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API 5L – Specification for Line Pipe - 42andEdition – July, 2000

The API 5L specification covers seamless and welded steel pipes, including plain ends.
threaded ends, bell-end type ends and bag ends. This standard establishes specifications for
pipes for use in the conduction of gas, water, and oil for the oil and natural gas industry.

Product Specification Level (PSL)

Define different levels of technical requirements. PSL 2 has mandatory requirements for equivalent carbon.
toughness, maximum yield strength, and maximum tensile strength.

Degrees (classification)

The grades covered by this specification are: A25, A, B, X42, X46, X52, X56, X60, X65, X70, and X80.
Degrees are dimensionless designations. Degrees A and B do not refer to the yield point.
specified minimum, however, the other degrees composed of the letters A and X and followed by the first two
digits of the specified minimum flow limit in U.S. units.
Class II steel is a rephosphorized steel with better threading properties than class I.

The measures used are dimensionless designations, which are derived from the specified outer diameter.
in American measurements (US Customary units), which provides a convenient method of referencing measurements
of tubes.

The manufacturing conditions of the tubes are (see table 1):

seamless
soldiers without addition metal: continuous longitudinal welding by heat and pressure (continuous welding)
welding continues through electrical resistance or by electric induction and longitudinal welding by laser,
soldiers with addition metal: a or double longitudinal welds or a helical weld with process
SAW, a single or dual welding with GMAW process or a combination of these two processes. The processes
The chosen welding processes are: automatic (SAW) or semi-automatic (GMAW).

Normalizing Heat Treatment

For PSL 1 pipes with grades higher than X42 and PSL 2 pipes, the welds must be heat treated.
simulating a normalization, afterwards they must undergo hardness testing, micrography, or mechanical testing.

The pipes can be supplied in the conditions: as rolled, normalized, normalized and tempered, with
subcritical stress relief or subcritical hardening, and tempered and aged.

Cold Expansion (item 5.2)

Finished tubes, except for tubes with continuous welding, must be expanded cold or not, to
supplier criterion, unless otherwise specified in the purchase order.

Chemical Composition (item 6.1)

See table 2A for PSL 1 and table 2B for PSL 2.

The elements analyzed must be, at a minimum: carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, chromium,
niobium, copper, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, titanium, and vanadium.

Heat Analysis (item 9.2.1): the steel manufacturing plant must perform an analysis for each batch of steel used.
in the manufacture of the tube.

Product Analysis (item [Link]): the manufacturer must determine the analysis of 2 samples, representing each
used steel rod in the production of pipes.

Analysis method (item 9.8.1).

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Equivalent Carbon

Only for PSL 2, which can be CE(Pcm) for carbon content ≤ 0.12% and CE(IIW) for carbon content >
0.12% (see item 6.1.3).

Mechanical Properties (item 6.2)

All grades must comply with tables 3A for PSL 1 and 3B for PSL 2. Also use Appendix D for
minimum elongation values (item 6.2.1).

Flattening test (item 6.2.2, 9.3.2 and figure 5)

For electric resistance welded tubes with grades greater than A25, and for tubes welded by process
lasers smaller than 12 ¾”, and for grade A25 welded tubes (continuous welding, electric welding, laser
welding).

Bend tests (item 6.2.3, 6.2.4, 9.3.3, 9.3.4 and 9.8.3)

Welded pipes grade A25 up to Ø 2 3/8” must be tested according to item 9.3.3

Guided Bend Test (item 6.2.4)

All sizes of pipes welded by SAW and GMAW, and laser-welded pipes of size 12 ¾" and
the larger ones must be tested as per (item 9.3.4).

Weld ductility test (item 6.2.5)

For electric resistance welded pipes of diameters Ø 2 3/8” and larger, and for laser welded pipes
For sizes less than Ø 12 ¾”, a ductility test must be performed on test specimens of at least 50.8 mm.
length.

