API Specification 5L for Line Pipe

 1. Scope  

API 5L specifies requirements for the manufacture of seamless and welded steel line pipes used in pipeline transportation systems in the petroleum and natural gas industries. It covers PSL1 (Primary Requirement Level 1) and PSL2 (Enhanced Requirements) grades.  

 2. Ordering Information  

Key details to include when ordering:  

- Specification (API 5L) and edition (e.g., 46th Edition, 2024).  

- Type of pipe (seamless, welded – ERW, SAW, etc.).  

- PSL level (1 or 2).  

- Grade (e.g., A25, A, B, X42–X80, etc.).  

- Size (outside diameter, wall thickness, length).  

- End finish (plain, beveled, threaded, etc.).  

- Supplementary requirements (e.g., impact testing, nondestructive examination).  

 3. Main Steel Grades  

Here is a complete list of all steel grades specified in the API 5L 46th Edition (2024), categorized by PSL (Product Specification Level):  

 3.1 PSL1 (Standard Requirements) Grades  

These grades have basic chemical and mechanical property requirements:  

- A25 (Minimum Yield Strength: 25 ksi / 172 MPa)  

- A (Minimum Yield Strength: 30 ksi / 207 MPa)  

- B (Minimum Yield Strength: 35 ksi / 241 MPa)  

- X42 (Minimum Yield Strength: 42 ksi / 290 MPa)  

- X46 (Minimum Yield Strength: 46 ksi / 317 MPa)  

- X52 (Minimum Yield Strength: 52 ksi / 359 MPa)  

- X56 (Minimum Yield Strength: 56 ksi / 386 MPa)  

- X60 (Minimum Yield Strength: 60 ksi / 414 MPa)  

- X65 (Minimum Yield Strength: 65 ksi / 448 MPa)  

- X70 (Minimum Yield Strength: 70 ksi / 483 MPa)  

 3.2 PSL2 (Enhanced Requirements) Grades  

These grades have stricter controls on chemical composition, mechanical properties, and testing:  

- B (35 ksi / 241 MPa)  

- X42 (42 ksi / 290 MPa)  

- X46 (46 ksi / 317 MPa)  

- X52 (52 ksi / 359 MPa)  

- X56 (56 ksi / 386 MPa)  

- X60 (60 ksi / 414 MPa)  

- X65 (65 ksi / 448 MPa)  

- X70 (70 ksi / 483 MPa)  

- X80 (80 ksi / 552 MPa)  

 Key Notes:  

- A25 is only available in PSL1 (not in PSL2).  

- X80 is only available in PSL2 (not in PSL1).  

- Higher grades (X42–X80) are more common in high-pressure pipelines.  

- PSL2 grades require Charpy impact testing, stricter chemical limits (e.g., lower sulfur & phosphorus), and additional NDT.  

Would you like details on chemical composition or mechanical properties for a specific grade?

 4. Inspection & Testing Requirements  

 PSL1:  

- Chemical analysis (C, Mn, P, S, etc.).  

- Tensile and hardness tests.  

- Hydrostatic testing (mandatory for all pipes).  

- Non-destructive testing (NDT) for welded pipes.  

 PSL2 (Additional Requirements):  

- Enhanced chemical control (lower S/P limits).  

- Charpy V-notch impact testing (for toughness).  

- More stringent NDT (e.g., ultrasonic testing for seams).  

- Microstructure examination (for high-grade pipes).  

 5. Marking & Certification  

- Pipes must be marked with API 5L, grade, size, PSL, heat number, and manufacturer’s name.  

- Mill test certificates (MTC) must comply with API 5L traceability requirements.  

 6. Supplementary Requirements (Optional)  

- Sour service compliance (NACE MR0175).  

- Fracture arrest properties.  

- Additional NDT methods (e.g., automated ultrasonic testing).  

 Key Updates in Latest Edition (46th, 2024)  

- Revised toughness requirements for PSL2 pipes.  

- Updated NDT standards for improved defect detection.  

- Clarified ordering requirements for sour service applications.  

 Conclusion  

API 5L ensures pipeline integrity through strict material, manufacturing, and testing standards. Buyers must specify PSL, grade, testing, and end-use conditions clearly in orders.  

For full details, refer to the API 5L 46th Edition (2024) official document.  

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