How to Choose the Right Pipeline Transportation System

Based on the Transported Medium

The first consideration when selecting a piping system is the properties of the medium. Different medium properties require different levels of corrosion resistance, strength, and toughness in the piping materials.

1. Crude Oil Pipelines 

 Crude oil pipelines are linear engineering facilities mainly laid underground, used for transporting crude oil over long distances, typically from oil fields or ports to refineries or transshipment depots.

2. Refined Product Pipelines

Refined product pipelines transport products such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and jet fuel. These pipelines may use batch or sequential transportation to move different petroleum products through the same pipeline. Careful control and interface management are required to reduce cross-contamination between different products.

3. Natural Gas Pipelines

Natural gas pipelines are designed for the transportation of gas under pressure over short or long distances. Depending on the project requirements, the pipeline system may include compressor stations, gas processing facilities, valves, and pressure control equipment. High-strength carbon steel pipes are commonly used for many long-distance natural gas transmission applications.

4. Slurry Pipelines

Solid slurry pipelines are pipeline systems for long-distance transportation of mixed solid particles and liquid slurries. Solid slurry pipelines use pressurization equipment to provide pressure energy for transporting slurry, enabling long-distance transport and large-capacity delivery.

Based on Working Pressure

Working pressure is an important factor when selecting the right pipeline. 

Design Pressure

Design pressure is the pressure used as a basis for designing and selecting a pipeline system. It is determined according to factors such as the transported medium, operating conditions, temperature, and system requirements. A higher design pressure generally requires a pipe with sufficient strength and an appropriate wall thickness to safely withstand the internal pressure. Therefore, when selecting a pipeline, the design pressure should be determined first, followed by the appropriate pipe material, grade, diameter, and wall thickness.

Test Pressure

Test pressure is the pressure applied during pressure testing after the pipeline has been installed. It is generally higher than the normal operating pressure and is used to verify the strength and leak-tightness of the pipeline system. Although test pressure is not normally the primary factor used to select the pipe, it is an important part of verifying whether the selected pipeline and completed system meet the required safety and reliability requirements.

Based on Operating Temperature

Operating temperature directly affects the selection of pipe material and specifications. Different temperature ranges may require different material properties to ensure safe and reliable pipeline operation.

Operating Temperature	Main Considerations	Pipeline Selection
Low Temperature	Toughness and resistance to brittle fracture	Select materials suitable for low-temperature service
Normal Temperature	Strength, durability, and cost	Standard pipeline materials can usually be considered
High Temperature	Strength retention and thermal expansion	Select materials suitable for high-temperature service

Based on Pipe Diameter and Wall Thickness

Pipe diameter and wall thickness are important factors in pipeline selection. The appropriate dimensions should be determined according to the flow rate, operating pressure, transported medium, and service conditions.

Factor	Pipe Diameter	Wall Thickness
Flow Rate	A higher flow rate generally requires a larger diameter to provide sufficient transportation capacity.	—
Flow Velocity	The diameter should help maintain an appropriate flow velocity and reduce excessive pressure loss.	—
Operating Pressure	—	Higher operating pressure generally requires greater wall thickness to withstand the internal pressure.
Transported Medium	Density and viscosity can affect flow resistance and the required pipe diameter.	The properties of the medium may affect material selection and corrosion allowance.
Pipe Length	Longer pipelines require careful consideration of pressure loss and energy consumption when determining the diameter.	—
Corrosion	—	Additional wall thickness may be required when corrosion is expected during service.

Based on Pipe Material

Different media may require different pipe materials and grades.
For example, API 5L is commonly used for oil and gas transmission pipelines, while ASTM A312 is widely used for stainless steel pipes in corrosive applications.

Transported Medium	Common Pipe Material / Specification	Typical Grades
Crude Oil	Carbon Steel / API 5L	X42, X52, X60, X65, X70
Natural Gas	Carbon Steel / API 5L	X52, X60, X65, X70
Water	Carbon Steel / ASTM A53, A106	Grade A, B
High-Temperature Fluids	Carbon Steel / ASTM A106	Grade B, C
Corrosive Fluids	Stainless Steel / ASTM A312	TP304, TP304L, TP316, TP316L
High-Temperature and High-Pressure Fluids	Alloy Steel / ASTM A335	P11, P22, P91

Related topics: 

● Advantages of Pipeline Transportation

● Pipeline Transportation: Advantages, Disadvantages