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A network represents a sophisticated network of pipes properly designed to transport liquids such as fuel, natural gas, or additional petroleum-based products over extensive distances, mostly underground. This critical infrastructure, which traces its origins back millennia to the action of waters, constitutes a cornerstone of modern society. While pipelines normally entail higher costs compared to roads or open channels, their construction demands careful planning spanning years, incorporating broad surveys, studies, and assessments to handle different societal, developmental, economic, and safety considerations.

Forms of Pipes

Pipelines are diversified based on various aspects, including the materials used in manufacturing, materials transported, and their practical functions within the community.

Based on Pipe Manufacturing Material

The choice of materials for pipeline construction hinges upon factors such as network design, internal and external forces, jointing and laying techniques, strength, impermeability, and repair consistency.

1. Steel Pipeline

Steel pipelines, commonly utilized for water transportation, boast the advantage of manufacturing large-diameter pipes capable of spanning considerable distances.

Fig. 1: Steel Pipeline

2. Cast Iron Pipeline

Historically prevalent, cast iron pipes, predominantly composed of gray cast iron, have seen extensive use, albeit modern applications favor superior ductile iron pipes, which offer enhanced corrosion resistance. These pipelines serve the transmission needs of water, gas, and sewage.

Fig. 2: Cast Iron Pipes

3. Plastic Pipeline

Plastic pipelines, favored for long-distance water transmission, exhibit remarkable resistance to abrasion and chemical corrosion, coupled with ease of handling owing to their lightweight nature. They exhibit lower tensile strength and lower performance when compared to temperature variations, though.

Fig. 3: Plastic Pipeline

4. Concrete Pipeline

Fabricated from welded sheet steel with concrete components, concrete pipelines excel in facilitating large-diameter, long-distance transmission of water.

Fig. 4: Concrete Pipeline

Based on Substance Transported

Water, petroleum products, slurry, and other substances are among the categories used in pipelines.

5. Water Pipeline

Essential for delivering water from treatment facilities to urban centers, underground water pipelines, fabricated from steel, ductile iron, or concrete, ensure reliable distribution while safeguarding against accidental damage.

Fig. 5: Water Pipeline

6. Waste Water Pipeline

Dedicated to transporting wastewater characterized by a high water-to-solid waste ratio, these pipelines employ materials such as concrete, PVC, cast iron, or clay, tailored to withstand varying pressures and environmental conditions.

7. Petroleum oil Pipeline

Petroleum oil pipelines, which are made of steel and fortified with external coatings and cathodic protection to reduce corrosion risks, facilitate the transportation of crude oil to refineries and refined products to markets.

Fig. 6: Oil Pipeline

8. Gas Pipeline

The exclusive conduit for overland natural gas transportation, gas pipelines utilize steel for transmission lines and flexible plastic for distribution networks, ensuring cost-effective, corrosion-resistant solutions.

9. Slurry pipeline

Slurry pipelines transport mixtures of solid and liquid, primarily water, from offshore wells to onshore pipelines via barges or ships, making them indispensable in the mining and dredging sectors.

Fig. 7: Slurry Pipeline

Based on Pipe Function

Pipelines fulfill diverse functions within the transportation network, including transmission, distribution, and collection.

10. Transmission Pipeline

Designed for long-distance transportation of crude oil, natural gas, and refined products across regions and continents, transmission pipelines feature diameters exceeding 25.4 cm ( 10 inches ), encountering challenges such as corrosion and material defects.

Fig. 8: Gas Transmission Pipeline

11. Distribution Pipeline

Primarily tasked with delivering natural gas to residential and commercial consumers, distribution pipelines encompass a range of sizes, from 12.7 mm to 152.4 mm, optimizing local supply networks.

12. Collection Pipeline

Collection pipelines, which are essential to the oil and gas industry, transport goods between extraction sites and processing facilities while accommodating various diameters to simplify production logistics.

Based on Method of Construction

Pipelines are distinguished by their construction methodologies, encompassing underground, above-ground, elevated, offshore, and underwater configurations.

Fig. 9: Underground Pipeline

Pipeline Construction Phases

Pipeline construction follows a carefully planned sequence of steps, ensuring safety and efficiency throughout:

  1. Route survey.
  2. clearing the construction area.
  3. Excavation or trenching.
  4. Material transportation to the location
  5. Stringing pipes along the trench.
  6. Steel pipes bent in the field to fit topographic features.
  7. application of wraps and coatings to steel pipes.
  8. Joining pipes, either prior to or after trench placement.
  9. inspection for joint leakage and welding defects.
  10. restoring the terrain to its original state and filling in the gaps.

Construction for extended pipeline projects moves incrementally to avoid interruptions, with each segment being finished before moving on to the next stage.

Fig. 10: Clear the Area along pipeline route
Fig. 11: Excavate the Trench for the Pipeline
Fig. 12. Pipes along the Route
Fig. 13: Jointing Pipes
Fig. 14: Restoration After Testing

Pipelines are essential to the development of global infrastructure and economic vitality, from material selection to construction methods.