Toughness test (fracture toughness test) (items 6.2.6, 9.3.5 and 9.8.4)

Metallographic examination (item 6.2.7)

Guidance on Mechanical Tests (item [Link]): see figure 3, items [Link] (longitudinal), [Link] (transversal) and
figure 4.
The frequency of the rehearsals should be according to table 13.
Weld tensile test (item [Link]).
Tensile test control: 1 test per run (item [Link]).
Testing method (item 9.8.2).

Hydrostatic Test (item 9.4)

Each tube must be tested with hydraulic pressure according to item 9.4.3, and the pressure must be maintained for 5 seconds.
for pipes up to 18", and for 20 s for pipes above 20".

Dimensional control, weight, length, defects, and finishing of the ends (item 7)

Specified dimensions (item 7.1), according to the tables below:

Table 4 - Threaded pipe with standard wall (dimensions, weight, and test pressure)
Table 5 - Threaded pipe with heavy wall (dimensions, weight and test pressure)
Tables 6A, 6B, and 6C – Tube with flat ends (dimensions, weight, and test pressure in US units)
Tables E6A, E6B, and E6C - Tube with flat ends (dimensions, weight, and test pressure in SI)

Dimensional control (item 9.5):

Tolerance for external diameter (item 7.2), see tables 7 (tube body) and 8 (tube ends).
Wall thickness tolerance (item 7.3), see table 9.
Tolerance for weight (item 7.4), see table 10.
Tolerance for length (item 7.5), see table 11.
Tolerance for straightness (item 7.6).
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Finishing and Defects (item 7.8)

Mossa (teeth) (item 7.8.1).

Radial offset of the plate edges at the weld bead (item 7.8.2).
Misalignment of weld bead (out-of-line weld bead) (item 7.8.3).
Weld reinforcement height (item 7.8.4).
Lamination (item 7.8.10).
Arc opening (arc burns) (item 7.8.11).
Bites (undercuts) (item 7.8.12).
Insufficient underfill (item 7.8.13).

Non-Destructive Testing (item 9.7)

Inspection methods (item 9.7.2).

X-ray (item 9.7.3).
Ultrasound (item 9.7.4).
Magnetic particles (only for PSL 1 tubes) (item 9.7.5).
Disposition of defects (item 9.7.6).

Marking (item 10)

Exam Tips

do not use a combination of units, standard U.S. Units or SI units must be used
separately.
If you have any doubts about a question on the exam, consult the examiner for clarifications.
Consult table 1 to verify which manufacturing processes are applicable: types of tubes
regarding the weld, specification levels, grades, and size limits.
The applicable welding processes are: SAW (automatic) and GMAW (semi-automatic or
automatic).
The types of weld bead allowed are: longitudinal bead without filler metal, bead
longitudinal by SAW or GMAW process or by a combination of SAW + GMAW processes, double
longitudinal weld bead by SAW process or GMAW or combination of SAW + GMAW and helical weld bead
by SAW process.
Cold Expansion:
Attention that the requirements for chemical analysis, tensile tests, flattening tests, test of
bending and toughness testing (Charpy test) are described in section 6 (Material Requirements),
9 (Inspection and Testing) and 9.8 (Test Methods).
The specified dimensions are listed in tables 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 6C, E-6A, E-6B, and E-6C, which
informs: external diameter, wall thickness, weight, calculated internal diameter, and pressure
minimum of hydrostatic test.
Note that the tolerances for diameter may be for the diameter at the tube body (table 7) and
diameter at the ends of the tube (table 8), the latter including: tolerance between the diameters
means of the ends and tolerances on ovalization. The measurements may be written in the form of
perimeter (use π = 3.14).
Attention to the tolerances for weight, which are grouped by quantity (table 10).
Note that the acceptance criterion for double lamination (laminations) in the body of the tube establishes
as a default if both conditions exist, that is, a minimum dimension of 19.0 mm and equal area or
greater than 7742 mm2.
Orientation of tensile test specimens:
Tensile test frequency > see table 13.
The tensile test for raw material control (steel) must be done in batches.
Attention to the values of the minimum hydrostatic test pressure in tables E-6A, E-6B, and E-6C: value
it is in KPa and the question may be in MPa. It is necessary to take the value from the table in KPa,
multiply by 100 to convert to MPa and make the comparison. Each tube must be tested.
(100%).
END > pipe welds ≥ 2 3/8" must be 100% tested by radiography or ultrasound, as per item
9.7.2.
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The imperfections (inclusions of slag or porosities) must be analyzed, considering

mainly the size, spacing between the discontinuities and the sum of the diameters of the
same.

