Question

Explain why pipelines are more suitable for the transportation of petroleum.

Answer 1

Pipelines are more suitable for the transportation of petroleum because:

1. Pipelines are ideally suited to transport liquids like petroleum and gases.
2. They can be laid through difficult terrains and even underwater.
3. Transporting petroleum via pipelines involves very low energy consumption.
4. Pipelines need very little maintenance once constructed.
5. They are environment friendly, reducing risk of spillage and land disturbance.
6. Pipelines provide a safer and more reliable means of transport in a closed system.
7. However, pipelines are not flexible as they serve only fixed points.
8. Their capacity cannot be increased once already laid.
9. Security arrangements for pipelines can be difficult.
10. Repairing underground pipelines and detecting leakages is challenging.