Responding to a Northern Pipeline Challenge

An 800-mile natural gas pipeline is being considered as part of an Alaskan liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. Concepts to maximize the pipeline’s value and minimize its cost are considered. The pipeline’s operating pressure has been synchronized with the LNG plant’s inlet pressure to achieve system efficiencies. Line pipe steels are optimized to address pressure, fracture and geotechnical issues. An advanced approach to designing and operating a gas pipeline in discontinuous permafrost is evaluated. Construction methods and strategies have been developed in areas such as trenching and winter construction. Finally, future work to further develop these concepts is identified.