Book 2: Chapter 1 Introduction

Objectives After reading the chapter and reviewing the materials presented the students will be able to: Understand commodities transported by pipelines Identify types of pipelines Describe gathering systems Explain trunk line systems Classify distribution systems Examine other commodity pipeline systems

Introduction The term pipeline, in a broader sense means all the facilities in addition to the pipe and fittings that are needed to transport the commodities from points of receipt to points of delivery. Delivery facilities include means of measuring, controlling, and accounting for quantity and quality of commodities delivered. Coordination and control usually requires communication facilities. Quality control sometimes requires that storage facilities be provided at various points. All of this requires a company organization to plan, finance, design, construct, acquire, own, manage, operate, maintain, and account for collection and disbursement of funds.

Commodities Transported by Pipelines Water is the commodity that is universally piped from place to place. Since the First World War, transmission of natural gas by pipeline has become a major industry throughout the world. Pipelines are used to transport many types of petroleum. The most common form is crude oil.

Types of Pipelines There are 3 basic pipeline systems: Gathering systems consist of transporting crude oil from individual leases and other production units to a central location. The crude oil is then transported by a trunk line system to processing points and markets. After the products are refined, transportation is accomplished by a distribution system.

Gathering System The pipeline and other equipment used to transport crude oil from individual leases and other production units to a central location is called a gathering system. The most common pipe sizes used in these branches are the 4 inch through 12 inch diameter. A gathering system, which may be quite extensive and includes pumping stations, usually collects oil produced in a single oil field. The measuring the quantity and quality of each grade of oil for each producer serve as the basic of custody transfer. Companies performing the service of gathering oil are paid by means of gathering tariffs.

Trunk Line Systems Transportation of crude oil by trunk pipelines makes it economically feasible to produce oil in remote areas from processing points and markets. Advances include improvements in materials and methods of pipeline manufacture. Major changes in operating methods include automation that are tireless, quick acting, sensitive and capable of working in harsh environments.

Distribution Systems Transportation of refined products from supply sources such as refineries and seaports to areas of use is accomplished largely by pipeline distribution systems. These systems are called product pipelines. The major products are gasoline, jet fuels, kerosene, and heating oils. Refined fuels require much more precise separation of batches which led to the development of rapid detection of small changes in properties of the liquids and precise switching of streams to prevent unwanted mixing.

Other Commodity Pipeline Systems Systems are now transporting slurries of solid materials in water or other materials. Pipeline transportation of petrochemical feedstock is increasing. These multipurpose pipelines present different problems in their design, construction, operation, and maintenance.

Summary The term pipeline, in a broader sense means all the facilities in addition to the pipe and fittings that are needed to transport the commodities from points of receipt to points of delivery. There are 3 basic pipeline systems: Gathering systems consist of transporting crude oil from individual leases and other production units to a central location. The crude oil is then transported by a trunk line system to processing points and markets. After the products are refined, transportation is accomplished by a distribution system. The pipeline and other equipment used to transport crude oil from individual leases and other production units to a central location is called a gathering system. Transportation of crude oil by trunk pipelines makes it economically feasible to produce oil in remote areas from processing points and markets. Transportation of refined products from supply sources such as refineries and seaports to areas of use is accomplished largely by pipeline distribution systems. Refined fuels require much more precise separation of batches which led to the development of rapid detection of small changes in properties of the liquids and precise switching of streams to prevent unwanted mixing. Systems are now transporting slurries of solid materials in water or other materials. These multipurpose pipelines present different problems in their design, construction, operation, and maintenance.

Home Work 1. Explain the 3 basic pipeline systems. 2. Why do refined fuels require much more precise separation of batches?