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CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations


From a design and construction viewpoint, all piping systems are based on the following principles:


Pipeline Operations


1. A material is inserted or injected into a pipe. Although slurries may be transported in a pipeline, liquid and gas products are most common.


2. The product is moved from this origination point to a pre-specified desti- nation. The product is physically moved as a result of gravity, the pressure of the product, energy created through the use of pumps or compressors, or a combination of all of these. In addition, various valves and manifolds may be used to control and direct the flow of the product.


V3.1


3. The product is ultimately removed from the pipeline at its destination point. Depending on the type of pipeline and the location, the product may be transferred to another mode of transportation (e.g., marine, rail, highway), placed into a container for storage (e.g., tank, underground cav- ern, etc.), or used.


CRUDE OIL PIPELINES


Crude oil is petroleum taken directly out of the ground from both onshore and offshore production facilities. Although referred to as an oil, most crude oil is actually a mixture of oil, gas, water, and other impurities. The exact composi- tion of this produced fluid varies depending upon where in the world the crude oil was produced. Of particular importance to emergency responders are those crude oils that also have a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Com- monly referred to as a “sour crude,” exposures to low concentrations of this toxic gas can result in death.


Gathering lines are small pipelines, usually 2- to 8-inches in diameter, that


move the crude oil mixture from individual wellheads and production loca- tions to an oil processing facility where the oil, gas, and water are separated and processed. These lines are typically constructed of metal with welded or screwed joints, although plastic piping may be found at smaller and limited onshore production facilities. Depending on the part of the country where one


Figure 3.2 Example of an oil production tank battery, which collects crude oil and produced fluids from individual wells.


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