API 5L ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) pipes are an essential category of steel pipes commonly utilized for transporting oil, natural gas, and water. Produced in compliance with the API 5L specification established by the American Petroleum Institute, these pipes are engineered to deliver consistent quality and performance, making them ideal for use in pipeline systems across the energy and infrastructure sectors.
What is API 5L ERW Pipe?
API 5L ERW pipe refers to Electric Resistance Welded steel pipe manufactured in accordance with the API 5L specification developed by the American Petroleum Institute. The API 5L standard covers both seamless pipes and welded pipes, including ERW, and defines different product specification levels (PSL1 and PSL2) with varying requirements. These pipes are designed for the transportation of oil, natural gas, and water in the petroleum and natural gas industries. ERW pipes are made by rolling metal sheets and welding the seam using high-frequency electric resistance, resulting in a strong, uniform product.
API 5L ERW Pipe Specification
1. API 5L erw pipe material
API 5L ERW pipes are made from high-quality carbon steel, specifically designed to meet the mechanical and chemical requirements outlined in the API 5L standard. The material grades typically fall under two product levels: PSL1 and PSL2, with PSL2 having stricter quality and testing requirements.
Common material grades include:
Grade B
X42, X46, X52, X56, X60, X65, X70, X80 (the “X” denotes the minimum yield strength in ksi)
2. API 5L erw pipe product specification levels
API 5L ERW pipes are categorized into two main Product Specification Levels: PSL1 and PSL2.
PSL1: Standard quality line pipe suitable for general services
PSL2: Offers stricter mechanical properties, chemical composition, and testing requirements for critical applications
3. API 5L erw pipe dimensions
API 5L ERW pipe dimensions refer to the standardized sizes of pipes used for transporting oil, gas, and water. These dimensions include outside diameter (OD), wall thickness (WT), and length, and are designed to meet the requirements of the API 5L specification.
ERW pipes are commonly available in sizes ranging from 1/2 inch to 48 inches in diameter, with various wall thicknesses defined by schedule numbers (e.g., Sch 40, Sch 80) or custom specifications. Standard pipe lengths are typically 6 meters or 12 meters, though custom lengths can be supplied.
API 5L Welded Pipe Chemical Composition
|
ERW PSL1 |
ERW PSL2 |
|||||||
|
Grade |
C (Max.) |
Mn (Max.) |
P (Max.) |
S (Max.) |
C (Max.) |
Mn (Max.) |
P (Max.) |
S (Max.) |
|
A |
0.22 |
0.90 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.22 |
1.20 |
0.025 |
0.015 |
|
B |
0.26 |
1.20 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.22 |
1.30 |
0.025 |
0.015 |
|
X42 |
0.26 |
1.30 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.22 |
1.40 |
0.025 |
0.015 |
|
X46 |
0.26 |
1.40 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.22 |
1.40 |
0.025 |
0.015 |
|
X52 |
0.26 |
1.40 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.22 |
1.40 |
0.025 |
0.015 |
|
X56 |
0.26 |
1.40 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.22 |
1.40 |
0.025 |
0.015 |
|
X60 |
0.26 |
1.40 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.22 |
1.45 |
0.025 |
0.015 |
|
X65 |
0.26 |
1.45 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.22 |
1.65 |
0.025 |
0.015 |
|
X70 |
0.26 |
1.65 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.22 |
1.85 |
0.025 |
0.015 |
API 5L ERW Pipe Yield Strength & Tensile Strength - PSL1 and PSL2
|
Pipe Grade |
Tensile Properties - ERW Pipe Body of SMLS and Welded Pipes PSL 1 |
Seam of ERW 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 |
Conclsuion
API 5L ERW pipe is a reliable and cost-effective solution for transporting fluids under moderate to high pressure. With a wide range of grades, sizes, and performance levels, these pipes meet the needs of demanding industries while adhering to strict quality and safety standards.
