Ministry of Higher Education and

Scientific Research
University of Technology
Petroleum Technology Department
Scientific
Report

API Specification for Pipelines

Homam Mohammad Radhy

3rd Stage Morning
Oil & Gas Transportation
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API Specification for Pipelines

Prepared by
Homam Mohammad R. Alwan

Supervised by
Ass. Prof. Dr. Ramzy S. Hamied

September/2020
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CONTENTS:

Abstract …………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………… 3
Where are the pipelines? …………………………………………………..……….. 3
Damage Prevention and Safety Issues …………………………………...………… 5
Pipeline Safety……………………………………………………………………… 5
Landowner Relations …………………………………………………………….… 5
Call Before You Dig ……………………………………………………..…..…….. 5
Information Sharing ………………………………………………………..….…… 6
Pipeline Safety Excellence …………………………………………….…..……….. 6
Compendium State Pipeline Safety Requirements ………………………….……… 6
Working with The Responders ……………………………….………………..…… 7
API Safety and Environmental Award Program …………………..……………...… 7
API Specification 5L …………………………………………………………...…… 8
Scope…………………………………………………………………………...……. 8
Process of Manufacture and Material ……..……………………………...…………. 9
Couplings (PSL Only) …………...……………………………...…………….….... 10
Discussion.……………………………………………………………………….…. 11
References…………………………………………………………………………... 12
APPENDIX F …………………………………………………………………….… 13
APPENDIX J ……………………………………………………………………..… 22
APPENDIX M …………………………………………………………………....… 23
Table 1 ……………..……………………………………………………………….. 26
Table 4 …………………………..………………………………………………….. 27
Table 5 …………….……………………………….……………………………….. 28
Table 6A ………………………..…………………………………………………... 29
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Abstract
An API specification provides a broad understanding of the functionality of the API
and the expected results. The specification is largely about the design of the API or
your design philosophy. API design and functionality are key factors when choosing
to integrate an API with an application.

Introduction
API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and is the global leader in
convening subject matter experts across segments to establish, maintain, and
distribute consensus standards for the oil and gas industry. In its first 100 years, API
has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational safety, environmental
protection and sustainability across the industry, especially through these standards
being adopted globally.
API standards are
developed under
API’s American
National Standards
Institute accredited
process, ensuring
that the API
standards are recognized not only for their technical rigor but also their third-party
accreditation which facilitates acceptance by state, federal, and increasingly
international regulators.
Since 1924, the American Petroleum Institute has been a cornerstone in establishing
and maintaining standards for the worldwide oil and natural gas industry. Our work
helps the industry invent and manufacture superior products consistently, provide
critical services, ensure fairness in the marketplace for businesses and consumers
alike, and promotes the acceptance of products and practices by industry and
governments globally as outlined in the new Standards enhance the safety of industry
operations, assure quality, help keep costs down, reduce waste, and minimize
confusion. They help speed acceptance, bring products to market quicker, and avoid
having to reinvent the wheel every time a product is manufactured.

API Pipelines
Where Are the Pipelines?
1. Liquid pipelines
More than 190,000 miles of liquid petroleum pipelines traverse the United States.
They connect producing areas to refineries and chemical plants while delivering the
products American consumers and businesses need. Pipelines are safe, efficient and,
because most are buried, largely unseen. They move crude oil from oil fields on land
and offshore to refineries where it is turned into fuels and other products, then from
the refineries to terminals where fuels are trucked to retail outlets. Pipelines operate
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Figure (1): Liquid Pipeline

2. Natural Gas Pipelines
Natural gas is delivered directly to homes and businesses through local distribution
lines from local distribution companies. Large distribution lines, called mains, move
the gas close to cities. These main lines, along with the much smaller service lines
that travel to homes and businesses account for the vast majority of the nation’s 2.4-
million- mile underground pipeline system.