Sequel Evidence

1 - Given API 5LB pipe, with seam, PSL 1, Ø = 14”, thickness = 0.375”, length = 6000 mm, reinforcement
1.6 mm on the left, radiographic standard 2%, SAW process. Check if the tests below are acceptable.

a) 100% RX = Acceptable (items 9.7.2, [Link])

b) radiography in 102 mm of the extremities and the remainder by ultrasound

Unacceptable, the X-ray must be taken at a minimum distance from each edge of the tube of 203.
mm ([Link]), remaining by UT.

c) ISO 10/16 penetrometer, wire 12 visible in the radiographic image = Unacceptable, it must be wire 13 ([Link]
and table 18)

2 – Given API 5L-B pipe, with alignment measurement results, 2 diameter measurements at the ends,
one perimeter measurement and 3 thickness measurements. It is asked whether the results meet the standard.

alignment ≤ 0.2% of the length (item 7.6)

b) 2 diameter measurements at the ends = item 7.2, tolerances from table 8

c) perimeter (tube body) = calculate Ø ext > item 7.2, tolerances table 7

d) thickness measurements = item 7.3, table 9

3 - Given API 5L-B pipe, PSL 1, we ask to analyze whether the results of chemical analysis and tests
mechanics comply with the standard.

item 6.1, table 2A

b) mechanical tests = item 6.2, table 3A

4 - Given a batch of 500 API 5L-B pipes, Ø 20", received at the site. Five test specimens were taken for testing.
of weld traction. Is it acceptable?

a) 5 CP's = Acceptable, frequency of testing (item [Link], table 13)

5 – Given 4 API 5L-A tubes, Ø 18” (457.0 mm), thickness = 3/8” (9.5 mm), PSL 1, SAW process. The question is:

a) Was a tensile test specimen removed to release raw material, is that acceptable?

Yes, as long as a CP is withdrawn for steel running (item [Link], [Link] and table 13).

b) what is the allowed welding reinforcement?

The maximum height of the weld bead is 3.18 mm (item 7.8.4).

c) hydrostatic test carried out at a pressure of 750 psi for 5 s. Is it acceptable? Consider STD pipes.

Yes, according to 9.4.1, 9.4.3 and table 6C.

d) 50% of the tubes have been tested (TH), does this release the batch?
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No, the tubes must be tested 100% (9.4.1)

6 - Given API 5L-B pipe, Ø 12 ¾”, thickness 0.250”, length 6m, seamless, PSL 1, ends
prepared for butt welding, quantity of 200 units, weld reinforcement of 1.6 mm, sensitivity of
X-ray film 2%. Inspection results and comment on whether it is acceptable:

a) 1 sample was taken for tensile test related to the plant's run.

It is acceptable, the rule allows one CP per race ([Link] and table 13)

b) a sample for a test specimen for tensile testing was taken from the batch of finished tubes
longitudinal.

Failed ([Link] and fig. 3)

c) resultados do ensaio mecânico referente ao item acima: LR = 397,1 MPa e LE = 243,2 MPa.

Not acceptable, as the specified value for minimum LR is 414 MPa (6.2.1, table 3A)

7 - Given API 5L-X70 pipe, with seam, PSL 2, SAW process, Ø 30”, thickness = 0.610”, length 12 m,
welded bevel edge, supplementary requirement SR-18, radiographic film sensitivity 2%.

a) Which END is required, what is its location and its extension?

100% of RX or RX at 203 mm from each end and remaining UT (9.7, 9.7.2, [Link])

b) the tube showed lamination measuring 100 x 200 mm. Issue a report and comment.

Rejected, the maximum accepted dimension is 19.0 mm and area greater than 7742 mm2. (7.8.10)

c) Slags were found as described below. Can they be accepted?

