Energy transport through pipelines: Gas, oil and multi-product pipelines

Introduction

The energy transport products through pipelines is an indispensable infrastructure in the global energy system. Systems such as gas, oil and multi-product pipelines allow large volumes of important resources such as natural gas, crude oil and refined fuels to be moved continuously, safely and economically over vast distances. Each system serves a specific function within the energy supply chain, designed to meet the demand for different products in multiple markets around the world.

In the current era of transition to cleaner energy sources, the extensive pipeline networks used to transport energy remain relevant and are evolving to adapt to new opportunities. Gas pipelines, for example, are already being modified to transport hydrogen, a key fuel in decarbonization, while multi-product and oil pipelines are exploring the transport of biofuels.

This article discusses the characteristics, differences and future projection of gas, oil and multi-product pipelines, as well as the technical and safety challenges associated with their operation and adaptation in a context of global energy change.

Learn the differences between gas, oil and multi-product pipelines

Gas pipelines

These are pipelines specifically designed to transport natural gas or liquefied gases, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These systems operate at high pressure and require strategically distributed compressor stations to maintain a constant and efficient flow over long distances. They are critical to the safe supply of gas to homes, industries and power plants, and their infrastructure often extends internationally, facilitating cross-border energy trade.

The ability of gas pipelines to move large volumes of gas efficiently has made them an important part of the global energy transition, enabling access to cleaner fuels than coal or oil.

Among the most important and extensive: The Trans-Siberian Gas Pipeline (4,500 km) connects Siberia with Europe, guaranteeing energy supply in both regions. The Nord Stream, a submarine engineering project, links Russia with Germany through the Baltic Sea, influencing European energy security. The Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) connects Central Asia with Europe, diversifying the continent’s energy sources. Finally, the West-East Gas Pipeline in China, one of the longest in the world at 8,700 km, transports gas from the resource-rich areas of the west to the more industrialized areas of the east.

Multi-product pipelines

These are pipelines designed to transport a variety of refined liquid products, such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, oils and other chemicals. Unlike oil pipelines, which primarily transport crude oil, and gas pipelines, which are dedicated to gas, multi-product pipelines offer flexibility by allowing the simultaneous transport of different liquid derivatives. This is achieved through “pushing” techniques that physically separate the products during transport, avoiding commingling.

Multi-product pipelines are called the key infrastructure in the distribution of refined products, allowing their efficient transfer from refineries to consumption or storage centers. Their versatility makes them an important logistics solution in the supply chain of petroleum products.

Among the most important and extensive: The YASREF, operated by Saudi Aramco, is one of the largest and most strategic infrastructures in Saudi Arabia. This extensive pipeline network distributes a wide range of refined products throughout the country, supplying consumption centers and refineries. Pemex, for its part, operates an extensive network of multi-product pipelines that extends throughout Mexico. This infrastructure guarantees the supply of fuels to the different regions of the country.

Oil pipelines

These are pipeline systems specialized in transporting crude oil from oilfields to refineries or ports for processing and distribution. Although some oil pipelines can also transport petroleum products, they do not mix different types of products in the same system, as multi-product pipelines do. Their ability to cover long distances makes them a necessary infrastructure for connecting oil-producing areas to markets and refineries.

These systems are essential to guarantee the uninterrupted flow of crude oil, optimizing both costs and transportation times. In addition, these systems guarantee the stability of the global energy market by facilitating continuous access to the resources necessary for the production of fuels and petrochemical products.

Among the most important and extensive are: The Druzhba, an energy artery with more than 4,000 km being the longest in the world, supplies oil from Russia to several countries in Europe. The Keystone, despite environmental and political controversies, connects Canada’s oil sands to the US.The 1,300 km Trans-Alaska TAPS transports oil from northern Alaska to the port of Valdez, while the Colonial Pipeline supplies the U.S. East Coast from the Gulf of Mexico.

Which of these systems is the most widely used worldwide?

In terms of global use, gas pipelines are the most widely used due to the growing demand for natural gas as an energy source. They connect the main gas producers with consumers on different continents, especially in Europe, North America and Asia. Natural gas has been consolidated as a priority option for electricity generation and heating, being a cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels, which has driven the expansion of these pipeline systems globally.

Which of these systems offers the greatest projection for the energy transition?

Energy transportation is strategic in the transition to clean sources. Infrastructures such as gas, multi-product and oil pipelines, each with their own particularities and adaptability, contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions.

