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API 5DP drill pipe, API drill pipe, drill pipe size

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API 5DP drill pipe, API drill pipe, drill pipe size
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API Spec 5DP Drill Pipe Specifications, Sizes & Standard

Date:2026-01-04View:2320Tags:API 5DP drill pipe, API drill pipe, drill pipe size

1. What Is API Spec 5DP?


API Spec 5DP is the industry standard for steel drill pipe used in oil and gas drilling.It specifies the requirements for drill pipe dimensions, steel grades, mechanical properties, manufacturing, inspection, and testing.

API Spec 5DP covers the complete finished drill pipe, including the pipe body, tool joints, weld zones, and final inspection requirements. It has become the internationally recognized specification adopted by drilling contractors, EPC companies, and oil and gas operators worldwide.



2. API 5DP Steel Grades


API Spec 5DP classifies drill pipe into four standard steel grades based on yield strength and mechanical performance. Higher grades are used for deeper wells, higher drilling loads, and more demanding operating conditions.

- E75 – Conventional and shallow drilling

X95 – Medium-depth drilling

G105 – Deep well applications

S135 – Ultra-deep, high-pressure, and high-torque drilling


Grade Minimum Yield Strength (psi) Minimum Tensile Strength (psi) Minimum Elongation (%) Minimum Impact Energy (ft-lbs) Maximum Hardness (HRC)
E75 75,000 100,000 20 40 ≤30
X95 95,000 105,000 15 40 ≤32
G105 105,000 115,000 13 40 ≤35
S135 135,000 145,000 10 40 ≤38


The minimum mechanical property requirements for each grade are shown below.


3. API 5DP Chemical Composition Requirements


API Spec 5DP specifies the chemical composition requirements for each steel grade. Carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and alloying elements are controlled to achieve the required strength, toughness, and weldability.

The table below summarizes the chemical composition requirements for API 5DP steel grades.


Grade Carbon (C, %) Manganese (Mn, %) Phosphorus (P, %) Sulfur (S, %) Silicon (Si, %) Chromium (Cr, %) Nickel (Ni, %) Molybdenum (Mo, %) Copper (Cu, %)
E75 ≤0.35 0.60–1.10 ≤0.020 ≤0.010 ≤0.35 ≤0.15 ≤0.25 ≤0.20 ≤0.20
X95 ≤0.35 0.60–1.10 ≤0.020 ≤0.010 ≤0.35 0.75–1.15 0.40–0.75 0.15–0.25 ≤0.20
G105 ≤0.35 0.60–1.10 ≤0.020 ≤0.010 ≤0.35 0.75–1.15 0.40–0.75 0.15–0.25 ≤0.20
S135 ≤0.35 0.60–1.10 ≤0.020 ≤0.010 ≤0.35 0.75–1.15 0.40–0.75 0.15–0.25 ≤0.20


Note: The values shown are the specified chemical composition limits in API Spec 5DP. Actual composition may vary slightly depending on the manufacturing process and steel grade.


4. API 5DP Dimensions


API Spec 5DP specifies the standard dimensions for drill pipe, including outside diameter (OD), wall thickness, weight, upset type, and connection type. Standard sizes range from 2 3/8 in. to 6 5/8 in.

The specification also defines standard drill pipe lengths (R1, R2, and R3) and compatible rotary shoulder connections, including NC, IF, FH, and REG.

The following table summarizes the standard API 5DP drill pipe dimensions.


Nominal Size

Weight (lb/ft)

OD (mm)

Wall Thickness

(mm)

Upset Type

Standard Connection

2 3/8 6.65 60.32 7.11 EU NC26
2 7/8 10.40 73.02 9.19 EU NC31
3 1/2 13.30 88.90 9.35 EU NC38
4 14.00 101.60 8.38 EU / IU NC40 / NC46
4 1/2 16.60 114.30 8.56 EU / IEU NC46 / NC50
5 19.50 / 25.60 127.00 9.19 / 12.70 IEU NC50 / 5½ FH
5 1/2 21.90 / 24.70 139.70 9.17 / 10.54 IEU 5½ FH
6 5/8 25.20 / 27.70 168.28 8.38 / 9.19 IEU 6⅝ FH


Complete dimensional requirements are available in the official API specification and are summarized in the Drill Pipe Size Chart.


5. API 5D vs API Spec 5DP


API 5D was the earlier API standard for drill pipe and primarily specified the requirements for the drill pipe body, including dimensions, materials, and basic mechanical properties.


API Specification 5DP replaced API 5D by expanding the scope to cover the complete finished drill pipe. In addition to the pipe body, it specifies requirements for tool joints, weld zones, manufacturing, inspection, testing, marking, and documentation. Today, API Spec 5DP is the current API standard for steel drill pipe used in oil and gas drilling.


The table below summarizes the main differences between the two specifications.

Feature API 5D API Spec 5DP
Scope Drill pipe body Complete finished drill pipe
Coverage Materials and basic dimensions Dimensions, steel grades, manufacturing, inspection, testing, marking, and documentation
Tool Joints Limited requirements Included
Weld Zone Not covered Covered
Inspection Requirements Basic Comprehensive
Current Status Superseded Current API standard


Reference: This comparison is based on the technical requirements defined in API Specification 5DP – Specification for Drill Pipe (latest applicable edition) and the superseded API Specification 5D, published by the American Petroleum Institute (API).


6. Frequently Asked Questions


Q1. What steel grades are included in API Spec 5DP?

API Spec 5DP includes four steel grades: E75, X95, G105, and S135. As the grade increases, the drill pipe offers higher strength and is suitable for deeper wells and more demanding drilling conditions.


Q2. What drill pipe sizes does API Spec 5DP cover?

API Spec 5DP covers standard drill pipe sizes from 2 3/8 in. to 6 5/8 in. It also defines standard wall thicknesses, weights, upset types, thread connections, and length ranges (R1, R2, and R3).


Q3. Did API Spec 5DP replace API 5D?

Yes. API Spec 5DP replaced API 5D and is the current API standard for steel drill pipe. It covers the complete finished drill pipe rather than only the pipe body.


Q4. Is API Spec 5DP the current drill pipe standard?

Yes. API Spec 5DP is the current API specification for steel drill pipe used in oil and gas drilling and is widely adopted throughout the industry.


Q5. Does API Spec 5DP cover tool joints?

Yes. In addition to the pipe body, API Spec 5DP includes requirements for tool joints, weld zones, inspection, and testing to ensure the performance of the finished drill pipe.

Q5. Where can I download the API Spec 5DP PDF?

API Specification 5DP is a copyrighted publication of the American Petroleum Institute (API). Official PDF copies are available through authorized API distributors rather than free public downloads.


Q6.Does API Spec 5DP apply to seamless drill pipe?

Yes. API Spec 5DP applies to seamless steel drill pipe used in oil and gas drilling and defines the technical requirements for dimensions, steel grades, manufacturing, inspection, and testing.