This page is updated continuosly, bookmark & check back often
Question: Why is the alaska pipeline crooked in areas it could run straight?
(Posted by: dragonlady on 2009-10-21 15:25:11)
Answers:
Posted by: dewclaw on 2009-10-22, 15:53:51
The above is correct, with the addition that much of it is built on permafrost, which also requires that the pipe,one have enough flex to deal with the movement associated with temperature changes. The pipeline is actually an engineering marvel, there is good information with diagrams and explanations here: alyeska-pipe.com/ PipelineFacts/ PipelineEngineering.html
Posted by: Joachin Murrieta on 2009-10-21, 17:09:18
The "crooked " pipeline allows it to flex with thermal expansion of the steel depending on temperature. If it was straight the expansion would stretch the pipeline off its supports. I know this post is clear as mud, but it is correct.
