API Pipe Designations

Thanks guys, those are helpful indeed.

I take it API grades do not designate size, but only composition, certain strengths (weaknesses), and type (seamless, welded, etc). The tariff only mention grades H-40, J-55, K-55 in one section and X-52 in another. These are all in the oil and gas industry section. Can the experts here thinks of any reason why only those grades are singled out of all the possible types? Something sepcial about them? Or are they the most common grades for the oil industry?

Thanks again for the help.

Hello Apothicus,

The different ASTM references,

H-40 Tensile strength etc I have copied below. I am not sure what you mean when you mention 'tariff'? Is that what has been specified for the job?

I would get it clarifies as to exactly what spec pipe or tube is correct for the job.

You may have told me but I do not recall, what your job is? Can you tell me please?

The list of pipes and tensile strengths are below.

What are these pipe for. Exactly what are you trying to do in your job? Is it your job to choose the pipe and or casing?

Do not 'mix and match' any pipe or tube. always use the same throughout the run You cannot use n80 and then put a length of h-40 in. Because you will not have continuous strength and if it is under pressure the weakest link will fail.

Below is pipe details for Standards : ISO 11960 / API 5CT / 5B,

but within this standard there is many sizes and strengths of pipe. But all in the standard are Plain End Pipe.

"The Experts" Is me! At the moment as I do not think anyone has joined this thread.

The reason for the choice of these standards to allow the pipe to be used under certain conditions, which will be protection against salt for instance. This is just an example ok? And in addition the pipes are designed to take certain limited pressures. That is why these particular pipe standards are used.

Again, can you tell me what your job is?I am not wasting my time on a school project am I?

================================

OCTG API Plain End Casing

Standards : ISO 11960 / API 5CT / 5B
Used In : oil and gas exploitaiton
Dimensions : ACCORDING TO THE TABLE

Thanks again for your help.

School project? LOL no, haven't done one of those for 35 years or so.

My job? I am a customs broker. I clear commercial goods through Canada Customs and to do that (correctly) all gods must be classified (given a tariff number) according to the Hamronized tariff. Have been doing this for many years and now I am involved in training staff and quality control. The problem is that in this business we deal with every type of goods, and each individual section of the tariff was writen by experts in that field and uses very technical terms.

For example...here is a very small sample of the tariff section dealing with iron and steel seamless pipes.

7304.29.00.

- - - - -Casing of an external diameter exceeding 114.3 mm but not exceeding

177.8 mm:

11 - - - - - -Of an A.P.I. grade H-40, J-55, K-55 or equivalent proprietary

specification ......................................................................................... KGM

19 - - - - - -Other .................................................................................................... KGM

- - - - -Casing of an external diameter exceeding 177.8 mm but not exceeding

298.5 mm:

21 - - - - - -Of an A.P.I. grade H-40, J-55, K-55 or equivalent proprietary

specification ......................................................................................... KGM

29 - - - - - -Other .................................................................................................... KGM

- - - - -Casing of an external diameter exceeding 298.5 mm:

31 - - - - - -Of an A.P.I. grade H-40, J-55, K-55 or equivalent proprietary

specification ......................................................................................... KGM

39 - - - - - -Other .................................................................................................... KGM

- - - - -Tubing of an external diameter not exceeding 60.2 mm:

41 - - - - - -Of an A.P.I. grade H-40, J-55 or equivalent proprietary specification .. KGM

49 - - - - - -Other .................................................................................................... KGM

- - - - -Tubing of an external diameter of 60.3 mm:

This is a tiny sample of chaper 73 Articles of iron or steel. Heading 04 Pipes and tubes. Sub-heading 20 casing tubing and drill pipe. (7304.29)

To do my job I have to be able to differentiate between casing, line pipe and drill pipe etc. Note that the tariff refers to certain grades "or equivalent" therefore I have to know what those grades mean. Rarely will such detailed inforation be on a sales invoice.

So I am constantly seeking experts guidance on the terms used in the tariff and fourm like this one are an invaluable source of this information for me. What i learn here allows me to converse intelligently with the importers and end-users of the pipe.

When I have to ask a client if their imported pipe meets API grade H-40 I like to know what I'm talking about because some client is sure to ask me "what does that mean?" I like to have an answer.

I'm also just a naturely curious guy who likes to learn new stuff.

The people at CR4 have helped me with motors, pumps, nuts & bolts and I am very grateful for all that. Now I am trying to explain pipe classification to the staff so I am getting as much info as I can before I go before the "class".

In general its a great job, I get to spend a lot of time learning and researching in all kinds of different fields....... today its pipes. Everyday can be something new.

Again thanks for any assistance you can and have offered.

Hello Apothicus:

I really appreciated your reply post, thank you.

I hope I did not offend you in any way. It is just that we are not supposed to help school kids and the way your thread was going ...........Anyway you. Fair enough and it is really interesting that you get you confirmation here sometimes?

You may not be able to do this but, I had to teach some school leavers for three lessons in one week and I put together a folder for each pupil which had in it 1/4" 6 mm, 'length' of different sized plastic pipe. I started off with 6" 150 mm, and put other rings of gradually smaller pipe inside each other. I drilled a whole just big enough to put a rivet through. I packed out the area I was going to rivet with a couple of matches, and removed them after I riveted, the pipe slivers came apart just enough to be checked and measured.

I am wondering if this would be possible with all the basic standards of pipe and casing you have to check? As long as the pipe is wide enough to see the surface on the inside and out and you can check the circumference to see if it is welded etc. Or perhaps you could do a similar thing but pin the pipe sections to a soft-board in your office?

If you did try this for personal packs in a breifcase, you could have the pipe in plastic files alonh with the stardard it belonged to?

It is just an idea....................

Take care and I will do anything I can to help, OK?

I know a year has past since you reply. Can you explain or point me in the direction of a website which explains the difference in say L 80 & N 80 pipe or J 55 & K 55 pipe? No this is not a school project. I am not register, therefore would you please email your answer to laynebirdwell@verizon.net?

Thanks