HIPPS and Functional Safety: Smarter protection in a changing world

In today’s process industries, functional safety isn’t a one-time decision - it’s a continuous commitment. As risks evolve and operational demands grow, manufacturers need smarter, faster, and more robust ways to protect people, assets, and the environment.

That’s where High-Integrity Pressure Protection Systems (HIPPS) come in.

What is HIPPS?

A HIPPS is an independent safety instrumented system (SIS) designed to detect abnormal process conditions—such as high pressure—and rapidly isolate the source to prevent a hazardous release. It acts as the final barrier between safe operation and a potential incident.

Unlike traditional relief valves and flare systems, HIPPS:

HIPPS systems are built in line with international safety standards such as IEC 61508 and IEC 61511, and are designed to meet required Safety Integrity Levels (SIL)—from SIL 1 to SIL 4.

Why functional safety matters now more than ever

From decarbonisation goals to digitalisation and resource constraints, today's energy landscape is rapidly changing. At the same time, industry safety expectations are rising.

To navigate this, operators are turning to more sophisticated protection layers—including advanced HIPPS solutions - to mitigate risk, improve sustainability, and support plant reliability.

Understanding the risk

Risk is the product of a potential hazard and the likelihood of it occurring. HIPPS directly addresses both:

How HIPPS works

HIPPS typically consists of three key subsystems:

1. Initiators

These measure process parameters (e.g. pressure, temperature, or level) and trigger the logic solver if limits are exceeded. IMI’s approach includes:

2. Logic Solver

This is the control unit of the system. IMI offers both programmable and solid-state options, depending on SIL requirements. Features include:

3. Final Elements

These are elements that protect downstream equipment from the hazardous event. IMI supplies:

Measuring safety performance

HIPPS are not only designed for safety and reliability—they’re tested for it. Safety performance is evaluated using key metrics such as:

IMI applies formal analysis methods and works with third-party certification bodies to ensure compliance at every stage.

Flexible solutions, built to standard

From fully mechanical systems to complex electronic architectures, IMI designs each HIPPS to the specific needs of the site, process, and safety target.

We provide:

All IMI systems are compliant with IEC standards and delivered with full documentation, FATs/IFATs, and SIL certificates.

The IMI difference

Our customers choose IMI because we bring more than just products - we bring end-to-end capability:

Whether you're safeguarding a remote wellhead, an FPSO, an FLNG unit, a storage tank, a regasification facility, or a downstream separator, our HIPPS solutions are engineered to elevate both your safety performance and your peace of mind.

Let’s talk safety

Ready to improve plant protection, reduce emissions, and achieve functional safety targets?

Contact us today to learn how HIPPS can support your goals - whether you need a standalone system, an upgrade path, or a full site risk assessment.