Different, API 5L is derived from API Spec 5L Line Pipe Specification, which is widely used in the transportation of gas, oil, and water in the oil and gas industry. ASTM A106 (S/A 106) steel pipe is a standard specification for seamless carbon steel pipes for high temperature and high pressure services, mainly suitable for high temperature and high pressure service fields, such as power generation industry and boiler pipelines.
In addition, API 5L is divided into two product levels, namely API 5L PSL1 and API 5L PSL2. PSL represents the standard quality of line pipes, while PSL2 contains additional chemical, mechanical properties and testing requirements. It covers a wide range of grades, including A25, A, B, X42, X46, X52, X56, X60, X65, X70, X80, etc., where the number after "X" indicates the minimum yield strength of the pipe of that grade. In contrast, ASTM A106 steel pipe contains three grades, namely ASTM A106 Grade A, ASTM A106 Grade B, and ASTM A106 Grade C.
In terms of strength, API 5L has a wider range of strength levels. Although its lower strength Grade B is comparable to ASTM A106, other grades such as X42, X56, X60, etc., are much stronger. In addition, when API 5L line pipe PSL2 is applied, the quality requirements are extremely strict. It does not accept rolling grades, does not allow rework, and pays special attention to toughness testing under sour service and higher pressure/temperature levels. This series of characteristics makes it clearly different from ASTM A106.
ASME SA106 Grade B seamless pipe
