Pipeline 101

Moving oil a matter of hydraulics

The trans-Alaska pipeline crosses three mountain ranges. Atigun Pass at 4,738 feet is the highest point on the pipeline. Moving oil up and over the pass is a matter of hydraulics. No single pump station does the job alone. Pump Station 1 at Prudhoe Bay raises the pressure of the oil to get it to Pump Station 3, at 1,383 feet above sea level. Pump Station 3 raises the pressure still more to push the oil to Pump Station 4, at 2,763 feet elevation. Pump Station 4 takes the last leg, applying the final pressure needed to move the oil up and over Atigun Pass.