DOC-SER-049 API6A 20th Ed OVERVIEW

DOCUMENT
API 6A 20th ED OVERVIEW

Note that on the new revision of API 6A, the changes are specified with the help of
arrows in margins. See note at the end of this doc for more details concerning
changes of the API6A standard.
APPLICATION / COVERAGE
This specification covers equipment utilized for pressure control systems for the
production of oil and gas. Specific equipment covered by this specification is listed as
follow.
a. Wellhead equipment
 Casing head housings
 Casing head spools
 Tubing head spools
 Crossover spools
 Multistage head housing & spools
b. Connectors and fittings

 Crossover connectors
 Tubing head adapters
 Top connectors
 Tees and crosses
 Fluid sampling devices
 Adapter and spacer spools
c. Casing and tubing hangers

 Mandrel hangers
 Slip hangers
d. Valves and chokes

 single valves,
 multiple valves,
 actuated valves,
 valves prepared for actuators
 check valves
 chokes
 surface and underwater safety valves and actuators,
 back-pressure valves
e. Loose connectors [flanged, threaded, other end connectors (OEC), and

welded]:
QUINEX SARL, Inspection and Expediting – 265 Avenue de l’Industrie, 34820 Teyran, France – Phone: 00 33 (0) 6 13 73 78 29
E-mail: info@quinexweb.com – Web Site: www.quinexweb.com
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 Weld neck connectors

 Blind connectors
 Threaded connectors
 Adapter & spacer connectors
 bull plugs
 valve-removal plugs.
f. Other equipment
 Actuators
 Ring gaskets
 Hubs
 Pressure boundary penetration
 Running and testing tools
 Wear bushings
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION LEVELS (PSL’s)
API specification 6A provides definition of standard service condition and

introduces the concept of product specification levels. The PSL’s define the
different level of effort and technical requirements which may be specified for a
product.
There are 4 different PSL’s from PSL 1 to PSL 4. These are generally
specified by the customer using API 6A Annex A Figure A.14
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GENERAL SUMMARY
PSL 1
DO NEED - Mechanical test results inc. hardness

- Impact tests
- 1 hardness test on finished parts (except loose flanges) :
o Sampling (2 000 psi, 3 000 psi and 5 000 psi)
o 100% (10 000 psi, 15 000 psi and 20 000 psi parts
only)
- Dimensional/visual inspection
- Visual examination on preparation, visual
examination and PT or MT is required after
completion for weld corrosion-resistant overlay
DO NOT NEED - Chemical analysis

- Any traceability information
- UT on forgings
- MPI on finished parts
- Pressure test records
- Heat treatment records
PSL 2
DO NEED - Unique serial number per piece

- Mechanical test results
- Chemical analysis
- Impact tests
- MPI on all wetted surfaces (ie bores, etc…)
- 1 hardness test on each piece
- Weld records (including NDE)
- Pressure test-actual pressures and times
- Assembly sheets showing cast numbers only
- Dimensional and visual examination
DO NOT NEED - Ultrasonic examination of materials

- Serialisation
- Pressure test charts, etc…
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PSL 3
DO NEED - Everything for PSL 2 – plus UT (or X-Ray) of materials

- Hardness once on body plus one on each end or outlet
face.
- Unique serial number per piece plus traceability to heat
and heat-treat lot
- MPI on all accessible areas (full body)
- Pressure tests charts
- Material to be traceable to each treatment batch (ie
furnace load).
- Assembly sheets to give cast numbers and serial
numbers plus batch numbers of elastomers (ie O rings,
etc) used.
DO NOT NEED - Not applicable.

-
PSL 4
– DO NEED – - Basically the same as PSL 3 except:
- Impact tests
- No weld repair allowed (except corrosion resistant
overlay – ie S/S or Inconel).
- Stricter U/T requirements
- Mechanical results for elastomers
- Gas body tests
- Gas seat tests at high and low pressure for one hour
each
- Gas back-seat test (i.e. valve stem) at high and low
pressure for on hour each.
- DO NOT NEED - - Not applicable
Note:
Pressure containing parts: Those parts whose failure to function as intended would
result in a release of retained fluid to the atmosphere (bodies, bonnets and stems).
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Pressure controlling parts: Those parts intended to control or regulate the movement
of pressurized fluids, such as sealing mechanism, choke trim and hangers (example
are gates and seats).
MATERIAL CLASSIFICATION
Different produced fluids require different types of materials to withstand the

corrosion / erosion anticipated and therefore the API has developed a table to
designate the material to be used in different services.
Material class Minimum material requirement Body, Pressure controlling parts, stems,
bonnet and flange and mandrel hangers
AA – General service Carbon or low alloy steel Carbon or low alloy steel
BB – General service Carbon or low alloy steel Stainless steel
CC – General service Stainless steel Stainless steel
DD – Sour Service * Carbon or low alloy steel ** Carbon or low alloy steel
**
EE – Sour Service * Carbon or low alloy steel ** Stainless steel **
FF – Sour Service * Stainless steel Stainless steel **
HH – Sour Service * CRAs ** CRAs **
ZZ– Sour Service *, To be defined by the To be defined by the
for conditions which purchaser purchaser
exceed NACE MR-
0175 or material not
addressed in NACE
MR-0175
* As defined by NACE Standard MR-0175

