For many, the subject of pipelines is closely related to the oil and gas industry. This is because of the long history between the industry and installer and repairers of this transport system.
However, you should know that pipelines have become a viable means of moving products or materials in industries other than in the oil and gas sector. This is why understanding how they can function to the optimum level is very crucial.
One of the ways to do this is by understanding the crucial role pipeline maintenance service providers play. This is one of the things we will attend to in this article as we discuss their importance especially in two industries/sectors that rely heavily on them. Here, we will discuss the important use of pipelines in the oil and gas and water supply industries.
2 Industries or Sectors that Rely on Pipelines
As explained earlier, pipes have become more than an installation in various factories and places. It is a transport system used to move things in various chemical states to different places.
As a matter of fact, the government body responsible for overseeing the transportation system is also responsible for overseeing pipelines in some places. The reason is that these installations are considered nothing short of a means of transport. However, this is for items rather than humans.
Also, the safety and security of these pipes are important for the benefit of all. For instance, a gas pipe leak can cause damage and loss of lives and properties. So, these installations must be well protected and in the right shape at all times.
Having established this, let us go over 2 industries or sectors that rely on the pipeline transport system. They include the following:
The Oil and Gas Industry
Frankly, you cannot be fair enough talking about the importance of pipelines without discussing their impact on the oil and gas industry. This is because it is the reason many of us have easy access to natural gas.
For instance, the United States had to rely very heavily on the railway system to supply natural gas to various parts of the country way back. While the railway system did a lot, there were lapses and shortcomings.
For instance, the railway line left out certain places because there were no commercial prospects in those places. So, people in those places were sometimes forced to fuel their lamps and other products using alternative fuel sources.
However, the situation became a lot better with the use of pipelines. For one, the installation of pipes across the country was not as costly as the railway line.
You should also know that the United States was not the first nation to accept and implement the pipeline initiative. As a matter of fact, her neighbor up north – Canada; did it for a while before the United States started.
Just so you know, the longest pipeline setup used to be in Canada. For more information on this subject, you can visit: https://www.aboutpipelines.com/en/pipeline-101/pipeline-history/
One of the good things about the use of pipelines in the oil and gas sector is safety and efficiency. Speaking of efficiency, you should know that all end products of the oil and gas industry can be transported using pipelines.
This includes petroleum, diesel, and several other end products. The only thing is that these pipes have to be specifically designed to transport their product.
Also, you should know that the movement of oil and gas products using pipes is safe. This is because these products are highly inflammable and high-risk cargo when other transportation means are used.
However, the use of these installations remains the safest way to move oil and gas products. This is especially if the users engage the services of pipeline maintenance service providers to always check the state of the installations.
It is for this reason that pipes are used to move oil and gas products even across nations. This is something Russian major players such as Gazprom understand as they supply oil and gas products using pipes to several other European nations.
Water Supply Plants
A larger part of the earth is filled with water. However, it is rather ironic that many parts of the earth lack access to clean and usable water. As a result, there has always been the need to supply water from the part that has it to those that do not.
One of the best ways pertinent government bodies and some private companies have been able to do this is through the use of pipes. They have the water treated and make sure it is safe for consumption in their plants. Afterward, they send the treated water to various parts of the region using these pipes.
However, the transported water must not be contaminated along the way. For instance, this industry cannot turn a blind eye to any leakage of the pipes. This is because it will reduce the volume of water that should be supplied. This means financial losses for the company at the very least.
Also, a leakage means that the treated water will become contaminated and this will defeat the purpose of treating it in the water treatment plant. To avoid this, the pipes used to transport this natural resource must always be in the right condition.
Frankly, there is no better team to ensure this than an industrial pipeline repair company and this is why they should be called often. We strongly suggest that players in the water treatment and supply business rely very much on these service providers. This is so that there will be no need to shut down operations or lose a lot because of faulty pipes.
However, these experts can also be called upon during emergencies as capable ones can get the system back online and as soon as possible. So, people in this industry need to understand the importance of these service providers.
Wrap Up
Various industries/sectors rely on the expertise of pipeline maintenance service providers to ensure the smooth running of their operations. We have explained 2 of these industries and hope that you have learned a thing or two about the importance of these professionals.
Furthermore, we advise players that rely on pipelines for transporting items in whichever state to make sure they engage the services of these professionals. It is better if they are called upon to run checks from time to time rather than wait till things get really bad.