Recognizing A Pipeline Leak
The ability to recognize a pipeline leak is a critical factor in pipeline safety. Different products can create different hazards and can be identified in a number of ways. Knowledge of the products transported in your area is critical to providing the appropriate response actions in the unlikely event a leak were to occur. This short video will show you examples of different types of pipeline leaks.
Pipeline Purpose And Reliability
According to National Transportation Safety Board statistics pipelines are the safest and most efficient means of transporting natural gas and petroleum products, which are used to supply roughly two-thirds of the energy we use. These pipelines transport trillions of cubic feet of natural gas and hundreds of billions of ton/miles of liquid petroleum products in the United States each year.
This system is comprised of three types of pipelines: transmission, distribution and gathering. The approximately 496,000 miles of transmission pipeline* transport products, including natural gas and petroleum products, across the country and to storage facilities. Compressor stations and pumping stations are located along transmission and gathering pipeline routes and help push these products through the line.
Approximately 2.06 million miles of distribution pipeline* is used to deliver natural gas to most homes and businesses through underground main and utility service lines. Onshore gathering lines are pipelines that transport gas from a current production operation facility to a transmission line or main. Production operations are piping and equipment used in production and preparation for transportation or delivery of hydrocarbon gas and/or liquids.
*mileage according to the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).