a swiveling handle, or a wheel, for manual operation. A pivot able disk can easily by design be added to the axis of such handle, or wheel. 
         [0026]    Favorably, in such pipe branching manifold, the third standard blocking element has the radius of the second disk, and the third test permitting counter element has a radius of the third disk. The third standard blocking element being a segment of a circular disk, is particularly easy to manufacture into an exit control device that basically is a circular disk. 
         [0027]    The invention further suggests a High Integrity Pressure Protecting System (HIPPS) for a fluid line, wherein the HIPPS has an On/Off valve, a logic solver, an initiator for monitoring a downstream pressure of the line, and an actuator, wherein the On/Off valve closes automatically, if the downstream pressure exceeds a critical value, and wherein the initiator has a pipe branching manifold according to the invention, with multiple pipe branches, each of the pipe branches connecting to a respective pressure transmitter. The pipe branching manifold of the HIPPS according to the invention is a “one out of N double block-and-bleed” (“1ooN dbb”) manifold as previously characterized in the “background art” section. The HIPPS according to the invention features the advantages previously mentioned for the pipe branching manifold according to the invention. The manifold can be equipped with proximity switches to show the position of the selector, the entry block valve, bleed valve and exit block valve. 
         [0028]    The initiator for monitoring downstream pressure of the line can be a pressure transmitter or pressure switch. The On/Off valve can be automatically closed by the initiator (pressure switch), or by the logic solver. The HIPPS can have a test connection downstream of the exit valve, between the exit block valve and the initiator (pressure transmitter, sensor). Alternatively, testing can be done via bleed valve. Position switch on selector device and/or any of the control device can enable remote detection. 
         [0029]    The invention even further suggests a method of operating a pipe branching manifold according to the invention, comprising the step of selecting any of the pipe branches for switching from the standard operation to a test operation. The method according to the invention also features the advantages previously mentioned for the pipe branching manifold according to the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    The apparatus according to the invention and the associated method are subsequently described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in the following schematic figures: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  shows the valves in a state of the art 1003 dbb manifold, in standard operation, 
           [0032]      FIG. 2A  shows a 1003 dbb manifold according to the invention, in standard operation, 
           [0033]      FIG. 2B  shows the entry control device of the manifold, 
           [0034]      FIG. 2C  shows an bleed control device and an exit control device of the manifold, 
           [0035]      FIG. 3A  shows the manifold, with one branch selected for test operation, 
           [0036]      FIG. 3B  shows the manifold, with the entry block valve of the selected branch closed, 
           [0037]      FIG. 3C  shows the manifold, with the bleed valve of the selected branch open, 
           [0038]      FIG. 3D  shows the manifold, with the exit block valve of the selected branch closed, and 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  shows a second manifold, according to the invention, 
           [0040]      FIG. 5A  shows a branch detail of a third manifold, according to the invention, with the entry block valve closed, 
           [0041]      FIGS. 5B-5D  show the detail, with the bleed valve one third, two thirds and fully open, 
           [0042]      FIG. 6A  shows a branch detail of a fourth manifold, according to the invention, in standard operation, and 
           [0043]      FIG. 6B  shows the detail, with the entry block valve closed, and 
           [0044]      FIG. 6C-6G  show the detail, with the bleed valve in four steps partly open, and fully open, 
           [0045]      FIG. 7A  shows a branch detail of a fifth manifold, according to the invention, in standard operation, 
           [0046]      FIG. 7B  shows the detail, with the entry block valve closed, and 
           [0047]      FIG. 7C  shows the detail, with the bleed valve open. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0048]      FIG. 1  schematically shows a state-of-the-art “one out of three double block-and-bleed” (“1oo3 dbb”) manifold  1  for use in a High Integrity Pressure Protecting System (HIPPS), and connecting three separate pressure transmitters to a gas or oil fluid line  2 . The known manifold  1  has one process connection splitting into three separate pipe branches  3 , each connected to the fluid line  2 , having an entry block valve  4 , a bleed valve  5  and an exit block valve  6 , and connecting to one of the pressure transmitters. The entry block valves  4 , the bleed valves  5 , and the exit block valve  6  are ball valves, and are opened or closed by rotating each about an axis at right angle to the figured plane, a quarter-turn clockwise, or counter-clockwise. The pressure transmitters, as well as further parts of the HIPPS are not shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0049]    In each branch  3 , in standard operation of the manifold  1 , the fluid first passes through the entry block valve  4 , then through the bleed valve  5 , then through the exit block valve  6 , and finally into the pressure transmitters. 