Gas pipelines, the system with the greatest projection

Gas pipelines are leading the transition to cleaner energy sources. Although natural gas is a fossil fuel, its CO₂ emissions are lower than those of oil or coal, making it a transitional option. In addition, these pipeline systems have the great potential to be adapted to transport hydrogen, a fuel with great projection in decarbonization.

These systems can transport hydrogen mixed with natural gas or even pure hydrogen, with technical adaptations to take advantage of existing infrastructure. These include the reinforcement of materials in the pipelines to prevent steel embrittlement and flow adjustments due to the lower energy density of hydrogen.

The adaptability makes them a flexible infrastructure, ready to incorporate new technologies as green hydrogen becomes viable. Despite the adversities, investments in new technologies and regulations such as ASME B31.12 position gas pipelines as the most projected system for mass hydrogen adoption.

The following video highlights how gas pipelines have great potential in the energy transition by being able to transport hydrogen mixed with natural gas. This adaptation leverages existing infrastructure, reduces costs and facilitates the switch to cleaner energy, making them an ideal system for this transition. Source: Future Energy & Technology.

Multi-product pipelines, versatility in the transport of liquid fuels

Designed to transport refined products, these systems can also be adapted to handle biofuels such as biodiesel and biojet. The physical properties of these biofuels, similar to those of fossil fuels, allow for minimal modifications. However, advanced separation systems need to be implemented to avoid cross-contamination between products.

In terms of shipping capacity, they can handle similar volumes to petroleum. However, technological limitations in the production of biofuels affect their energy efficiency, making their impact on the transition minor compared to pipelines, as biofuels offer lower energy efficiency than hydrogen.

Oil pipelines, a potential yet to be explored

Originally designed for crude oil, oil pipelines have the potential to transport biofuels, but require modifications due to chemical and physical differences with crude oil. The viscosity and risk of degradation of some biofuels imply modifications to pipelines and pumping stations.

In shipping and storage capacity, oil pipelines are effective, but operational limitations and the cost of chemical adaptation have slowed their use. Although less widely deployed than gas and multi-product pipelines, oil pipelines offer potential for long-term renewable fuels.

Of the three systems, oil pipelines have the greatest viability for transporting clean energy because of their capacity for hydrogen and their potential for expansion with new technologies. Multi-product and oil pipelines, while viable for biofuels, have a more limited impact.

Gas pipelines already transporting clean energy

In the context of the transition to clean energy, these systems are being adapted to transport hydrogen and biogas. One prominent example is the European Hydrogen Backbone, a project that seeks to transform the pipeline infrastructure in Europe for the transport of hydrogen. In the United States, companies such as SoCalGas are conducting pilot projects to transport hydrogen and natural gas mixtures through their gas pipelines as part of initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner fuels.

These adaptations allow these pipelines, originally designed for natural gas, to be instrumental in the energy transition. They facilitate the adoption of clean technologies such as green hydrogen, a fuel projected to decarbonize industrial sectors that are difficult to electrify.

Safety factors in pipeline transportation of hydrocarbons

Safety in gas, oil and multi-product pipelines depends on the rigorous application of standards such as ASME B31.8, which regulates the design, construction and maintenance of these infrastructures to minimize the risk of leaks and ruptures. This standard establishes technical specifications and safety procedures that are considered mandatory for the safe transportation of hydrocarbons.

For early detection of problems, advanced technologies such as drones and in-line inspection systems (pigs) are used to scan the interior of pipelines to identify corrosion, cracks and other structural defects before they can compromise the integrity of the system.

A positive example is the implementation of fiber optic sensors, which monitor pressure, temperature and other faults in real time, providing accurate information to prevent incidents. Automatic shut-off valves, which can isolate specific sections of the pipeline in the event of anomalies, are another safety measure, as they allow for immediate response to a failure.

These advanced practices increase operational safety and optimize costs by reducing the need for manual interventions and mitigating the risk of serious failures, benefiting both business and the environment.

Conclusions

The global network of gas, oil and multi-product pipelines is a strategic infrastructure for the world economy, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of energy products. Each type of system has a specific role in the energy supply chain: gas pipelines, which are widely used, are at the forefront of the transition to cleaner energy sources such as hydrogen; multi-product pipelines offer versatility in the transport of refined liquid fuels; and oil pipelines dominate the transport of crude oil.

The safety and technological adaptation of these infrastructures are indispensable for their sustainability and to respond to the changing demands of a global energy market in transition. Investments in innovation and compliance with international standards will strengthen their role in the energy future, enabling energy transport infrastructure to evolve into a safer, more efficient and environmentally sustainable model. 

References

1. https://www.siemens-energy.com/global/en/home/stories/repurposing-natural-gas-infrastructure-for-hydrogen.html