Real-Life Communication
You are working as an oil pipeline operator for TransCountry Pipelines.
You have been trained to watch pressure readings within the pipeline.
If
the pressure suddenly rises, there is a problem. Perhaps the shipper's
valve is not open.
If that were the case, there would be a back surge.
When the product hit the closed valve, it would surge all the way back, the
same way that gasoline surges out of your automobile's gas tank when
the tank is full.
The product in the pipeline could surge back 50 miles
in half a minute. You would hear it hitting the manifold with a bang.
There
are many built-in devices that cause an automatic shutdown if the pressure
rises. It is very important to avoid an explosion.
You are presently
moving a product to a shipper in another city. To your surprise, you note
that the pressure is indeed rising suddenly. You shut your system down immediately.
You
don't know for sure what has caused the pressure to rise, but the first
thing is to find out whether the shipper has closed a valve at their end.
Your
equipment doesn't show you the shipper's valves. When the shipper
tells you the valves are open, you take their word for it. If they fail to
make the switch, or a mistake happens, you could run into a blocked valve.
You
have to shut the line down when the pressure goes up or you could blow that
line.
You must phone the shipper (you have a special number) and inform
them of the problem. You are somewhat annoyed, because you think that this
shipper has not been careful.
It is the second time this month that
you have had problems sending the product to them. However, your employer
has told you that you are expected to be tactful and diplomatic at all times.
What
will you say to the shipper when you get him or her on the phone?