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The API 5L standard is a pipeline steel pipe standard developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API), which is mainly used to regulate the production, delivery and transportation of steel pipes. The API 5L standard is a widely used pipeline steel pipe standard in the global oil and gas industry, covering seamless steel pipes and welded steel pipes, including plain end pipes, threaded end pipes and flared end pipes, as well as straight-through pipeline pipes (TFL) pipes and pipes with prefabricated ends for special joints. It specifies the technical requirements, inspection methods and delivery conditions of pipeline steel pipes to ensure the quality and safety performance of the products. The following is a detailed explanation of the API 5L standard:
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API SPECIFICATION 5L |
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Permissible Specified Outside Diameter and Specified Wall Thickness |
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Specified Outside Diameter |
Specified Wall Thickness |
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Special Light Sizes a |
Regular Sizes |
|
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≥ 10.3 (0.405) to < 13.7 (0.540) |
— |
≥ 1.7 (0.068) to ≤ 2.4 (0.094) |
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≥ 13.7 (0.540) to < 17.1 (0.675) |
— |
≥ 2.2 (0.088) to ≤ 3.0 (0.118) |
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≥ 17.1 (0.675) to < 21.3 (0.840) |
— |
≥ 2.3 (0.091) to ≤ 3.2 (0.125) |
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≥ 21.3 (0.840) to < 26.7 (1.050) |
— |
≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 7.5 (0.294) |
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≥ 26.7 (1.050) to < 33.4 (1.315) |
— |
≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 7.8 (0.308) |
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≥ 33.4 (1.315) to < 48.3 (1.900) |
— |
≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 10.0 (0.394) |
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≥ 48.3 (1.900) to < 60.3 (2.375) |
— |
≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 12.5 (0.492) |
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≥ 60.3 (2.375) to < 73.0 (2.875) |
≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 3.6 (0.141) |
> 3.6 (0.141) to ≤ 14.2 (0.559) |
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≥ 73.0 (2.875) to < 88.9 (3.500) |
≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 3.6 (0.141) |
> 3.6 (0.141) to ≤ 20.0 (0.787) |
|
≥ 88.9 (3.500) to < 101.6 (4.000) |
≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 4.0 (0.156) |
> 4.0 (0.156) to ≤ 22.0 (0.866) |
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≥ 101.6 (4.000) to < 168.3 (6.625) |
≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 4.0 (0.156) |
> 4.0 (0.156) to ≤ 25.0 (0.984) |
|
≥ 168.3 (6.625) to < 219.1 (8.625) |
≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 4.0 (0.156) |
> 4.0 (0.156) to ≤ 40.0 (1.575) |
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≥ 219.1 (8.625) to < 273.1 (10.750) |
≥ 3.2 (0.125) to ≤ 4.0 (0.156) |
> 4.0 (0.156) to ≤ 40.0 (1.575) |
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≥ 273.1 (10.750) to < 323.9 (12.750) |
≥ 3.6 (0.141) to ≤ 5.2 (0.203) |
> 5.2 (0.203) to ≤ 45.0 (1.771) |
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≥ 323.9 (12.750) to < 355.6 (14.000) |
≥ 4.0 (0.156) to ≤ 5.6 (0.219) |
> 5.6 (0.219) to ≤ 45.0 (1.771) |
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≥ 355.6 (14.000) to < 457 (18.000) |
≥ 4.5 (0.177) to ≤ 7.1 (0.281) |
> 7.1 (0.281) to ≤ 45.0 (1.771) |
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≥ 457 (18.000) to < 559 (22.000) |
≥ 4.8 (0.188) to ≤ 7.1 (0.281) |
> 7.1 (0.281) to ≤ 45.0 (1.771) |
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≥ 559 (22.000) to < 711 (28.000) |
≥ 5.6 (0.219) to ≤ 7.1 (0.281) |
> 7.1 (0.281) to ≤ 45.0 (1.771) |
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≥ 711 (28.000) to < 864 (34.000) |
≥ 5.6 (0.219) to ≤ 7.1 (0.281) |
> 7.1 (0.281) to ≤ 52.0 (2.050) |
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≥ 864 (34.000) to < 965 (38.000) |
— |
≥ 5.6 (0.219) to ≤ 52.0 (2.050) |
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≥ 965 (38.000) to < 1422 (56.000) |
— |
≥ 6.4 (0.250) to ≤ 52.0 (2.050) |
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≥ 1422 (56.000) to < 1829 (72.000) |
— |
≥ 9.5 (0.375) to ≤ 52.0 (2.050) |
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≥ 1829 (72.000) to < 2134 (84.000) |
— |
≥ 10.3 (0.406) to ≤ 52.0 (2.050) |
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NOTE Standardized values for specified outside diameter and specified wall thickness of pipe are given in ISO 4200 [7] and ASME B36.10M[8] |
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The API 5L standard specifies the allowable dimensional deviations of pipeline steel pipes to ensure the interchangeability and consistency of steel pipes.