         [0050]      FIG. 2A  shows a first manifold  7  according to the invention, based on the above mentioned, known manifold  1 . In the manifold  7 , each entry block valve  4  has an entry control device  8 ,  9 , each bleed valve  5  has a bleed control device  10  and each exit block valve  6  has an exit control device  11 . The manifold  7  further has a selector device  12  for selecting any of the branches  3 , for test operation. In the manifold  7 , the selector device  12 , the entry control device  8 ,  9 , the bleed control device  10 , and the exit control device  11  are all basically circular, pivot able disks that are (apart from the selector device  12 ) mounted to the operating axes of the entry block valves  4 , bleed valves  5  and exit block valve  6 . The operating axes are not shown. The selector device  12  has a diameter  13  of 100 mm and has one single notch  14  fitting the diameter  15  of the entry control device  8 ,  9 . In other preferred embodiments the diameter  13  changes based upon the valve dimensions. 
         [0051]    The entry control device  8 ,  9  shown in  FIG. 2B  have a diameter  15  of 90 mm, and one notch  16  fitting the diameter  13  of the selector device  12 , and another notch  17  fitting the diameter  18  of the bleed control device  10 . In other preferred embodiments the diameter  15  changes based upon the valve dimensions. The manifold  7  has two different types of entry control device  8 ,  9 : The entry control device  8  of the first type are mounted to the entry block valves  4  of the left and right branches  3 . The first notch  16  and the second notch  17  are on opposite sides of the entry control device  8 . 
         [0052]    A second type entry control device  9  is mounted to the entry block valve  4  of the middle branch  3 , and has the first notch  16  and the second notch  17  at right angle. 
         [0053]    The bleed control device  10  and the exit control device  11  of the manifold  7  are identical for all three branches. Both have a diameter  18  of 80 mm. In other preferred embodiments the diameter  18  changes based upon the valve dimensions. The bleed control device  10  has a first notch  19  fitting the diameter  15  of the entry control device  8 ,  9 , and at right angle, a second notch  20  fitting the diameter  18  of the exit control device  11 . The exit control device  11  has one single notch  21  fitting the diameter  18  of the bleed control device  10 . In the first manifold  7 , the entry control device  8 ,  9 , the bleed control device  10 , the exit control device  11 , and the selector device  12  are coplanar, the notches  14 ,  16 ,  17 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  of the first manifold  7  are lens-shaped. 
         [0054]    In standard operation mode of the manifold  7 , the circular edge  22  as standard blocking element  23  of the selector device  12  fits the first notches  16  as standard blocking counter elements  24  of the entry control device  8 ,  9 , preventing rotation of the same, and closing the entry block valves  4 . The circular edges  25  as second standard blocking elements  26  of the entry control device  8 ,  9  fit the first notches  19  as second standard blocking counter elements  27  of the bleed control device  10 , preventing rotation of the same, and opening the bleed valves  5  to the ambience. The circular edges  28  as third standard blocking elements  29  of the bleed control device  10  fit the notches  21  as third standard blocking counter elements  30  of the exit control device  11 , preventing rotation of the same, and closing the exit block valve  6 . 
         [0055]      FIGS. 3A to 3D  show the sequence of action for setting the manifold  7  to test operation for the right branch  3 : 
         [0056]    First, according to  FIG. 3A , the selector device  12  is rotated a quarter-turn counter-clockwise. The notch  14  as test permitting element  31  of the selector device  12  now fits the circular edge  25  as test permitting counter element  32  of the right entry control device  8 , allowing rotation of the same. 
