API 5L Pipe Specification

API 5L pipe is carbon steel pipe used for oil and gas transmissions, including pipes
manufactured in seamless and welded (ERW, SAW). Materials cover API 5L Grade B,
X42, X46, X52, X56, X60, X65, X70, X80 PSL1 and PSL2 in onshore, offshore and sour
services. API 5L the steel pipe implementation standard for pipeline transportation
systems and specification for pipelines.

Our supply range for API 5L pipe

Grades: API 5L Grade B, X42, X52, X56, X60, X65, X70, X80
Product specification level: PSL1, PSL2, onshore and offshore sour services
Outer diameter range: 1/2" to 2", 3", 4", 6”, 8”, 10”, 12”, 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches,
24 inches up to 40 inches.
Thickness program: SCH 10. SCH 20, SCH 40, SCH STD, SCH 80, SCH XS, to SCH
160
Manufacturing Types: Seamless (hot rolled and cold rolled), ERW welded (electric
resistance welded), SAW (submerged arc welded) in LSAW, DSAW, SSAW, HSAW
Ends Type: Beveled Ends, Plain Ends
Length range: SRL (single random length), DRL (double random length), 20 feet (6
meters), 40 feet (12 meters) or
personalized protective caps in plastic or iron
Surface treatment: natural paint, varnished, black, FBE, 3PE (3LPE), 3PP, CWC
(concrete weight coating) CRA coated or coated Here we will do a brief introduction of
API 5L pipe and the standard specifications related to the following aspects: Standard
scope
Manufacturing Types
Different grades (Covers B, X42, X46, X52, X60, X65, X70)
Delivery condition (R, N, Q, M means)
Product Specification Level (PSL1 and PSL2)
Material specifications (chemical and mechanical)
Test methods
Tolerances on pipe diameters, wall thickness, out of roundness
Common defects
Line Pipeline History and Milestones
Applications

API 5L Pipe Standard Scope

In API SPEC 5L 46th Edition, the scope is defined as: ”Requirements for the
manufacture of two product specification levels (PSL1 and PSL2) of seamless and
welded steel pipes for use in pipeline transportation systems in the transportation
industries. oil and natural gas. This standard is not applicable to cast pipe."
In a word, API 5L pipe is the carbon steel pipe which is applied to oil and gas
transmission system. Meanwhile, other fluids such as steam, water and sludge could
also adopt the API 5L standard for transmission purposes.

Different types of manufacturing

The API 5L specification covers welded and seamless manufacturing types.

Welded Type: ERW, SAW, DSAW, LSAW, SSAW, HSAW Pipe

For common types of API 5L welded pipe as follows:
ERW: Electric resistance welded, for pipes with a diameter normally less than 24
inches.
DSAW/SAW: Double Submerged Arc Welding/Submerged Arc Welding, a substitute
welding method for ERW for larger diameter pipes.
LSAW: Longitudinal SAW, for diameters up to 48 inches. Also called JCOE
manufacturing process.
SSAW/HSAW: Helical saw/spiral submerged arc welded, pipe diameters up to 100
inches.

Seamless type: Hot rolled seamess and cold rolled seamless tube
Seamless type of fabrication generally for small diameter pipe, typically less than 24
inches in diameter.
(For the pipe diameter is less than 150mm or 6 inches, seamless steel pipe is applied
more than welded steel pipe.)
There are also large diameter seamless tubes. By hot rolled manufacturing process, we
could get seamless pipe diameters maximum 20 inches (508 mm). But if you need the
seamless pipe larger than 20”, we can get it by hot expansion processes, maximum
diameters 40 inches 1016mm.

API 5L tube manufacturing development

In addition to Seamless and ERW, SAW manufacturing technologies, in the early years
API 5L steel pipe could also be furnace manufactured with lap welding (eliminated in
API 5L in 1962).
As the development of pipe steel plate manufacturing technology, pipe welding and
forming technology has been greatly improved, ERW and SAW pipes in pipeline
constructions have also been greatly improved. Especially for large diameter steel pipe,
SAW pipe gets great advantage. With lower raw material cost, simplified and uniform
production procedures, welded steel pipe has taken the first place in oil and gas
pipeline industries.

