API 5L ERW Pipe

Description

Product Description API 5L ERW Pipe

API 5L ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) pipe manufactured according to the specifications set by the American Petroleum Institute (API), these pipes are widely used in industries such as petroleum, natural gas, and construction. API 5L defines the requirements for the production of steel pipes used in the transmission of fluids and gases in both onshore and offshore pipelines.

The term “ERW” refers to the welding process used in the pipe’s manufacture. In Electric Resistance Welding, the pipe is formed by passing an electric current through the steel material, which heats it to the point where the edges of the steel meet and are fused together, creating a strong, continuous weld. This process is cost-effective and results in a smooth seam, making the ERW pipe suitable for high-pressure environments where durability is essential.

API 5L ERW pipes are categorized into two primary grades: X42 and X52, with the numbers representing the minimum yield strength (in psi) of the material. These pipes come in various sizes and wall thicknesses to accommodate different pipeline requirements. The API 5L specification ensures that these pipes meet stringent quality standards, including resistance to corrosion and high-pressure capabilities.

These pipes are commonly used in the oil and gas industry for transporting crude oil, natural gas, and other fluids over long distances. They are also employed in other sectors such as water distribution systems, construction, and structural applications. The versatility of API 5L ERW pipes, combined with their strength, cost-effectiveness, and dependability, makes them an essential component in many industries worldwide.

Grades

• API 5L pipes are categorized into different grades based on their yield strength and material properties. The most common grades are:
  • X42: Minimum yield strength of 42,000 psi (290 MPa).
  • X46: Minimum yield strength of 46,000 psi (320 MPa).
  • X52: Minimum yield strength of 52,000 psi (360 MPa).
  • X56: Minimum yield strength of 56,000 psi (380 MPa).
  • X60: Minimum yield strength of 60,000 psi (410 MPa).
  • X65: Minimum yield strength of 65,000 psi (450 MPa).
  • X70: Minimum yield strength of 70,000 psi (485 MPa).

API 5L ERW Pipe Size Chart

Nominal Pipe Size (NPS)	Outside Diameter (OD) [Inches]	Wall Thickness (Schedule 40)	Wall Thickness (Schedule 80)	Wall Thickness Range
1/2"	0.840	0.109	0.147	0.065 - 0.500
3/4"	1.050	0.113	0.154	0.065 - 0.500
1"	1.315	0.140	0.179	0.065 - 0.500
1 1/4"	1.660	0.140	0.191	0.065 - 0.500
1 1/2"	1.900	0.145	0.200	0.065 - 0.500
2"	2.375	0.154	0.218	0.065 - 0.500
2 1/2"	2.875	0.203	0.276	0.065 - 0.500
3"	3.500	0.216	0.300	0.065 - 0.500
4"	4.500	0.237	0.337	0.065 - 0.500
5"	5.563	0.258	0.357	0.065 - 0.500
6"	6.625	0.280	0.375	0.065 - 0.500
8"	8.625	0.322	0.437	0.065 - 0.500
10"	10.750	0.365	0.500	0.065 - 0.500
12"	12.750	0.406	0.500	0.065 - 0.500
14"	14.000	0.437	0.562	0.065 - 0.500
16"	16.000	0.500	0.625	0.065 - 0.500
18"	18.000	0.562	0.687	0.065 - 0.500
20"	20.000	0.625	0.750	0.065 - 0.500
24"	24.000	0.687	0.812	0.065 - 0.500
30"	30.000	0.750	0.875	0.065 - 0.500
36"	36.000	0.812	1.000	0.065 - 0.500
42"	42.000	0.875	1.062	0.065 - 0.500
48"	48.000	0.937	1.125	0.065 - 0.500
60"	60.000	1.000	1.250	0.065 - 0.500

Pipe Material

• The materials used for API 5L ERW pipes are typically carbon steel, although alloys may be added to enhance the material’s performance. The pipes must meet specific chemical composition requirements to ensure they can handle the pressures and harsh environments in which they are used.

Mechanical Properties

• Yield Strength: The minimum yield strength is specified for each grade (e.g., X42, X52, etc.). This defines the stress at which the material will begin to deform plastically.
• Tensile Strength: The tensile strength is also a critical factor, as it determines the pipe’s ability to withstand external forces without breaking.
• Elongation: Elongation refers to the ability of the material to stretch before it fractures. It is important for the pipe’s flexibility.

Manufacturing Process

• Electric Resistance Welding (ERW): The pipe is produced by heating the edges of the steel strip using electric resistance, then applying pressure to weld them together. This process results in a continuous weld seam, which is visually inspected and tested for strength.

Testing Requirements

• Hydrostatic Testing: API 5L ERW pipes must undergo hydrostatic testing to ensure that they can withstand the pressure exerted during operation. This involves filling the pipe with water and applying pressure.
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): The pipes are also subjected to NDT, such as ultrasonic testing, to detect any internal defects or inconsistencies in the weld seam.
• Mechanical and Chemical Tests: Pipes must undergo various tests, such as tensile strength tests, hardness tests, and chemical composition analysis.

Coating

• Depending on the environmental conditions, API 5L ERW pipes may be coated for added protection against corrosion. Common coatings include:
  • External Coating: Fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE), three-layer polyethylene (3LPE), or polyethylene (PE).
  • Internal Coating: A range of coatings can be applied to prevent internal corrosion, especially for transporting corrosive fluids.

End Finishing

• API 5L ERW pipes typically have plain ends, beveled ends, or threaded ends, depending on the application and the connection requirements.
• The pipe ends may also be welded, threaded, or flanged for ease of installation in the pipeline system.

Standard Compliance

• API 5L ERW pipes must meet the standards set by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and are typically manufactured in compliance with the ISO 3183 standards for pipeline transportation systems.