Oil and Gas – CAB Worldwide

Improving The Safety Of Oil By Rail Transportation

CAB Worldwide — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 06:19:32 +0000

Improving The Safety Of Oil By Rail Transportation

As domestic oil production is anticipated to reach record highs within the next 5 years or so, it’s vital to establish a safe mode of transport for this necessary fuel source. Crude by rail is an effective method, however any accident that occurs during transit is magnified due to the explosive properties of the cargo. To reduce the chances of anything like that happening, there are a few things that can be done to reduce the risk of accidents, and to minimize resulting damages.

Training

One of the most important factors in any emergency situation is the training of first responders. For this reason, throughout the U.S. local leaders are made aware of crude shipments in their area, and plans are created so that the right people are made aware of where emergency response equipment is located and what to do in case of an accident. Railroads also provide training for first responders so they are prepared to approach and handle each situation that can arise.

Inspections

Railroads are only as safe as their tracks and individual train cars. By regularly inspecting each part of rail infrastructure, crews can be made aware of various issues that can present a threat to safety. There are even car defect detectors that use sensing technology to measure everything from force, sounds, and temperatures to look for any defects that may be present in the railcars as they travel over the tracks.

Standards

New tank car designs are less likely to puncture and are built to withstand much more than their previous counterparts. All tank cars must either be replaced or brought up to these new standards within the next two years, which should help minimize damage even in the event of a crash. New braking systems are also required, which apply the brakes on all cars at once to avoid cars in the back from continuing forward even after the first car stops. This in itself should avoid major catastrophe on the rails and reduce the chances of derailment.

Inside The U.S. Shale Gas And Rail Boom

CAB Worldwide — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:15:44 +0000

Inside The U.S. Shale Gas And Rail Boom

With so many options in transportation cropping up, there was a time within the last few decades where many were writing off the railroad industry. Trucking, planes, and pipelines were supposed to push the freight rail industry out of the picture—but of course, like many predictions, the results could not have been more off target.

One of the main reasons for this freight-rail renascence is the boom in natural gas production in the U.S. Driven by new hydraulic fracturing technology, an uptick in gas (from areas such as the Barnett Shale in Texas and the Bakken Shale in North Dakota and Montana) have turned the country into global energy superpower. Experts now believe that U.S. crude oil production will reach more than 9 million barrels per day this year—compared to just 5 million in 2008.

In order to transport the increased volume around the country, companies have turned to the once-forgotten freight rail industry. An all-time record 97,135 carloads of crude oil rode the rails in the first quarter of 2013, according to the Association of American Railroads. To understand the true impact of the shale gas boom, it’s important to know that record number is 922times higher than the same period in 2008.

As one might expect, there has also been a rise in investment in rail companies and infrastructure. Some experts believe that more $25 billion will find its way into maintaining and upgrading America’s rail system in 2014. (Despite this encouraging number, there is little question that America’s rail infrastructure needs help from both the private and public sectors to raise its safety and efficiency levels.)

The shale oil boom will continue for the near future. In fact, according to Exxon, the U.S. will be a net exporter of both oil and gas by 2025. For this to happen, America’s freight rail system must do more than just maintain—it must grow and flourish.

What’s New In The U.S. Oil And Gas Industry?

CAB Worldwide — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:13:08 +0000

What’s New In The U.S. Oil And Gas Industry?

As we near the end of 2014, there has been plenty to talk about so far for the year in the oil and gas industry. Because we supply precision machined components into this industry, it’s important for us to keep up with what’s happening. Major changes are occurring, with a little help from reshoring and U.S. initiatives, so we wanted to break down a few notable news items.

Fast-Powered Manufacturing Growth

U.S. manufacturing is in a constant state of flux, it seems—one month job growth and other numbers will soar and the next, things plummet. In the long-term, it seems the sector is generally seeing an uptick, and businesses can give a hat tip to oil and gas for propelling this growth. Not only are new technologies giving the country “a position of strength,” according to UPI, but it’s also boosting the energy supplies we have here, taking us to our next point below.

U.S. Eyes Oil Independence

There’s a North American energy boom in our midst, and the U.S. is at the forefront. In the past five years, imports of oil and natural gas have fallen by 44 percent and 59 percent, respectively, according to Time. New processes in the U.S. have helped fuel a major surge, which reduces dependence on foreign oil while bringing (and keeping) more money in the county.

New Regulations Might Have Impact

Major success in an industry typically segues into more regulation, which is exactly what’s happening for oil and gas. From drilling to transporting, lawmakers are looking to help businesses be as profitable as possible, while still keeping safety as a top priority.

At CAB Worldwide, we know there’s a lot going on with oil and gas—and we’re well aware of the ever-increasing need for quality components, which we’re able to set up and scale. Looking for oil and gas castings and forgings or custom fabrication in these industries? Give us a call at 800-241-7311.