API 5L Line Pipe

 

 

Feature	PSL 1	PSL 2
Grade Range	A25 to X70	Grade B to X80
Chemical Content	Standardized	Strict limits (C, P, S)
Impact Testing	Not required	Mandatory (Charpy V-notch)
Traceability	Traceable until tests passed	Full traceability required
Welding	Standard ERW, SAW, SMLS	High-frequency welding restricted

Pro Tip: PSL 2 is mandatory for offshore and sour service (H2S) environments due to its superior fracture toughness.

 

 

NPS (Inch)	Outside Diameter (mm)	SCH 10	SCH 20	SCH 30	STD (Standard)	SCH 40	SCH 80	XS (Extra Strong)	SCH 160	XXS
1/2"	21.3	2.11	-	-	2.77	2.77	3.73	3.73	4.78	7.47
3/4"	26.7	2.11	-	-	2.87	2.87	3.91	3.91	5.56	7.82
1"	33.4	2.77	-	-	3.38	3.38	4.55	4.55	6.35	9.09
1-1/2"	48.3	2.77	-	-	3.68	3.68	5.08	5.08	7.14	10.16
2"	60.3	2.77	-	-	3.91	3.91	5.54	5.54	8.74	11.07
3"	88.9	3.05	-	-	5.49	5.49	7.62	7.62	11.13	15.24
4"	114.3	3.05	-	-	6.02	6.02	8.56	8.56	13.49	17.12
6"	168.3	3.40	-	-	7.11	7.11	10.97	10.97	15.88	21.95
8"	219.1	3.76	6.35	7.04	8.18	8.18	12.70	12.70	23.01	22.23
10"	273.1	4.19	6.35	7.80	9.27	9.27	15.09	12.70	28.58	25.40
12"	323.8	4.57	6.35	8.38	9.53	10.31	17.48	12.70	33.32	25.40
14"	355.6	6.35	7.92	9.53	9.53	11.13	19.05	12.70	35.71	-
16"	406.4	6.35	7.92	9.53	9.53	12.70	21.44	12.70	40.49	-
18"	457.0	6.35	7.92	11.13	9.53	14.27	23.83	12.70	45.24	-
20"	508.0	6.35	9.53	12.70	9.53	15.09	26.19	12.70	50.01	-
24"	610.0	6.35	9.53	14.27	9.53	17.48	30.96	12.70	59.54	-

 

 

Manufacturing Types of API 5L Line pipe Comparison Table

Manufacturing Type	Seam	Typical Diameter	Typical Pressure	Cost
Seamless (SMLS)	None	21 mm – 914 mm	High	High
ERW	Straight seam	20 mm – 914 mm	Medium	Low
LSAW	Longitudinal	406 mm – 1524 mm	High	Medium
SSAW	Spiral	406 mm – 3000 mm+	Medium	Medium-Low

 

Chemical requirements

Chemical Composition for PSL 1 pipe with t ≤ 0.984”

Steel Grade	Mass fraction, % based on heat and product analyses a,g
	C	Mn	P	S	V	Nb	Ti
	max b	max b	max	max	max	max	max
Seamless Pipe
A	0.22	0.90	0.03	0.03	–	–	–
B	0.28	1.20	0.03	0.03	c,d	c,d	d
X42	0.28	1.30	0.03	0.03	d	d	d
X46	0.28	1.40	0.03	0.03	d	d	d
X52	0.28	1.40	0.03	0.03	d	d	d
X56	0.28	1.40	0.03	0.03	d	d	d
X60	0.28 e	1.40 e	0.03	0.03	f	f	f
X65	0.28 e	1.40 e	0.03	0.03	f	f	f
X70	0.28 e	1.40 e	0.03	0.03	f	f	f
Welded Pipe
A	0.22	0.90	0.03	0.03	–	–	–
B	0.26	1.20	0.03	0.03	c,d	c,d	d
X42	0.26	1.30	0.03	0.03	d	d	d
X46	0.26	1.40	0.03	0.03	d	d	d
X52	0.26	1.40	0.03	0.03	d	d	d
X56	0.26	1.40	0.03	0.03	d	d	d
X60	0.26 e	1.40 e	0.03	0.03	f	f	f
X65	0.26 e	1.45 e	0.03	0.03	f	f	f
X70	0.26e	1.65 e	0.03	0.03	f	f	f
a. Cu ≤ = 0.50% Ni; ≤ 0.50%; Cr ≤ 0.50%; and Mo ≤ 0.15%, b. For each reduction of 0.01% below the specified maximum concentration for carbon, an increase of 0.05% above the specified maximum concentration for Mn is permissible, up to a maximum of 1.65% for grades ≥ L245 or B, but ≤ L360 or X52; up to a maximum of 1.75% for grades > L360 or X52, but < L485 or X70; and up to a maximum of 2.00% for grade L485 or X70., c. Unless otherwise agreed NB + V ≤ 0.06%, d. Nb + V + TI ≤ 0.15%, e. Unless otherwise agreed., f. Unless otherwise agreed, NB + V = Ti ≤ 0.15%, g. No deliberate addition of B is permitted and the residual B ≤ 0.001%

