Identifying Research, Development, and Training Needs for Oil and Gas Pipeline Safety and Security Final Report (July 2003-December 2004)

摘要

Pipelines are by far the most important mode of petroleum transportation in the United States because of their remarkable efficiency and low transportation cost. Pipelines carry two-thirds of the energy consumed by our nation and are recognized as the safest and most economical way to distribute vast quantities of oil and gas from production fields to refineries to consumers for a foreseeable future. This sophisticated network of gathering and distribution system comprises 2.3 million miles of pipelines-varying in size from 2 inches to 60 inches in diameter. Pipelines are vital to nation's economy and are a significant part of national critical infrastructure.