The standard requires steel pipes to have specific mechanical properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, etc. to meet the needs of different application scenarios.
|
Standard |
Model |
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
Yield Strength (MPa) |
Yield Ratio |
Elongation (%) |
0℃ Impact Energy Akv（J） |
Heat Treatment Method |
|
API SPEC 5L
|
X42 |
≥415 |
290～440 |
≤0.80 |
21 |
≥40 |
|
|
X52 |
≥460 |
360～510 |
≤0.85 |
20 |
≥40 |
Normalizing |
|
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X60 |
≥520 |
415～565 |
≤0.85 |
18 |
≥40 |
Normalizing |
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X65 |
≥535 |
450～570 |
≤0.90 |
18 |
≥40 |
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X70 |
≥570 |
485～605 |
≤0.90 |
18 |
≥40 |
Quenching + Tempering |
There are clear requirements for the chemical composition of steel pipes to ensure the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of steel pipes.
Steel Grade
Mass fraction, % based on heat and
product analyses a,g
C
Mn
P
S
V
Nb
Ti
max b
max b
max
max
max
max
max
Seamless Pipe
A
0.22
0.90
0.03
0.03
–
–
–
B
0.28
1.20
0.03
0.03
c,d
c,d
d
X42
0.28
1.30
0.03
0.03
d
d
d
X46
0.28
1.40
0.03
0.03
d
d
d
X52
0.28
1.40
0.03
0.03
d
d
d
X56
0.28
1.40
0.03
0.03
d
d
d
X60
0.28 e
1.40 e
0.03
0.03
f
f
f
X65
0.28 e
1.40 e
0.03
0.03
f
f
f
X70
0.28 e
1.40 e
0.03
0.03
f
f
f
Welded Pipe
A
0.22
0.90
0.03
0.03
–
–
–
B
0.26
1.20
0.03
0.03
c,d
c,d
d
X42
0.26
1.30
0.03
0.03
d
d
d
X46
0.26
1.40
0.03
0.03
d
d
d
X52
0.26
1.40
0.03
0.03
d
d
d
X56
0.26
1.40
0.03
0.03
d
d
d
X60
0.26 e
1.40 e
0.03
0.03
f
f
f
X65
0.26 e
1.45 e
0.03
0.03
f
f
f
X70
0.26e
1.65 e
0.03
0.03
f
f
f
a. Cu ≤ = 0.50% Ni; ≤ 0.50%; Cr ≤ 0.50%;
and Mo ≤ 0.15%,
b. For each reduction of 0.01% below the specified maximum concentration for
carbon, an increase of 0.05% above the specified maximum concentration for Mn
is 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 > L360 or X52, but < L485
or X70; and up to a maximum of 2.00% for grade L485 or X70.,
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. No deliberate addition of B is permitted and the residual B ≤ 0.001%
Steel Grade
Mass fraction, % based on heat and
product analyses
Carbon Equiv a
C
Si
Mn
P
S
V
Nb
Ti
Other
CE IIW
CE Pcm
max b
max
max b
max
max
max
max
max
max
max
BR
0.24
0.40
1.20
0.025
0.015
c
c
0.04
e,l
0.43
0.25
X42R
0.24
0.40
