A Pipeline Engineering Curriculum Is Needed
Authors: Gould Thomas L. , Littrell Harry R. 
Published: December 2007

Gould, Thomas L., Intercomp Resource Development and Engineering, Inc. Littrell, Harry R., Pipe Line Technologists, Inc. Pipe Line Technologists, Inc. Copyright 1979, American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc.

Introduction

The current need for a pipeline engineering curriculum is obvious when one opens any trade journal and looks at the employment section. There are numerous operating companies, engineering consultants, and employment agencies searching for experienced pipeline engineers. However, no university curriculum exists that is specifically oriented to fulfilling this need. In fact, all pipeline engineers are cross-trained from other disciplines such as petroleum, chemical, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering along with specialists from other areas.

Both engineering and operating companies spend great amounts of resources providing basic pipeline engineering training, which could be better provided in an academic environment. Inhouse training, industry short courses, and operation schools such as those sponsored by API are all available to supplement on-the-job-training.

The future need for pipeline engineers will grow at an accelerating pace, since gas, oil, and product pipelines provide the backbone energy transportation system pipelines provide the backbone energy transportation system for this country and many parts of the world. As supply and demand patterns change, greater reliance will be placed on a flexible and efficient energy transportation placed on a flexible and efficient energy transportation system. This will in turn stimulate increased demand for highly trained pipeline engineers to implement changes and evaluate efficiency options. It is not too soon to seriously begin building a curriculum in this area.

The entire scope of pipeline engineering should probably not be taught in universities. However, since probably not be taught in universities. However, since no basic training in this area currently exists at the academic level, this paper will indicate some directions to begin development of such a curriculum. This paper will stress the requirements for a strong technical background, and demonstrate the areas where this technology needs to be applied.

Pipeline Engineers are usually involved in all phases of a major project, which demands different phases of a major project, which demands different skills from the engineer as the project evolves from concept through feasibility, design, procurement, installation, and operation. Typical onshore and offshore pipeline projects are used in this paper as a basis to clarify the skills required during each phase.

THE PIPELINE ENGINEERING PROBLEM

Project and system economics are always the prime motivating factor in any new pipeline venture. prime motivating factor in any new pipeline venture. Existing systems are also continually under review for the profitability of power/fuel optimization, facility changes, capacity expansion, and improved system flexibility.

New systems must always estimate their costs of service which is composed of many factors: Investment, construction, operations, maintenance, and project schedule. The high capital expenditures project schedule. The high capital expenditures involved with these projects leads to complex engineering assignments to properly evaluate the alternatives. Once an alternative is selected, more engineering knowhow is required to evaluate detailed mechanic design alternatives within material and equipment constraints while satisfying government standards and regulations. System control philosophy can also have a major impact on project economics.

Many factors influence the number of alternatives that must be considered:

Location/Terrain Fluids/Hydraulics System Configuration Environmental Considerations. Construction Alternatives