Selecting the Correct X52 Pipe Supplier for Your Oil & Gas Project

Choosing the correct supplier for a major pipeline may be just as important as selecting the pipe grade itself. Cross-country gas pipelines and offshore oil systems can encounter major difficulties down the road if the correct specifications are not determined from the beginning.

Most pipelines are made up of a large quantity of API 5L components. When most people think of the grades of API 5L, two grades come to mind: X42 and X52. Understanding the grades and the expectations of X52 pipe suppliers can be the difference between the success of the operation and a major disruption.

Both of the grades discussed are in API 5L and have the same functions and purposes of transporting oil, gas and water, just under different levels of pressure. The main distinction of the grades is the strength and pressure that are assigned to them.

Attribute API 5L X42 API 5L X52

Min. Yield Strength 42,000 PSI 52,000 PSI

Min. Tensile Strength 60,000 PSI 66,000 PSI

PSL Levels PSL1, PSL2 PSL1, PSL2

X42 is used for moderate pressure systems and is used most often in water and low pressure gas distribution systems. X52 is used for higher pressure systems and more long distance gas transport systems.

In the end, the applicable code for wall thickness and the design pressure will determine the final selection.

Finding good X52 Pipe Suppliers is challenging and price is only part of it. Here is what procurement engineers and project managers look at when making purchases:

MTCs and Traceability

Piping purchased without an MTC that is certified to EN 10204 3.1 is considered a purchase at risk. At a minimum, the supplier should provide traceability to the mill for chemical and mechanical properties of the batch as well as the heat number. X52 pipe suppliers provide these documents without them having to be asked.

The requested pipe specification level (PSL) should be readily available. PSL2 would mean extra controls of the chemistry as well as toughness testing and advanced inspections. PSL2 is typically a given in a sour service or offshore environment.

Pipe Type and Route of Manufacture

Pipes marked as X52 may be offered in:

Seamless – for high pressure and small diameter pipes

ERW- low cost for more generic service

LSAW/DSAW – large diameter pipes

SSAW (Spiral) – low to medium service gas and water line

An excellent supplier should have different types of manufacturing in stock and, having known the project’s NPS, time and service requirements, should be able to recommend the type of pipe for the project.

Suppliers with third party inspection body approvals such as BV or Lloyd’s show interest. Approvals for national oil companies and downstream operators such as KNPC, GASCO or Qatar Gas signify that supplier has achieved the requisite industry grade procurement approvals.

Pipelines of longer lengths require coatings of either 3LPE, FBE or coal tar. Top suppliers of X52 pipes offer either in-house coatings or subcontract coatings through the supplier.

The rapid growth of the Indian economy has made it a hub for competitively priced API 5L line pipes. Suppliers like Tycoon Piping Solution in Mumbai supply X42 and X52 grades and operate some of the leading mills, ISMT and JSL, as well as others, such as Maharashtra Seamless, Tenaris, and JFE Japan, with exports to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe.