Stages of
Pipeline
Construction
The construction of a pipeline, such as the one proposed by the Mackenzie Gas Project, involves essentially five steps (Natural Gas Supply Association). The first of these is the determination of the pipeline route. Using both ground and aerial surveys as a basis, the route of the pipeline is planned. This step is completed while accounting for such factors as cost, environmental impact, directness of route, and ease or feasibility of construction.
The next step is to clear a 40 to 60 m pipeline Right-of-Way (Mackenzie Gas Project). This Right-of-Way runs the entire length of the pipeline and is used both as a work area during construction and provides access to the pipeline thereafter. Because of this, it is necessary to both completely clear the Right-of-Way of vegetation and to grade the Right-of-Way so that it is level.
Once the needed equipment and materials are brought to the Right-of -Way, the third step is to bend and shape each segment of the pipe. When the shaping process is complete, the pipe length is lowered into a trench, typically two meters in depth, and welded pipe into place.
Next, the pipe is tested to ensure there are no leaks. This is often done by exposing the pipe to highly pressurized water. If the pipeline passes this test and no repairs are needed, the pipeline is buried.
especially sensitive
region of permafrost more elaborate and thus costly methods are
needed. Additionally, more complex techniques are needed for water
crossings.
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The construction of a pipeline, such as the one proposed by the Mackenzie Gas Project, involves essentially five steps (Natural Gas Supply Association). The first of these is the determination of the pipeline route. Using both ground and aerial surveys as a basis, the route of the pipeline is planned. This step is completed while accounting for such factors as cost, environmental impact, directness of route, and ease or feasibility of construction.
The next step is to clear a 40 to 60 m pipeline Right-of-Way (Mackenzie Gas Project). This Right-of-Way runs the entire length of the pipeline and is used both as a work area during construction and provides access to the pipeline thereafter. Because of this, it is necessary to both completely clear the Right-of-Way of vegetation and to grade the Right-of-Way so that it is level.
Once the needed equipment and materials are brought to the Right-of -Way, the third step is to bend and shape each segment of the pipe. When the shaping process is complete, the pipe length is lowered into a trench, typically two meters in depth, and welded pipe into place.
Next, the pipe is tested to ensure there are no leaks. This is often done by exposing the pipe to highly pressurized water. If the pipeline passes this test and no repairs are needed, the pipeline is buried.
| The fifth step is to protect the Right-of-Way by reseeding the surface with grass or covering it with wood chips. This final step not only prevents erosion on the Right-of-Way, it also keeps the Righ-of-Way clear so that it can be easily inspected either from the air or the ground. It also ensure access to the pipeline should repairs be necessary (Natural Gas Supply Association). |  |
| While the methods just described are the
most prevalent, under certain
conditions such as building the pipeline through an |
A view of a pipeline
Right-of-Way near Norman Wells, NWT. Photo courtesy of Natural
Resources Canada. |
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