Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences in 2025
2026-02-06
Engineering Efficiency and Environmental Stewardship in Oil and Gas Pipelines: A Comprehensive Review
Authors
-
Qiang Chen
National Pipeline Network Group Western Pipeline Co., Ltd., Urumqi 830011, China
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i2.13045Abstract
Oil and gas pipelines are a vital long-distance liquid and natural gas carrier, but their functionality is being assessed from a two-fold perspective of power economy and environmentalism. This review concurs on the way these outcomes are interdependent throughout the pipeline lifecycle by contending that the efficiency, emissions, reliability, and environmental risk are jointly determined through the shared design decisions, operating plans, integrity platforms, and monitoring and response plans. Our initial conceptualization is pipeline systems and performance measures, which are characterized by boundary and comparability issues of particular energy consumption, methane intensity, and release consequence measures. Next, we look at hydraulic and station optimization, focusing on the need to look at the importance of equipment performance at part loads, constraints consciousness dispatch, and transient management to prevent the erosion of integrity levels by efficiency gains. The integrity management is appraised as one of the key enablers of stewardship that connects the corrosion prevention, in-line inspection and verification, and the risk-based mitigation to less likely failure, less disruptive interventions, and reduced emissions during maintenance. We compare the leak and spill prevention, detection, quantification, and response of the SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition)-based computational monitoring, distributed sensing, as well as aerial/satellite, focusing on the validation, characterization of uncertainty, and the operational parameters modulating the time-to-detect and isolation performance. Environmental impacts of the lifecycle, not related to releases, are explained, such as routing and construction disturbance, management of right-of-way, station externalities, decommissioning, and climate resilience. Lastly, we assess new technologies, such as continuous monitoring networks, electrification, superior materials, and multi-objective decision-making that collaborates to increase energy, reliability, and environmental performance in heterogeneous pipeline networks.
Keywords:
Pipeline Integrity; Energy Efficiency; Methane Emissions; Leak Detection; Lifecycle Environmental ManagementReferences
[1] Coburn, T.C., 2020. Oil and gas infrastructure. In The Oxford Handbook of Energy Politics. Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK. p. 99.
[2] Sleiti, A.K., Al-Ammari, W.A., Vesely, L., et al., 2022. Carbon dioxide transport pipeline systems: Overview of technical characteristics, safety, integrity and cost, and potential application of digital twin. Journal of Energy Resources Technology. 144(9), 092106.
[3] Antaki, G.A., 2003. Piping and Pipeline Engineering: Design, Construction, Maintenance, Integrity, and Repair. CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA.
[4] Narayanan, D.K., Ravoof, A.A., Jayapriya, J., et al., 2023. Hazards in oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. In Crises in Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Industries. Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands. pp. 71–99.
[5] Golagha, O.G., Ogolo, O., Idogun, B.O., et al., 2024. Sustainable gas utilization: Integrating natural gas into the circular economy for environmental stewardship. In Proceedings of the SPE Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition 2024, Lagos, Nigeria, 5–7 August 2024.
[6] Fu, J., Liu, Y., Sun, F., 2021. Identifying and regulating the environmental risks in the development and utilization of natural gas as a low-carbon energy source. Frontiers in Energy Research. 9, 638105.
[7] Bauer, J.M., Herder, P.M., 2009. Designing socio-technical systems. In Philosophy of Technology and Engineering Sciences. Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands. pp. 601–630.
[8] Lu, H., Xie, D., Cheng, Y.F., 2025. Methane emissions from the oil and gas supply chain: Characteristics and mitigation. Nexus. 2(3), 100087.
[9] Pinzón-Espinosa, A., 2018. Unravelling the Chemistry behind the Toxicity of Oil Refining Effluents: From Characterisation to Treatment [PhD Thesis]. Brunel University London: London, UK.
[10] Zaman, D., Tiwari, M.K., Gupta, A.K., et al., 2020. A review of leakage detection strategies for pressurised pipeline in steady-state. Engineering Failure Analysis. 109, 104264.
[11] Bahadori, A., 2016. Oil and Gas Pipelines and Piping Systems: Design, Construction, Management, and Inspection. Gulf Professional Publishing: Oxford, United Kingdom.
