ri To what extent are pipelines becoming competitive with road transport?
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A This is a very involved subject, In recent
years there have been great advances in pipeline technology and in addition to more than 30 different fluids, solids, coal or slurry can also, in suitable circumstances, be moved by pipeline over long distances.
A 72-mile line conveys gilsonite (a variety of natural asphalt) in Utah, Colarado, and a 108-mile line in Ohio carries 11-m tons of coal a year. In Canada coal pipelines of 700 miles or more are projected.
Three main methods are envisaged: 1. Transportation of solids in canisters designed for pipe dimensions.
2. Transportation of solids in soft plastic bags.
3. Injection of paste slugs, e.g. a stiff coal oil paste, into the water carrying medium.
Pipelines can offer economic advantages in remote areas not served by road or rail but this has to be balanced by the public advantages of conventional media.