The Importance of a Premium Quality Pipe Line

Pipelines are an important fabric of any economy. Typically, they are used for conveying materials or products from where they are made to where they are needed. This can range from short to medium or long distances.

For hundreds, even thousands of years, pipelines have been part of construction history in several countries and mostly used for conveying irrigation and drinking water. Examples of this is the hollow bamboo used in ancient China and the aqueducts of Persia and Rome. The pipeline technology has improved significantly during the 18^th century where the use of cast-iron pipes was commercialized. Then during the 19th century, steel pipes were introduced where stronger pipes of various sizes were made possible.

Although their basic purpose is to transport materials, however, much more than these, they help to create revenue and keep the economy running. They can be used to transport a host of materials including fuel, oil, gas, water, chemicals, etc. As long as the material is in liquid form and it can flow, pipelines may be used to transport it. You may read about this here.

These structures are beneficial, especially when compared to other means of transporting materials. They run across several kilometers which means they can reach great distances. They are faster, easier, safer, and more cost-effective in carrying materials over these long distances.

Pipelines are usually buried underground although some may be visible. They are typically buried due to safety reasons especially if they carry materials that are “environmentally unfriendly”. They can be made of materials like metals such as steel, aluminum, and cast iron.

They may also be made from clay, plastic, or concrete. The type of material they are made of will define the kind of raw materials or products they can carry.

Most are typically made from metal and can come in a variety of sizes. They are equipped with devices like pumps and valves which help to monitor their performance. Because these lines run over long distances and different topologies, they are usually joined together in sections. The thickness is as important as well and must follow the following standards:

• ASTM 134
• ASTM 135
• ASTM 139
• AWWA C200
• C200

Sectioning the pipes helps when it comes to maintaining them. It is easier to maintain in sections than shutting down the whole line. One segment of the pipeline is completed before proceeding to the next construction or repair activities to not disturb any operations in different segments. It usually takes a maximum 6 months to construct larger pipelines and just days for the smaller pipes. Regular maintenance and checking for any leakage is also done.

Pipelines generally fall into different categories. Some of these are flow lines, gathering pipelines, feeder pipelines, and transmission and distribution pipelines.

Types of Materials Used for Making Pipelines

The kind of pipeline material you should get will depend on the design of the pipeline and for what it is meant. It should also factor in both external and internal forces within the pipe, durability, laying and joining techniques, impermeability and maintenance.

You can learn about pipeline technology here https://petrowiki.spe.org/Pipeline_design_consideration_and_standards. To this end, below is an explanation of the type of materials for making pipelines.

Steel

Steel pipes remain some of the best materials for pipelines. They can be employed for transporting water and other materials like slurry, sewage, etc. Large pipelines can be manufactured from it and extended over long distances.

Steel has a lot of benefits to offer. This includes its strength, weight, cost as well as ease of installation. These kinds of pipes can be made into different diameters and lengths. They can have custom-cut ends to aid onsite joining.

Cast Iron

These types of pipes are majorly made from gray cast iron. Coating and linings are then applied to improve their corrosion resistance. Cast iron pipes were used a lot in the past.

However, these days they have been mostly replaced by ductile iron pipes which prove to be more superior. Cast iron is suitable for transporting water, sewage, and gas.

Concrete

These kinds of pipes are made from concrete and welded sheet steel that come with jointing surfaces. They usually are large in diameter and can extend over hundreds of kilometers. They are ideal for transmitting water.

Plastic

Plastic pipes are generally suitable for transmitting water over lengthy distances. They have good resistance to chemical influence and abrasion. They are also lightweight and are easy to handle which helps workers to easily lay and align them appropriately. Nevertheless, their tensile strength is low and during temperature fluctuations, they show poor performance.

Choosing a Pipe Line Manufacturer

No matter the material used, pipelines must meet certain stringent regulations and codes. They must also meet up to safety as well as environmental requirements. This is why as a business in need of pipelines, it is important to contract tested and trusted pipe line manufacturers.

They will manufacture these lines for you to meet industry standards. They can also apply lining or coating if you need this and perform ultrasonic and other quality controls testing to ensure great results.

When choosing a pipeline manufacturer, you should ensure to choose a company with experience and a proven track record of performance. They will be able to customize for you regardless of the size and diameter and will utilize quality and durable materials.

This means that it does not matter the pressure, temperature, location, or structural stress, your infrastructure will stand the test of time. A good manufacturer will also allow for third-party agency testing and certification. So, if you want more proof of quality, you may request this.

Conclusion

Pipelines are essential infrastructures. This is not only for their fundamental purpose of transporting materials but the important role they play in the economy. They can be made of different materials, and each is adapted to different uses.

You must choose a reliable pipeline manufacturer when you need one. They must follow safety and environmental guidelines and offer quality products.

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