The aim of this report is to review the design of the pipeline of the Trans-Alaska pipeline system (TAPS). And also how the TAPS affect the environment in the operation.
1.2. Background.
Since the Prudhoe Bay oil discovery in 1968, United States Government decided to build a pipeline cross through Alaska. Therefore, TAPS has been introduced. TAPS project started from in April 29th 1974 to June 20th 1977 (3 year and 2 months). The total cost of the project worth approximately $8 billion for construction of entire system, including Terminal and pump stations, at conclusion of initial construction period in 1977. (Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, 2002).
The whole pipeline is divided into 6 sections. These are: .
Section 1 (145 miles) Valdez to Gulkana River-Morrison-Knudson-Rivers .
Section 2 (157 miles) Gulkana River to Salcha River-Perini Arctic Associates .
Section 3 (144 miles) Salcha River to Yukon River-H.C. Price .
Section 4 (127 miles) Yukon River to Midnight Dome-Associated Green .
Section 5 (98 miles) Midnight Dome to Kuparuk River-Arctic Constructors .
Section 6 (125 miles) Kuparuk River to Pump Station 1-Arctic Constructors .
About 2000 number of contactor and subcontractors were involved in the TAPS project. (Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Online, 2002).
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) transports nearly 25percent of the nation's domestically produced oil from Alaska's North Slope oil reserves to the terminal facility at Port Valdez on Prince William Sound. As such, the continued safe operation and security of the pipeline is important to the nation's energy needs. (United States General Accounting Office, 1991).
2. Design of pipeline.
Four types of pipelines are used in different sections. These are above ground, conventional below ground, special burial, non-refrigerated and special burial, refrigerated. .
2.1. Above Ground Pipeline (Fig.1).
It is specially designed vertical supports were placed in drilled holes or driven into the ground.
