7.3 Equipment Used in the Cross-Country Pipeline Industry

Douglas Rupik, M.Ed., JIW

Hoisting and Lifting Equipment

Hoisting and lifting equipment used in the pipelining industry will be identical to that used in regular construction. Follow all applicable safety regulations regarding signaling and rigging.

Earthmoving Equipment

Cross-country pipelines can either be buried underground or, as in Alaska, elevated above the ground.

Several workers are in a trench working to align large pipe sections for welding.
Figure 7.15. Working In A Trench Can Be Hazardous / Photo Credit: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, PD
A large cross country pipeline is elevated on legs in a meadow.
Figure 7.16. Alaskan Pipeline / Photo Credit: GPA Photo Archive, CC BY-NC 2.0

The most common pieces of earthmoving equipment you are likely to see are the trencher, excavator (trackhoe), bulldozer, and dump truck, which can be a single unit or have an additional dump or equipment trailer.

A trenching machine on crawler treads digs a trench.
Figure 7.17. Trencher Digging A Trench / Photo Credit: Adam, CC BY-NC 2.0

A track hoe or excavator is used to dig, and has an articulated arm with a scoop or “bucket” on the end. This bucket can be removed and replaced with other fittings, such as a large hammer drill for breaking rock or concrete or a compactor that compresses soil by vibration and pressure. A trencher arm may be attached to the rear of a tractor or mounted on a self-propelled crawler unit with treads. Even the smallest of these machines are heavy and can cause death or injury. When working around a trencher, always make eye contact with the operator and verify they are aware of your presence. Be aware of any counterweight that may swing around and strike you or crush you against another object. Never allow yourself to be in a blind spot from the operator that could result in the machine striking you or running you over.

A welder lies on the ground while SMAW welding a pipe.
Figure 7.18. Pipe Welder At Work / Photo Credit: Hamid Soufi, CC BY-SA 3.0

If you are welding on a pipeline to be buried in the ground you may weld the pipe before it is placed in the trench. If the pipe is already placed in the trench, be sure you are provided with a trench box to prevent a trench collapse or cave-in. OSHA has specific “Trenching and Excavation Safety” rules (OSHA 2226-10R 2015 PDF) regarding accessing and working in open holes, pits, and trenches. Your employer is legally required to train you on how to safely perform work in these conditions. Insist on adhering to a safe work environment.

A pair of steel plates separated by pipes is used in a large trench to protect workers in the trench from cave-in.
Figure 7.19. Shoring Increases Safety When Working In An Excavation / Photo Credit: Oregon Department of Transportation, CC BY 2.0

A dozer or bulldozer is a large, tractor-like machine mounted on crawler treads with a blade in the front designed for pushing dirt, rock, or other materials. They are mostly used for leveling terrain for roads or parking lots. In building cross-country pipelines, they are instrumental in clearing the right of way and work areas. As with a trencher or track hoe, always make eye contact and have clear communication with the operator whenever in the area of a dozer. Never allow yourself to be on the blind side of this machine.

Dump trucks can be a single unit or may tow trailers. As with all heavy equipment, make sure the operator can see you and is aware of your movements. Never allow yourself in between the truck and the trailer.

Welding Rig Truck

A pickup truck with a flatbed has a large generator welder and other equipment mounted on the rear.
Figure 7.20. A Pipe Liner Must Have Equipment That Is Both Portable And Reliable. / Photo Credit: vicki watkins, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
A pipeliner works on a cross-country pipe, with the work truck and trailered welding machine in the background.
Figure 7.21. Pipeliners Weld Cross Country Pipes. / Photo Credit: Public Citizen, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Many pipe welders who work on pipelines are independent contractors who own their own trucks outfitted with all the equipment needed for fitting and welding pipelines. These trucks will be large pickup trucks with utility beds, built-in tool storage, a welder/generator perched on the back, and an oxy-fuel torch set. Sometimes, a boom is mounted to allow the welder to park the truck next to the work and suspend the welding leads to the work. This allows one to more quickly move from weld joint to weld joint without picking up the leads. A shop vise mounted on the front or rear bumper provides increased fabrication abilities.

If you choose this direction for your welding career, do not go cheap on equipment. Your livelihood requires reliable gear and a reliable vehicle. Research different manufacturers by asking more experienced tradespeople in person and through the Internet. If a majority of welders gravitate toward a particular brand, it may be because it has stood the test of time.

Attributions

  1. Figure 7.15: Red River Chloride Control Project by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Public Domain; United States government work
  2. Figure 7.16: Long pipeline by GPA Photo Archive is released under CC BY-NC 2.0
  3. Figure 7.17: Trenching Machine by Adam is released under CC BY-NC 2.0
  4. Figure 7.18: Gas pipeline welding , Azna 2017 by Hamid Soufi is released under CC BY-SA 3.0
  5. Figure 7.19: I-5 trench by Oregon Department of Transportation is released under CC BY 2.0
  6. Figure 7.20: Joey’s Organically Built Welding Rig by vicki watkins is released under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
  7. Figure 7.21: A worker coats part of the Keystone pipeline after welding it. by Public Citizen is released under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

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Introduction to Welding Copyright © by Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.