 

Chemical Composition for PSL 2 pipe with t ≤ 0.984”

Steel Grade	Mass fraction, % based on heat and product analyses																		Carbon Equiv a
	C		Si		Mn		P		S		V		Nb		Ti		Other		CE IIW		CE Pcm
	max b		max		max b		max		max		max		max		max				max		max
Seamless and Welded Pipe
BR	0.24		0.40		1.20		0.025		0.015		c		c		0.04		e,l		0.43		0.25
X42R	0.24		0.40		1.20		0.025		0.015		0.06		0.05		0.04		e,l		0.43		0.25
BN	0.24		0.40		1.20		0.025		0.015		c		c		0.04		e,l		0.43		0.25
X42N	0.24		0.40		1.20		0.025		0.015		0.06		0.05		0.04		e,l		0.43		0.25
X46N	0.24		0.40		1.40		0.025		0.015		0.07		0.05		0.04		d,e,l		0.43		0.25
X52N	0.24		0.45		1.40		0.025		0.015		0.10		0.05		0.04		d,e,l		0.43		0.25
X56N	0.24		0.45		1.40		0.025		0.015		0.10f		0.05		0.04		d,e,l		0.43		0.25
X60N	0.24f		0.45f		1.40f		0.025		0.015		0.10f		0.05f		0.04f		g,h,l		As agreed
BQ	0.18		0.45		1.40		0.025		0.015		0.05		0.05		0.04		e,l		0.43		0.25
X42Q	0.18		0.45		1.40		0.025		0.015		0.05		0.05		0.04		e,l		0.43		0.25
X46Q	0.18		0.45		1.40		0.025		0.015		0.05		0.05		0.04		e,l		0.43		0.25
X52Q	0.18		0.45		1.50		0.025		0.015		0.05		0.05		0.04		e,l		0.43		0.25
X56Q	0.18		0.45f		1.50		0.025		0.015		0.07		0.05		0.04		e,l		0.43		0.25
X60Q	0.18f		0.45f		1.70f		0.025		0.015		g		g		g		h,l		0.43		0.25
X65Q	0.18f		0.45f		1.70f		0.025		0.015		g		g		g		h,l		0.43		0.25
X70Q	0.18f		0.45f		1.80f		0.025		0.015		g		g		g		h,l		0.43		0.25
X80Q	0.18f		0.45f		1.90f		0.025		0.015		g		g		g		i,j		As agreed
X90Q	0.16f		0.45f		1.90		0.020		0.010		g		g		g		j,k		As agreed
X100Q	0.16f		0.45f		1.90		0.020		0.010		g		g		g		j,k		As agreed
Welded Pipe
BM		0.22		0.45		1.20		0.025		0.015		0.05		0.05		0.04		e,l		0.43	0.25
X42M		0.22		0.45		1.30		0.025		0.015		0.05		0.05		0.04		e,l		0.43	0.25
X46M		0.22		0.45		1.30		0.025		0.015		0.05		0.05		0.04		e,l		0.43	0.25
X52M		0.22		0.45		1.40		0.025		0.015		d		d		d		e,l		0.43	0.25
X56M		0.22		0.45f		1.40		0.025		0.015		d		d		d		e,l		0.43	0.25
X60M		0.12f		0.45f		1.60f		0.025		0.015		g		g		g		h,l		0.43	0.25
X65M		0.12f		0.45f		1.60f		0.025		0.015		g		g		g		h,l		0.43	0.25
X70M		0.12f		0.45f		1.70f		0.025		0.015		g		g		g		h,l		0.43	0.25
X80M		0.12f		0.45f		1.85f		0.025		0.015		g		g		g		i,j		.043f	0.25
X90M		0.1		0.55f		2.10f		0.02		0.01		g		g		g		i,j		–	0.25
X100M		0.1		0.55f		2.10f		0.02		0.01		g		g		g		i,j		–	0.25
a. SMLS t>0.787”, CE limits shall be as agreed. The CEIIW limits applied fi C > 0.12% and the CEPcm limits apply if C ≤ 0.12%, b. For each reduction of 0.01% below the specified maximum for C, an increase of 0.05% above the specified maximum for Mn is permissible, up to a maximum of 1.65% for grades ≥ L245 or B, but ≤ L360 or X52; up to a maximum of 1.75% for grades > L360 or X52, but < L485 or X70; up to a maximum of 2.00% for grades ≥ L485 or X70, but ≤ L555 or X80; and up to a maximum of 2.20% for grades > L555 or X80., c. Unless otherwise agreed Nb = V ≤ 0.06%, d. Nb = V = Ti ≤ 0.15%, e. Unless otherwise agreed, Cu ≤ 0.50%; Ni ≤ 0.30% Cr ≤ 0.30% and Mo ≤ 0.15%, f. Unless otherwise agreed, g. Unless otherwise agreed, Nb + V + Ti ≤ 0.15%, h. Unless otherwise agreed, Cu ≤ 0.50% Ni ≤ 0.50% Cr ≤ 0.50% and MO ≤ 0.50%, i. Unless otherwise agreed, Cu ≤ 0.50% Ni ≤ 1.00% Cr ≤ 0.50% and MO ≤ 0.50%, j. B ≤ 0.004%, k. Unless otherwise agreed, Cu ≤ 0.50% Ni ≤ 1.00% Cr ≤ 0.55% and MO ≤ 0.80%, l. For all PSL 2 pipe grades except those grades with footnotes j noted, the following applies. Unless otherwise agreed no intentional addition of B is permitted and residual B ≤ 0.001%.

