1 Introduction to Pipeline Systems

Pipelines affect the daily lives of people in most parts of the world. Modern-day life is based on structures in which energy fulfills a prevailing role. Oil and gas are major participants in this energy supply [1]. The ever shifting emergence and decline of other forms of energy (such as coal, nuclear, hydrogen, biomass, etc., Fig. 1-1) will continue to dominate energy usage in the future, depending on the acceptability, safety, technical, environmental, and economic issues. However, pipelines are means by which many hydrocarbon-based forms of energy are transported. It is no coincidence that wherever there is the largest pipeline network, there is also the highest standard of living and technological progress.