Short answer

When designing systems that require the movement of large volumes of liquid, investigate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of utilizing existing or developing pipeline infrastructure over other transport methods.

Field
Resource Management
Source
Academic Publication (2008)
Method
Comparative analysis of transportation costs.
Evidence
Strong effect

Pipelines are significantly more cost-effective for transporting large volumes of liquid petroleum compared to other freight methods. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2008 study published in Academic Publication. Using Comparative analysis of transportation costs., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing systems that require the movement of large volumes of liquid, investigate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of utilizing existing or developing pipeline infrastructure over other transport methods.

Study
Resource ManagementHigh ImpactStrong effect

Pipeline networks offer a 50x cost advantage over trucking for bulk liquid transport.

Pipelines are significantly more cost-effective for transporting large volumes of liquid petroleum compared to other freight methods.

Academic Publication · 2008

01

Key Findings

  • 01Pipeline transport of liquid petroleum accounts for 17% of all freight transported in the US.
  • 02The cost of pipeline transport is only 2% of the nation's total freight bill.
  • 03Moving a barrel of gasoline from Houston to New York Harbor costs only 3 cents per gallon via pipeline.
02

Application

Design takeaway

When designing systems that require the movement of large volumes of liquid, investigate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of utilizing existing or developing pipeline infrastructure over other transport methods.

How to apply

When evaluating the logistics for a new product that is a liquid and requires large-scale distribution, compare the projected costs of pipeline transport against trucking, rail, and marine options.

Project actions

  • 01When considering how to move materials for your design project, think about the most cost-effective methods.
  • 02Research the infrastructure available in the area where your product will be manufactured and distributed.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo quantify the cost-effectiveness of liquid petroleum pipeline transport relative to other freight modes.
MethodComparative analysis of transportation costs.
ProcedureThe study analyzes the cost per barrel of gasoline transported via pipeline from Houston to New York Harbor and compares this to the costs associated with other freight methods like trucking and rail, considering ton-miles and overall freight bills.
ContextLiquid petroleum transportation infrastructure in the United States.

Variables

IVType of transportation (pipeline, truck, rail, marine).
DVCost per barrel-mile or cost per gallon.
CVType of liquid (crude oil, refined products), distance of transport, volume of transport.
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Provides concrete cost figures to illustrate efficiency.
  • +Compares pipeline transport to multiple other freight modes.

Limitations

The cost savings are specific to liquid petroleum and may vary for other substances. The data is from 2001, so current costs might differ.

Reliability & validity

The study relies on industry data and cost calculations, suggesting moderate reliability. Validity is strong for the specific context of liquid petroleum transport but may be limited for other applications.

Think critically

Beyond cost, what other factors (environmental, safety, flexibility) should be considered when choosing between pipeline and other transportation methods for bulk liquids?

05

Design Principles

"Optimize resource allocation by selecting the most economically efficient transportation infrastructure for bulk liquid movement."

Understanding the economic efficiencies of different transportation systems is crucial for designers and engineers when considering the logistics and supply chain for products. This insight highlights how infrastructure choices can drastically impact overall project costs and product affordability.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Pipelines are way cheaper for moving lots of liquid fuel than trucks or trains.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this insight when discussing the economic viability of your chosen distribution or manufacturing strategy, especially if it involves bulk liquids.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The analysis of liquid petroleum pipelines reveals a significant cost advantage, with transport costs representing only 2% of the national freight bill and a mere 3 cents per gallon for long-distance gasoline transport. This highlights the economic efficiency of pipeline infrastructure for bulk liquid distribution, a factor crucial for evaluating the commercial viability of any design project involving such materials.

09

Source

Academic Publication

Overview of the design, construction, and operation of interstate liquid petroleum pipelines.

journal · 2008

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about pipeline networks offer a 50x cost advantage over trucking for bulk liquid transport?
When designing systems that require the movement of large volumes of liquid, investigate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of utilizing existing or developing pipeline infrastructure over other transport methods. Evidence: Academic Publication (2008).
Why does "Pipeline networks offer a 50x cost advantage over trucking for bulk liquid transport." matter for design?
Understanding the economic efficiencies of different transportation systems is crucial for designers and engineers when considering the logistics and supply chain for products. This insight highlights how infrastructure choices can drastically impact overall project costs and product affordability.
How can designers apply this research?
When designing systems that require the movement of large volumes of liquid, investigate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of utilizing existing or developing pipeline infrastructure over other transport methods.
What were the main findings?
Pipeline transport of liquid petroleum accounts for 17% of all freight transported in the US.. The cost of pipeline transport is only 2% of the nation's total freight bill.. Moving a barrel of gasoline from Houston to New York Harbor costs only 3 cents per gallon via pipeline.
What research method was used?
Comparative analysis of transportation costs..
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2008 journal from Academic Publication.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When evaluating the logistics for a new product that is a liquid and requires large-scale distribution, compare the projected costs of pipeline transport against trucking, rail, and marine options.
What are the limitations?
The analysis focuses specifically on liquid petroleum and may not directly apply to other types of cargo. The cost comparison is based on 2001 data and may not reflect current market conditions.