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. The ever shifting trends in forms of energy, such as coal, nuclear, hydro-electric, gas, oil and renewables (Fig. 1-1) will continue to dominate energy usage in the future, depending on acceptability, safety, technical, environmental, and economic issues. The rise of renewable types of energy replacing other forms of energy means that hydrocarbons will also be affected although this will be at least partially offset by increasing demand.