[12] Jahnke, J.A., 2022. Continuous Emission Monitoring. John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, NJ, USA.
[13] Pajula, T., Behm, K., Vatanen, S., et al., 2017. Managing the life cycle to reduce environmental impacts. In Dynamics of Long-Life Assets: From Technology Adaptation to Upgrading the Business Model. Springer International Publishing: Cham, Switzerland. pp. 93–113.
[14] Watson, J.-P., Guttromson, R., Silva-Monroy, C., et al., 2014. Conceptual Framework for Developing Resilience Metrics for the Electricity Oil and Gas Sectors in the United States. Sandia National Laboratories: Albuquerque, NM, USA.
[15] Sarte, S.B., 2010. Sustainable Infrastructure: The Guide to Green Engineering and Design. John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, NJ, USA.
[16] Epelle, E.I., Gerogiorgis, D.I., 2020. A review of technological advances and open challenges for oil and gas drilling systems engineering. AIChE Journal. 66(4), e16842.
[17] Zheng, Z., Zheng, F., Qi, Z., et al., 2024. Improving the understanding of secondary impacts of isolation valve closures on the performance of water distribution systems. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management. 150(8), 04024023.
[18] Elhuni, R.M., Ahmad, M.M., 2017. Key performance indicators for sustainable production evaluation in oil and gas sector. Procedia Manufacturing. 11, 718–724.
[19] Fan, M.-W., Ao, C.-C., Wang, X.-R., 2019. Comprehensive method of natural gas pipeline efficiency evaluation based on energy and big data analysis. Energy. 188, 116069.
[20] Liu, H., 2017. Pipeline Engineering (2004). CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA.
[21] Schweizer, M., 2012. System-Oriented Efficiency Optimization of Variable Speed Drives [PhD Thesis]. ETH Zurich: Zurich, Switzerland.
[22] Marigi, E.N., 2024. The Assessment of the Effects of Deposits and Corrosion on Flow Efficiency in Petroleum Products Pipelines for Integrity Management [PhD Thesis]. University of South Wales: Cardiff, UK.
[23] Adebisi, B., Aigbedion, E., Ayorinde, O.B., et al., 2021. A conceptual model for predictive asset integrity management using data analytics to enhance maintenance and reliability in oil & gas operations. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation. 2(1), 534–554.
[24] Epstein, P.R., Selber, J., 2002. A Life Cycle Analysis of Its Health and Environmental Impacts. The Center for Health and the Global Environment, Harvard Medical School: Boston, MA, USA.
[25] Asha, L.N., Huang, Y., Yodo, N., et al., 2023. A quantitative approach of measuring sustainability risk in pipeline infrastructure systems. Sustainability. 15(19), 14229.
[26] Ahmadzai, S., 2017. AFG: Energy Supply Improvement Investment Program (Tranche 4). Asian Development Bank: Mandaluyong, Philippines.
[27] Patterson, L.A., Konschnik, K.E., Wiseman, H., et al., 2017. Unconventional oil and gas spills: Risks, mitigation priorities, and state reporting requirements. Environmental Science & Technology. 51(5), 2563–2573.
[28] Henrie, M., Carpenter, P., Nicholas, R.E., 2016. Pipeline Leak Detection Handbook. Gulf Professional Publishing: Oxford, UK.
[29] Bennett, N.J., Whitty, T.S., Finkbeiner, E., et al., 2018. Environmental stewardship: A conceptual review and analytical framework. Environmental Management. 61(4), 597–614.
[30] Ling, J., Feng, K., Wang, T., et al., 2023. Data modeling techniques for pipeline integrity assessment: A state-of-the-art survey. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement. 72, 1–17.
[31] Novruzov, A., 2023. Oil and Gas Pipelines: Development Strategies for Efficiency and Sustainability. Grail of Science. 54, 406–414.
[32] Ibukun, M., Elyan, E., Amish, M., et al., 2024. A review of well life cycle integrity challenges in the oil and gas industry and its implications for sustained casing pressure (SCP). Energies. 17(22), 5562.
[33] Kishawy, H.A., Gabbar, H.A., 2010. Review of pipeline integrity management practices. International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping. 87(7), 373–380.