API 5L covers grades B, X42, X46, X52, X56, X60, X65, X70,
X80
API 5L steel line pipe adopts different grades of steel, usually they are Gr. B, X42, X46,
X52, X56, X60, X65, X70, X80. Some manufacturers can make steel grades up to X100
and X120. As steel pipe grades higher, tighter control over carbon equivalent control
and higher mechanical strength performances.
In addition, for the same grade of API 5L pipe, the content of seamless and welded
chemical elements is different, which welded pipe is required more strictly and with less
carbon and sulfur.
For different delivery conditions, there are also rolled, normalized rolled,
thermomechanical rolled, normalized formed, normalized, normalized and tempered,
quenched and tempered.
Delivery conditions for each API 5L grade
Table 1 — Pipe grades, steel grades and acceptable delivery conditions

PSL Delivery conditions

Pipe grade/steel grade ab
PSL 1 As-rolled, normalizing rolled, normalized or normalizing formed
L175 or A25
L175P orA25P
L210orA

As-rolled, normalizing rolled, thermomechanical rolled, thermomechanical

formed, normalizing formed, normalized, normalized and tempered; or, if agreed, L245 or B
quenched and tempered for SMLS pipe only
As-rolled, normalizing rolled, thermomechanical rolled, thermomechanical L290 or X42
formed, normal formed, normalized, normalized and tempered or quenched and
tempered L320 or X46
L360 or X52

L390 or X56
L415or X60

L450 or X65
L485 or X70
PSL 2 Ace-rolled L245R or BR
L290R or X42R
Normalizing rolled, normalizing formed, normalized or normalized and tempered
L245N or BN
L290N or X42N
L320N or X46N
L360N or X52N
L390N or X56N

L415N orX60N
Quenched and tempered L245Q or BQ
L290Q or X42Q

L320Q or X46Q
L360Q or X52Q

L390Q or X56Q
L415Q or X60Q
L450Q or X65Q

L485Q or X70Q
L555Q or X80Q

L625Q or X90Q c
L690Q orX100Q c

To be continue:
Table 1 — Pipe grades, steel grades and acceptable delivery conditions (continued)

PSL Delivery conditions

Pipe grade/steel grade ab
PSL2 Thermomechanical rolled or thermomechanical formed L245M or BM
L290M or X42M
L320M or X46M
L360M or X52M
L390M or X56M
L415M or X60M
L450M or X65M
L485M or X70M

L555M or X80M
Thermomechanical rolled L625M or X90M
 L690M orXIOOM
L830M orX120M

a For intermediate grades, the steel grade shall be in one of the following formats: (1)
The letter L followed by the specified minimum yield strength in MPa and, for PSL 2 pipe, the letter describing the
delivery condition (R, N. Q or M) consistent with the above formats. (2) The letter M) consistent with the above formats.
D The suffix (R, N, Q or M) for PSL 2 grades belongs to the steel grade.
C Seamless only.

For intermediate grades, the API 5L pipe grade shall have one of the following
description formats:
to. The letter L followed by the specified minimum yield strength in Mpa. For example,
L290 (X42) means that the minimum yield strength is 290 Mpa. In the case of PSL2
pipe, the suffix letter (R, N, Q or M) will be added to describe the delivery condition;
second. The letter M) consists of the above formats.
Letter R: laminated
Letter N: normalized laminated, normalized formed, normalized
Letter Q: tempered and tempered
Letter M: thermomechanical laminated or thermomechanical formed
Letter S: Sour Services, comes with PSL2 pipeline for NS, QS, MS, e.g. API 5L X52MS, API 5L
X65QS.

Product specification level (PSL1 and PSL2 in

API 5L)
What is PSL
PSL is the abbreviation for product specification level. Product specification level can
be divided into PSL1 and PSL2, it could also be considered as quality level.

Differences of PSL1 and PSL2

Click here to learn the differences between PSL1 and PSL2 pipes.
Requirement

PSL1 and PSL2 are not only different for testing requirements, but also for chemical
composition and mechanical properties.
PSL1 is more strict than PSL2 in chemical composition, tensile properties, impact test,
non-destructive testing and other indicators.
Impact test
PSL1 does not require impact testing and PSL2 must except X80.
Non-destructive testing

PSL1 does not require non-destructive testing, where PSL2 required non-destructive
testing.
(NDT: Non-destructive inspection and testing. It is to use radiographic, ultrasonic or
other methods (do not break the material) in the API 5L standard, to reveal defects and
imperfections of the pipe).

API 5L Pipe Data Sheet Specification

API 5L Pipe Data Sheet Specification including chemical composition and mechanical
properties for PSL1 and PSL2 pipe.

