Pipeline Design

Pipeline system design involves more than drawing a line between two points on a map. Several items must be considered:

• distance to be traveled,
• volumes to be received,
• receipt points,
• volumes to be delivered,
• delivery points,
• type of throughput (oil, gas etc.),
• range of throughput (heavy, light, composition, etc.), and
• forecast volume growth.

These aspects dictate the diameter and composition of the pipe, compression requirements and other surface facilities.

The pipeline route is influenced by such factors as:

• safety,
• environmental protection and preservation,
• stakeholder input,
• operating environment,
• terrain,
• location of existing corridors,
• control points,
• regulatory matters,
• land acquisition, and
• accessibility.