The transportation of oil is very different as compared to the transportation of conventional liquids. Oil pipelines aren’t similar as compared to the standard pipe fittings in your household. There are many reasons for this. For starters, oil is transported over long distances. Oil pipelines extend thousands of kilometers, moving from one country to another. Even a small leak could damage the integrity of the whole pipeline. That is why specialized pipes are used for transporting oil. Oil pipes are made of higher quality steel and are of much higher grade than ordinary steel pipes.
Companies that sell oil country tubular goods generally operate on global scales. These companies generally cater to large-scale organizations and energy behemoths, providing a wide range of pipes, casing and tubing components. Pipelines can be placed underground, or above it. Usually, pipelines are elevated in certain sections while other sections are buried deep underground. There are many reasons for this. Certain parts of the pipeline may require regular maintenance, which is why it must be placed above the ground.
However, parts that are buried deep underground are significantly more robust as compared to ordinary steel pipes. Oil pipes are usually covered with a specialized epoxy coating in order to prevent it from corroding quickly. The specialized coating is usually made from a mixture of powdered materials, including resin, hardeners and a curing agent. This material has to be specially prepared before being applied to the pipeline.
The surface of the oil pipes must be cleaned using blast cleaning techniques before the epoxy coating can be applied. Once the pipeline has been properly covered with the fusion bonded epoxy coating, it is then dried for several days afterwards. After being covered from all sides, the pipe can be placed underwater or in harsh environments. While it is made of steel only, the epoxy coating provides added protection against corrosion and other environmental factors.
How Is Oil Transported?
After every few kilometers, a specialized motor is connected to the pipeline. This basically “pushes” the oil forwards towards its destination. Oil transportation is not an easy job by any means. The pipelines are inspected thoroughly after every couple of years or so.
Buying Oil Pipelines
Usually, oil pipes are supplied by specialized distributors. In the US, there are many companies that offer special pipes used for transporting oil. Companies such as Kelly Pipe have established operations all over the United States as well as parts of Europe. They source pipes from a variety of different locations throughout the globe, offering it to customers at an affordable rate. These companies also offer other services, such as precision pipe cutting, pipe threading, pipe beveling, coatings, etc.
