Friday 6 October 2017

Building a Pipeline - How long does it take?


This study article refers to legalities and methods used in Canada and regulation in Tanzania will likely differ although many considerations will still need to be completed.

So How long does it take?  It takes years. There are many surveys and studies and plans to be completed to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the societal, developmental, environmental and safety considerations necessary to build the pipeline.

Landowners and stakeholders will need to be engaged in the process
Numerous environmental studies will be conducted to protect the land, wildlife and waterways
Archaeological surveys will help the operator understand and recognize cultural and historically-significant sites
Thorough engineering plans will deliver the best technology for the geography and climate conditions
There are three phases...

Pre Construction

  • Engaging Landowners
  • Surveying and Staking
  • Preparing the right-of-way
  • Digging the trench

“The trench digging crews move quickly, sometimes covering several kilometres in a day.”

  • Stringing the pipe

“The pipe is precisely designed for the conditions it will be exposed to.”


Construction

  • Welding the pipe

“Each and every weld is inspected using an X-ray or ultrasound, and is 100% certified.”

  • Bending the pipe
  • Coating the pipeline

“The polar bond allows for excellent adhesion of the pipeline coating, thus offering superior protection for the life of the pipeline,” according to Matt Alliston, Canadian vice president of domestic markets with Specialty Polymer Coatings, a CEPA Foundation member that makes high-performance coatings for pipelines, marine vessels and other industrial projects.”

  • Positioning the pipeline

  • Installing valves and fittings

“Special valves can quickly shut off the pipeline in case of emergency.”

  • Restoring the site

“The process from staking the right-of-way to beginning restoration of the site can take place in as little as 10 days.”

Post Construction

  • Testing under pressure
  • Remediating the land

“Environmental specialists remediate and monitor the land”

  • Regulating every metre of the pipeline

“Nothing is left unexamined in the interest of safety."

This study information is taken from the about pipelines website and for a full explanation of each bullet point please visit the source siteAbout Pipelines

(It is this writers’ opinion that much preparation work for a 35km pipeline spur from the main pipeline to Ntorya has already been completed in making the 25year development licence application, as it is known that the TPDC (Government Dept) are supporting the licence application)