The Trans-Alaskan pipeline is 1,300 km long, reaching from Prudhoe Bay to the port of Valdez, and is subject t

Question

subject to temperatures ranging from -64°C to +32°C. How much does the steel pipeline expand due to the difference in temperature?

Answer 1

I am not so familiar with this one but I guess still it is behaves in accordance with the equation,

L = Lo ( 1 + a T )
where Lo = is the lenght at the low temp value.
a = expansion coeffecient.
T = change in the temperature,(T2 - T1)
T2 = upper range temp
T1 = lower range temp.

Answer 2

The pipeline is constructed with expansion joints located between straight sections of piping, so that the overall length does not change.
The length of the pipe between expansion joints changes, but the expansion joints are all anchored in place, so the length between expansion joints does not change.
Also, the oil in the pipe is heated to a temp. much higher than 32 Deg F., and the entire pipeline is insulated to retain the heat of the oil.