How to abandon onshore oil and gas pipelines

The pipelines will be abandoned when existing oilfields are not worthy of continuous development or existing pipelines' working life expires. In contrast with North America, China is not experienced in this practice. This paper reviews two common abandonment programs for onshore oil pipeline, in-situ abandonment and recycling abandonment. Effects of several factors (e.g. land use management, land subsidence, soil and groundwater pollution, pipeline cleanliness, river crossing, corrosion, crossing through road, rail and public facilities, infiltration treatment of pipe water, ancillary facilities, and abandonment costs) on such programs are discussed. Finally, the basis for selecting an engineering-guiding program is defined.