API 5L 2

[shopper1732]

There are so many organizations with their own pipe specifications. What is special about API 5L various grades.
In Grades A nab B, it has same yield as ASTM A53, A106, so why use the API?
In grade X42, it is only 2,000 psi better than A106 Gr C, and it is matched in yield by most of the ASTM Y-- standards, and joint efficiencies are equal.
So what special qualities does it have to distinguish it from older ASTM types?
Are manufacturing standards better?
Does it cost more per pound?

 

[SJones]

API Spec 5L is for linepipe, i.e. pipe that will be principally used to construct pipelines. These pipelines will be both onshore and offshore and could be in Arctic regions or require resistance to long running ductile fracture. Of course, you could build all the necessary material requirements for these services on top of the ASTM specifications but why bother when they already exist in API 5L?

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.pdo.co.om/pdo/

 

[JohnBreen]

Most of the time these days the pipe mill will supply the pipe with multiple qualifications. The pipe will comply with the requirements of API 5L, ASTM A-53, Gr. B and ASTM A-106, Gr. B. These specification designations will typically be continuously marked (painted) along the pipe.

 

[NozzleTwister]

ASTM A106 is ALWAYS a Killed Steel and ALWAYS Seamless. That can't be said for API 5L & ASTM A53.

NozzleTwister
Houston, Texas

 

[JohnBreen]

Agreed.

But rather than make (and carry in inventory) seamless pipe to three material specifications, they make the one with the most rigorous specification and sell it as multiple qualified pipe. Piping manufactured to the specification for A-106, Gr. B satifies the requirements for both the others. Seem they find it cheaper than carrying all three grades in their inventory. If you insist on ASTM A-53, Grade B, seamless pipe they will sell it to you marked that way, same price. I visited a site Monday where a new steam system was being installed (tunnel) and all the seamless pipe on site was marked ASTM A-106, Gr. B, A-53, Gr. B, API-5L, continuously down its length.