How many ways are there to get hydrocarbons from the place of extraction to market? There are several possibilities, such as pipelines and truck. Let's explore and compare and contrast the scientific aspects of pipelines, trucks, rail and airline to see which one is more efficient, costs less, and most environmentally friendly.

PIPELINES

   Networks of pipelines are considered the safest method of transporting large amounts of crude oil and natural gas in Canada. With the many factors that wear down pipelines, can they really be the safest method? Maybe so, with maintenance requirements set by the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association. Pipelines are constructed, operated and maintained at high levels of awareness. Large investments are made every year just on maintenance and inspection routines. In fact, from 1992 to 1999, $1.5 billion was spent on maintenance alone. Pipelines are mainly checked for integrity, aspects such as stress corrosion cracking, general corrosion and human destruction, etc.¹² However, accidents could easily lead to explosion and environmental damage, putting both people and nature at risk.

   From a financial point of view, many pipeline companies have prospered from the high prices companies are willing to pay to run networks. From a science and technology point of view, pipelines have helped society prosper in terms of developing a faster way of transportation for petroleum. Are pipelines the underdog or the more desired method compared to trucks? Explore the facts of some companies first, then decide.

• Vector Pipeline-Vector has planned a new project to interconnect the Alliance Pipeline for natural gas from Chicago to parts of Indiana to Ontario in Canada (figure 8). One billion cubic feet of natural gas per day can be delivered by using Vector pipelines. A fast rate of delivery will become a solution to transportation of natural gas from the big markets of the United States with Canada's vast resource of fuel. Vector Pipline LP, a joint venture with Enbridge Incoporated, in which MCN Energy Group Incorporated will be operating the pipeline after construction.

Figure 8; Vector's Alliance Pipeline Limited Partnership
About 12 North American cities are being served with natural gas delivered by the Alliance Pipline LImited Partnership.

• Singleton Association of Engineering Limited-This is a family-owned firm in Calgary who are specialists at pipeline engineering and construction management for the mainlines and laterals of Alliance Pipeline.
• TransCanada Pipelines Limited-TransCanada links the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin to North America's five major growth markets in energy businesses in Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Because of the extensive pipelines from TransCanada, we meet increased demand quickly, efficiently, and cheaply.

   Trucks haul crude oil and natural gas liquids on all sorts of roads, whether it be highways or gravel roads. Railways insure a safe and secure ride for the bulk items. Should trucks and rail be a big hit on the road or should the ideas hit the road?

• Boychuck Transport (1988) Incorporated-Boychuck is a family business which has been trucking in Alberta ever since the 1930's. They are a founding member of the Partners in Compliance, a government industry safety and compliance program, which authorizes them to respond to emergency situations, such as chemical spills. "What we say we'll do, we do."-Tim Boychuck
• Rail CN- Trains make bumpy passenger rides but are quite safe and have space to carry a large amount of products, such as petroleum products, plastics, liquefied petroleum gases, petrochemicals, industrial chemicals, and sulphur products.(figure 9)

Figure 9; Rail CN
Canadian National Railway transports petroleum to North America cities.

AIRCRAFT

   Although air travel may not be the safest way to move products to a certain extent, there are companies who do agree with air transport, due to convenience and efficiency. But, I couldn't be the judge, since I haven't heard of any accidents lately. Will the flying lark be of any use in the race against time in your opinion? Let's see!

• Gibson-Gibson is an Albertan aviation aircraft company. With great effort, Gibson transports over 600 000 barrels of energy products everyday, in partnership with petroleum companies.

ACTIVITY

   Make a chart, such as the one below, to help you decide which mode of transportation would be the most ideal for companies to use. You will be able to contrast the advantages and disadvantages of each mode of transportation.

Mode of Transportation	Advantages	Disadvantages

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