Non-monogramed API 5L Pipe

[gatossi]

Hi all,

Our client in the middle east has specified an 14" API 5L X60 with a wall thickness of 55 mm (minimum), i.e nominal around 60mm

In accordance with Table 9 on API 5L 45th Ed our pipe doesn't fall under the "Permissible specified outside diameter and specified wall thickness" therefore our potential manufacturers have advised that they can't apply the API monogram (but still will comply with API requirements anyway)

Is there a way to go round that table and still get the pipe monogrammed? if not, what are the potential risks of procuring that pipe?

Awaiting replies,

 

[redpicker]

My interpretation of section 9.11.1.2

The specified outside diameter and specified wall thickness shall be within the applicable
limits given in Table 9.

is that if the specified wall thickness does not meet Table 9, it does not meet the standard and cannot be monogramed. If this is true, you will not find a manufacturer that would be willing to monogram the pipe (or certify it as meeting API 5L 45th edition) since it could get them in trouble with API and they risk losing their license.

I have a little trouble with how you consider the manufacturer "...still will comply with API requirements anyway" if they don't comply with Table 9, since complying with this table is one of the API requirements.

You may find a manufacturer that is willing to manufacture the pipe to meet all the requirements for API 5L for X60 EXCEPT the wall thickness, but as many of the tests and inspections are based on the wall thickness, these tests may not be applicable for wall thicknesses outside those listed in Table 9 and tests not required by the standard may be needed.

Finally, there may be installation other design requirements that are not covered by 5L, but are based on the the pipe meeting Table 9.

I'd say your best bet is to talk to a pipe manufacturer and see what they can offer to meet your requirements, then see if this is acceptable to your client. It may be easier just to have your client accept 45mm wall pipe. If you can get a manufacturer to accept a +10%/-0 wall thickness tolerance, this might have a chance.

rp

 

[gatossi]

Redpicker,

Thanks for your quick reply, we are doing exactly that... i.e. talking to our pipe manufacturers and see what they can offer to meet our requirements...
One of the manufacturers mentioned the fact that the pipe can't be monogramed as it is outside the scope of table 9, but they still comply with all "other" API requirements. While the other manufacturer never mentioned the issue!

My concern is, based on your experience, what should I focus on if we HAVE TO go down the road of "non-mongramed" pipe. (lowering the wall thickness doesn't sound like an option at the moment!).

I have been through almost every requirement for the pipe and couldn't find anything about "if it's not on table 9 don't do this test" kind of thing (all, para 9 and 10 and appendix H for Sour) so I am quite convinced that "technically" there is no issue on getting the pipe without the monogram.

Not sure about your comment on "Installation and other design" requirements. What kind of requirements could be based on "only" table 9 pipe?

Regards,

 

[redpicker]

I am not an expert on line pipe, but some of the tests and inspections are dependent on wall thickness (EMI inspection for ID flaws, for example). There may be others, I don't know. My point is that the people who write the standard do not consider wall thicknesses that is not in Table 9 because that is outside the scope of the standard, so if the thicker wall does create a problem, you won't see mention of it in the standard.

On the "installation and other design" requirements, again, I am even less than an expert here, but if a code or pipeline design has been developed and/or approved using API 5L material, that code or design may not necessarily consider thicker wall thicknesses. Off-hand, I can see plain strain loading conditions needing more consideration with thicker wall thickness, but as I don't know what installation and or other requirements that will have to be met, I have no idea how this would be handled.

You might be perfectly OK with using pipe that complies with all aspects of API 5L except Table 9, I don't know. I do know that wall thickness plays an important part in the design and installation of pipelines (welding procedures approved for 5L product, for another example, may need to be adjusted for the heavier wall).

rp

 

[gatossi]

Redpicker,

Thanks again for the info provided.

Regards,

gatossi