         [0057]    Second, according to  FIG. 3B , the right entry control device  8  is rotated a quarter-turn counter-clockwise, and the right entry block valve  4  closed. The second notch  17  as second test permitting element  33  of the right entry control device  8  now fits the circular edge  28  as second test permitting counter element  34  of the right bleed control device  10 , allowing rotation of the same. The circular edge  25  of the right entry control device  8  now fits the notch  14  of the selector device  12 , preventing rotation of the same. 
         [0058]    Third, according to  FIG. 3C , the right bleed control device  10  is rotated a quarter-turn clockwise, and the right bleed valve  5 , and thus the pressure transmitter opened to the ambience. The second notch  20  as third test permitting element  35  of the right bleed control device  10  now fits the circular edge  36  as third test permitting counter element  37  of the right exit control device  11 , allowing rotation of the same. The circular edge  28  of the right bleed control device  10  now fits the second notch  17  of the right entry control device  8 , preventing rotation of the same. 
         [0059]    Fourth, according to  FIG. 3D , the right exit control device  11  is rotated a quarter-turn clockwise, and the right exit block valve  6  closed. The circular edge  36  of the right exit control device  11  now fits the second notch  20  of the right bleed control device  10 , preventing rotation of the same. 
         [0060]    After setting to the test operation mode shown in  FIG. 3D , a pressure transmitter at the right branch  3  is both relieved from the pressure of the fluid line  2 , and separated from the right branch  3 . The pressure transmitter can now be tested, or replaced, without affecting the function of the HIPPS. 
         [0061]    Deviating from the above, for setting the manifold  7  to test operation for the left branch  3 , the selector device  12  would have been rotated a quarter-turn clockwise. For setting to test operation for the middle branch  3 , the selector device  12  would have been rotated a half-turn, and the middle entry control device  9  a quarter-turn clockwise, instead. For each of the branches  3 , operation of the bleed control device  10  and the exit control device  11  are as above. 
         [0062]    After successful testing, or replacing the pressure transmitter at the right branch  3 , the sequence of action shown in  FIG. 3A to 3D  must be reversed, back to standard operation mode: 
         [0063]    First, reversing  FIG. 3D , the right exit control device  11  is rotated a quarter-turn counter-clockwise, and the right exit block valve  6  opened, and thus the pressure transmitter opened to the ambience. The notch  21  of the right exit control device  11  now fits the circular edge  28  of the right bleed control device  10 , allowing rotation of the same. 
         [0064]    Second, reversing  FIG. 3C , the right bleed control device  10  is rotated a quarter-turn counter-clockwise, and the right bleed valve  5 , and thus the pressure transmitter closed from the ambience. The first notch  19  of the right bleed control device  10  now fits the circular edge  25  of the right entry control device  8 , allowing rotation of the same. The circular edge  28  of the right bleed control device  10  now fits the notch  21  of the right exit control device  11 , preventing rotation of the same. 
         [0065]    Third, reversing  FIG. 3B , the right entry control device  8  is rotated a quarter-turn clockwise, and the right entry block valve  4 , and thus the pressure transmitter opened to the fluid line  2 . The first notch  16  of the right entry control device  8  now fits the circular edge  22  of the selector device  12 , allowing rotation of the same. The circular edge  25  of the right entry control device  8  now fits the first notch  19  of the right bleed control device  10 , preventing rotation of the same. 
         [0066]    Fourth, reversing  FIG. 3A , the selector device  12  is rotated a quarter-turn clockwise. The circular edge  22  of the selector device  12  now fits the first notch  16  of the right entry control device  8 , preventing rotation of the same. Alternatively, the selector device  12  may be turned a half-turn, for setting the manifold  7  to test operation for the left branch  3 , or a quarter-turn counter-clockwise, for setting the manifold  7  to test operation for the middle branch  3 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 4  shows a second manifold  38  according to the invention that differs from the first manifold  7  presented above, in that the selector device  39  is a bar and the first notches  40  of the entry control device  41  are straightly cut segments. 
         [0068]    The second manifold  38  is shown in standard operation mode, but prepared for test operation of the right pipe branch  42 : The upper straight edge  43  as standard blocking element  44  of the selector device  39  fits the first notches  40  as standard blocking counter elements  45  of the left and middle entry control device  41 , preventing rotation of the same, and closing the left and middle entry block valves, and the respective pressure transmitters, from the fluid line  46 . A notch  47  as test permitting element  48  of the selector device  39  fits the circular edge  49  as test permitting counter element  50  of the right entry control device  41 , allowing rotation of the same, and closing the right entry block valve, and the respective pressure transmitter, from the fluid line  46 . The pressure transmitters are not shown. 
         [0069]      FIG. 5A  shows a side view and a top view of an entry control device  51 , a bleed control device  52 , and an exit control device  53  in a branch of a third (further not shown) manifold according to the invention. The third manifold differs from the first manifold  7  in that the bleed valves are needle valves, that require three quarter-turns (instead of one) clockwise, for fully opening to the ambience. 
         [0070]    In the third manifold, the entry control device  51  and the exit control device  53  are basically identical in shape to those of the first manifold  7 . Only has the entry control device  51  double the thickness  54  of the exit control device  53 , and is the second notch  55  (and accordingly the first notch  56  of the bleed control device  52 ) smaller than in the first manifold  7 . 
         [0071]    The bleed control device  52  also has double the thickness  54  of the exit control device  53 . And further deviating from the first manifold  7 , the second notch  57  of the bleed control device  52 , that fits to the circular edge  58  of the exit control device  53 , has only (slightly more than) the thickness  54  of the exit control device  53 . 
         [0072]    According to  FIG. 5A , the related branch is selected for test operation, the entry control device  51  rotated a quarter-turn clockwise, and the entry block valve closed. The second notch  55  as second test permitting element  59  of the entry control device  51  fits the circular edge  60  as second test permitting counter element  61  of the bleed control device  52 , allowing rotation of the same. The circular edge  60  as third standard blocking element  62  of the bleed control device  52  fits the notch  63  as third standard blocking counter element  64  of the exit control device  53 , preventing rotation of the same. 
         [0073]    After turning the bleed control device  52  one quarter-turn clockwise, according to  FIG. 5B , the bleed valve is one third open. The second notch  55  of the entry control device  51  still fits the circular edge  60  of the bleed control device  52 , that the second notch having slightly more thickness than  54 . Fill the notch of  55  of entry control device  51  the second notch  57  of the bleed control device  52 . The circular edge  60  of the bleed control device  52  still fits the notch  63  of the exit control device  53 . 
         [0074]    After turning the bleed control device  52  another quarter-turn clockwise, according to  FIG. 5C , the bleed valve is two thirds open. The second notch  55  of the entry control device  51  still fits the circular edge  60  of the bleed control device  52 . The circular edge  60  of the bleed control device  52  still fits the notch  63  of the exit control device  53 , because the first notch  56  of the bleed control device  52  is smaller than the notch  63  of the exit control device  53 . 
         [0075]    After turning the bleed control device  52  a last quarter-turn clockwise, according to  FIG. 5D , the bleed valve is fully open. The second notch  55  of the entry control device  51  still fits the circular edge  60  of the bleed control device  52 . The second notch  57  as third test permitting element  65  of the bleed control device  52  fits the circular edge  58  as third test permitting counter element  66  of the exit control device  53 , allowing rotation of the same, and closing the exit block valve. 
         [0076]      FIG. 6A  shows a side view and a top view of an entry control device  67 , a bleed control device  68 , and an exit control device  69  in a branch of a fourth (further not shown) manifold according to the invention. The fourth manifold differs from the first manifold  7  in that the bleed valves are needle valves that require multiple (instead of one quarter) turns counter-clockwise, for fully opening to the ambience. 
         [0077]    In the fourth manifold, the entry control device  67  and the exit control device  69  are basically identical in shape to the entry control device  67  and the exit control device  69  of the first manifold  7 . Only has the entry control device  67  one and a half times the thickness  70  of the exit control device  69 . 
