Concept in Definition ABC

An oil pipeline is a system of pipes designed to transport oil to refineries or to seaports. In the case of transport of gas, the procedure used is the gas pipeline.

The idea of ​​this system is based on an engineering work that the Romans already developed to transport water: the aqueduct.

An oil pipeline is a infrastructure complex technique in which underground pipes are channeled and tanks of storage of crude oil and stations to boost it.

The structure of a Pipeline

From a technical point of view, the building of an oil pipeline involves certain basic elements: pumping stations powered by turbines, turbogenerators, the lining of the pipeline to avoid oil leaks, anticorrosive systems, earthworks and a long etc.

The complexity of this infrastructure is based on three variables: it is a work that can affect a territory of hundreds of kilometers, for its construction it is necessary to combine different technical disciplines and participation of professionals from very diverse fields and, finally, like any infrastructure, there is an environmental impact that must be assessed.

The environmental impact

Some oil pipelines cross several nations and their construction is key to the economy of oil-producing countries. However, its implementation implies an alteration of the different ecosystems, which can be affected in several meanings (the expulsion of a species from a territory, its final extinction, alteration of the natural properties of the soil and other many).

Analyze how to avoid environmental impact

To minimize potential risks, a study of environmental impact, in such a way that the inconveniences that may occur are reduced to the maximum or disappear. In this sense, there is no think exclusively in the natural environment, but some communities can also be victims of these infrastructures. On the other hand, the negative impact can affect archaeological sites or circulation systems.

Although the economic benefit of a pipeline may be evident, in the feasibility studies prior to its construction it is advisable assess a possible alternative that is viable and avoids the aforementioned risks (for example, the transportation of crude oil through tank cars).