Pipeline Design Course

Lesson 1 • Pipeline System Components

Identifies and describes every major component in a pipeline system. Provides the vocabulary needed for technical communication throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Fluid Classification and Properties

Covers physical and chemical properties of transported fluids that govern design choices. Links fluid behavior to material selection and pressure ratings.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory and Standards Framework

Surveys the regulatory environment and key industry standards governing pipeline design. Establishes compliance awareness as a non-negotiable design constraint.

Lesson 1 • Minor Losses and Fittings

Quantifies pressure losses through valves, bends, tees, and reducers using resistance coefficients. Ensures accurate system hydraulic modeling.

Lesson 2 • Fundamental Flow Equations

Derives and applies continuity, Bernoulli, and momentum equations to pipeline flow. These equations underpin every hydraulic calculation in the course.

Lesson 3 • Pipe Flow Regimes and Friction

Distinguishes laminar from turbulent flow and quantifies friction losses using established correlations. Directly informs pipe sizing and pump selection.

Lesson 4 • Two-Phase and Multiphase Flow

Introduces flow patterns and pressure drop correlations for gas-liquid mixtures. Relevant to production pipelines and condensate systems.

Lesson 1 • External Loads and Combined Stresses

Evaluates soil overburden, traffic, and thermal loads on buried and above-ground pipe. Combines stresses to verify structural adequacy under realistic operating conditions.

Lesson 2 • Pipe Specifications and Mill Standards

Translates design calculations into procurement specifications aligned with mill and dimensional standards. Ensures manufactured pipe meets design intent.

Lesson 3 • Internal Pressure Design

Applies hoop stress equations and design factors to determine minimum wall thickness for pressure containment. Covers both thin-wall and thick-wall pipe formulations.

Lesson 1 • Crossings and Special Terrain Features

Addresses design challenges at road, rail, river, and unstable terrain crossings. Each crossing type requires specific engineering solutions and regulatory approvals.

Lesson 2 • Right-of-Way and Land Agreements

Explains right-of-way acquisition, easement types, and landowner negotiation processes. Securing land rights is a critical path item in project scheduling.

Lesson 3 • Route Evaluation Criteria

Establishes weighted criteria for comparing alternative routes across technical, environmental, and social dimensions. Provides a structured decision framework.

Lesson 4 • Route Survey and Data Collection

Covers topographic, geotechnical, and environmental surveys needed before route selection. Quality input data reduces costly design changes later.

Lesson 1 • Surge and Transient Pressure Control

Analyzes water hammer and surge events caused by valve closure or pump trips. Designs protective measures to prevent pressure exceedances and pipe failure.

Lesson 2 • System Curve Development

Constructs the system resistance curve by summing elevation, friction, and minor losses along the pipeline. The system curve is the foundation for pump and compressor selection.

Lesson 3 • Station Spacing and Hydraulic Profile

Determines optimal pump or compressor station locations to maintain pressure within allowable limits. Produces the hydraulic gradient diagram for the full pipeline.

Lesson 4 • Pump Selection and Performance Curves

Matches pump performance curves to system curves to identify the operating point. Covers centrifugal pump types, affinity laws, and parallel or series configurations.

Lesson 1 • Impressed Current Cathodic Protection

Designs impressed current cathodic protection systems using rectifiers and anode groundbeds. Covers current density requirements, anode selection, and system layout.

Lesson 2 • External Coating Systems

Covers fusion-bonded epoxy, polyethylene, and tape wrap coating systems for external corrosion prevention. Coating selection depends on soil conditions, temperature, and installation method.

Lesson 3 • Sacrificial Anode Systems

Applies sacrificial anode design for shorter pipelines, casings, and offshore applications. Compares magnesium, zinc, and aluminum anode performance.

Lesson 4 • Corrosion Mechanisms in Pipelines

Explains electrochemical, microbiological, and stress corrosion mechanisms relevant to pipeline service. Understanding mechanisms drives selection of appropriate mitigation strategies.

Lesson 1 • Direct Assessment Methods

Applies external corrosion direct assessment and stress corrosion cracking direct assessment where ILI is not feasible. Covers field excavation and examination protocols.

Lesson 2 • In-Line Inspection Technologies

Covers magnetic flux leakage, ultrasonic, and geometry tools used for in-line inspection. Explains tool selection, run planning, and data interpretation.

Lesson 3 • Risk Assessment Fundamentals

Applies qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methods to prioritize pipeline threats. Risk ranking drives inspection frequency and resource allocation.

Lesson 4 • Repair Methods and Pressure Testing

Describes sleeve repairs, composite wraps, and cut-out replacements for pipeline defects. Covers hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure testing as verification tools.

Lesson 1 • Construction Methods and Sequencing

Covers trenching, pipe stringing, bending, welding, and backfill operations in logical construction sequence. Proper sequencing minimizes rework and schedule risk.

Lesson 2 • Welding Quality and Non-Destructive Examination

Specifies welding procedures, welder qualification, and NDE methods for girth weld acceptance. Weld quality is the primary determinant of pipeline structural integrity.

Lesson 3 • Detailed Design and Deliverables

Defines the complete set of engineering deliverables required before construction begins. Establishes design review and approval workflows.

Lesson 4 • Pre-Commissioning and Hydrostatic Testing

Executes cleaning, gauging, flooding, and pressure testing before pipeline startup. Confirms structural integrity and leak-tightness under controlled conditions.