Chemical composition
Chemical composition for PSL1 line pipe with wall thickness ≤ 25.0 mm (0.984 in)
 () OCTAL
Chemical composition for API 5L PSII pipe 'P 111
1, , Gave www.octalsteel.com
Wall thickness < 25.0 mm (0.984 in)
Chemical composition
Wall Thickness < 25.0 mm (0.984 in)

Mass fraction, based upon heat and product analyzes

Steel Grade
(SteelName) %
c mn p yes V Nb You
max max min. max max max max max

Seamless pipe
L175orA25 0.21 0.60 - 0.030 0.030 _ _ _
L175ByA25P 0.21 0.60 0.045 0.080 0.030 _ _ _
L210orA 0.22 0.90 - 0.030 0.030 _ _ _
L245 or B 0.28 1.20 - 0.030 0.030 CD CD d
L290orX42 0.28 1.30 - 0.030 0.030 d d d
L320 or X46 0.28 1.40 - 0.030 0.030 d d d
L360 or X52 0.28 1.40 - 0.030 0.030 d d d
L390 or X56 0.28 1.40 - 0.030 0.030 d d d
L415orX60 0.28 1.40 - 0.030 0.030 F F F
L450orX65 0.28 1.40 - 0.030 0.030 F F F
L485orX70 0.28 1.40 - 0.030 0.030 F F F
Welded (ERW, LSAW, SSAW) pipe
L175orA25 0.21 0.6 - 0.030 0.030 _ _ _
L175ByA25P 0.21 0.6 0.045 0.080 0.030 _ _ _
L210orA 0.22 0.9 - 0.030 0.030 _ _ _
L245 or B 0.26 1.2 - 0.030 0.030 CD CD d
L290orX42 0.26 1.3 - 0.030 0.030 d d d
L320orX46 0.26 1.4 - 0.030 0.030 d d d
L360orX52 0.26 1.4 - 0.030 0.030 d d d
L390orX56 0.26 1.4 - 0.030 0.030 d d d
L415orX56 0.26 1.4 - 0.030 0.030 F F F
L450orX65 0.26 1.45 - 0.030 0.030 F F F
L485 or X70 0.26 1.65 - 0.030 0.030 F F F

a. Cu < 0.50%; Ni < 0.50%; Cr < 0.50 % and Mo < 0.15%

b. For each reduction of 0.01% Carbon Max, an increase of 0.05% of maximum Mn is allowed, up to a maximum of 1.65
for grade 2 B or L245, but < X52 or L360; Up to max 1.75% for grades above L360 or X52, but below L485 or X70;
And up to 2.00% max for grade X70 or L485.
c. Unless otherwise agreed, Nb + V < 0.06%.
d. Nb + V + Ti < 0.15%.
e. Unless otherwise agreed.
f. Unless otherwise agreed, Nb + V + Ti < 0.15%.
g. B shall be not added in on purpose, and maximum B is 0.001%.
Chemical Properties of API 5L PSL2 Pipe:
Chemical composition for API 5L PSL2 pipe with t < 25.0 mm (0.984 in)

Coal
Steel Grade (Steel Mass fraction, based upon heat and product analyzes
Name)
% maximum % maximum
cbSiMnbp Yes v Nb You Other CE,w CEpe
Seamless and welded pipes
L245RorBR 0.24 0.40 1.20 0.025 0.015 c c 0.04 and, 0.43 0.25
L290RorX42R 0.24 0.4 1.20 0.025 0.015 0.06 0.05 0.04 and, 0.43 0.25
L245N or BN 0.24 0.40 1.20 0.025 0.015 c c 0.04 he 0.43 0.25
L290N orX42N 0.24 0.4 1.20 0.025 0.015 0.06 0.05 0.04 e,I 0.43 0.25
L320N or X46N 0.24 0.40 1.40 0.025 0.015 0.07 0.05 0.04 of the 0.43 0.25
L360N orX52N 0.24 0.45 1.40 0.025 0.015 0.10 0.05 0.04 of the 0.43 0.25
L390N orX56N 0.24 0.45 1.40 0.025 0.015 0.10 0.05 0.04 of the 0.43 0.25
L415N or X60N 0.24’
0.45* 1.4' 0.025 0.015 0.10 0.05 0.04 g, h.
as agreed
L245Q or BQ 0.18 0.45 1.40 0.025 0.015 0.05 0.05 0.04 and, 0.43 0.25
L290QorX42Q 0.18 0.45 1.4f 0.025 0.015 0.05 0.05 0.04 and, 0.43 0.25
L320Q or X46Q 0.18 0.45 1.40 0.025 0.015 0.05 0.05 0.04 and. 0.43 0.25
L360Q or X52Q 0.18 0.45 1.50 0.025 0.015 0.05 0.05 0.04 and, 0.43 0.25
L390Q or X56Q 0.18 0.45 1.50 0.025 0.015 0.07 0.05 0.04 of the 0.43 0.25
L415Q orX60Q 0.18’ 0.45* 1.7 0.025 0.015 8 8 g h. 0.43 0.25
L450Q or X65Q 0.18' 0.45' 1.7' 0.025 0.015 g g g h,l 0.43 0.25
L485Q or X70Q 0.18* 0.45* 1.8’ 0.025 0.015 g 8 g h,l 0.43 0.25
L555Q or X80Q 0.18* 0.45* 1.9’ 0.025 0.015 g g g OR as agreed
L625QorX90Q 0.16 0.45 1.90 0.020 0.010 g g g j,k as agreed
L690Q or X100Q 0.16 0.45 1.90 0.020 0.010 g g g j,k as agreed
Welded pipe
L245M or BM 0.22 0.45 1.20 0.025 0.015 0.05 0.05 0.04 e.g. 0.43 0.25
L290M orX42M 0.22 0.45 1.30 0.025 0.015 0.05 0.05 0.04 and, 0.43 0.25
L320M or X46M 0.22 0.45 1.30 0.025 0.015 0.05 0.05 0.04 and, 0.43 0.25
L360M orX52M 0.22 0.45 1.40 0.025 0.015 d d d and, 0.43 0.25
L390orX56M 0.22 0.45 1.40 0.025 0.015 d d d and, 0.43 0.25
L415 or X60M 0.12* 0.45* 1.6' 0.025 0.015 g g g h,l 0.43 0.25
L450 or X65M 0.12' 0.45’ 1.6’ 0.025 0.015 g g g h,l 0.43 0.25
L485M orX70M 0.12* 0.45* 1.7’ 0.025 0.015 8 g g h,l 0.43 0.25
L555M or X80M 0.12' 0.45’ 1.85' 0.025 0.015 g g g Yo. 0.43 0.25
L625 or X90M 0.10 0.55’ 2.1' 0.02 0.010 g g g ill — 0.25
L690M or X100M 0.10 0.55* 2.1' 0.020 0.010 g g g i>j 0.25
L830M orX120M 0.10 0.55’ 2.1' 0.02 0.010 8 g g or 0.25

