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Energy intensity, life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions, and economic assessment of liquid biofuel pipelines.
- Source :
-
Bioresource Technology . Dec2013, Vol. 150, p476-485. 10p. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Petroleum fuels are predominantly transported domestically by pipelines, whereas biofuels are almost exclusively transported by rail, barge, and truck. As biofuel production increases, new pipelines may become economically attractive. Location-specific variables impacting pipeline viability include construction costs, availability and costs of alternative transportation modes, electricity prices and emissions (if priced), throughput, and subsurface temperature. When transporting alcohol or diesel-like fuels, pipelines have a lower direct energy intensity than rail, barge, and trucks if fluid velocity is under 1 m/s for 4-inch diameter pipelines and 2 m/s for 8-inch or larger pipelines. Across multiple hypothetical state-specific scenarios, profit-maximizing design velocities range from 1.2 to 1.9 m/s. In costs and GHG emissions, optimized pipelines outperform trucks in each state and rail and barge in most states, if projected throughput exceeds four billion liters/year. If emissions are priced, optimum design diameters typically increase to reduce pumping energy demands, increasing the cost-effectiveness of pipeline projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09608524
- Volume :
- 150
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Bioresource Technology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 97656788
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2013.08.150