Permafrost problems as they affect gas pipelines (the frost heave problem)

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:6430703

Lipsett, G B

The major problems associated with the construction of a large diameter gas pipeline in a permafrost region are outlined in this presentation. Data pertains to the design and construction of the Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline Project. One of the main problems is maintaining the permafrost in its frozen state. Large diameter pipelines operating at high capacity are heat generators. Therefore, it is necessary to refrigerate the gas to ensure that it remains below 0/sup 0/C at all points in the pipeline system. The pipeline also passes through unfrozen ground where the potential for frost heave exists. The conditions under which frost heave occurs are listed. The extent and location of potential frost heave problem areas must be determined and a frost heave prediction method must be established before construction begins. Another task involves development of design criteria for the pipeline/soil interaction analysis. Remedial methods for use during the operational phase are also discussed. (DMC)

• OSTI ID: 6430703
• Report Number(s): CONF-8003142-8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
032000* -- Natural Gas-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
510500 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ALASKA
ALASKA GAS PIPELINE
ARCTIC REGIONS
CONSTRUCTION
COOLING
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
MECHANICS
NATURAL GAS
NORTH AMERICA
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
PERMAFROST
PIPELINES
PLANNING
PNEUMATIC TRANSPORT
POLAR REGIONS
REFRIGERATION
SOIL MECHANICS
SOILS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
TRANSPORT
USA