What is a virtual pipeline?
A virtual gas pipeline is an alternative for the transport of natural gas and other gaseous hydrocarbons that avoids the construction of gas pipelines with pipes; this is possible with the compression of the gases in existing road transport containers.
By the way, the word "virtual" can give the impression that it is something intangible; but virtual gas pipelines have been a reality in many countries and for years. For example, in Panama, the transportation of liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) from storage sites to businesses and homes has been transported by truck for decades.
What are the advantages of virtual gas pipelines?
The main advantages are the following:
- As mentioned above, the use of existing roads for the transportation of gaseous or liquid fuels avoids the construction of pipelines, either in protected or urban areas, reducing investment costs.
- Fast implementation compared to a gas pipeline.
- Easy scalability according to user requirements.
- The versatility that is possible with the adaptation of transport vehicles, for example, smaller vehicles for narrower roads.
- The constant risk that a gas pipeline means is avoided because it does not exist.
ECOTEK's Experience
ECOTEK has carried out basic and detailed engineering projects that include designs for compression stations (mother stations), compressed gas containers and decompression stations (daughter stations).