Pipeline Transportation

A pipeline is a line or series of pipes as well as the accompanying valves, pumps and other apparatus required to transport liquids and gases through it. Pipeline transport is, quite simply, the transporting of goods via pipe. Goods traveling through pipelines are typically in a liquid or gaseous state, though in certain instances solids can be transported through pipelines. While pipelines are responsible for the transportation of a variety of substances, such as water, sewage, and even beer, the most economically substantial pipelines are those dedicated to transporting natural gas and oil. Pipelines have proven to be the most cost effective means of transporting mass amounts of oil and natural gas across land, incurring a lower cost and having a larger capacity than traditional railroad transportation.

Oil pipelines are typically constructed of plastic or steel, and are built both above ground level and below the surface of the ground at a depth of about three feet. Strategically placed pumps along the pipeline keep the oil traveling through the line. Some pipelines are capable of transporting multiple products at the same time. Natural gas is transported from large pipelines through smaller feeder pipes to be used by homes and businesses. Natural gas pipelines utilize incremental compressors to pressurize the gas for travel. People make use of residential natural gas in part for cooking on gas powered stoves, heating their homes and the luxury of hot running water.

Pipelines are also used in the transportation of water, for instance from city water mains to residents and businesses for running tap water and irrigation. Eliminating the need for pumps, water pipelines sometimes utilize gravity as the force propelling water through them in cases where a downward gradient meets qualifications. For instance, water can be transported by the force of gravity from an elevated tank to its destination, such as a residence.

Pipelines must be designed to specifications that prevent leakage and can withstand the levels of pressure necessary to force products through the pipes to their destinations. Additional considerations in pipeline production are the characteristics of the pipeline material, such as a tendency to expand, contract, or corrode, as well as the properties of the substance that will be carried by the pipeline. The flammable nature of substances often contained within pipelines makes them vulnerable to causing significant damage in the event of an accident. For this reason, pipelines raise concern for catastrophes caused by vandalism, malicious attacks and defects.