Muskeg pipeline research yields big cost savings

Journal Article · Mon Aug 17 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6049034

Couperthwaite, S L; Marshall, R G

This article reports that recently developed theoretical and analytical models have made it possible reliably to predict how a pipeline will behave in muskeg terrain. By using these models, Nova, An Alberta Corp., has been able to refine buoyancy-control design methodology and implement changes that have resulted in major cost reductions. this article reports on Nova's research efforts and its development of a new concept for resisting buoyant forces acting on a pipeline buried in muskeg. In the absence of adequate theoretical and performance data, swamp weights have traditionally been used whenever low-lying muskeg terrain has been encountered. The design of weighting assumed 5% negative buoyancy, with no consideration for the effect of the weight and shear strength of the backfill. The design methodology was subsequently changed to make some accommodation for the resistance provided by the mineral-soil component in a backfill mixture comprising both mineral and organic soils.

• Research Organization: Nova, Calgary
• OSTI ID: 6049034
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 85:33; ISSN OIGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
022000* -- Petroleum-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
03 NATURAL GAS
032000 -- Natural Gas-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
42 ENGINEERING
420205 -- Engineering-- Transport & Storage Facilities-- (1980-)
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
BACKFILLING
COST
DISPERSIONS
ECOSYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MIXTURES
NATURAL GAS
PETROLEUM
PIPELINES
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SHEAR PROPERTIES
SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTIONS
SOILS
SWAMPS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
TRANSPORT
WEIGHT
WETLANDS