Introduction
Also known as ISO 3183, API 5L X60 is a basic high-level pipe material that falls under the category of API 5L specifications for the transmission of petroleum, fluids, and gas.
The API 5L X60 is also termed the L415 pipe. It is named so because of its yield strength of 415 Mpa or 60,200 psi.
This grade of pipe is manufactured in both seamless and welded pipe bodies.
API 5L Grades
API 5L indicates the dealings of two merchandise grades - PSL1 and PSL2. These are manufactured in both seamless and welded steel pipe varieties. The primary application of this class of pipelines is in the transmission of fluids and gases - mainly petroleum and natural gas.
API 5L X60 Pipes retain an extraordinary minimum tensile strength (450 MPA) that even exceeds the high-grade API 5L GR X60 Pipes in terms of durability.
These pipes are extremely sturdy and reliable and offer longevity of service and function.
Along with that, it is very cost-effective as there is hardly any need for frequent substitutes or replacements. Moreover, they withstand excessive heat treatment to increase their mechanical strength and reduce hardness.
Due to their unmatched tensile strength, these API 5L X60 pipes are ideal for drilling projects. They display exceptional corrosion resistance and can endure even in high-pressure settings. This makes them very suitable for the petrochemical and gas businesses.
Chemical Composition
As already mentioned, API 5L X60 identifies the production of two merchandise classes, PSL1 and PSL2. They are of both seamless and welded variety and show different chemical compositions.
API 5L X60 PLS1 Seamless Pipes Chemical Composition
| Steel Type/Grade | Mass Fraction According to Heat and Product Data | |||
| C (Max) | S (Max) | Mn (Max) | P (Max) | |
| X60 | 0.28 | 0.030 | 1.40 | 0.030 |
API 5L X60 PLS1 Welded Pipes Chemical Composition
| Steel Type/Grade | Mass Fraction According to Heat and Product Data | |||
| C (Max) | S (Max) | Mn (Max) | P (Max) | |
| X60 | 0.26 | 0.030 | 1.45 | 0.030 |
Note: These estimates are for API 5L X60 PLS1 Pipes (seamless and welded) with t less than or equal to 25.0 mm or 0.984 inches.
API 5L X60 PLS2 Seamless Pipes Chemical Composition
| Steel Type/Grade | Mass Fraction According to Heat and Product Data | |||
| C (Max) | S (Max) | Mn (Max) | P (Max) | |
| X60Q | 0.18 | 0.015 | 1.70 | 0.025 |
API 5L X60 PLS2 Welded Pipes Chemical Composition
| Steel Type/Grade | Mass Fraction According to Heat and Product Data | |||
| C (Max) | S (Max) | Mn (Max) | P (Max) | |
| X60M | 0.12 | 0.015 | 1.60 | 0.025 |
Note: These estimates are for API 5L X60 PLS2 Pipes (seamless and welded) with t less than or equal to 25.0 mm or 0.984 inches.
Mechanical Properties (Yield Strength and Tensile Strength)
The mechanical properties of API 5L X60 are based on the yield strength and tensile strength of the materials.
For API 5L X60 PLS1 (Seamless and Welded)
| Material Grade/Type | Tensile Properties of Seamless and Welded Pipes | Welded Pipe Seam | ||
| Elongation (in 2in Af % minimum) | Yield Strength a (Rt0,5 PSI Minimum) | Tensile Strength a (Rm PSI Minimum) | Tensile Strength b (Rm PSI Minimum) | |
| X60 | c | 60,200 | 75,400 | 75,400 |
For API 5L X60 PLS2 (Seamless and Welded)
| Material Grade/Type | Tensile Properties of Seamless and Welded Pipes | Welded Pipe Seam | |||
| Elongation (in 2in Af % minimum) | Yield Strength a (Rt0,5 PSI Minimum) | Tensile Strength a (Rm PSI Minimum) | Ratio a, c (R10,5IRm) | Tensile Strength d (Rm PSI Minimum) | |
| X60N, X60Q, S60M | f (Minimum) | 60,200 (Minimum) 81,900 (Maximum) | 75,400 (Minimum) 110,200 (Maximum) | 0.93 (Maximum) | 75,400 (Minimum) |
| X80Q, X80M | f (Minimum) | 80,500 (Minimum) 102,300 (Maximum) | 90,600 (Minimum) 119,700 (Maximum) | 0.93 (Maximum) | 90,600 (Minimum) |
| X65Q, X65M | f (Minimum) | 65,300 (Minimum) 87,000 (Maximum) | 77,600 (Minimum) 110,200 (Maximum) | 0.93 (Maximum) | 76,600 (Minimum) |
| X70Q, X65M | f (Minimum) | 70,300 (Minimum) 92,100 (Maximum) | 82,700 (Minimum) 110,200 (Maximum) | 0.93 (Maximum) | 82,700 (Minimum) |
Equivalent Designation
The equivalent grades for API 5L X60 PLS1 and PLS2 are of specific kinds. The following table demonstrates the main specification for equivalent line pipes.
| API 5L X60 | Line Pipe Specifications |
| Material Type/Grade | PLS1 - L415 or x60 |
| Material Type/Grade | PLS2 - L415Q or X60Q, L415N or X60N, L415M or X60M |
Types of API 5L X60
API 5L X60 pipes can be found in several varieties for onshore, offshore, and sour services in the form of PSL1 and PSL2.
The first category, or API 5L X60 PSL1, is for common-use material and product delivery situations.
On the contrary, PSL2 is a stricter and greater class when compared to PSL1. This classification is based on chemical composition, mechanical aspects, and testing conditions. These factors that demonstrate the contrast between the two grades of API 5L X60 pipes have already been discussed here.
Application
The use and application of API 5L X60 pipes can be seen in various fields of business and industries - oil refineries, pressure devices, power production, and boiler appliances.
They are used for oil and gas transmission procedures as well as petroleum commerce. Various business surveys and studies conclude that the demand for large quantities of API 5L X60 pipes is in large volume.
Conclusion
API 5L X60 Pipes are known and largely used for their excellent strength, good durability, and anti-corrosion properties.
This class of pipes is mainly classified into the two categories of API 5L X60 PLS1 and PLS2. Both offer productive services in multiple fields of business and are beneficial in various material production and generation. The effectiveness of such pipes is mainly observed in industries based on the transportation of petroleum and natural gas.
They are considered to be of reasonable price and offer very long-term services. Manufactured with proper high-quality materials, API 5L X60 pipes are equally useful as well as cost-effective.