Figure (2): U.S Natural Gas Pipeline

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Damage Prevention And Safety Issues:

The Excavation Damage Prevention (EDP) toolbox is a collection of damage
prevention shared learnings and practices for onshore, hazardous liquid transmission
pipeline operation. The learnings and practices outlined may be utilized by an
operator as information to be considered when analyzing, reviewing and/or modifying
existing procedures. It is not intended to be utilized as a recommended practice or
basis for regulation.

Pipeline Safety
The pipeline industry has made a number of commitments to move towards their goal
of zero incidents, from using the latest technologies, to creating recommended
practices with regulators and forming industry work groups to share best practices.
Pipeline operators are implementing integrity management programs to ensure their
assets are maintained. These strategies include using in-line inspection tools, or
“smart pigs,” to determine the condition of the pipeline. Smart pigs can detect
corrosion, cracking or other defects in the pipe wall and are used to plan preventive
maintenance. Operators also use this data to plan for future repairs.
Smart pigs aren’t the only tool used by the industry to ensure safety. Operators have
invested financial resources to ensure their infrastructure is reliable, including
spending over $2.2 billion in 2014 to evaluate, inspect and maintain pipelines.
Pipeline companies finance research projects on various pipeline challenges, such as
cracking, hydro-testing, and non-destructive examination. Some of this research is
coordinated by the industry alone and additional work is completed by collaborating
with pipeline regulatory agencies.

Landowner Relations
Liquids pipeline owners and operators are committed to treating landowners fairly,
openly and with respect. Pipeline companies through the American Petroleum
Institute and Association of Oil Pipe Lines have developed a program to train their
employees and representatives interacting with the public to uphold these principles.

Call Before you Dig

August 11 is National 8-1-1 Day! It's the time of year when the American Petroleum
Institute encourages homeowners and professional excavators to call 811 and follow
the safe digging process to help prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient
outages.
Beneath America's cities and rural areas lies a complex network of pipelines, wires,
conduits and cables. Some are buried only a few feet - or less - below the surface.
Hitting these lines can damage them, disrupting service, resulting in costly repairs and
possibly fines and even endangering lives. A federally-mandated national "Call
Before You Dig" number, 811 was created to help protect you from unintentionally
hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects.
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As part of API’s commitment to safe digging, National 8-1-1 Day and Call Before
You Dig, API has provided free versions of damage prevention best practices for
download. These consensus-based recommended practices have been developed
through a process accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
and help to promote safe digging practices among homeowners, third parties and
excavators.

Information Sharing
Several industry workshops and forums occur to provide an opportunity for the
dissemination of operator learnings. Additionally, companies have committed to
building a repository of files, including presentations, spreadsheets, and videos, with
valuable information detailing what they learned from an incident and how they
changed their operation to prevent something similar from happening. These
teachings can be invaluable, as other operators can review and similarly, take action
to prevent a related occurrence. All of these learnings can be found on API’s PIPES
(Pipeline Industry Practical Experience Sharing) Portal. Recognizing the sensitivity of
some of the sharings, PIPES is restricted to operators only. However, an industry
willing to share ensures that increased knowledge is spread throughout and pipeline
safety is improved.

Pipeline Safety Excellence

In 2014, the liquid pipeline industry launched its Pipeline Safety Excellence (TM)
initiative. It reflects the shared values and commitment we have to building and
operating safe pipelines. One of those pipeline safety values is communicating with
stakeholders. Pipeline operators are committed to sharing publicly the results of
industry-wide safety performance.
Starting in 2015, that sharing takes the form of an Annual Liquid Pipeline Safety
Performance Report. In it we document our industry-wide safety record and share it
with the public. Together, we know the areas in which we are doing well and where
we can improve. At its heart, Pipeline Safety Excellence TM is about continuously
improving pipeline safety until we reach the ultimate goal of zero incidents. This is a
key tool in that journey of improving pipeline safety performance.