a. Based upon product analysis. For seamless pipe with t > 20.0 mm (0.787 in), the CE limits shall be as agreed.
The CEIIW limits apply if C > 0.12 % and the CEPcm limits apply if C < 0.12 %.
b. For each reduction of 0.01 % below the specified maximum for C, an increase of 0.05 % above the specified maximum for permissible,
up to a maximum of 1.65 % for grades > L245 or B, but < L360 or X52 ; up to a maximum of 1.75 % for grades > X52, but < L485 or X70;
up to a maximum of 2.00 % for grades > L485 or X70, but < L555 or X80; and up to a maximum of grades > L555 or X80.
c. Unless otherwise agreed, Nb + V < 0.06 %.
d. Nb + V + Ti < 0.15 %.
e. Unless otherwise agreed, Cu < 0.50 %; Ni < 0.30 %; Cr < 0.30% and Mo < 0.15 %.
f. Unless otherwise agreed.
g. Unless otherwise agreed, Nb + V + Ti < 0.15 %.
h. Unless otherwise agreed, Cu < 0.50 %; Ni < 0.50 %; Cr < 0.50% and Mo < 0.50%.
i. Unless otherwise agreed, Cu < 0.50 %; Ni < 1.00 %; Cr < 0.50% and Mo s 0.50 %.
j. Bs 0.004 %.
k. Unless otherwise agreed, Cu < 0.50 %; Ni < 1.00 %; Cr < 0.55% and Mo < 0.80 %.
l. For all PSL 2 pipe grades except those grades to which footnote j already applies, the following applies.
Unless otherwise agreed no intentional addition of B is permitted and residual BS 0.001%.

Chemical Composition for API Sour Pipe

to. If C > 0.12%, CEIIW limits will apply; If C ≤ 0.12%, CEPCM will be applied. second.
For every 0.01% reduction for maximum C, a 0.05% increase in maximum Mn is
allowed, up to a maximum of 0.20%.
c. Al ≤ 0.060%; N ≤ 0.012%; Al/N ≥ 2:1 (titanium-treated or titanium-killed steel not
applicable); Cu ≤ 0.35% (Cu ≤ 0.10% if agreed); Ni ≤ 0.30%; Cr ≤ 0.30%; Mo ≤ 0.15%;
B ≤ 0.0005%.
re. For seamless and welded pipes, Ca ≤ 0.006%; For welded pipe if Ca is added
intentionally, unless agreed, Ca/S ≥ 1.5 in case S > 0.0015%.
my. For SMLS pipe, the maximum limit for S could be increased to ≤ 0.008% and, if
welded, if agreed, to ≤ 0.006%. For higher S content in welded pipe, lower Ca/S ratios
can be agreed upon.
F. Nb + V ≤ 0.06%, unless otherwise agreed.
gram. Nb + V + Ti ≤ 0.15%.
h. In case of seamless pipe, the listed CEPCM value could be increased by 0.03.
I. Mo ≤ 0.35% in agreed case.
j. Cr ≤ 0.45% in agreed case.
k. Cr ≤ 0.45% and Ni ≤ 0.50% in the case agreed.
Tensile strength and performance
API 5L PSL 1 pipe Mechanical properties
Tensile strength, Yeild strength, Elongation
 Weld seam of EW, LSAW,
Pipe body of seamless pipe yes
SSAW and COW pipes

Pipe grade Elongation (on 50mm or

Yield strength tensile strength tensile strength
2 in)
Rt0.5 RM Af RM
MPa (psi), min MPa (psi), min % minimum MPa (psi), min
L175 or A25 175 (25 400) 310 (45 000) c 310 (45 000)
L175ByA25P 175(25 400) 310 (45 000) c 310(45 000)
L210or A 210(30 500) 335 (48 600) c 335 (48 600)
L245 or B 245 (35 500) 415 (60 200) c 415 (60 200)
L290 or X42 290 (42 100) 415 (60 200) c 415 (60 200)
L320 or X46 320(46 400) 435 (63 100) c 435 (63 100)
L360orX52 360 (52 200) 460 (66 700) c 460 (66 700)
L390 or X56 390(56 600) 490 (71100) c 490 (71100)
L415orX60 415 (60 200) 520 (75 400) c 520 (75 400)
L450 or X65 450 (65 300) 535 (77 600) c 535(77 600)
L485 or X70 485 (70 300) 570 (82 700) c 570 (82 700)
c.For the specified minimum elongation, Af shall be using below equation:

AQ,2 A, - CXC y0.9

Where
C is 1940 for calculations using IS units and 625000 for calculations using USC units;

Ax is the applicable tensile test piece cross-section area, expressed in square mm or square inch, as follows:

-for circular cross-section test pieces,130mm 2 for 12.7 mm and 8.9 mm diameter test pieces; and 65 mm 2 (0.10 in 2 ) for 6.4 mm
(0.250 in) diameter test pieces;
-for full-section test pieces, the lesser of a) 485 mm 2 (0.75 in 2 ) and b) the cross-sectional area of the test piece, derived using the
specified outside diameter and the specified wall thickness of the pipe, rounded to the nearest 10 mm 2 (0.01 in 2 );
-for strip test pieces, the lesser of a) 485 mm2 (0.75 In2) and b) the cross-sectional area of the test piece, derived using the
specified width of the test piece and the specified wall thickness of the pipe, rounded to the nearest 10 mm2 (0.01 in 2 );

U is the specified minimum tensile strength, expressed in megapascals (pounds per square inch).

For intermediate grades, the difference between the specified minimum tensile strength
and the minimum yield strength for the pipe body shall be as indicated in the table for
the next higher grade. The minimum tensile strength specified for the weld seam
should be the same value as determined for the pipe body in footnote a)
API 5L PSL 2 Pipe Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, Elongation

Weld seam of HFW,

Pipe body of seamless and welded pipes
SAW and COW pipes

Elongation (on 50
Pipe grade Yield strength a Tensile strength a Ratio af Tensile strength d
mm or 2 in)
R,os RM R,os/Rm TO, RM
MPa (psi) MPa (psi) % MPa (psi)
minimum maximum minimum maximum maximum minimum minimum

L245R or BR
L245N or BN 450e
245 (35 500) 415 (60 200) 655 (95 000) 0.93 F 415 (60 200)
L245Q or BQ (65,300)e
L245M or BM

L290R or X42R
L290N or X42N 290 (42 100) 495 (71 800) 415 (60 200) 655(95 000) 0.93 F 415 (60 200)
L290Q or X42Q
L290M or X42M
L320N or X46N
L320Q or X46Q 320 (46 400) 525 (76 100) 435 (63 100) 655 (95 000) 0,93 F 435 (63 100)
L320M orX46M
L360N or X52N
L360Qor X52Q 360 (52 200) 530 (76 900) 460 (66 700) 760 (110 200) 0,93 F 460 (66 700)
L360M or X52M
L390N or X56N
L390Q or X56Q 490 490
390 (56 600) 545 (79 000) 760 (110 200) 0,93 F
L390M or X56M (71100) (71100)

L415N orX60N
L415Q or X60Q 415 (60 200) 565 (81 900) 520 (75 400) 760 (110 200) 0,93 F 520 (75 400)
L415M or X60M

L450Q or X65Q 0,93 F

L450M or X65M 450 (65 300) 600 (87 000) 535 (77 600) 760 (110 200) 535 (77 600)
L485Q or X70Q 0,93
L485M or X70M 485 (70 300) 635 (92 100) 570 (82 700) 760 (110 200) • 570 (82 700)
L555Q or X80Q 0,93 F
L555M or X80M 555 (80 500) 705 (102 300) 625 (90 600) 825 (119 700) 625 (90 600)

L625M or X90M 0,95 F

625 (90 600) 775 (112 400) 695 (100 800) 915 (132 700) 695 (100 800)
6
L625Q or X90Q 0,97 F
625 (90 600) 775 (112 400) 695 (100 800) 915 (132 700) 695 (100 800)
690 b (100 840b 0.97h
L690M or X100M F
100) b (121,800) b 760 (110 200) 990 (143 600) 760 (110 200)
690 b (100 840b 0.97h
L690Q or X100Q F
100) b (121,800) b 760 (110 200) 990 (143 600) 760 (110 200)
830b 1050 b (152
L830M or X120M 1145 (166 0.99h
F
(120,400) b 300) b 915 (132 700) 100) 915 (132 700)

to. For intermediate grades, the difference between the maximum specified yield
strength and the minimum YS shall be as indicated in the table for the next higher
grade, and the difference between the minimum specified tensile limit and the minimum
specified TS shall be as indicated in the table. table for the next grade. superior grade.
For intermediate grades up to grade L320 or X46, the tensile strength must be ≤ 655
MPa (95,000 psi). For intermediate grades greater than grade L320 or X46 and less
than grade L555 or
 Tensile strength shall be ≤ 760 MPa (110,200 psi). For intermediate grades greater
than grade L555 or X80, the maximum allowable tensile strength will be obtained by
interpolation. For SI units, the calculated value will be rounded to the nearest 5 MPa.
For USC units, the calculated value will be rounded to the nearest 100 psi.
second. For grades > L625 or X90, Rp0.2 applies.
c. The above limit applies to pipes with D > 323.9 mm (12.750 in).
re. For intermediate grades, the minimum tensile strength specified for the weld seam
should be the same value that was determined for the pipe body using footnote a).
my. For pipe requiring longitudinal testing, the maximum yield strength should be ≤ 495
MPa (71,800 psi).
F. The minimum specified elongation, Af, will be determined with the following

equation: gram. Lower values of Rt0.5/Rm can be specified by agreement.

h. For grades > L625 or X90, Rp0.2/Rm applies. Lower values of Rp0.2/Rm can be
specified by agreement.
Mechanical Properties for API 5L Acid Service Pipe

The strength value is the same as PSL2.

API 5L Line Pipe Test Methods

HYDROSTATIC EXAMINATION
to. Joints do not need to be hydrostatically level, provided that the portions of pipe used
to make the joints have been successfully hydrostatically tested prior to the joining
operation.
second. Except in the above situation, the pipe will withstand the hydrostatic test
without leakage through the weld seam or pipe body.

bending test
Cracks should not occur in any part of the specimen and neither should opening of the
weld occur.

Note: For all bending tests, the weld extends a distance of 6.4 mm (0.25 in.) on each
side of the fusion line.

Flattening test
The flattening test method is used to check the deformation performance of the pipe to
the specified size and show its defects. According to the stress and deformation
characteristics of the sample during the flattening process, the flattening test should
show the resistance to longitudinal cracking and circumferential cracking of the pipe,
and show its internal and surface defects.
Aside from the three common tests above, there are other tests that are required in each
circumstance.
Guided curvature test
CVN impact for PSL2 pipe (including pipe body tests, pipe welding and HAZ tests)
DWT Test for PSL2 Welded Pipe

Surface conditions, imperfections and appearance of defects

All API 5L pipes must be free of defects, cracks, sweats and leaks. More defects like:
Notches on SAW and COW tubes.
arc burns
Laminations
Geometric deviations
hard points
Other surface imperfections (Depth of defects greater than 0.125 thickness or ≤ 0.125

wall thickness refers to Clauses C in API 5L.) API 5L pipe sizes and
tolerances
Diameter Tolerances and Out of Roundness
 Table 10 — Tolerances for diameter and out-of-roundness
Diameter t mm Pipe except the dionces d Out-of-roundn ess tolerances
(in)
end a SMLS pipe I Welded pipe (in) mm
Pipe
Specified outside Pipe end a,b,c Pipe except the
SMLS pipe I Welded pipe end abc
diameter D mm end a
(in)
< 60,3 (2.375) -0.8 (0.031) to+ 0.4 (0.016) -0.8 (0.031) to+ 0.4 (0.016) 1,2 (0.048) 0,9 (0.036)
0.020 D for 0.015 for

— <75: t — <75 ;
> 60.3 (2,375) to t
± 0.007 5D -0.4 (0.016) to + 1.6 (0.063) by agreement by agreement
168.3 (6,625)
for — > 75 , D ye
t for — >75 t