1.20
0.025
0.015
0.06
0.05
0.04
e,l
0.43
0.25
BN
0.24
0.40
1.20
0.025
0.015
c
c
0.04
e,l
0.43
0.25
X42N
0.24
0.40
1.20
0.025
0.015
0.06
0.05
0.04
e,l
0.43
0.25
X46N
0.24
0.40
1.40
0.025
0.015
0.07
0.05
0.04
d,e,l
0.43
0.25
X52N
0.24
0.45
1.40
0.025
0.015
0.10
0.05
0.04
d,e,l
0.43
0.25
X56N
0.24
0.45
1.40
0.025
0.015
0.10f
0.05
0.04
d,e,l
0.43
0.25
X60N
0.24f
0.45f
1.40f
0.025
0.015
0.10f
0.05f
0.04f
g,h,l
As agreed
BQ
0.18
0.45
1.40
0.025
0.015
0.05
0.05
0.04
e,l
0.43
0.25
X42Q
0.18
0.45
1.40
0.025
0.015
0.05
0.05
0.04
e,l
0.43
0.25
X46Q
0.18
0.45
1.40
0.025
0.015
0.05
0.05
0.04
e,l
0.43
0.25
X52Q
0.18
0.45
1.50
0.025
0.015
0.05
0.05
0.04
e,l
0.43
0.25
X56Q
0.18
0.45f
1.50
0.025
0.015
0.07
0.05
0.04
e,l
0.43
0.25
X60Q
0.18f
0.45f
1.70f
0.025
0.015
g
g
g
h,l
0.43
0.25
X65Q
0.18f
0.45f
1.70f
0.025
0.015
g
g
g
h,l
0.43
0.25
X70Q
0.18f
0.45f
1.80f
0.025
0.015
g
g
g
h,l
0.43
0.25
X80Q
0.18f
0.45f
1.90f
0.025
0.015
g
g
g
i,j
As agreed
X90Q
0.16f
0.45f
1.90
0.020
0.010
g
g
g
j,k
As agreed
X100Q
0.16f
0.45f
1.90
0.020
0.010
g
g
g
j,k
As agreed
Welded Pipe
BM
0.22
0.45
1.20
0.025
0.015
0.05
0.05
0.04
e,l
0.43
0.25
X42M
0.22
0.45
1.30
0.025
0.015
0.05
0.05
0.04
e,l
0.43
0.25
X46M
0.22
0.45
1.30
0.025
0.015
0.05
0.05
0.04
e,l
0.43
0.25
X52M
0.22
0.45
1.40
0.025
0.015
d
d
d
e,l
0.43
0.25
X56M
0.22
0.45f
1.40
0.025
0.015
d
d
d
e,l
0.43
0.25
X60M
0.12f
0.45f
1.60f
0.025
0.015
g
g
g
h,l
0.43
0.25
X65M
0.12f
0.45f
1.60f
0.025
0.015
g
g
g
h,l
0.43
0.25
X70M
0.12f
0.45f
1.70f
0.025
0.015
g
g
g
h,l
0.43
0.25
X80M
0.12f
0.45f
1.85f
0.025
0.015
g
g
g
i,j
.043f
0.25
X90M
0.1
0.55f
2.10f
0.02
0.01
g
g
g
i,j
–
0.25
X100M
0.1
0.55f
2.10f
0.02
0.01
g
g
g
i,j
–
0.25
a. SMLS t>0.787”, CE limits shall be
as agreed. The CEIIW limits applied fi 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 Mn is 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 > L360 or 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
2.20% for 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 ≤ 0.50%,
j. B ≤ 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 with footnotes j noted, the
following applies. Unless otherwise agreed no intentional addition of B is permitted
and residual B ≤ 0.001%.
API 5L standard requires nondestructive testing of steel pipes, such as ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, etc., to detect defects and cracks inside the steel pipes.