         [0078]    The bleed control device  68  has double the thickness  70  of the exit control device  69 . Further deviating from the first manifold  7 , the first notch  71  of the bleed control device  68 , that fits to the circular edge  72  of the entry control device  67 , has only (slightly more than) the thickness  70  of the same. And the bleed control device  68  has no second control device that fits to the exit control device  69 . Instead, the bleed control device  68 , in rotating lifts over the exit control device  69 , for allowing rotation of the same. 
         [0079]    Starting from standard operation mode, shown in  FIG. 6A , after the related branch is selected for test operation, according to  FIG. 6B , the entry control device  67  is rotated a quarter-turn clockwise, and the entry block valve closed. The second notch  73  as second test permitting element  74  of the entry control device  67  fits the circular edge  75  as second test permitting counter element  76  of the bleed control device  68 , allowing rotation of the same. The circular edge  75  as third standard blocking element  77  of the bleed control device  68  fits the notch  78  as third standard blocking counter element  79  of the exit control device  69 , preventing rotation of the same. 
         [0080]    After turning the bleed control device  68  one quarter-turn clockwise, according to  FIG. 6C , the bleed valve is one sixth open. The second notch  73  of the entry control device  67  still fits the circular edge  75  of the bleed control device  68 . The circular edge  75  of the bleed control device  68  still fits the notch  78  of the exit control device  69 . 
         [0081]    After turning the bleed control device  68  another quarter-turn clockwise, according to  FIG. 6D , the bleed valve is two sixth open. The second notch  73  of the entry control device  67  still fits the circular edge  75  of the bleed control device  68 . The circular edge  75  of the bleed control device  68  that overlaps the first notch  71  of the bleed control device  68  still fits the notch  78  of the exit control device  69 . 
         [0082]    After turning the bleed control device  68  another quarter-turn clockwise, according to  FIG. 6E , the bleed valve is half open. The second notch  73  of the entry control device  67  still fits the circular edge  75  of the bleed control device  68 . The circular edge  75  of the bleed control device  68  still fits the notch  78  of the exit control device  69 . 
         [0083]    After turning the bleed control device  68  another quarter-turn clockwise, according to  FIG. 6F , the bleed valve is two thirds open. The second notch  73  of the entry control device  67  still fits the circular edge  75  of the bleed control device  68  that overlaps the first notch  71  of the bleed control device  68 . The circular edge  75  of the bleed control device  68  still fits the notch  78  of the exit control device  69 . 
         [0084]    After turning the bleed control device  68  a last half-turn clockwise, according to  FIG. 6G , the bleed valve is fully open. The second notch  73  of the entry control device  67  still fits the circular edge  75  of the bleed control device  68 . Meanwhile, the bleed control device  68  has lifted over the exit control device  69 . The lower surface  80  as third test permitting element  81  of the bleed control device  68  thus fits the upper surface  82  as third test permitting counter element  83  of the exit control device  69 , allowing rotation of the same, and closing the exit block valve. 
         [0085]      FIG. 7A  shows a side view and a top view of an entry control device  84 , a bleed control device  85 , and an exit control device  86  in a branch of a fifth (further not shown) manifold according to the invention. The fifth manifold differs from the first manifold  7  in that it has the bleed valves on the side of the branch. 
         [0086]    As in the first manifold  7 , the entry control device  84  has one notch fitting the selector device (neither notch nor selector device are shown, here), and another notch  87  fitting the bleed control device  85 . The bleed control device  85  has a first notch  88  fitting the entry control device  84 , and at right angle, a second notch  89  fitting the exit control device  86 . The exit control device  86  has one single notch  90  fitting the bleed control device  85 . In the branch, the entry control device  84  and the exit control device  86  are coplanar, and perpendicular to the bleed control device  85 . The notches  87 ,  88 ,  89 ,  90  of the fifth manifold are slots. 