> 168.3(6,625) to ± 0.007 5 D, but ± 0.005 D, but maximum of ± 1.6

±0.007 5D 0.020D 0.015D
610(24,000) maximum of (0.063)
±3.2 (0.125)
0.015 D, but 0.01 D, but
maximum of maximum of 13
15(0.6) (0.5)
± 0.005 D, but for —<75 ; t
>610(24,000) to for —<75;
± 0.01D maximum of ±2,0 (0.079) ±1,6 (0.063)
1 422 (56.000) i by agreement by agreement
±4.0 (0.160) . D -e for — >75 From for>75
—
t t

> 1 422 (56.000) as agreed

a The pipe end includes a length of 100 mm (4.0 in) at each of the pipe extremities.
b
For SMLS pipe, the tolerances apply for t s 25.0 mm (0.984 in), and the tolerances for thicker pipe shall be as agreed.
c
For expanded pipe with D 2 219.1 mm (8.625 in) and for non-expanded pipe, the diameter tolerance and the out-of-roundness tolerance
may be determined using the calculated inside diameter (the specified outside diameter minus two times the specified wall thickness) or
measured inside diameter rather than the specified outside diameter (see 10.2.8.3).
d For determining compliance to diameter tolerances, the pipe diameter is defined as the circumference of the pipe in any
circumferential plane divided by Pi.
Wall thickness tolerances

Table 11 —Tolerances for wall thickness

Tolerances to

Wall thickness t mm (in) mm (in)

SMLS plpe b

<4,0 (0.157) + 0,6 (0.024)

- 0,5 (0.020)

>4.0 (0.157) to <25.0 (0.984) + 0.150 z

- 0.125z
+ 3.7 (0.146) or + 0.1 z, whichever is the greater
>25,0 (0.984)
- 3.0 (0.120) or -0.1 z, whichever is the greater
cd
Welded pipe
<5,0 (0.197) ± 0,5 (0.020)
>5.0 (0.197) to <15.0 (0.591) ± 0.1t
>15,0 (0.591) ± 1,5(0.060)
a If the purchase order specifies a minus tolerance for wall thickness smaller than the applicable value given in this table, the plus
tolerance for wall thickness shall be increased by an amount sufficient to maintain the applicable tolerance range.
b
For pipe with D 2 355.6 mm (14.000 in) and t 2 25.0 mm (0.984 in), the wall-thickness tolerance locally may exceed the plus tolerance
for wall thickness by an additional 0.05 t, provided that the plus tolerance for mass (see 9.14) is not exceeded.
c
The plus tolerance for wall thickness does not apply to the weld area.
d See 9.13.2 for additional restrictions.

Tolerances for pipe lengths

API 5L pipe length tolerances must be met with the following conditions:
a. The random length will be delivered as the following table 12.
b. Approximate lengths will be delivered with tolerances of +/- 500 mm.

Table 12 — Tolerances for random length pipe

Minimum length Minimum average length for

Random length designation Maximum length m(ft)
m(ft) m (ft) each order item m (ft)

Threaded-and-coupled pipe
6(20) 4,88 (16.0) 5,33 (17.5) 6,86 (22.5)
9(30) 4,11 (13.5) 8,00 (26.2) 10,29 (33.8)
12 (40) 6,71 (22.0) 10,67 (35.0) 13,72 (45.0)
Plain-end pipe
6(20) 2,74 (9.0) 5,33 (17.5) 6,86 (22.5)
9(30) 4,11 (13.5) 8,00 (26.2) 10,29 (33.8)
12 (40) 4,27 (14.0) 10,67 (35.0) 13,72 (45.0)
15(50) 5,33(17.5) 13,35 (43.8) 16,76 (55.0)
18 (60) 6,40 (21.0) 16,00 (52.5) 19,81 (65.0)

24 (80) 8,53 (28.0) 21,34 (70.0) 25,91 (85.0)

API 5L Pipe Ordering Information

to. Quantity in meters or tons. Total meters or total pieces.
second. PSL1 or PSL2 (N/M/Q/NS/MS/QS), sour services, onshore or offshore
c. Pipe types (seamless or welded, EW, ERW, HFW, SAW, LSAW, HSAW, SSAW)
d. Reference documents to API 5L.
my. steel grade
f. OD (outer diameter) and WT (pipe wall thickness)
g. length and length type (double random length / single random length / fixed length /
approximate length)
h. Applicability of confirmation of individual annexes
Additional Information

