Pipeline engineering designs the transportation systems that move oil, gas, water, and other fluids safely and economically. This specialized discipline encompasses hydraulic design, mechanical design, materials selection, integrity management, and regulatory compliance for pressurized pipeline systems.

Engineering scope includes hydraulic modeling for pipeline sizing and pressure drop calculations, wall thickness design per ASME B31.4, B31.8, or other applicable codes, pump or compressor station design maintaining system pressure, material selection considering internal fluids and external environment, cathodic protection system design, and route selection optimizing technical and commercial factors.

Pipeline design challenges include accommodating terrain requiring elevation changes and potential liquid slugging, thermal expansion from temperature variations, soil movement from subsidence or frost heave, third-party damage risks requiring depth of cover, and crossing obstacles including rivers, roads, and railways requiring special construction methods.

Integrity engineering ensures pipeline safety throughout operational life through design features including corrosion allowances and resistant materials, in-line inspection provisions for internal assessment, pressure monitoring and leak detection systems, emergency shutdown valves, and maintenance procedures including pigging for cleaning and inspection.