API 5L X42
API 5L X42
The American Petroleum Institute (API) specification 5L covers line pipes for use in pipelines that transport oil, natural gas, and water. API 5L X42 is the most common grade of carbon steel pipe used in manufacturing, fabrication, and construction applications. Especially, X42 is carbon steel grade designed for use in the petroleum industry. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for use in pipelines and other line pipe applications. The steel grade also has good pressure resistance, making it suitable for use in high-pressure applications. In addition, X42 has good weldability, making it easy to join sections of pipe together. Overall, X42 is versatile carbon steel that can be used in a variety of applications.
Why choose tuspipe?
Since 1998, Tianjin United Steel Pipe Co., Ltd (TUSPIPE) has been committed to supplying high-quality line pipes.
With over 500,000 tons annual production capacity, the company serves various fields and industries, such as oil & gas exploitation and transmission, ship & auto-building, water & electricity, environmental protection, mechanical engineering, infrastructure construction and etc.
TUSPIPE places a premium on product quality and rigorous product quality control. In order to maintain good product quality, the company has established a Test & Inspection Center since 2004. With a series of state-of-the-art tests and inspection equipment, the test & inspection center is able to perform the tensile tests, hydro tests, impact tests, DWTT, etc.
Application of API 5L X42 Line Pipe
API 5L X42 line pipe is most commonly used in the petroleum industry for the transport of petroleum and natural gas. Onshore, it is used for the transport of petroleum and natural gas from the wellhead to the refinery, and offshore, it is used for the transport of petroleum and natural gas from the platform to the onshore terminal. API 5L X42 line pipe is also used in other industries such as the chemical industry, for the transport of chemicals, and the construction industry, for the construction of pipelines.
What is the Difference between API 5L X42 PSL-1 and PSL-2?
In the oil and gas industry, the American Petroleum Institute (API) designates different levels of steel pipe. The two most common levels are PSL-1 and PSL-2. PSL stands for Production Survey Level. These levels are based on the properties of the steel, as well as how often it undergoes testing.
PSL-1 is the lower grade, and it is generally used for less critical applications. The chemical and mechanical requirements are not as strict, and the test frequency is lower.
PSL-2 is the higher grade, and it is typically used for more critical applications. The chemical and mechanical requirements are stricter, and the test frequency is higher.
So, in summary, the main difference between PSL-1 and PSL-2 levels is that PSL-2 has stricter requirements and a higher test frequency. This means that it is a higher quality level of steel pipe.
API 5L X42 Pipe Chemical Composition
- Chemical Composition for API 5L X42 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 | |
| Welded Pipe | |||||||
| X42 | 0.26 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | d | d | d |
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 API 5L X42 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 | ||
| Welded Pipe | |||||||||||
| X42M | 0.22 | 0.45 | 1.3 | 0.025 | 0.015 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.04 | e,l | 0.43 | 0.25 |
a. SMLS t>0.787”, CE limits shall be as agreed. The CEIIW limits applied if 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%.
API 5L X42 Pipe Mechanical Properties
- Mechanical Properties for API 5L X42 PSL-1 Pipe
| 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 | |
| X42 | 42,100 | 60,200 | c | 60,200 |
| 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 footnote 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 for API 5L X42 PSL-2 Pipe
| 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 | |
| X42, X42R | 42,100 | 71,800 | 60,200 | 95,000 | 0.93 | f | 60,200 |
| X42Q, X42M | |||||||
| a. For intermediate grade, refer to the full API5L specification. | |||||||
| b. for grades > X90 refers 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 refers to the full API5L specification. |
Dimensions and Sizes of API 5L X42 Line Pipe
API 5L X42 line pipes are manufactured according to international standards. Before purchasing a particular pipe, it is important to check the size and dimensions of the pipe to ensure that it meets the required standards. The diameter and wall thickness of the pipe are specified in ISO 4200 and ASME B36.10M. These standards provide a guide for different size pipes and specify the wall thickness of each size. To check if a pipe meets the required standards, refer to these tables. Doing so will help to ensure that the pipe is the right size and has the correct wall thickness.