According to API 5L standard, steel pipes can be divided into two grades: API5L PSL1 and API SL PSL2. Among them, PSI (Product Specification Levels) refers to product specification levels
API 5L PSL1 requires that the chemical composition, mechanical properties and dimensions of steel pipes meet relevant requirements. This grade of steel pipe is suitable for conventional transportation applications such as natural gas, oil and water.
Compared with PSL1, API 5L PSL2 has stricter requirements for steel pipes. It has higher requirements on chemical composition, mechanical properties and size restrictions. In addition, PSL2 also provides additional technical requirements such as impact testing, non-destructive testing and weld qualification rate.
API 5L Grade B Pipe
API 5L X56 Pipe
API 5L X42 Pipe
API 5L X60 Pipe
API 5L X46 Pipe
API 5L X65 Pipe
API 5L X52 Pipe
API 5L X70 Pipe
This is the standard quality grade, typically used for general pipeline transportation. Its testing requirements are less stringent, and mechanical property limitations are lower. PSL1 is generally used in applications with less stringent performance requirements and pipeline performance requirements. It is suitable for low-pressure applications and shorter pipeline routes.
This grade of steel pipe offers superior mechanical properties, more stringent testing, and more refined chemical composition control. It is suitable for critical applications with extremely high requirements for toughness, durability, and quality control. PSL2 steel pipe must undergo Charpy impact testing, non-destructive testing, and more stringent chemical composition analysis. These steel pipes are ideal for extreme weather conditions, high-pressure environments, and long-distance fluid transportation.
The pipes ranges in PSL1, PSL2, sour services, for onshore and offshore.
API 5L X42 PSL1, in common delivery condition of As Rolled.
API 5L X42N/M/Q, for PSL2 pipe with delivery condition of N, M, and Q.
API 5L X42NS/MS/QS, used for sour services pipelines.
Suffix Letter Means
R: As rolled
N: Normalizing rolled, Normalized formed, Normalized
Q: Tempered and quenched
M: Thermomechanical rolled or thermomechanical formed
S: Sour Service
The API 5L standard specifies a variety of inspection methods, including appearance inspection, dimensional measurement, mechanical properties testing, chemical composition analysis, etc., to ensure that the quality of steel pipes meets the standard requirements.
According to the API 5L standard, the delivery conditions of steel pipes include requirements such as heat treatment status, surface quality, packaging and marking.
PSL
Delivery Condition
Pipe grade
PSL1
As-rolled, normalized, normalizing formed
A
As-rolled, normalizing rolled,
thermomechanical rolled, thermo-mechanical formed, normalizing formed,
normalized, normalized and tempered or if agreed Q&T SMLS only
B
As-rolled, normalizing rolled,
thermomechanical rolled, thermo-mechanical formed, normalizing formed,
normalized, normalized and tempered
X42, X46, X52, X56, X60, X65, X70
PSL 2
As-rolled
BR, X42R
Normalizing rolled, normalizing formed,
normalized or normalized and tempered
BN, X42N, X46N, X52N, X56N, X60N
Quenched and tempered
BQ, X42Q, X46Q, X56Q, X60Q, X65Q, X70Q,
X80Q, X90Q, X100Q
Thermomechanical rolled or
thermomechanical formed
BM, X42M, X46M, X56M, X60M, X65M, X70M,
X80M
Thermomechanical rolled
X90M, X100M, X120M
The suffice (R, N, Q or M) for PSL2
grades, belongs to the steel grade
API 5L standard pipeline steel pipes are mainly used to transport fluid media such as crude oil, refined oil, natural gas, as well as other fluids such as water, sewage, and steam.
This standard is applicable to many fields such as petroleum, petrochemicals, natural gas, natural gas chemicals, electricity, water conservancy, etc., especially in long-distance pipeline transportation systems. It plays an important role.
In summary, the API 5L standard is an indispensable pipeline steel pipe standard in the global oil and gas industry. It stipulates the dimensions, grades, technical requirements, inspection methods and delivery conditions of pipeline steel pipes to ensure the quality and safety performance of the pipe.
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