What are the 3 Types of Pipelines That Carry Oil?

Did you know that over 70% of crude oil and petroleum products in the United States are transported through underground pipelines? That's right—while trucks and trains play a role, pipelines form the backbone of global oil distribution. With billions of barrels flowing through thousands of miles of steel arteries beneath our feet, the pipeline system is a marvel of modern engineering—and a hot topic in discussions around energy, infrastructure, and environmental impact.

The pipeline industry is more important than ever, especially as the world grapples with energy demands, climate change, and geopolitical shifts. Understanding how oil gets from the well to the refinery—and eventually to your gas tank—is essential for anyone interested in energy policy, sustainability, or innovation in infrastructure.

In this post, you'll learn everything you need to know about the three main types of pipelines used to transport oil. We'll break down their structures, functions, comparisons, and the technologies that drive them.

Key Takeaways

• There are three primary types of pipelines used to carry oil: gathering pipelines, transmission pipelines, and distribution pipelines.

• Each pipeline type serves a specific function in the oil supply chain, from extraction to final usage.

• Advances in pipeline monitoring, leak detection, and automation are driving industry improvements.

• Understanding pipeline types is crucial for informed discussions on energy efficiency, environmental impact, and infrastructure planning.

What is a Pipeline?

A pipeline is a system of connected pipes designed to transport liquids or gases over long distances. In the context of oil transportation, pipelines are used to move crude oil, refined petroleum products, and natural gas liquids from production sites to refineries, terminals, and finally to end users.

Pipelines are favored for their cost-efficiency, reliability, and low carbon footprint compared to other transport modes. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, pipeline transport is three times safer than rail and five times safer than road transport for oil and gas.

The 3 Types of Pipelines That Carry Oil

Let's break down the three core types of pipelines used in the oil industry. Each type plays a specific role within the energy supply chain and involves unique characteristics, materials, and regulations.

1. Gathering Pipelines

Gathering pipelines are the first link in the oil transportation chain. They collect crude oil from multiple wells or production facilities and transport it to a central processing or storage location.

Characteristics:

• Diameter: Small (usually 2" to 12")

• Pressure: Low to medium

• Location: Often located in oil fields or offshore platforms

• Length: Short distances (often <50 miles)

• Material: Typically made of steel or plastic (for low-pressure systems)

Functions:

• Collect oil from production wells

• Transport oil to processing plants, storage tanks, or transmission pipelines

• Handle unrefined oil, which may contain water, gas, and sediments

Data Insight:

According to the American Petroleum Institute, over 30% of pipeline mileage in North America is attributed to gathering systems, which play a critical role in connecting remote production zones to mainline transport networks.

Pros:

• Efficient local collection from multiple points

• Reduces need for truck transport in oil fields

Cons:

• Susceptible to corrosion due to unprocessed fluids

• Requires regular maintenance and inspection

2. Transmission Pipelines

Transmission pipelines are the highway of the oil pipeline system. These pipelines move large volumes of crude oil or refined products over long distances—often across states or even countries.

Characteristics:

• Diameter: Large (typically 12" to 48")

• Pressure: High (up to 1,500 psi)

• Length: Hundreds to thousands of miles

• Material: Carbon steel with protective coatings

Functions:

• Transport oil from processing facilities or terminals to refineries or distribution hubs

• Enable interstate or international oil movement

• Include pump stations at intervals to maintain pressure

Example:

The Keystone Pipeline System, which spans over 2,600 miles, is one of the most well-known transmission pipelines, delivering oil from Alberta, Canada, to refineries in the U.S.

Data Insight:

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transmission pipelines moved over 11 million barrels of crude oil per day in the U.S. alone as of 2023.

Pros:

• High volume, efficient transport

• Lower operational costs per barrel over long distances

Cons:

• Expensive to build and maintain

• High visibility in environmental debates and regulatory scrutiny

3. Distribution Pipelines

Distribution pipelines are the final segment in the oil pipeline journey. They deliver refined petroleum products—like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel—to local distributors, storage terminals, or directly to end users.

Characteristics:

• Diameter: Small (usually 2" to 12")

• Pressure: Medium

• Location: Urban and suburban environments

• Length: Short distances

Functions:

• Deliver finished products to retail stations and industrial users

• Connect storage facilities to local markets

• Often buried beneath city infrastructure

Data Insight:

Though smaller in length compared to transmission pipelines, distribution networks are vast and complex, with millions of miles of small-diameter pipelines delivering oil-based products to consumers.

Pros:

• Essential for last-mile delivery

• Enables reliable energy access in urban areas

Cons:

• Risk of leakage in densely populated areas

• Requires advanced monitoring and rapid response systems

Pipeline Comparison Table

How Pipelines Are Monitored and Maintained

The safety and efficiency of a pipeline are ensured through rigorous monitoring, inspection, and maintenance protocols.

Key Technologies:

• SCADA Systems: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems provide real-time monitoring of pipeline conditions.

• Smart Pigs: Robotic devices that inspect internal pipeline integrity.

• Drones and AI: Used for aerial inspection and predictive maintenance.

• Leak Detection Systems: Analyze pressure waves and flow rates to detect leaks in real time.

Regulatory Oversight:

In the U.S., agencies like PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) and EPA enforce safety and environmental compliance.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Environmental Considerations:

• While pipelines are more efficient and emit fewer greenhouse gases than truck or rail, they pose spill risks.

• Environmental groups often challenge pipeline projects over land use, indigenous rights, and ecosystem disruption.

Economic Impact:

• The oil pipeline industry supports over 1 million jobs in North America.

• Reduces transportation costs, stabilizing fuel prices for consumers.

• Vital for energy security and global trade.

Conclusion

Pipelines are the invisible lifelines of the global oil industry. From the moment oil is extracted from the ground to the time it powers your vehicle, gathering, transmission, and distribution pipelines work together in an intricate, efficient, and technologically advanced system. They are not only critical for the economy and energy security but also central to ongoing debates about sustainability and environmental responsibility.

By understanding the three types of pipelines, we gain deeper insights into the infrastructure that fuels our world, the innovations that make them safer, and the policies that govern them. Whether you're an energy professional, policymaker, or curious citizen, staying informed about pipeline systems is more relevant now than ever before.

FAQs

Q1: Are all oil pipelines underground?

Most pipelines are buried underground for safety and aesthetic reasons, but some can be above ground in remote or industrial areas.

Q2: How long do oil pipelines last?

The average lifespan of a pipeline is 30 to 50 years, but this can be extended with proper maintenance and upgrades.

Q3: What materials are pipelines made from?

Most pipelines are made of carbon steel, while low-pressure gathering pipelines may use plastic or composite materials.

Q4: How often are pipelines inspected?

Transmission and distribution pipelines are inspected regularly—some annually—with smart pigs, drones, and manual checks.

Q5: Can pipelines carry other substances besides oil?

Yes, pipelines can also carry natural gas, hydrogen, CO₂, and refined products like jet fuel and diesel.

Q6: What is the biggest pipeline in the world?

The Druzhba pipeline in Russia is one of the longest, stretching over 2,500 miles (4,000 km).

Q7: Are pipelines safer than trucks or trains?

Yes, pipelines have a significantly lower accident rate and environmental footprint compared to road or rail transport.

Q8: How do pipelines affect gas prices?

Efficient pipeline transport helps lower logistics costs, which can stabilize or reduce fuel prices at the pump.