Compendium of State Pipeline Safety Requirements

NARUC and our colleagues at the National Association of Pipeline Safety
Representatives are pleased to release an updated compendium of gas pipeline
regulations around the country revealing that States implement stricter rules and laws
than required by the federal government.
Originally released in November 2011, and updated in September 2013, the
compilation demonstrates how the large majority of State requirements go above and
beyond those required by federal law.
This compendium includes the detailed sections of the federal pipeline safety code
that are exceeded by the local statutes. This could include, but not be limited to, a
history of specific risky practices, a particular problem, or incidents that prompted the
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initiation of rulemaking, law amendment or issuance of Commission orders; the

State’s landscape or geography that has prompted specialized rules; a material defect
that perhaps affected a given population of pipelines giving rise to orders for more
frequent monitoring or replacement; and/or a greater demand or tolerance by the
public in that State for more stringent rules to enhance safety.

Working with The Responders: A Vital Partnership For An Effective

Response To Pipeline Emergencies
Representing a broad cross section of major North American liquids pipeline
operators, the API/AOPL Emergency Response Team (ERT) is responsible for
implementing API/AOPL strategy to proactively enhance hazardous liquid pipeline
emergency communications, planning, preparedness and response.
Pipelines are one of the safest and most reliable methods to transport the large
volumes of petroleum required every day by consumers, small businesses and
industry in North America. Although interstate oil pipelines transport more than 14
billion barrels of petroleum each year, major releases from these pipelines are rare.
Nevertheless, pipeline companies work hard to protect the public by preparing for
possible incidents involving their pipelines and related facilities. With the support of
the leadership of major North American pipeline companies, the API/AOPL ERT has
launched several initiatives to better align the shared objectives of emergency
response organizations, government and pipeline operators to promote a timely and
effective response to a significant pipeline incident.

API Safety and Environmental Award Program

Awards Program Information
API is pleased to announce and distribute the 2019 API Distinguished Pipeline Safety
Awards. API strives to identify an exemplary level of both occupational and
operational safety in our Distinguished Pipeline Safety Awards, recognizing our
operators’ performance in the pipeline industry. Three Distinguished Pipeline Safety
Awards will be awarded for 2019 based on company size (work-hours). Recipients
are chosen by a Selection Team represented by members of the API Pipeline
Subcommittee. It is the Selection Team’s responsibility to carefully examine the
performance, management, and culture utilizing the specific screening and selection
criteria. Selection will not be based on statistical measurement alone but will also be
determined by the organization’s written application which will include pertinent
information relative to the organization’s implementation of RP 1173 and
participation and sharing among the industry. The Award Application Materials
include:
2019 API Pipeline Award - Application and Guidance
API Pipeline Award - Guidance Appendix
2019 API PSRE Collection Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions - API Pipeline Award Program
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API SPECIFICATION 5L
Scope
1. PURPOSE AND COVERAGE
The purpose of this specification is to provide standards for pipe suitable for
use in conveying gas, water, and oil in both the oil and natural gas industries.
This specification covers seamless and welded steel line pipe. It includes
plain-end, threaded-end, and belled-end pipe, as well as through-the-flowline
(TFL) pipe and pipe with ends prepared for use with special couplings.
Although the plain-end line pipe meeting this specification is primarily
intended for field makeup by circumferential welding, the manufacturer will
not assume responsibility for field welding.
2. PRODUCT SPECIFICATION LEVEL (PSL)
This specification establishes requirements for two product specification levels
(PSL I and PSL 2). These two PSL designations define different levels of
standard technical requirements. PSL 2 has mandatory requirements for
carbon equivalent, notch toughness, maximum yield strength, and maximum
tensile strength. These and other differences are summarized in Appendix J.
Requirements that apply to only PSL I or only PSL 2 are so designated.
Requirements that are not designated to a specific PSL apply to both PSL I
and PSL 2. The purchaser may add requirements to purchase orders for either
PSL I or PSL 2, as provided by the supplementary requirements (Appendix F)
and other options (4.2 and 4.3).