[34] Aljameel, S.S., Alabbad, D.A., Alomari, D., et al., 2024. Oil and gas pipelines leakage detection approaches: A systematic review of literature. International Journal of Safety & Security Engineering. 14(3), 773–786.
[35] Omoya, O.A., Papadopoulou, K.A., Lou, E., 2019. Reliability engineering application to pipeline design. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management. 36(9), 1644–1662.
[36] Millar, D.L., 2024. On the determination of efficiency of a gas compressor. Energies. 17(13), 3260.
[37] Chohan, I.M., Ahmad, A., Sallih, N., et al., 2023. A review on life cycle assessment of different pipeline materials. Results in Engineering. 19, 101325.
[38] Su, H., Zio, E., Zhang, J., et al., 2019. A method for the multi-objective optimization of the operation of natural gas pipeline networks considering supply reliability and operation efficiency. Computers & Chemical Engineering. 131, 106584.
[39] Onyechi, V.N., 2021. Pipeline integrity and risk prevention: Real-time monitoring, structural health analytics, and failure mitigation in harsh operating environments. Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews. 3(2), 139–151.
[40] Iqbal, H., 2018. A Risk-Based Assessment of Integrity Management Program for Oil and Gas Pipelines: A Regulatory Perspective [PhD Thesis]. University of British Columbia: Vancouver, BC, Canada.
[41] Hanson, E., Elete, T., Nwakile, C., et al., 2024. Risk-based maintenance and inspection in energy infrastructure: Future lessons for safety and efficiency. International Journal of Engineering Research and Development. 20(11), 823–844.
[42] Abubakar, A.S., Wahab, M.M.B.A., Shafiq, N., et al., 2024. Integrating life cycle cost analysis into pipeline asset integrity management: A comprehensive approach in decision support systems. Journal of Hunan University Natural Sciences. 51(1).
[43] Christopher, J.D., Miller, B., 2025. Cybersecurity and safety implications of pipelines. In Oil and Gas Pipelines: Integrity, Safety, and Security Handbook. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: Hoboken, NJ, USA. pp. 15–24.
[44] Farh, H.M.H., Seghier, M.E.A.B., Zayed, T., 2023. A comprehensive review of corrosion protection and control techniques for metallic pipelines. Engineering Failure Analysis. 143, 106885.
[45] Ibrahim, A., Hawboldt, K., Bottaro, C., et al., 2018. Review and analysis of microbiologically influenced corrosion: The chemical environment in oil and gas facilities. Corrosion Engineering, Science and Technology. 53(8), 549–563.
[46] Nykyforchyn, H., Zvirko, O., Dzioba, I., et al., 2021. Assessment of operational degradation of pipeline steels. Materials. 14(12), 3247.
[47] Chen, P., 2025. Advancements and future outlook of safety monitoring, inspection and assessment technologies for oil and gas pipeline networks. Journal of Pipeline Science and Engineering. 5(4), 100267.
[48] Dickerson, P., Worthen, J., 2024. Optimizing pipeline systems for greater precision, efficiency & safety using emerging technologies. In Proceedings of the PSIG Annual Meeting, Charleston, SC, USA, 7–10 May 2024.
[49] Giunta, G., Nielsen, K.L., Bernasconi, G., et al., 2019. Data driven smart monitoring for pipeline integrity assessment. In Proceedings of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 11–14 November 2019.
[50] Antonelli, F., Yang, M., Cozzani, V., 2024. Enhancing pipeline system resilience: A reliability-centric approach. Journal of Pipeline Science and Engineering. 5(3), 100252.
[51] Khalid, H.U., Ismail, M.C., Nosbi, N., 2020. Permeation damage of polymer liner in oil and gas pipelines: A review. Polymers. 12(10), 2307.
[52] Revie, R.W., 2015. Oil and Gas Pipelines: Integrity and Safety Handbook. John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, NJ, USA.
[53] Al Hosani, H., Alyileili, A.M., Sanqour, F., et al., 2025. Proactive strategy in eliminating facility integrity threats. In Proceedings of the SPE Gas & Oil Technology Showcase and Conference, Dubai City, United Arab Emirates, 21–23 April 2025.
[54] Adegboye, M.A., Fung, W.-K., Karnik, A., 2019. Recent advances in pipeline monitoring and oil leakage detection technologies: Principles and approaches. Sensors. 19(11), 2548.
