API 5L ERW pipe refers to Electric Resistance Welded pipe produced under the API 5L standard, which covers both welded and seamless steel line pipe used in the oil and gas industry. ERW pipes are formed by cold-forming steel strips into a cylindrical shape and then welding the seam using high-frequency electric resistance. The result is a pipe with a clean, uniform weld and strong mechanical integrity.
The API 5L standard outlines two primary product specification levels:
PSL1: General-purpose line pipe with basic quality requirements.
PSL2: Enhanced quality line pipe with stricter mechanical, chemical, and inspection requirements, suitable for critical applications.
API 5L ERW Pipe Specifications
- Material Grades
API 5L ERW pipes are manufactured from high-grade carbon steel that meets the chemical and mechanical standards defined in the API 5L specification. The most common grades include:
Grade B
X42, X46, X52, X56, X60, X65, X70, X80
(The “X” designation indicates minimum yield strength in ksi.)
Grades under PSL2 offer enhanced performance characteristics and are used in environments requiring higher strength, toughness, and resistance to sour service or temperature extremes.
- Product Specification Levels
PSL1: Standard quality line pipe for general service applications.
PSL2: Higher specification level with stricter mechanical properties, chemical composition limits, notch toughness requirements, and mandatory nondestructive testing (NDT).
- Dimensions and Size Range
API 5L ERW pipes are available in a wide range of sizes to meet different operational needs:
Outside Diameter (OD): 1/2 inch to 48 inches
Wall Thickness (WT): Varies by schedule (e.g., Sch 20, Sch 40, Sch 80) or customized per project specifications
Length: Standard lengths are 6 meters and 12 meters; custom lengths are available upon request
All dimensional requirements are in accordance with API 5L standards and can be adapted to meet client-specific needs.
Applications of API 5L ERW Pipe
API 5L ERW pipes are extensively used in:
Oil & Gas Transmission Pipelines
Water Supply and Distribution Systems
Structural and Civil Engineering Projects
Process Piping in Industrial Facilities
Underground and Aboveground Pipeline Networks
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 offers a dependable and economical solution for fluid transportation under moderate to high pressure. Available in a broad range of grades, sizes, and specification levels, it meets the rigorous demands of various industries while complying with stringent quality and safety standards.
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