Under city streets, through countless acres of open fields, across bridges, and over mountains, pipelines quietly deliver energy resources throughout North America.
“Pipelines” generally conjure up images of large diameter pipes transporting crude oil. However, there are numerous types of pipelines as well; water, sewage, brine waste, and even fiber optics all run through conduit pipelines.
Even though pipelines carry a variety of products, there are widespread misconceptions of pipe commonality; problems surrounding advanced age, improper inspection, poor (or even occasionally non-existent) location maps, or inadequate maintenance. These issues have dominated recent headlines, from local mishaps to national tragedies.
Without a doubt, energy transportation by pipeline ensures pricing and system efficiencies, simplicity, and stellar safety records. By no means is shipping oil and/or gas by rail or truck unsafe. However, using pipelines is the safest way to transport oil and gas over long distances.
Pipeline systems have a commonality of challenges, but also solutions for not only the gas lines running under city streets but every other pipeline as well.
Read the full article at The Hill.