Scholarly record

IMPROVING EFFICIENCY OF OIL MAIN PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION IN PERMAFROST TERRAIN

Н. В. Чухарева

Abstract

The article investigates liquid pipelines that pass through the areas of Siberia and Far East. The negative impact of permafrost terrain, precisely its peculiar characteristics, on pipeline location is revealed. It is proved that there is high possibility of hazardous geocryological processes that may change the pipeline stress-strain conditions and lead to various technical accidents, which, in its turn, may result in significant leaks and serious pollution problems. Most oil main pipelines are typically underground, however, there are certain limits to laying pipes in the permafrost terrain. With regard to this fact, the authors of the present research propose a number of methods for protecting oil pipelines from adverse impact of geocryological processes. To accomplish this, a model of main oil pipeline which is planned to be laid in permafrost terrain was created. The authors investigated the pipeline section between two pump stations where oil is heated and pushed by the pumps. The proposed engineering solutions are based on engineering and technological approaches. The engineering approach includes differential measures for engineering protection (pipeline insulation, replacement of ice-rich ground in lower portion of trench, above-ground pipeline construction). The technological approach implies oil transport at low temperatures. The proposed combination of the approaches ensures incident-free operation of oil main pipelines that pass through the permafrost terrain.

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