METHOD OF SUPPORTING A HOT OIL PIPELINE THROUGH PERMAFROST

摘要

An underground hot oil pipeline is maintained in a stable location by maintaining the permafrost in a frozen condition. This frozen condition is maintained by a combination of insulation means to reduce heat loss from the pipeline into the permafrost to below about 1 calory per square centimeter per day and by the provision of a plurality of elongated thermally conductive strips extending outwardly from the exterior of the pipeline insulating means in order to conduct that heat which flows from the immediate region of the pipeline insulating means into the surrounding permafrost. Above ground heat radiating means may be advantageously utilized to help conduct heat into the surrounding atmosphere.