The following additional information could also be included in the OP in different

situations.
• Pipe designation
• Chemical composition for intermediate grades
• Carbon equivalent limits
• Diameter or rounding tolerances for special size pipe
• Joint welds
• Type of ends
• Repair requirements
• CVN impact test
• DWT test
• Hardness test • Marks
pipe and end colors,
etc

Traceability
For PSL1 pipe, the manufacturer must establish and follow documented procedures to
maintain
a. Thermal identity until all related chemical tests are performed and required
specifications are met.
second. Test the identity of the unit until all related mechanical tests are performed and
related specifications are met.
For PSL2 pipe, in addition to the above terms, such documents must provide a means
of tracing any length of pipe to the appropriate test unit, including the results of related
chemical and mechanical tests.
History and milestones of API 5L pipes
Before generating the API 5L piping standard

1834 The first cast iron pipe is manufactured in the USA. USA (Millville, NJ)
1856 Converter steelmaking technology developed
1858 First successful oil well established in Titusivlle, PA
1863 Threaded couplings used in pipe connections
1863 The pipe is made of wrought iron with lap welded seams in the furnace
1893 First 30-inch diameter pipe manufactured in
1899 lap welded First large diameter seamless steel pipe manufactured in 20 inches,
5/8 inch thick
1917 11 mile pipeline uses electric metal arc welding
1919 API (American Petroleum Institute).
1924 Electric resistance welding with direct current or low frequency is invented
1925 24” diameter large diameter seamless pipe is available
1927 Electric flash welded pipe developed
After the release of API 5L

1928 First API 5L standard for line pipe manufacturing appears, covering furnace butt
welded pipe, furnace lap welded pipe, and seamless pipe. Minimum YS 172 Mpa 25000
psi, maximum 310 Mpa 45000 psi. Including material for three grades A25, A, B, the
minimum yield strength was 172 Mpa, 207 Mpa and 241 Mpa.
1931 API 5L Pipe Specification Included ERW Pipe (Electrical Resistance Welded
Pipe)
1933 Large diameter steel pipe mainly adopted electric arc girth welding
1944 Electric flash welded pipe added in API 5L
1946 Large diameter 30-inch single submerged arc welding pipe begins
1948 Double Submerged Arc Welded Pipe (DSAW Pipe) appears in the 1948 version of
the API 5LX standard, covers the minimum yield strength material at 289 Mpa (42000
psi).
1953 API 5L Grade X46 and X52 tubing added
1962 Furnace lap welded pipe was eliminated from API 5L pipe, basic oxygen
steelmaking processes were accepted.
1963 Non-destructive inspection methods begin to be used in the API 5L pipe
specification
1966 API 5L Grade X60 pipe appears
1969 Supplemental requirements for toughness testing are added to API 5L 1973 API
5L Grade X70 steel pipe appears
1983 API 5L and API 5LX combined into API 5L.
1985 X80 grade pipe appears
2000 Minimum level of fracture toughness, mandatory in API 5L
Before 2000, grade X70 pipe used in pipelines the total amount was 40%, grade X65
and Most were of the ERW type.

API SPEC 5L and ISO 3183

About API SPEC 5L 2018 - 46th Edition of API Pipe Standard
This version was started in April 2018 and went into effect on May 1, 2019.

ISO 3183 Standard Specification for Pipe

In 2007, ISO and API made a joint release of ISO 3183:2007/API SPEC 5L 44th, to
complete a worldwide international standard. Until 2012, the United States claimed on
the intellectual property right, so API ended the cooperation with ISO and no longer
made standards for ISO. But the latest version of ISO 3183:2012 or API 5L 2012 is still
a union achievement, except the API LOGO and the onshore pipeline specification for
Europe, the rest of the content was the same.

Differences between API 5L 45th edition and previous edition

The main difference between the 45th edition and the previous one is adding 2
additional appendices: European Onshore Pipeline for PSL2 Pipeline Ordering
Specification, (Annex M). And equations for threaded and coupled pipes and
background equations for CVN and guided curve test specimens (Annex P). The rest of
the content has a little difference in related standards, manufacturing technology,
performance standard, inspection methods, as well as text expression adjustment. The
new version of API 5L 2012 is more complete and scientific.

API 5L Pipe Application

Modern API 5l steel line pipe belongs to low carbon or ultra low carbon micro alloy
steel. It is a high technology and high added value product.
The production of steel pipes has almost been applied to all the achievements of new
technologies in the field of metallurgy for almost 20 years.
At present, the development trend of pipeline engineering is large diameter, high
pressure gas transportation, high cold and corrosion service environment, thick wall of
underwater pipeline, etc.
Therefore, API 5L steel pipe should have high strength, high toughness and brittle
fracture, and good weldability, and should be suitable for sour services and H2S
environments with anti-corrosion performance.