         [0087]    In standard operation mode, shown in  FIG. 7A , the circular edge  91  as second standard blocking element  92  of the entry control device  84  fits the first notch  88  as second standard blocking counter element  93  of the bleed control device  85 , preventing rotation of the same. The circular edge  94  as third standard blocking element  95  of the bleed control device  85  fits the notch  90  as third standard blocking counter element  96  of the exit control device  86 , preventing rotation of the same. 
         [0088]      FIGS. 7B and 7C  show the sequence of action for setting the branch to test operation: 
         [0089]    After selecting the branch for test operation, according to  FIG. 7B , the entry control device  84  is rotated a quarter-turn counter-clockwise, and the right entry block valve closed. The second notch  87  as second test permitting element  97  of the entry control device  84  now fits the circular edge  94  as second test permitting counter element  98  of the bleed control device  85 , allowing rotation of the same. The circular edge  91  of the entry control device  84  now prevents rotation of the selector device. 
         [0090]    Then, according to  FIG. 7C , the bleed control device  85  is rotated a quarter-turn clockwise, and the bleed valve, and thus the pressure transmitter opened to the ambience. The second notch  89  as third test permitting element  99  of the bleed control device  85  now fits the circular edge  100  as third test permitting counter element  101  of the exit control device  86 , allowing rotation of the same. The circular edge  94  of the bleed control device  85  now fits the second notch  87  of the entry control device  84 , preventing rotation of the same. 
         [0091]    In yet another HIPPS according to the invention, a test connection may be between exit block valve and pressure transmitter (sensor). Further alternatively, testing may be done via the bleed valve. A position switch on the selector device and/or any of the control device may enable remote detection. 
       REFERENCE NUMERALS AND DESIGNATIONS 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               1  manifold 
               2  fluid line 
               3  branch 
               4  entry block valve 
               5  bleed valve 
               6  exit block valve 
               7  manifold 
               8  entry control device 
               9  entry control device 
               10  bleed control device 
               11  exit control device 
               12  selector device 
               13  diameter 
               14  notch 
               15  diameter 
               16  notch 
               17  notch 
               18  diameter 
               19  notch 
               20  notch 
               21  notch 
               22  edge 
               23  standard blocking element 
               24  standard blocking counter element 
               25  edge 
               26  standard blocking element 
               27  standard blocking counter element 
               28  edge 
               29  standard blocking element 
               30  standard blocking counter element 
               31  test permitting element 
               32  test permitting counter element 
               33  test permitting element 
               34  test permitting counter element 
               35  test permitting element 
               36  edge 
               37  test permitting counter element 
               38  manifold 
               39  selector device 
               40  notch 
               41  entry control device 
               42  branch 
               43  edge 
               44  standard blocking element 
               45  standard blocking counter element 
               46  fluid line 
               47  notch 
               48  test permitting element 
               49  edge 
               50  test permitting counter element 
               51  entry control device 
               52  bleed control device 
               53  exit control device 
               54  thickness 
               55  notch 
               56  notch 
               57  notch 
               58  edge 
               59  test permitting element 
               60  edge 
               61  test permitting counter element 
               62  standard blocking element 
               63  notch 
               64  standard blocking counter element 
               65  test permitting element 
               66  test permitting counter element 
               67  entry control device 
               68  bleed control device 
               69  exit control device 
               70  thickness 
               71  notch 
               72  edge 
               73  notch 
               74  test permitting element 
               75  edge 
               76  test permitting counter element 
               77  standard blocking element 
               78  notch 
               79  standard blocking counter element 
               80  surface 
               81  test permitting element 
               82  surface 
               83  test permitting counter element 
               84  entry control device 
               85  bleed control device 
               86  exit control device 
               87  notch 
               88  notch 
               89  notch 
               90  notch 
               81  edge 
               92  standard blocking element 
               93  standard blocking counter element 
               94  edge 
               95  standard blocking element 
               96  standard blocking counter element 
               97  test permitting element 
               98  test permitting counterelement 
               99  test permitting element 
               100  edge 
               101  test permitting counterelement