[55] Geiger, G., Hazel, T., Vogt, D., 2010. Integrated SCADA-based approach for pipeline security and operation. In Proceedings of the Industry Applications Society 57th Annual Petroleum and Chemical Industry Conference (PCIC), San Antonio, TX, USA, 20–22 September 2010.
[56] Nikles, M., 2009. Long-distance fiber optic sensing solutions for pipeline leakage, intrusion, and ground movement detection. In Proceedings of the Fiber Optic Sensors and Applications VI, Orlando, FL, USA, 27 April 2009.
[57] Noyes, R., 1993. Handbook of Leak, Spill and Accidental Release Prevention Techniques. Noyes Publications: Park Ridge, NJ, USA.
[58] Wang, Y., Sun, Q., Zhou, J., et al., 2025. Research on emergency response to pipeline leakage accidents in port petrochemical enterprises. E3S Web of Conferences. 656, 01013.
[59] Raghunandan, K., 2022. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). In Introduction to Wireless Communications and Networks: A Practical Perspective. Springer: Cham, Switzerland. pp. 321–337.
[60] Shah, B.A., Muthalif, A.G.A., Sassi, S., et al., 2025. Experimental data-driven streamlined approach for tampering detection in oil and gas pipelines. Journal of Pipeline Science and Engineering. 100310.
[61] Zakaria, H.M., Investigating Operational Excellence in Oil and Gas Upstream Activities [PhD Thesis]. Universiti Utara Malaysia: Sintok, Malaysia.
[62] Skowrońska, J., Kosucki, A., Stawiński, Ł., 2021. Overview of materials used for the basic elements of hydraulic actuators and sealing systems and their surfaces modification methods. Materials. 14(6), 1422.
[63] Byrnes, T., 2017. Pipeline coatings. In Trends in Oil and Gas Corrosion Research and Technologies. Woodhead Publishing: Cambridge, UK. pp. 563–591.
[64] Sergienko, V.P., Bukharov, S.N., Kudina, E., et al., 2017. Review on materials for composite repair systems. In Non-destructive Testing and Repair of Pipelines. Springer: Cham, Switzerland. pp. 169–189.
[65] Chen, X., Wang, M., Wang, B., et al., 2023. Energy consumption reduction and sustainable development for oil & gas transport and storage engineering. Energies. 16(4), 1775.
[66] Ugwu, C.S., 2025. Optimizing Maintenance Practices in Oil and Gas Industries: A Case Study of Pump and Engine Operations in Nigeria. Zenodo: Geneva, Switzerland.
[67] Hill, M., Campbell, M., Chang, Y.-C., et al., 2008. Event detection in sensor networks for modern oil fields. In Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Distributed Event-Based Systems, Rome, Italy, 1–4 July 2008.
[68] Saha, S.K., 2022. Remote sensing and geographic information system applications in hydrocarbon exploration: A review. Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing. 50(8), 1457–1475.
[69] Chelliah, P.R., Jayasankar, V., Agerstam, M., et al., 2023. The Power of Artificial Intelligence for the Next-Generation Oil and Gas Industry: Envisaging AI-Inspired Intelligent Energy Systems and Environments. John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, NJ, USA.
[70] Belo, R.C., Pimenta, M.S., Salvador, T.T., et al., 2024. Fundamental requirements of Digital Twins for production system in Oil and Gas Industry: A systematic literature review. Information and Software Technology. 184, 107742.
[71] Witkowski, A., Rusin, A., Majkut, M., et al., 2013. Comprehensive analysis of pipeline transportation systems for CO2 sequestration. Thermodynamics and safety problems. Energy Conversion and Management. 76, 665–673.
[72] Mohitpour, M., Solanky, H., Vinjamuri, G.K., 2004. Materials selection and performance criteria for hydrogen pipeline transmission. In Proceedings of the ASME Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference, San Diego, CA, USA, 25–29 July 2004.
Downloads
How to Cite
Chen, Q. (2026). Engineering Efficiency and Environmental Stewardship in Oil and Gas Pipelines: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 8(2), 31–53. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i2.13045
Issue
Article Type
Review
License
Copyright © 2026 Qiang Chen
This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.