API 5L X42 Pipe Tolerance
| O.D. Tolerance | W.T. Tolerance | ||
| X42 | |||
| D ＜ 60.3mm | +0.41/-0.40mm | D ＜ 73mm | +15%/-12.5% |
| D ≥ 60.3m | +0.75/-0.40mm | D ≥ 73mm | +15%/-12.5% |
API 5L X42 Pipe Material Equivalent
| Item | Specification for Line Pipe | |
| Material Grade | PSL1 | L290 or x42 |
| Material Grade | PSL2 | L290Q or X42Q L290R or X42R L290N or X42N L290Q or X42Q L290M or X42M |
R: As rolled
N: Normalizing rolled, normalized formed, Normalized
Q: Tempered and quenched
M: Thermomechanical rolled or thermomechanical formed
S: Sour Service
Delivery Condition for API 5L X42 Pipes
| PSL | Delivery Condition | Material Grade |
| PSL-1 | As-rolled, normalizing rolled, thermomechanical rolled, thermo-mechanical formed, normalizing formed, normalized, normalized, and tempered | X42 |
| PSL-2 | As-rolled | X42R |
| Normalizing rolled, normalizing formed, normalized or normalized, and tempered | X42N | |
| Quenched and tempered | X42Q | |
| Thermomechanical rolled or thermomechanical formed | X42M |
Test and inspection of API 5L X42 Line pipes
API 5L line pipes offer a number of advantages over regular pipes. First, they are quality controlled and certified to ensure that they meet the latest industry standards. Second, they are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that they can withstand the rigors of pipeline transport. Third, they are carefully controlled during production to ensure that they meet all quality and safety regulations. Fourth, they have a longer service life than regular pipes, due to their superior material quality and design. As a result, API 5L line pipes offer superior performance and reliability, making them the ideal choice for a wide range of pipeline applications.
- Hydrostatic Test
Hydrostatic tests are performed to ensure that a pipe can withstand the internal pressure require hydrostatic testing, which is the process of pressurizing a hydro-test, is done during the manufacturing process to test for leaks in the weld seam or pipe body. The hydro-test consists of filling the pipe with water and then applying pressure to it until it reaches the hydrostatic pressure required by the manufacturer. If there are no leaks, the hydrostatic pressure will equal the hydrostatic test pressure. If there is a leak, hydrostatic testing can help to identify where it is located so that it can be repaired. Hydrostatic testing is an important part of ensuring that a pipe can safely transport fluids under pressure.
- Bending Test
A bending test during pipe production is a test used to determine the steel’s ability to withstand bending without cracking. A sample piece of steel is welded at the center and then placed on a jig. The steel is then slowly bent until it reaches the desired angle. The steel is then inspected for cracks. If there are no cracks, the steel passes the test. If there are cracks, the steel fails the test.
- Flattening Test
The flattening test is a steel line pipe production test performed to assess a pipe’s resistance to deformation and potential cracking under stress. A steel pipe sample is placed on two supports, and a weight is placed on top of the pipe. The steel pipe is then deformed by the weight until it reaches a specified percentage of flattening (e.g., 20%). The test measures the steel pipe’s ability to withstand deformation without cracks or other damage. The results of the flattening test are used to evaluate the steel pipe’s suitability for its intended application (e.g., transportation of oil and gas).
- CVN Impact Test
CVN impact tests are a type of testing commonly used during pipe production. These tests are designed to assess the resistance of a material to impact loading and can be performed on the pipe body, welding seam, or heat-affected zone. The most common standard for these tests is API 5L, which covers a wide range of temperatures and load levels. CVN impact tests are an important part of ensuring the quality of a finished pipe and can help to identify potential manufacturing defects.
- DWT Test for PSL-2 Welded Pipe
DWTT stands for drop-weight tear test. It is a test used during the production of large diameter pipes, in order to assess their resistance to fracture. The test is specified in the API 5L standard. A DWTT test consists of dropping a weight onto a pipe specimen, in order to create a fracture. The resulting fracture is then examined in order to assess the pipe’s resistance to fracture. DWTT tests are typically carried out on full-size pipe specimens.
