150

XL Pipeline 1. Steel pipe—the outer wall of the Keystone XL Pipeline is composed of 28-inch, steel-grade pipe, which is coated with an extra layer of anti-corrosion coal-tar epoxy. 2. Attractors—attractors, a type of "overshot," are used to detect the presence of solvent-weld joints in tape systems and exposed pipe surfaces in line pipe installations. 3. Seam welds—seam welds are made to join pipe sections together and are carried out by an automated welding machine. 4. Cutback lines—cutback lines are permanent spill diversion systems installed along pipeline routes in order to capture and contain any spilled product. 5. Flex joints—flex joints are used to accommodate for thermal expansion along the length of the pipeline. 6. Insulating joints—insulating joints are pre-assembled between adjoining pipes to insulate the pipe from one another and keep the product from leaking out. 7. Pigs—pigs are small devices inserted into the pipeline that serve a variety of functions such as cleaning and measuring pipeline contents. 8. Mid-span welds—mid-span welds are done at regular intervals along the pipeline and are used to reinforce the strength of the pipe. 9. Limit switches—limit switches are used to close the pipeline in the event of an emergency. 10. Cathodic protection—cathodic protection is a corrosion protection system, which is designed to protect the pipe from external corrosion. 11. Pressure relief valves—pressure relief valves are designed to be installed at the beginning and end of the pipeline to relieve pressure in the event of a mechanical failure. 12. Degradation monitoring—degradation monitoring systems are installed to detect any cracks, corrosion, or other weaknesses in the pipeline that could lead to a rupture of the line. 13. Backfill material—backfill material is used to fill-in and seal areas around the pipeline after it is installed. 14. Environmental monitoring—environmental monitoring systems are installed to detect changes in groundwater and soil conditions that could be impacted by the pipeline. 15. Pipe wrapping—pipe wrapping is the process of wrapping the pipe in a protective polyethylene sleeve to protect it from corrosion and mechanical damage. 16. Cathodic protection testing—cathodic protection testing is used to measure the effect of the cathodic protection and make sure it is working correctly. 17. Flow monitoring—flow monitoring systems are used to detect changes in the flow of the product that could lead to a rupture in the pipe. 18. Gas detection—gas detection systems are used to detect the presence of flammable gases that could lead to an explosion. 19. Chemical injection—chemical injection systems are used to reduce corrosion in the pipe by injecting corrosion-inhibiting chemicals into the pipeline. 20. Line valve actuators—line valve actuators are used to control the flow of the product through the pipeline. 21. Hot tap fittings—hot tap fittings are used to join sections of the pipeline via on-site welding or soldering. 22. Radio communication—radio communication systems are used to communicate between the different locations along the pipeline. 23. Integrity management plans—integrity management plans are designed to systematically monitor the condition of the pipeline. 24. Leak detection system—a leak detection system is used to detect any leaks that may occur along the pipeline. 25. Aerial surveillance—aerial surveillance is used to monitor the pipeline from above. 26. Global positioning system—global positioning system is used to monitor the exact location of the pipeline. 27. Anomaly monitoring—anomaly monitoring systems are used to detect any anomalies in the pipe that could result in a leak or rupture. 28. Automated valve controls—automated valve controls are used to shut off the pipeline in the event of a leak. 29. High-density polyethylene liners—high-density polyethylene liners are used to line the inside of the pipeline, providing an extra layer of protection. 30. Incident response plans—incident response plans are designed to ensure that the right response is taken to any incident related to the pipeline. 31. Right of Way protection—right of way protection is designed to protect the surrounding environment from the effects of the pipeline. 32. Soil erosion control—soil erosion control systems are used to protect the ground from erosion caused by the construction and operation of the pipeline. 33. Material handling—material handling is used to ensure that the right materials are being used to construct the pipeline. 34. Protective coatings—protective coatings are used to protect the outer surface of the pipe from the elements. 35. Pipeline markers—pipeline markers are used to keep track of where the pipeline is and to alert individuals of its presence. 36. Access roads—access roads are needed to transport materials and personnel needed to maintain the pipeline. 37. Emergency shut-off valves—emergency shut-off valves are used to quickly shut down the pipeline in the event of a fire or other emergency. 38. Training—all personnel working on the project are required to receive training so that they know how to correctly operate and maintain the pipeline.