Basics of Wellhead Control Panel (WHCP)

WHCP: Wellhead Control Panel

WHCPs are also known as Shutdown Panels (SDP), Emergency Shutdown Systems
(ESD) or
Hydraulic Safety Shutdown System (HSSS). These are failsafe shutdown systems which
have pneumatic/hydraulic/electric components; WHCPs can also be integrated with
PLC/ RTU/ SCADA. WHCPs are standalone control systems as well as an interface
between
the plant control and the wellhead safety system. WHCPs are used for monitoring,
controlling (Remote/Local) and safe shutdown of Subsurface Controlled Safety Valves
(SCSSV), Surface Safety Valves (SSV), and other wellhead safety valves (Choke, ESD,
HIPPS)
in oil & gas production fields to ensure safe operation of unattended wells/platforms.

WHCPs may have multiple applications, which include, but are not limited to
• Safe and Sequential Operation of Wellhead Valves (SCSSV/SSV/Wing Etc.)
• Emergency and Fire Shutdown
• Safe Operation of Riser Valves
• Flow line Pressure Control
• Well Test Operation
 Overview of Wellhead Control Panel (WHCP)

WHCP: Wellhead Control Panel

Gas wells and oil wells has a high potential hazard, either because the material ejected
flammable nor the potential hazard of the gas pressure is high. Wellhead control panel
is key equipment in oil & gas industry to protect oilfield facilities and environment
from occurring wellhead fire and emergency incidents, which is one of main control
systems to ensure oilfield oil production and transportation to be safely operation
according to international standards and national regulation.Its function is to shut
down the well in case conditions that harm or for other interventions as well as the
work test, etc.
Wellhead control panel is composed of hydraulic power unit (HPU), tubing & fitting
and instrument valve and electrical control devices. HPU supply hydraulic resource to
open and close SSVs including MSSV, WSSV and SCSSV.

So to open or close a Wing Valve (WV), Master Valve (MV), as well as Down Hole
Safety Valve (DHSV) can be through the Wellhead control panel. Generally inside
wellhead control panel consists of control pneumatic or hydraulic. Control pneumatic
or hydraulic composed of tubing and three way valve
Functionality of Wellhead Control Panel (WHCP)