 

Mechanical properties of API 5L SMLS and Welded Pipes PSL 1

Pipe Grade	Tensile Properties – Pipe Body of SMLS and Welded Pipes PSL 1			Seam of Welded Pipe
	Yield Strength a	Tensile Strength a	Elongation	Tensile Strength b
	Rt0,5 PSI Min	Rm PSI Min	(in 2in Af % min)	Rm PSI Min
A	30,500	48,600	c	48,600
B	35,500	60,200	c	60,200
X42	42,100	60,200	c	60,200
X46	46,400	63,100	c	63,100
X52	52,200	66,700	c	66,700
X56	56,600	71,100	c	71,100
X60	60,200	75,400	c	75,400
X65	65,300	77,500	c	77,500
X70	70,300	82,700	c	82,700
a. For intermediate grade, the difference between the specified minimum tensile strength and the specified minimum yield for the pipe body shall be as given for the next higher grade.
b. For the intermediate grades, the specified minimum tensile strength for the weld seam shall be the same as determined for the body using foot note a.
c. The specified minimum elongation, Af, expressed in percent and rounded to the nearest percent, shall be determined using the following equation:
Where C is 1 940 for calculation using Si units and 625 000 for calculation using USC units
Axc is the applicable tensile test piece cross-sectional area, expressed in square millimeters (square inches) , as follows
– For circular cross-section test pieces, 130mm2 (0.20 in2) for 12.7 mm (0.500 in) and 8.9 mm (.350 in) diameter test pieces; and 65 mm2 (0.10 in2) for 6.4 mm (0.250in) diameter test pieces.
– For full-section test pieces, the lesser of a) 485 mm2 (0.75 in2) and b) the cross-sectional area of the test piece, derived using the specified outside diameter and the specified wall thickness of the pipe, rounded to the nearest 10 mm2 (0.10in2)
– For strip test pieces, the lesser of a) 485 mm2 (0.75 in2) and b) the cross-sectional area of the test piece, derived using the specified width of the test piece and the specified wall thickness of the pipe, rounded to the nearest 10 mm2 (0.10in2)
U is the specified minimum tensile strength, expressed in megapascals (pounds per square inch)

 

