The pipelines are widely used to transport hydrocarbons because...
... they can transport large quantities of oil and natural gas.
... they are the cheapest way of hydrocarbon transportation.
... it is the most environmentally friendly method of transporting hydrocarbons.
... they can be built not only over land but also under the sea.
‘Interface’ is ...
... a mixture of various hydrocarbon products.
... physical separation of different products.
... contaminated oil transported through a pipeline.
... a unit used to control the flow of products in a pipeline.
‘Pigs” are...
... pumps used to make oil products move in the pipeline.
... special devices used to get rid of wax buildups in the pipeline.
... animals launched to travel inside a pipeline to test its passing ability.
... inspectors who check pipeline compliance with existing safety regulations.
Natural gas ...
... does not smell because of mercaptans, added during transportation.
... is scentless if only a special odorant is not added to it.
... smells unpleasantly.
... has a pleasant odour if it contains sulphur.
Text 2
I. Give missing headings for each pipeline section described in the text basing on the diagram below.
Figure 7
Pipeline components
Pipeline networks are composed of several pieces of equipment that operate together to move products from location to location. The main elements that make up a pipeline system can be summarized as follows:
-
A.
This element, known also as the ‘supply’ or ‘inlet station’, is basically the beginning of the system. This is where the product is injected into the line. Storage facilities, such as tank terminals, as well as other devices to push the product through the line, like pumps or compressors are usually situated at these locations.
-
B.
Pumps for liquid pipelines and compressors for gas pipelines, are located along the line to help move the product through the pipeline. The location of these stations is defined by the topography of the terrain, the type of product being transported, or operational conditions of the network.
-
C.
Mention should be made of the first line of protection for pipelines. With these valves the operator can isolate any segment of the line to perform some specific maintenance work or isolate a rupture or leak. Block valve stations are usually located every 20 to 30 miles (48 km), depending on the type of the pipeline. Even though it is not a design rule, it is a very usual practice in liquid pipelines. Overall the location of these stations depends exclusively on the nature of the product being transported, the trajectory of the pipeline and/or the operational conditions of the line.
-
D.
Another name of this section is the ‘intermediate station’, which facilities allow the pipeline operator to deliver part of the product being transported.
-
E.
This section is also known as the ‘outlet station’ or ‘terminal’ where the product will be distributed to the final consumer. It could be a tank terminal for liquid pipelines or a connection to a distribution network for gas pipelines.