** In compliance with NACE Standard MR-0175
CRA: Corrosion resistant alloy
NACE MR 0175
A study showed that all materials became susceptible to stress cracking when they
were immerged in liquid containing certain solutions of water and hydrogen sulphide
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(H2S) at certain pressures when their hardness were over a known maximum
hardness figure.
Although the acceptable maximum hardness is dependent on actual chemistry a

general rule is as follow:
Low alloy steels (i.e. AISI 4130, 4140, 8630, 410SS, etc…): 22 HRC
MAX (237 BHN)
Stainless steels (i.e. 17/4 PH): 33 HRC Max (311
BHN)
TEMPERATURE CLASSIFICATION
Different wells require different materials to withstand different temperatures

and therefore API has generated a grouping system to cover all wells types.
Temperature Operating range (°C) Operating range (°F)

classification Min Max Min Max
K -60 82 -75 180
L -46 82 -50 180
N -46 60 -50 140
P -29 82 -20 180
S -18 60 0 140
T -18 82 0 180
U -18 121 0 250
V 0 121 35 250
X (see API 6A Annex -18 180 0 350
g)
Y (see API 6A Annex -18 345 0 650
g)
These groups can be combined. “P+X” gives a temperature range from -20°F to
350°F. This might be used where a wellhead might sit unused in sub-zero
temperature and then see contact with high temperature fluids >250°F.
CHARPY IMPACTS
At very low temperature metals become brittle. To ensure that the metals used
are fit for purpose, charpy impacts are a requirement for different PSL’s and
temperature classes.
Charpy V-notch impact requirements (10mm X 10mm)
Temperatur Test Minimum average impact Minimu Minimum

e temperatur value m average
classification e J (Ft-lb) average impact
impact value
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DOCUMENT
°C (°F) value J (Ft-lb)

J (Ft-lb)
PSL 1 PSL 2 PSL 3 & 4
K - 60 (–75) 20 (15) 20 (15) 20 (15)
L -46 (–50) 20 (15) 20 (15) 20 (15)
N -46 (–50) 20 (15) 20 (15) 20 (15)
P -29 (–20) 20 (15)
S –18 (0) 20 (15)
T –18 (0) 20 (15)
U –18 (0) 20 (15)
V –18 (0) 20 (15)
Above figures are for transverse direction impact measurements (i.e. cross the
grain). Minimum average impact values are raised to 20 ft-lb (27 J) when
samples are taken longitudinally (i.e. along the grain).
QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS FOR EQUIPMENT
Quality control for bodies, bonnets, and end and outlet connections, hub end connectors
See appropriate sections

PSL 1 PSL 2 PSL 3 PSL 4
Tensile Yes Yes Yes Yes
testing
Impact Yes Yes Yes Yes
testing
Hardness Sampling/Individua Single Multiple Multiple
testing l*
Dimensiona Sampling Sampling Yes Yes
l verification
Traceability - Yes Yes Yes
Chemical - Yes Yes Yes
analysis
Visual Yes Yes - -
examination
Surface - Yes (wetted Yes (wetted All areas,
NDE & sealing & sealing including
surface) surface) prior weld
overlay
Weld NDE - Yes Yes Yes
Serialisation - - Yes Yes
Volumetric - - Yes Yes
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NDE
* If the nominal pressure is 10000, 15000 or 20000 PSI, each part shall be hardness
tested.
Quality control for stems
See appropriate sections

Tensile testing Yes Yes Yes Yes
Impact testing Method to be Yes Yes Yes
specified by the
manufacturer
Hardness testing Sampling/Individua Single Multiple Multiple
NACE MR0175 l*
Dimensional Sampling Sampling Yes Yes
verification
Traceability - Yes Yes Yes
Chemical analysis - Yes Yes Yes
Visual examination Yes Yes - -
Surface NDE - Yes (wetted All areas, All areas,
& sealing including including
surface) prior weld prior weld
overlay overlay
Weld NDE - Yes Yes Yes
Serialisation - - Yes Yes
Volumetric NDE - - Yes Yes
Table 13 lists the quality control requirements for stems. The requirements shown for
stems are the same as for bodies and bonnets, except that material properties shall
conform to the requirements of 5.1 and 5.2. Impact testing requirements and
acceptance criteria for stems shall be the same as for bodies, bonnets, and end and
outlet connections.
* If the nominal pressure is 10000, 15000 or 20000 PSI, each part shall be hardness
tested.
Quality control requirements for full bore valves