 Mechanical properties of API 5L SMLS and Welded Pipes PSL 2

Pipe Grade	Tensile Properties – Pipe Body of SMLS and Welded Pipes PSL 2						Seam of Welded Pipe
	Yield Strength a		Tensile Strength a		Ratio a,c	Elongation	Tensile Strength d
	Rt0,5 PSI Min		Rm PSI Min		R10,5IRm	(in 2in)	Rm (psi)
						Af %
	Minimum	Maximum	Minimum	Maximum	Maximum	Minimum	Minimum
BR, BN,BQ,BM	35,500	65,300	60,200	95,000	0.93	f	60,200
X42,X42R,X2Q,X42M	42,100	71,800	60,200	95,000	0.93	f	60,200
X46N,X46Q,X46M	46,400	76,100	63,100	95,000	0.93	f	63,100
X52N,X52Q,X52M	52,200	76,900	66,700	110,200	0.93	f	66,700
X56N,X56Q,X56M	56,600	79,000	71,100	110,200	0.93	f	71,100
X60N,X60Q,S60M	60,200	81,900	75,400	110,200	0.93	f	75,400
X65Q,X65M	65,300	87,000	77,600	110,200	0.93	f	76,600
X70Q,X65M	70,300	92,100	82,700	110,200	0.93	f	82,700
X80Q,X80M	80,.500	102,300	90,600	119,700	0.93	f	90,600
a. For intermediate grade, refer to the full API5L specification.
b. for grades > X90 refer to the full API5L specification.
c. This limit applies for pies with D> 12.750 in
d. For intermediate grades, the specified minimum tensile strength for the weld seam shall be the same value as was determined for the pipe body using foot a.
e. for pipe requiring longitudinal testing, the maximum yield strength shall be ≤ 71,800 psi
f. The specified minimum elongation, Af, expressed in percent and rounded to the nearest percent, shall be determined using the following equation:
Where C is 1 940 for calculation using Si units and 625 000 for calculation using USC units
Axc is the applicable tensile test piece cross-sectional area, expressed in square millimeters (square inches) , as follows
– For circular cross-section test pieces, 130mm2 (0.20 in2) for 12.7 mm (0.500 in) and 8.9 mm (.350 in) diameter test pieces; and 65 mm2 (0.10 in2) for 6.4 mm (0.250in) diameter test pieces.
– For full-section test pieces, the lesser of a) 485 mm2 (0.75 in2) and b) the cross-sectional area of the test piece, derived using the specified outside diameter and the specified wall thickness of the pipe, rounded to the nearest 10 mm2 (0.10in2)
– For strip test pieces, the lesser of a) 485 mm2 (0.75 in2) and b) the cross-sectional area of the test piece, derived using the specified width of the test piece and the specified wall thickness of the pipe, rounded to the nearest 10 mm2 (0.10in2)
U is the specified minimum tensile strength, expressed in megapascals (pounds per square inch
g. Lower values fo R10,5IRm may be specified by agreement
h. for grades > x90 refer to the full API5L specification.

 

API 5L Line pipe Selection Guide

Service / Application	Typical Steel Grade	Manufacturing Type	Delivery Condition	Notes
Water Transmission, Low Pressure	Grade B, X42	ERW, SSAW	As-Rolled (R)	Economical, easy installation
Oil Gathering Line (Medium Pressure)	X42, X52	ERW, Seamless	R / N	Moderate pressure pipelines
Natural Gas Distribution	X52, X60	ERW	R / N	Requires good toughness, city gas networks
Long-Distance Crude Oil Pipeline	X60, X65	LSAW, Seamless	N / M	High pressure, onshore pipelines
Long-Distance Gas Transmission	X65, X70	LSAW, Seamless	N / M	Medium-high pressure, cross-country
Offshore Oil & Gas Pipeline	X65, X70	Seamless, LSAW	Q / M	High-pressure, deepwater service
Deepwater Pipeline	X70, X80	Seamless, LSAW	Q	Ultra-high-pressure, subsea pipelines
Arctic Pipeline (Low Temp)	X65M, X70M, X80M	LSAW, Seamless	M	High toughness at sub-zero temperatures
Sour Service (H₂S / CO₂)	X52, X60, X65, X70	LSAW, Seamless	N / M / Q	Must meet NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156
Slurry / Mining Pipeline	X42, X52, X60	SSAW, ERW	R / N	Abrasion resistance may require special lining
High-Pressure Gas Line	X70, X80	LSAW	Q	Long-distance transmission, high strength
Ultra-High Pressure Transmission	X80, X90	LSAW	Q	Deepwater, cross-country, highest strength requirements

 

 

 

 

GNEE Pipe is China's professional one-stop supply chain enterprise for steel products.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: What is the difference between API 5L and A106 piping?

