Difference Between API 5L / ASTM 53 / A106

[Cesar Almada]

Hello everyone, I'm here again because i have a question about differents types of pipe.

Today a provider wanted to supply a pipe with a different specifications that i put in my request.

I was requesting a pipe of 10 inches API 5L Grade B Sch 80 for my City Gate and Interconection with another transporter of natural gas and the provider had supplier a pipe with this specifications 10 inches ASTM 53 Sch 80 / 10 inches A106 Sch 80.

I don't know if i'm right or if th provider was the reason, i know that i have the last word but what do yo do in this situation, Could you accept the pipe that your provider try to supply?

Again thank you a lot for your help.

Regards!

 

[SnTMan]

Could you accept the pipe that your provider try to supply?

Yes, after I had thoroughly read and understood the specifications involved and assured myself the offered material was equivalent to that requested. And that the offered material was permitted under any Codes or standards relevant to the work.

Otherwise, no.

Regards,

Mike

The problem with sloppy work is that the supply FAR EXCEEDS the demand

 

[EdStainless]

If you put API 5L in the request then you own a current copy of it and you are familiar with it.
When you put a spec on a PO it is the legal terms of the sale so you had better know what you have signed up for.
With pipe specs the biggest differences are allowed methods of manufacturing and required testing.
Study up.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[LittleInch]

Grade B and A106 are basically the same thing.

Just make sure the test cert covers you for the min temperature charpy tests.

But grade B is about the lowest grade 5L pipe anyone would buy.

Get the vendor to certify it's as good as grade B to cover yourself.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[weldstan]

I have often seen and purchased pipe mill identified a A106B, A53B, API 5LB and API 5LX-42 (seamless of course).

 

[SnTMan]

Studying those specs one finds that SA-53 may be welded pipe...

The problem with sloppy work is that the supply FAR EXCEEDS the demand

 

[Don56]

True SA-53 may be welded, but if also certified to SA-106 it must be seamless.

 

[SnTMan]

Yes and SA-53 may be seamless as well. If you don't know all this you are at the mercy of your supplier. You know they are looking out for you

The problem with sloppy work is that the supply FAR EXCEEDS the demand

 

[1503-44]

You can substitute A 106B in place of API 5L-B.

Do not substitute A53 for API 5L, and avoid it, unless it is only one certification on a list of multiple specifications, one of which you asked for.

 

[blacksmith37]

API has a quality program ( Q 1)where auditors got to monogram holders and verify they do ,or can , make pipe according to the specification. When I retired , ASTM did not have such a program. So when you buy an ASTM product it is on a "trust me" basis ,unless you have your own auditors.

 

[Cesar Almada]

I've prefered to say no, but maybe I'm doing bad. But well, now in short words if someone offer me A105 instead of API 5L could be accepted but if someone offer me A53 instead of API 5L I'll say no. But if someone offer me a pipe that accomplish with specification A53/ A105/API 5L I'll accept, i think is the better.

 

[weldstan]

I'm sure you meant A106 - not A105 (forging spec). A53 may or may not be fully deoxidized while A106 is fully deoxidized. API 5LA and 5LB may or may not be fully deoxidized. When I worked in the pipe mill making API 5L, we were audited by API personnel.