3. GRADES
The grades (see the note) covered by this specification are the standard Grades
A25, A, B, X42, X46, X52, X56, X60, X65, X70 and X80; and any
intermediate grades (grades that are higher than X42, intermediate to two
sequential standard grades, and agreed upon by the purchaser and
manufacturer). PSL I pipe can be supplied in Grades A25 through X70. PSL 2
pipe can be supplied in Grades B through X80. Class II (CI II) steel is
rephosphorized and probably has better threading properties than Class I (CI
l). Because Class II (CI II) has higher phosphorus content than Class I (CI l), it
may be somewhat more difficult to bend. Pipe manufactured as Grade X60 or
higher shall not be substituted for pipe ordered as Grade X52 or lower without
purchaser approval.
Note: The grade designations are dimensionless. Grades A and B do not include reference to the
specified minimum yield strength; however, other grade designations are composed of the letter A orX,
followed by the first two digits of the specified minimum yield strength in U.S. Customary units.

4. DIMENSIONS
The sizes used herein are dimensionless designations, which are derived from
the specified outside diameter as measured in U.S. Customary units, and
provide a convenient method of referencing pipe size within the text and tables
(but not for order descriptions). Pipe sizes 23/8 and larger are expressed as
integers and fractions; pipe sizes smaller than 23/8 are expressed to three
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decimal places. These sizes replace the "size designation" and the "nominal
size designation" used in the previous edition of this specification. Users of
this specification who are accustomed to specifying nominal sizes rather than
OD sizes are advised to familiarize themselves with these new size
designations used in this specification, especially the usage in Tables 4, 5,and
6A.

PSL I pipe can be supplied in sizes ranging from 0.405 through 80.
PSL 2 pipe can be supplied in sizes ranging from 4'/2 through 80.

Dimensional requirements on threads and thread gages, stipulations on gaging

practice, gage specifications and certification, as well as instruments and
methods for inspection of threads are given in API Standard 5B and are
applicable to threaded products covered by this specification.

5. UNITS
U.S. Customary units are used in this specification; SI (metric) units are
shown in parentheses in the text and in many tables. The values stated in either
U.S. Customary units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
values stated are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, each system is to
be used independently of the other, without combining values for any specific
order item. See Appendix M for specific information about rounding
procedures and conversion factors.

Process of Manufacture and Material

A. Processes
1. PROCESS OF MANUFACTURE
Pipe furnished to this specification shall be either seamless or welded and shall
be limited to the product specification levels, grades, types of pipe, and size
limitations specified in Table 1.
These includes:

i. Seamless Process
ii. Welding Processes
iii. Types of Pipe
a. Seamless Pipe
b. Continuous Welded Pipe
c. Electric Welded Pipe
2. COLD EXPANSION
Pipe furnished to this specification, except continuous welded, shall be either
nonexpanded or cold expanded (see 3.3) at the option of the manufacturer,
unless otherwise specified on the purchase order. Suitable provision shall be
incorporated to protect the weld from contact with the internal expanding
mechanical device during mechanical expansion.
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3. MATERIAL
a. Plate and Skelp for Helical Seam Pipe
The width of plate or skelp used to manufacture helical seam pipe shall not be
less than 0.8 or more than 3.0 times the outside diameter of the pipe.
b. Repairs by Welding of Plate or Skelp (PSL 2
Only)
The plate or skelp used for PSL 2 pipe shall not contain any repair welds.
4. HEAT TREATMENT
The heat treating process shall be performed in accordance with a documented
procedure. Pipe furnished to this specification may be as-rolled, normalized,
normalized and tempered, subcritically stress relieved, or subcritically age
hardened; and X Grades may be quenched and tempered. Grade B pipe that is
quenched and tempered shall be seamless and shall be by agreement between
the purchaser and the manufacturer. See Section 10 for applicable marking
requirements.
5. SKELP END WELDS IN HELICAL SEAM PIPE
Junctions of skelp end welds and helical seam welds in finished pipe shall be
permitted only at distances greater than 12 in. (305 mm) from the pipe ends.
By agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer, skelp end welds
shall be permitted at the pipe ends, provided there is a circumferential
separation of at least 6 in. (152 mm) between the skelp end weld and the
helical seam weld at the applicable pipe ends. Skelp end welds in finished pipe
shall be properly prepared for welding and shall be made by automatic
submerged-arc welding, automatic gas metal-arc welding, or a combination of
both processes.
6. TRACEABILITY
5.6.1 PSL 1 Traceability Requirements
The manufacturer shall establish and follow procedures for maintaining heat
and/or lot identity until all required heat and/or lot tests are performed and
conformance with specification requirements is shown.
5.6.2 PSL 2 Heat and Lot Traceability
Requirements
The manufacturer shall comply with SR 15.2.

