Description: For the past 4 months I have been producing a detailed spatial analysis of the proposed Energy East Pipeline Route. I have analyzed the terrain, water bodies, streams and rivers that the line crosses and have produced elevation profiles of the route from north of New Liskeard to Rolphton on the Ottawa River. For the purpose of adding to the public knowledge of the natural landscape alone the route and the challenges that this terrain presents. Unlike a gas pipeline, a line carrying bitumen (which has a high specific gravity) tremendous inertia is contained within the weight of the bitumen which while under pressure, also has significant hydraulic head naturally due to gravity. This is a significant factor in hilly terrain such as the route from Trout Lake to New Liskeard as a quick glance of the profiles indicates. If a pipe ruptures in a valley, the oil down stream will flow back towards the valley, while the upstream flow will continue due to hydraulic head and pump pressure. If values are shut off too quick, the inertia of the bitumen has it self the potential to burst the pipes in other sections up stream from the shut off valves(which we do not know the number or locations of). The modeled bitumen spills were generated at all stream and lake crossings by the current pipeline. Note that it is impossible that all ruptures would occur at each water intersection at the same time as displayed here. Each intersection does have the potential to be a conduit for spilled bitumen in the downstream water body. The intent was to show how many water systems could be impacted by one or more leaks. If further time allowed, a flow model can be produced for each single stream in this study and would be executed if funds become available. Currently work is nearing completion on slopes and the surficial geology of the route as it both will have a impact on flow rates and potential clean up contingencies. A depth map of Trout Lake is near completion and will be added to the digital elevation model of the basin. Depending on the grade of refining subjected to the bitumen - a significant amount of the material will sink. The depths of the lake are significant to the flow of the bitumen. These basins will be highlighted. To view the video of the analysis please visit the following: youtu.be/3u-mIk8_IkM
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 06:45:57 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015