API 5L and ASTM A106 are both widely used carbon steel pipe specifications, but they are intended for different applications.

API 5L is a specification published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) for seamless and welded line pipe used in pipeline transportation systems. It is commonly used for transporting oil, natural gas, water, and other fluids over long distances in the petroleum and natural gas industries.

ASTM A106 is a specification published by ASTM International for seamless carbon steel pipe intended for pressure piping and elevated-temperature service. It is widely used in refineries, power plants, petrochemical facilities, and industrial process piping systems.

Key Differences

Item	API 5L	ASTM A106
Primary Application	Pipeline Transportation	Process Piping
Pipe Type	Seamless & Welded	Seamless Only
Typical Industries	Oil & Gas Transmission	Refining, Power Generation
PSL Requirements	PSL1 / PSL2	Not Applicable
Sour Service Options	Available	Not Specified
High-Temperature Service	Limited	Designed For It

In some projects, seamless pipes may be dual certified to both API 5L Grade B and ASTM A106 Grade B, allowing them to satisfy both pipeline and pressure-piping requirements.

 

Q: What is the difference between API 5L and A53 pipe?

API 5L and ASTM A53 are two widely used carbon steel pipe specifications, but they are intended for different applications and service conditions.

1. Primary Application

API 5L: Primarily designed for oil, gas, and water pipeline transportation systems, capable of handling high-pressure conditions over long distances.

ASTM A53: Intended for low- to medium-pressure service, including air, steam, water, and gas transport, and also for structural purposes such as handrails or scaffolding.

2. Specification Levels & Quality

API 5L: Includes two specification levels, PSL1 and PSL2. PSL2 pipes are manufactured to stricter chemical and mechanical requirements, including mandatory impact testing, for high-pressure and sour service applications.

ASTM A53: A more basic standard with fewer testing requirements. It does not include PSL levels and is generally not intended for high-pressure energy transmission.

3. Steel Grades & Pipe Types

API 5L: Available in Grade B through X80, both seamless and welded (ERW, LSAW, SSAW). Some grades can be certified for sour service (NACE MR0175).

ASTM A53: Available in Grade A and B, including seamless and welded (Type F, Type E), but does not have PSL levels or sour service certification.

Key Difference Summary

Feature	API 5L	ASTM A53
Typical Application	Oil & gas pipelines, water pipelines	Low/medium-pressure pipelines, structural
Pipe Type	Seamless & Welded (ERW, LSAW, SSAW)	Seamless & Welded (ERW, F), Type E, Type S
Grades	B to X80	A, B
PSL	PSL1 / PSL2	Not applicable
Sour Service	Optional (NACE MR0175)	Not specified
High-Pressure Use	Yes	Generally No

Note: In some cases, seamless pipes may be dual-certified to meet both API 5L and ASTM A53 requirements, depending on project specifications.

 

Q: What inspections are performed on API 5L line pipes?

A: Inspection requirements vary according to grade, manufacturing method, and project specifications.

Typical inspections include:

Chemical Composition Analysis

Tensile Testing

Yield Strength Testing

Flattening Test

Bend Test

Impact Test (PSL2)

Hydrostatic Test

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Radiographic Testing (RT)

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)

Visual and Dimensional Inspection

Additional third-party inspections can also be arranged upon request.

 

Q: Can API 5L pipes be dual certified?

A: Yes. Certain seamless pipes can be supplied with dual certification, such as:

API 5L Grade B / ASTM A106 Grade B

API 5L Grade B / ASTM A53 Grade B

Dual-certified pipes allow you to meet multiple project specifications while simplifying inventory management.

 

Q: What information should buyers provide when requesting a quotation?

A: To receive an accurate quotation, buyers should provide:

Pipe Standard (API 5L PSL1 or PSL2)

Grade (e.g., X52, X65, X70)

Manufacturing Type (SMLS, ERW, LSAW, SSAW)

Outside Diameter (OD)

Wall Thickness (WT)

Length

Quantity

Coating Requirements

Delivery Condition

Inspection Requirements

Destination Port

Providing complete technical specifications helps ensure accurate pricing and shorter lead times.