Size of the slags: A = 1.6 x 6.4 mm

B = 0.5 x 0.8 mm
C = 1.1 x 3.6 mm
1.6 x 10.0 mm

Distances of the slags: center A to center B = 160 mm

center C to center D = 142 mm
Margin B to margin C = 80 mm (from the right edge to the left edge)

8 - Given API 5L-X70 pipe, Ø 24", thickness = 8.7 mm, length 12 m, welded by electric resistance,
PSL 2.

a) flattening test: what procedure, dimensions, and acceptance criteria?

Reduce to up to 2/3 of the nominal diameter (609.6 x 2/3 = 406 mm): without cracks in the weld.
Continue flattening until 1/3 Ø = 203 mm (since D/t = 609.6/8.7 = 70 > 10): without cracking or breaking
outside the solder.
Continue flattening until the opposite walls of the tube meet: they should not emerge.
laminations.
See items 6.2, 6.2.2, 9.3.2, figure 5

b) ductility test: what is the procedure, dimensional requirements, acceptance criteria, and value of S?

A complete section sample of 50.8 mm in length must be flattened with welding.

positioned at 90ofrom the direction of the applied forces, up to a distance S = 294 mm.
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No cracks greater than 3.18 mm should appear in any direction of the weld or in the base metal.
S = 3.05 t/0.05 + 3t/D = 3.05 x 8.7/0.05 + 3x8.7/609.6 = 26.5/0.05 + 0.043 = 26.5/0.09 = 294 mm
See items 6.2, 6.2.5

c) straightness test (arrow = 2 mm). Is it acceptable?

Acceptable, as the maximum deviation = 0.2% x length = 0.002 x 12000 = 24 mm (7.6)

9 - Verify if the inspection results on the material below are acceptable.

Purchase data: tubes Ø 14”, wall thickness 12.7 mm

API 5L X42 carbon steel, seamless, PSL 1
6m

Inspection results:
a) dimensional inspection 10.9 mm
2. external diameter in the middle of the tube = 13 ¾”
5.9 m
2 mm
5. ângulo de bisel = 39o

a.1 – tolerancia = + 15% e - 12,5% = 14,6 e 11,1 mm =reprovado (7.3 e tabela 9)

a.2 - tolerance = ± 0.75% = 14 in x 25.4 = 355.6 mm x 0.0075 = 2.67 mm > 355.6 - 2.67 = 352.9 mm
result 13.75 in x 25.4 = 349.2 mm > disapproved (7.2, table 7)
a.3 - tolerance = 4.88 to 6.86 m > approved (7.5 and table 11)
a.4 - tolerance = max 0.2% = 6000 x 0.002 = 12 mm >approved (7.6)
a.5 - tolerance = 30o+ 5oe - 0omax 35ofailed (7.9.3)

b) identification painted on the outer surface, 12” from the end of the pipe, the marking AB CO API 72.09 X42
Yes, there is no colored stripe painted internally.

Marking location = between 18" to 30" from the end of the tube >rejected (10.2b)
Marking sequence = AB CO API 5L 14 0.5 X42 S >failed (10.3)
c) result of the tests tensile strength limit = 61,000 psi
43,000 psi
stretching by 50.8 mm for CP with 1 ½' width by ½" thickness =
30%

Minimum specified resistance limit = 60,000 psi > approved (6.2, 6.2.1, table 3A)
Minimum specified flow limit = 42,000 psi > approved (6.2, 6.2.1, table 3A)
Minimum specified elongation = 30% >approved (6.2, 6.2.1, table 3A, table D-1 of App. D)

d) chemical analysis of the race 0.28%

1.30%
P = 0.04%
S = 0.05%

Specified chemical composition = 0.28% C max

1.30% Mn max
0.030% max P
0.030% max S failed (6.1, 6.1.1, table 2A)

Final report > the tubes are not acceptable, as they did not meet all the requirements.

10 – Given API 5L-B pipes, with seam, PSL 1, butt welding ends, Ø 12 ¾”, thickness 0.250”
Standard, length of 6 m, batch of 200 tubes, weld reinforcement of 1.6 mm, radiographic sensitivity
of 2%. Check if the inspection below is acceptable.
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a) hydrostatic test on 50% of the batch.