Quality control requirements for regular and venturi bore valves (drift test is then removed)
Quality control requirements for production check valves (drift and back seat test removed)
Requirements PSL 1 PSL 2 PSL 3 PSL 4

Drift test Yes Yes Yes Yes
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Hydrostatic test Yes Yes Yes, Yes, extended

extended
Gas tests - - Optional (3G Yes
only)
Assembly - - Yes Yes
traceability
Serialization - Yes Yes Yes
WELDING
Quality control requirements for welding generally increase as the PSL level
(Increases from 1 through 3 with each level building on the level below it). No welding
is permitted on PSL 4 equipment except for corrosion resistant alloy overlay. The
following table applies to pressure containing fabrication and repair weldments for
bodies, bonnets and end and outlet connections.

weld ASME IX Same as PSL Same as PSL No welding
Procedure with 1 plus base 2 plus base allowed except
Qualification hardness material material for corrosion
survey grouping grouping resistant alloy
Welder ASME IX Same as PSL Same as PSL overlays
Performanc 1 plus Hole 2
e Qualification
Qualification
Visual Required Required Required
Examination
of Weld
Weld For CRA Required Required
Surface NDE overlay only
(PT/MT)
Weld Required for Required for
Volumetric 100% of 100% of
NDE (UT / Fabrication Fabrication
RT) Welds and Welds and
Repair Welds Repair Welds
if thk repaired if thk repaired
>25% or >20% or
25mm of wall 25mm of wall
thickness thickness
Weld - - Yes
Hardness
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testing
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PRESSURE TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Pressure ratings for internal API Threaded End or Outlet Connections
Type of API thread Size (in.) Rate working pressure (PSI)
Line Pipe/ NPT ½” 10000

(Nominal Sizes) ¾” - 2” 5000
2 ½” – 6” 3000
Tubing 1.050 – 4 ½” 5000
Non-upset and
External. Upset
Round Thread
Casing 4 ½” – 10 ¾” 5000
(8 Round, Buttress 11 ¾” – 13 3/8” 3000
and Extreme Line) 16” – 20” 2000
Hydrostatic body test pressure (PSI)
Working End and outlet connections

pressur Nominal size of Line pipe Casing thread, in.
e Rating flange and
(PSI) tubing
Up to 13 16 ¾” 4 ½” – 10 11 ¾” – 16” – 20”
5/8” and threads ¾” 13 3/8”
above
2000 4000 3000 4000 4000 4000 2250
3000 6000 4500 6000 6000 4500 -
5000 7500 7500 7500 7500 N/A -
10000 15000 15000 15000 - - -
15000 22500 22500 - - - -
20000 30000 - - - - -
Holding times
PSL Hydrostati Hydrostatic Gas Gas seat Gas back seat

c Body test Seat test body test test
(each seats) test (each
seats)
1 3 + 3 mn 3 + 3 mn
2 3 + 3 mn 3 + 3 + 3mn
w/ full
differential
pressure
opening
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3 3 + 15 mn 3 + 15 + 15
mn
w/ full
differential
pressure
opening
3G 3 + 15 mn 3 + 15 + 15 15 mn 15mn 15 mn
mn +15mn
w/ full
differential
pressure
opening
4 3 + 15 mn 3 + 15 + 15 15 mn 60 mn + 60 mn + 60 mn
mn 60 mn ** **
* in PSL 3: Gas body test (Individual equipment) Gas seat test (Valves) and
Gas backseat test (gate valves) may be used in addition / conjunction to a
hydrostatic test.
** in PSL 4: Gas seat test and gas back seat test shall consist of two holding
periods:
 The primary test shall equal rated working pressure
 The secondary test pressure shall be greater than 5% and less than
10% of the rated working pressure.
PRESSURE TEST PROCEDURE DEPENDING ON PSL

INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT API 6A 20TH ED.
Drift test OK OK OK OK
Hydro 2 pressure holding 2 pressure 2 pressure 2 pressure
body test periods (3 min) holding periods holding periods holding
Pressures : Table 31 (3 min) (1st 3min, 2nd 15 periods (1st
Pressures : min recorded) 3min, 2nd 15
Table 31 Pressures : min
Table 31 recorded)
Pressures :
Table 31
Hydro seat 2 pressure holding 3 pressure 3 pressure 3 pressure
test periods (3 min) on holding periods holding periods holding
each side. (3 min), all (1st 3 min, 2nd and periods (1st
Pressure reduced to monitored with 2 3rd 15 min), all 3 min, 2nd
zero between both full differential recorded with 2 and 3rd 15
holding periods. pressure full differential min), all
Pressures : Working openings on both pressure recorded
sides. openings on both with 2 full
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DOCUMENT
Pressure Pressures: sides. differential

Working Pressures: pressure
pressures Working openings on
pressures both sides.
Pressures:
Working
pressures
Gas body (PSL 3G only) Single
test Single pressure pressure
holding for holding for
15min. 15min.
Monitored. Monitored.
Pressure: Pressure:
Working Working
pressure. pressure.
Gas seat (PSL 3G only) 2 monitored
test 2 monitored holding
holding periods periods
1rst period: 1rst period:
Working Working
pressure, 15 min pressure,
2nd period: 60 min
300PSI (+/-10%), 2nd period:
15 min between 5%
Fully opening and 10% of
and closing the working
during the test pressure,
60 min.
Fully
opening and
closing
during the
test
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DOCUMENT
MPa psi
Material Yield Tensile Yield Tensile Minimum Brinell
Type Strength Strength Strength Strength Hardness
36K 248 483 36000 70000 140
45K 310 483 45000 70000 140
60K 414 586 60000 85000 174
75K 517 655 75000 95000 197
Composition limits
% mass fraction
Alloying
Carbon and Martensitic 45K material for
element
low-alloy steels stainless steels welding
neck flanges a
Carbon 0,45 max.. 0,15 max 0,35 max.
Manganese 1.80 max 1.00 max 1.05
Silicon 1.00 max 1.50 max 1.35
Phosphorus PSL 2 : 0,040 max. PSL 2 : 0,040 max.
0,05 max.
PSL 3 & 4 : 0,025 max PSL 3 & 4 : 0,025 max
Sulfur PSL 2 : 0,040 max. PSL 2 : 0,040 max.
0,05 max.
PSL 3 & 4 : 0,025 max PSL 3 & 4 : 0,025 max
Chromium 2.75 max 11-14 N/A
molybdenium 1.5 max 1.00 max N/A
Vanadium 0.3 max N/A N/A
a For each reduction of 0,01 % below the specified carbon maximum (0,35 %), an increase of 0,06 % manganese above
the specified maximum (1,05 %) is permitted up to a maximum of 1,35 %.
14

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API 6A 20th ED OVERVIEW

b. Connectors and fittings

c. Casing and tubing hangers

d. Valves and chokes

e. Loose connectors [flanged, threaded, other end connectors (OEC), and

 Weld neck connectors

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION LEVELS (PSL’s)

API specification 6A provides definition of standard service condition and

DO NEED - Mechanical test results inc. hardness

DO NOT NEED - Chemical analysis

DO NEED - Unique serial number per piece

DO NOT NEED - Ultrasonic examination of materials

DO NEED - Everything for PSL 2 – plus UT (or X-Ray) of materials

DO NOT NEED - Not applicable.

– DO NEED – - Basically the same as PSL 3 except:

Different produced fluids require different types of materials to withstand the

* As defined by NACE Standard MR-0175

Although the acceptable maximum hardness is dependent on actual chemistry a

Different wells require different materials to withstand different temperatures

Temperature Operating range (°C) Operating range (°F)

Charpy V-notch impact requirements (10mm X 10mm)

Temperatur Test Minimum average impact Minimu Minimum

°C (°F) value J (Ft-lb)

QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS FOR EQUIPMENT

See appropriate sections

Quality control for stems

See appropriate sections

Quality control requirements for full bore valves

Requirements PSL 1 PSL 2 PSL 3 PSL 4

Hydrostatic test Yes Yes Yes, Yes, extended

PSL 1 PSL 2 PSL 3 PSL 4

PRESSURE TESTING REQUIREMENTS

Pressure ratings for internal API Threaded End or Outlet Connections

Type of API thread Size (in.) Rate working pressure (PSI)

Line Pipe/ NPT ½” 10000

Hydrostatic body test pressure (PSI)

Working End and outlet connections

PSL Hydrostati Hydrostatic Gas Gas seat Gas back seat

PRESSURE TEST PROCEDURE DEPENDING ON PSL

PSL 1 PSL 2 PSL 3 PSL 4

Pressure Pressures: sides. differential

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