6 Interesting Things You Didn't Know About Pipelines

A series of pipes that are fitted with valves and pumps to transport gases, liquids and slurries is called a pipeline. Pipelines are the foundation of our streets, cities and oceans and help everyone with day to day activities.. They provide energy for many modern conveniences. That is why it is essential to take care of these pipes through pipe wrapping and coal tar epoxy and other useful methods. Moreover there are a few facts on pipes that you might have no idea about. Let us have a look at these six facts you didn't know that were related to pipelines.

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1. There are different pipelines for different products and stages

Pipelines transport crude oil from the fields to the refineries. Different pipelines are used to transport natural gas from the production wells to the refineries. After oil and natural gas are processed into new products, they can be delivered by another pipeline to other areas.

2. Pipelines extend for millions of miles

Energy HQ estimates that over 1,382,569 miles of pipeline carry billions of gallons of liquid petroleum and trillions upon trillions of cubic feet of natural gas products each year. According to estimates, if every natural gas pipeline in America was connected from end to end it would travel approximately three times to the Moon. That is why it is important to take care of pipes through pipe wrapping from time to time. 

3. Metal corrosion is expensive

According to the Battelle Institute, metal corrosion costs the U.S. nearly $300 billion annually. An electrochemical reaction can cause corrosion. This allows providers to monitor voltages and currents that are connected to corrosion rate. This permits them to identify and mitigate eroding pipes.

External and internal factors can influence the corrosion rate of eroding pipes. Pipes are affected by their environment, water chemistry, soil moisture, and the chemistry of buried pipes.

4. Pipelines are a safe method of transport

The National Transportation and Safety Board states that pipelines are one of the most safe ways to transport oil and gas. The Fraser Institute, on the other hand, states that rail transport increases accident risk by 4.5x. For the same reason all the major manufacturers use coal tar epoxy on all their pipelines to keep them secure. 

5. Pipelines come in different sizes

A natural gas and oil pipeline's diameter can vary from 2 inches to 4 feet. The pressures, temperatures and amounts transported determine the ideal length of a pipeline.

6. Drones, Fiber-optic Technology and Sealants

Drones equipped with sophisticated sensors and high-resolution cameras can be used for inspections of above-ground pipelines. To prevent corrosion, modern sealants are used. To detect potential threats to the pipeline's integrity, fiber optic cables are used.

Endnotes

These are six interesting facts about pipelines which you didn’t know about. Pipes are the lifeline of every city and we hope you will find this information useful. 


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