Pipelines

Introduction

Pipeline is a geographical terminology. Pipelines is a robust structure or network which is equipped with different kinds of valves, controlling devices and pumps to control the flow of inner material which are carried by a large network. In different countries, the network of  pipelines are used for various purposes such as for transporting energy resources, transporting water resources and even if network signals can be transported through the pipelines. In this report, different utilization of pipeline systems has been discussed. The literal meaning of pipeline and its definition has been highlighted. Importance of the pipeline system for the growth of a country’s economy has been discussed. Design and different components of the pipeline network are discussed in this report. 

Main body

Definition of pipeline with its construction design

Pipeline is regarded as the extensive network of large numbers of pipes. Pipeline system is found as the robust network of pipes which consist of different kinds of filling such as joints and valves, pumps, booster stations, storage facilities and structure for intake and outlet. The design of a pipeline network depends on various factors. “Determination of throughput” is the vital aspect which needs to be included in the pipeline design. “Determination of throughput” means the amount of solid or fluids which needs to be transported through the pipeline system. Pressure gradient needs to be calculated when the designing of the pipeline system is done.  Operational velocity and pressure gradient are the main aspects which need to be measured properly to construct a well-designed structure of pipeline. Thickness of the pipe and material such as PVC pipe, cast iron, and steel, concrete has to be selected properly. In order to determine an optimum system, a market analysis and “engineering economic analysis” need to be done.  In each designing aspect, a careful consideration has to be delivered to the damage prevention and leakage, safety aspects, environmental concerns and government regulations. 

Different components of pipelines system

A system of pipeline is found to consist of pipes and different fittings such as pumps, valves and joints. In the case of gas pipeline systems, blowers or compressors are found to be used instead of pumps. Different kinds of valves are used to regulate the flow rate of the liquid or gas whatever is the inner material. Different kinds of valves are found to be used within the pipeline structure. A booster station is connected to the pipeline system which acts as the intermediate pumping system that is placed with the pipeline to place compressors or pumps. Storage facilities are also found to connect with the pipeline system. A well-constructed structure for the intake and outlet is also present within the pipeline system. Flow meters and other kinds of sensors are also available within the pipeline network. “Automatic control equipment” are also present including communication systems and computers, satellites and cables. Within the pipeline network, the communication system is found to use microwaves. It can be noticed that a booster station is required for the large network of pipelines which specially requires more than one pumping station. For the large pipeline network, around 50 miles distance is being kept between the booster stations. A refrigeration system is found to be used by the pipeline network when it is found to transport cryogenic fuel such as “liquid carbon dioxide” and “liquified natural gas” in order to keep those cryogenic fluids below the critical temperature. It can be observed that different kinds of vital components are being used within the network of pipelines. 

Different utilization of pipelines

Pipeline systems are used to transport energy resources such as crude oil, gasoline, diesel, and liquid petroleum, natural gas and biofuels from the drilling mine to the different industrial sites. There are large networks of pipelines to transfer gas or liquid energy resources to the individual households after the industrial purification process. In addition, in many countries, large networks of pipelines are constructed in order to transport sewage water. Water supply lines also use the pipeline network in order to reach individual households. Energy products such as crude oil, different refined products such as diesel and gasoline, “natural gas liquid” such as propane and ethane are delivered by the pipeline network. It can be noticed that a pipeline network is very essential for any country in order to successfully carry out different functions as all the activities are dependent on the energy resources and it is carried out by the pipeline system. 

Meaning of gas pipe

Gas pipelines are considered as the pipeline which conveys gas as an inner material. Gas pipelines are similar in construction as that of general pipelines. However in the gas pipeline system, it is found to use a compressor or blower instead of using a pump. Compressor is used to compress the gas in order to increase the flow rate of gas flow.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the pipeline system is the backbone of any country as major energy resources are transported through this system of network. A robust network of pipelines is helpful for the growth of any economy. The design of the pipeline system is very crucial which involves different components such as valves, compressors, pumps and many more things. Energy resources such as crude oil, liquid petroleum, natural gas as well as sewage and water are transported through this system of pipeline.