(a) What is transportation by pipeline?
(b) Explain any four advantages and four disadvantages of transportation by pipeline.
Explanation
(a) Pipeline transportation: Pipelines are used mostly for the transportation of liquids and gases. Pipelines are built both on the surface and underground. For example, crude oil is transported from Port Harcourt to Kaduna. Pipelines can also be used to carry water to homes.
(b) Advantages of Pipeline transportation are:
(i) The operating or maintenance cost is low.
(ii) Pipeline reduces road congestion and accidents.
(iii) Pipeline is a safe means of transporting liquids.
iv) No physical labour or activity is required to move the goods through pipes.
(v) Pipeline is less vulnerable to climatic damage.
Disadvantages of Pipeline transportation are:
(i) The cost of constructing pipelines is high.
(ii) Pipeline transportation lends itself to bunkering and tampering.
(iii) If damage is not discovered early, a lot of wastage will occur.
(iv) it takes a lot of land space.
(v) Pipeline can easily be destroyed when there is road construction.
(vi) It cannot carry other goods except liquid only.