Why Do We Need Them?

ВАРИАНТ I

http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/PipelineLibrary.htm?nocache=1944

http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/PipelineBasics.htm?nocache=4451

US PIPELINES

What are pipelines? Where are they? And why do we need them in the first place? Those are good, basic questions.

The energy transportation network of the United States consists of over 2.5 million miles of pipelines. That's enough to circle the earth about 100 times. These pipelines are operated by approximately 3,000 companies, large and small.

Based on data generated from annual reports to PHMSA from pipeline operators (1), the network includes approximately:

- 175,000 miles of onshore and offshore Hazardous Liquid pipeline;

- 321,000 miles of onshore and offshore Gas Transmission and Gathering pipelines;

- 2,066,000 miles of Gas Distribution mains and service pipelines;

- 114 active LNG Plants connected to our gas transmission and distribution systems; and

- Propane Distribution System pipelines.

Although pipelines exist in all fifty states, most of us are unaware that this vast network even exists. This is due to the strong safety record of pipelines and the fact that most of them are located underground. Installing pipelines underground protects them from damage and helps protect our communities as well.

Gas distribution systems consist of distribution main lines and service lines. Distribution main lines are generally installed in underground utility easements alongside streets and highways. Distribution service lines run from the distribution main line into homes or businesses. Distribution main and service lines are not generally indicated by above-ground markers.

Why Do We Need Them?

Pipelines play a vital role in our daily lives. Cooking and cleaning, the daily commute, air travel and the heating of homes and businesses are all made possible by the readily available fuels delivered through pipelines.

Natural gas provides for fully 24% of US country’s total energy consumption, and petroleum provides for another 39%.

Because such huge volumes of hazardous liquids and gas must be transported, the only feasible way to do so is through pipelines. Pipelines do not crowd our highways and waterways as trucks and barges would, nor do they contribute to traffic congestion or highway accidents. Pipelines, in short, are practical and safe.

http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/PetroleumPipelineSystems.htm?nocache=1591 Petroleum Pipeline Systems

From the wellhead to the consumer, petroleum pipeline systems provide us with energy fuels and products we use every day. There are essentially three major types of pipelines along the petroleum transportation route: gathering systems, crude oil pipeline systems, and refined products pipeline systems. Gathering pipeline systems gather crude oil from production wells. Crude oil pipeline systems transport crude oil from the gathering systems to refineries. Crude oil systems can be tens to hundreds of miles in length and cross state and continental borders. Refined products pipeline systems transport refined products such as gasoline, kerosene and many industrial feedstock petrochemicals from refineries to the end user or to storage and distribution terminals. Refined products pipelines can extend tens to thousands of miles and cross state and continental borders.

The pipe used in oil pipeline systems can range in size from 2 inches to 42 inches in diameter. Oil pipeline systems are owned and operated by many different companies. The location, construction and operation of these systems are generally regulated by federal and state regulations.

http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/NaturalGasPipelineSystems.htm?nocache=1309 Natural Gas Pipeline Systems

From the wellhead to the consumer, natural gas pipeline systems provide us with a clean and efficient source of energy. There are essentially three major types of pipelines along the transportation route: gathering systems, transmission systems, and distribution systems. Gathering pipeline systems gather raw natural gas from production wells. Transmission pipeline systems transport natural gas thousands of miles across many parts of the continental United States. Natural gas distribution pipeline systems can be found in thousands of communities from coast to coast and distribute natural gas to our homes and businesses through mains and service lines.

Except for gas service lines, the pipe used in natural gas pipeline systems can range in size from 2 inches to 42 inches in diameter; gas service lines are generally from ½ inch to 2 inches in diameter. Natural gas gathering and transmission pipeline systems are constructed from steel pipe. However, natural gas distribution systems have been constructed from many different materials including cast iron, steel, copper, and plastic pipe. Plastic pipe is most commonly installed today for gas distribution systems.

Natural gas pipeline systems are owned and operated by many different companies. The location, construction and operation of these systems are generally regulated by federal and state regulations.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-28