Failed, as a hydrostatic test is required on 100% of the tubes (9.4.1).

b) test pressure of 820 psi for 5 s. Approved, see 9.4.1, 9.4.3 and table 6C.

c) a test specimen was taken from the tensile test regarding the material run. Consider the 200 tubes as
a race.

Accepted ([Link], table 13)

11 – Given API 5L-X70 pipe, with a seam, cold expanded, PSL 2, SAW process, Ø 24", thickness 0.344"
length of 12 m, beveled for welding, SR-18 and radiographic standard 2%. Check if the result of the
the inspection below is in accordance with the standard.

a) hydrostatic test pressure of 12.0 MPa for 15 s.

Rejected, the pressure must be 12.4 MPa, according to 9.4.3 and table E-6C.

b) resistance limit = 570 MPa

yield strength = 490 MPa
elongation at 50.8 mm, rectangular test specimen of 38 mm (strip specimen) = 20%

Rejected, the limits of resistance and yield strength meet the standard, but the elongation must
be 21% minimum. See 6.2.1, table 3B and table D-2.

c) what is the frequency of tensile testing for a batch of 500 tubes.

There should be 5 CPs for tube tensile testing, 5 CPs for weld tensile testing, and 1 CP for
steel reinforcement, according to [Link] and table 13.

12 - Given API 5L X65 pipe, with seam, PSL 2, SAW process, Ø 30” (762 mm), thickness 0.610” (15.5 mm)
length of 12 m, beveled ends, SR-18 and 2% radiographic standard.

Check if the dimensional inspection results and the ends comply with the standard.

Comp. pipe Perimeter (mm) ovalization thickness bezel root face

(mm) body extremity (mm) (mm) (o) (mm)

01 11680 2391 A 2394.0 A 0.70 max 14.3 31 1.8

B 2393.5 B 8.0 max

02 12200 2405 A 2404.0 A 0.5 max 16.0 28 2.0

B 2403.5 B 0.8 max

Weighing tube
(kg)

01 xxxxx

02 yyyyy

Dimensional:

7.5, table 11 = from 6.71 to 13.72 m > approved (11.68 and 12.20 m)
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b) body diameter (7.2, table 7) = +0.75%, -0.25% = 762.0 (760.1 to 767.7 mm)
approved (2391/3.14 = 761.5 mm)
Tube 02 = approved (2405/3.14 = 765.9 mm)

c) end diameter (7.2 and table 8) = 762 - 0.79 = 761.2 mm and 762 + 2.38 = 764.4 mm
approved (A = 2394/3.14 = 762.4 and B = 2393.5/3.14 = 762.3 mm)
failed (A = 2404/3.14 = 765.6 and B = 2403.5/3.14 = 765.4 mm)

d) ovalization (7.2 and table 8) = ± 1% x 762.0 = 754.38 to 769.62 mm

tube 01 = failed (A = 762.4 + 0.7 = 763.1 and B = 762.26 + 8.0 = 770.3 mm)
approved (A = 765.6 + 0.5 = 766.1 and B = 765.4 + 0.8 = 766.2 mm)

e) thickness (7.3 and table 9) = + 19.5% and - 8.0% = 14.3 to 18.5 mm

approved (14.3 mm)
approved (16.0 mm)

f) bevel (7.9.3) = 30º (+ 5º, - 0)o30º to 35º

approved (31st)
failed (28º)

g) root face (7.9.3) = 1.59 ± 0.79 mm = 0.80 to 2.38 mm

approved (1.8 mm)
approved (2.0 mm)

Weighing:

Weight (7.4, table E-6C, table 10) = + 10% and - 3.5%

tubo 01 = 11,68 m x 292,54 kg/m = 3416,87 kg (3297,23 a 3758,56 kg) >comparar com resultado
tube 02 = 12.20 m x 292.54 kg/m = 3568.99 kg (3444.07 to 3925.89 kg) > compare with result