Introduction
ISO 3183 or API 5L X52 medium-level API 5L product used in fluid and transportation industries. The pipe is named after its minimum strength yield of 52 ksi.
API 5L X52 pipes chiefly find their application in industries based on oil and gas transmission. Because of their high corrosion resistance and non-flammable nature, they are favored in various sensitive and delicate thermal and nuclear projects.
Product Description
API 5L X52 is a steel type of the API 5L category that is based on the production of two merchandise levels, API 5L X52 PSL1 and API 5L X52 PSL2 line pipes.
The X52 line pipes can be created and produced in both seamless and welded bodies.
These pipes are largely operated and applied for pipelines in the transmission of oil, gas, and other fluids all across the globe.
Chemical Composition
In the categories of X52 seamless pipe classifications, API 5L X52 steel pipe chemical measurements are equivalent to that of API 5L X42.
Here is a summary of the chemical contents of API 5L X52 PSL1 and PSL2 pipes is given.
Chemical Content Chart of API 5L X52 PSL1 (Seamless Pipe)
| Steel Type/Grade | Mass Fraction Based on Heat and Product Data (%) | ||||||
| C (max b) | P (max) | V (max) | Ti (max) | Mn (max b) | S (max) | Nb (max) | |
| X52 | 0.28 | 0.3 | d | d | 1.4 | 0.3 | d |
Chemical Content Chart of API 5L X52 PSL1 (Welded Pipe)
| Steel Type/Grade | Mass Fraction Based on Heat and Product Data (%) | ||||||
| C (max b) | P (max) | V (max) | Ti (max) | Mn (max b) | S (max) | Nb (max) | |
| X52 | 0.26 | 0.3 | d | d | 1.4 | 0.3 | d |
Note: The data is for API 5L X52 PSL1 pipes with t ≤ 0.984 inches.
Chemical Content Chart of API 5L X52 PSL1 (Seamless Pipe)
| Steel Type/Grade | Mass Fraction Based on Heat and Product Data (%) | Carbon Equivalent a | |||||||||
| C (max b) | P (max) | V (max) | Ti (max) | Mn (max b) | S (max) | Nb (max) | Si | Other | CEIIW(max) | CEPcm(max) | |
| X52N | 0.24 | 0.025 | 0.1 | 0.04 | 1.4 | 0.015 | 0.05 | 0.45 | d, e, l | 0.043 | 0.25 |
| X52Q | 0.18 | 0.025 | 0.05 | 0.04 | 1.5 | 0.015 | 0.05 | 0.45 | e, l | 0.043 | 0.25 |
Chemical Content Chart of API 5L X52 PSL2 (Welded Pipe)
| Steel Type/Grade | Mass Fraction Based on Heat and Product Data (%) | Carbon Equivalent a | |||||||||
| C (max b) | P (max) | V (max) | Ti (max) | Mn (max b) | S (max) | Nb (max) | Si | Other | CEIIW(max) | CEPcm(max) | |
| X52M | 0.22 | 0.025 | d | d | 1.4 | 0.015 | d | 0.45 | e, l | 0.043 | 0.25 |
Note: The data is for API 5L X52 PSL2 pipes with t ≤ 0.984 inches.
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of API 5L X52 PSL1 and API 5L X52 PSL2 are based on the yield strength and tensile strength of the pipe bodies.
Mechanical Properties of API 5L X52 PSL1 (Seamless and Welded Pipes)
| Steel Type/Grade | Seamless and Welded Pipe Bodies | Welded Seam of LW, COW, SAW, and EW Pipes | |
| X52 | Tensile Strength Mpa (Psi) | Yield Strength Mpa (Psi) | Tensile Strength Mpa (Psi) (Minimum) |
| 460 (66,700) (Minimum) | 360 (52,200) (Minimum) | 460 (66,700) | |
Mechanical Properties of API 5L X52 PSL2 (Seamless and Welded Pipes)
| Steel Type/Grade | Seamless and Welded Pipe Bodies | Welded Seam of LW, COW, SAW, and EW Pipes | |
| Tensile Strength Mpa (Psi) | Yield Strength Mpa (Psi) | Tensile Strength Mpa (Psi) (Minimum) | |
| X52N X52Q | 460 (66,700) (Minimum) 760 (110,200) (Maximum) | 360 (52,200) (Minimum) 530 (76,900) (Maximum) | 460 (66,700) |
Note: API 5L X52 PSL2 possesses the maximum chemical quantity, which differs from the chemical composition of PSL1. Along with that, the mechanical strength of that category is more severe.
Equivalent Material
The equivalent materials for all categories of API 5L X52 pipes are given in the following chart.
| API 5L X52 | Line Pipe Specifications | |
| Material Type | PSL1 | L360 or x52 |
| Material Type | PLS2 | L360Q or X52Q, L360M or X52M, L360N or X52N |
Testing Requirements
The following tests are done to find out and assess the quality of API 5L X52 pipes.
i) Hydrostatic Test
The pipe has to undergo a hydrostatic test without any leakage through the seam, the weld, or the pipe body.
If the pipe segments are properly tested, there is no need for testing the joints and connections.
ii) Bend Test
No breaks or cracks should appear in any area of the sample pipe body or opening of the weld.
iii) Flattening Test
This type of testing is done to verify the pipe operation in case of deformation. The flattening test is supposed to demonstrate the resistance to longitudinal and circumferential breaking and cracking. Along with that, it will also include the indications for inner and outer deformities in the product.
Apart from these primary tests, there are two more that are only relevant to API 5L X52 PSL2 pipes. They are:
- CVN impact test
- DWT test
Applications
Mainly used and applied in industries related to fluid and gas transportation, API 5L X52 pipes are beneficial for many trades and businesses.
The application of API 5L X52 pipes is therefore largely seen in the fields of petroleum and natural gas transmission.
Being non-flammable, these pipes are hugely given preference for delicate projects and endeavors based on nuclear, geothermal, thermal, and hydro procedures.
They are also employed in the sugar and textile industries building constructions.
Conclusion
Ideal for the transmission of gas, oil, water, and other fluids, the pipes of API 5L X52 grade are significant in various industries.
The API 5L X52 pipes are largely utilized due to their exceptional corrosion-resistant nature as well as sturdiness and durability.
They are equally beneficial in sour services as well as works based on high pressure and temperature conditions.