Lifecycle of a Pipeline Header

Lifecycle of an Enbridge pipeline

With proper design, construction, operation and maintenance, pipelines have a very long life.

At Enbridge, the safety of people, and protection of the environment, is our top priority throughout the entire pipeline lifecycle. Explore that lifecycle below with a step-by-step interactive journey.

PLEASE NOTE: The objects and terrain presented in this experience are not to scale.

lifecycle of a pipeline lifecycle of a pipeline

Design and Construction

Safety and reliability are built into Enbridge’s energy infrastructure before, during and after the construction phase.We take care to limit our footprint, and actively manage potential effects on communities and the environment, as we build our pipeline projects.

Where possible, we use existing access routes to and from construction sites, minimize temporary workspace and curtail ground disturbance.

lifecycle of a pipeline lifecycle of a pipeline

Field surveys and staking

Field surveys are conducted along the proposed right-of-way (ROW) to understand environmental, developmental and local issues.

Once the route is final, the location is marked with stakes.

lifecycle of a pipeline lifecycle of a pipeline

Working with Landowners

We establish project-specific biosecurity plans with the help of landowners, including making sure all of our equipment is clean and free of weeds, soil and debris.

We take measures to control and contain weeds and soil-borne pathogens, based on the level of risk at the construction site.

lifecycle of a pipeline lifecycle of a pipeline

Grading

Once topsoil has been stripped and stored to meet specifications, the subsoil along the ROW is graded to enable a safe pipeline installation.

lifecycle of a pipeline lifecycle of a pipeline

Bending

Crews bend the sections of pipe to match engineering specifications and follow the contours of the land.

Welding

The pipe is welded into sections, and eventually one long segment, using pipe that’s been carefully selected and tested. Each weld is inspected via either X-ray or ultrasound technology.

Coating

The entire segment of pipe, including weld joints, is coated with a robust corrosion inhibitor.

lifecycle of a pipeline lifecycle of a pipeline

Lowering-in

Using multiple sidebooms, or cranes, the pipe is lowered into the trench.

Trenching

Crews use backhoes or wheel ditchers to dig the pipeline trench.

lifecycle of a pipeline lifecycle of a pipeline

River crossings

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology is deployed to lay pipelines beneath large rivers or sensitive crossings.

ALSO SEE: World's longest HDD project under Mississippi River a 'mind-boggling' feat of engineering

lifecycle of a pipeline lifecycle of a pipeline

Backfilling

The trench is carefully backfilled and compacted with subsoil.

lifecycle of a pipeline lifecycle of a pipeline

Hydrostatic Testing

Each section of pipe is filled with water and subjected to extreme operating pressures to ensure the strength of the pipe and welds.


LEARN MORE

Cleanup and Reclamation

The ROW is restored to its original condition. Topsoil is replaced and reseeded; other restoration methods include tree planting and environmental monitoring.

lifecycle of a pipeline

Operations and Maintenance

Once a pipeline enters service, it enjoys a very long life, through safe operations,
prevention, monitoring and maintenance activities. We work hard to meet or exceed
the strict safety and reliability standards enforced in the United States and Canada.

lifecycle of a pipeline lifecycle of a pipeline

Decommissioning

Landowners are not responsible for Enbridge's decommissioned or deactivated pipelines. We are—forever.

View our Decommissioning PDF

Safety

Now that you've explored what we do to safely plan, build, operate and maintain our pipelines, you may want to explore all of the ways Enbridge works to ensure safety for our communities across our facilities and operations.

LEARN MORE