Transport of solid commodities via freight pipeline: cost and level of service comparison. Volume I. First year final report. [Slurry, pneumatic, pneumo-capsule, and hydro-capsule]
The application of freight pipeline for the movement of solid goods (agricultural, mining, or industrial products) is examined. Based on experimental data and experience with commercial installations around the world, it can be concluded that most varieties of freight pipeline are technologically feasible modes of transport. Based on preliminary economic analysis performed in this first year's research, pneumo-capsule pipelines appear to have the potential to compete successfully with other freight modes when certain conditions are satisfied. In addition, freight pipelines offer many environmental advantages. Among these features are: traffic and air pollution reduction; noise and accident reduction; less land disturbance (than other modes); energy consumption reduction (under proper circumstances); lower susceptibility to cost inflation; potential for complete origin to destination automation; and reduction of freight loss and damage. Limitations exist and include facts that highways and railroads do carry other goods; there must be sufficient liquid, usually water; freight pipeline may, in some cases, compete with truck and rail; and freight pipeline is not expected to become the sole mode of freight transport. This volume contains an executive summary, introduction, definition, issues, methodology of analysis, and cost comparison, concluding with a survey of the demand for freight pipeline. Details of these areas are discussed in the succeeding four volumes. (MCW)
- Research Organization:
- Pennsylvania Univ., Philadelphia (USA). Dept. of Civil and Urban Engineering
- OSTI ID:
- 5173104
- Report Number(s):
- DOT-TST-76T-35
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Transport of solid commodities via freight pipeline: cost estimating methodology. Volume III, parts A and B. First year final report
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