Oil Pipeline Crunch Shifts U.S. Shale Race from Drillbits to Valves
“The U.S. shale oil revolution can't be stopped, but it could be delayed by a potential shortfall of 10-ton valves and giant pipeline pumps essential for rebalancing markets upended by the surge in production,” writes Kristen Hays from Reuters.
“A valve for a 20-inch pipeline can weigh 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg) to 4,100 pounds, while one for a 36-inch line can weigh 15,500 to 19,000 pounds, depending on whether flanges are included. The biggest valves for the largest pipes are heftier, plus they cost about $120,000 each.”