B. Material Requirements
1. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
2. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Couplings (PSL 1 only)

1. MATERIAL
Couplings for Grades A and B pipe shall be seamless and shall be made of a
grade of material at least equal in mechanical properties to that of the pipe.
Couplings for Grade A25 pipe shall be seamless or welded and shall be made
of steel. By agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer, welded
couplings may be supplied on pipe of sizes 14 and larger, if the couplings are
properly marked.
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2. TENSILE TESTS
A tensile test shall be made on each heat of steel from which couplings are
produced, and the coupling manufacturer shall maintain a record of such tests.
This record shall be open to inspection by the purchaser. If such a test is made
on finished couplings, either round specimens proportioned as specified in
ASTM E 8, Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials, or strip
specimens shall be used at the option of the manufacturer.

3. DIMENSIONS
Couplings shall conform to the dimensions and tolerances shown in Table 12
(see note) and Figure 3. Note: Couplings given in Table 12 are suitable for
pipe having dimensions as given in Tables 4 and 5

4. INSPECTION
Couplings shall be free from blisters, pits, cinder marks, and other defects that
would impair the efficiency of the coupling or break the continuity of the
thread.

Figure (3): Line Pipe and Couplings

Discussion:
1. What is API pipeline?
API 5L Seamless Line Pipe Specifications
The American Petroleum Institute specification API 5L covers seamless and
welded steel line pipe. This is steel pipe for pipeline transportation systems in
the petroleum and natural gas industries. API 5L is suitable for conveying gas,
water, and oil.

2. What is API in oil industry?

The American Petroleum Institute gravity, or API gravity, is a measure of
how heavy or light a petroleum liquid is compared to water: if its API gravity
is greater than 10, it is lighter and floats on water; if less than 10, it is heavier
and sinks.
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3. What are the different types of pipelines?

Within the energy sector, there are two major types of pipelines, liquids
pipelines and natural gas pipelines. Liquid pipelines transport
crude oil or natural gas in liquid form to refineries where they undergo
distillation and other production processes.

4. What are API standards for pipes?

API. As its name indicates, the American Petroleum Institute is an industry-
specific organization that, among other things, develops and publishes
standards for pipe and other materials used in the oil & gas industry.

5. Is API 5L carbon steel?

The API 5L specification covers seamless and welded pipes to convey oil,
gas, water in the natural oil & gas and petrochemical industries. API 5L line
pipes are available in multiple carbon steel grades, designated as Grade B,
X42, X46, X52, X56, X60, X70, X80 and in PSL1 or PSL2 specification
levels.

6. What is difference between pipeline and piping?

Piping refers to the piping inside the battery limits of a process plant
connecting various pumps and equipment. ... Whereas pipeline refers
to piping outside the process plant battery limit connecting two plants mainly
cross country pipelines of longer distances. The design of pipeline is
governed by ASME B31. 4 code.

7. Why are pipelines buried?

Most pipelines are typically buried at a depth of about 3 to 6 feet (0.91 to
1.83 m). To protect pipes from impact, abrasion, and corrosion, a variety of
methods are used.

References:
1. RP 5A3 Thread Compounds for Casing, Tubing, and Line Pipe
2. SPEC 5B Specification for Threading, Gauging, and Thread Inspection of
Casing. Tubing, and Line Pipe Threads
3. API RP 5Ll-Recommended Practice for Railroad Transportation on Line Pipe
4. https://www.api.org/
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