Upstream Line Pipe - API Specification 5L/ISO 3183

SCOPE
1) This Project Design Specification (PDS) is based on API Specification 5L, forty-fifth edition,
December 2012 with Errata 1, April 2015, and the modified ISO 3183-2012 (API SPEC 5L-
45/ISO 3183-2012). This PDS shall be used where specified for the manufacture of carbon-
manganese steel pipe Grades L245 (B) through L555 (X80). Requirements that are more
restrictive than API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 or this PDS shall be provided in the
Request for Quotation (RFQ).
2) This PDS covers requirements for line pipe produced by the following processes:
a) Submerged-Arc Welded Longitudinal seam (SAWL)
b) Submerged-Arc Welded Helical seam (SAWH)
c) High Frequency Welded (HFW)
d) Seamless (SMLS)
3) This PDS shall be used for onshore pipelines designed to ASME B31.8.
1. REQUIRED REFERENCES
1) This Section lists the Practices, codes, standards, specifications, and publications that shall
be used with this document. Unless otherwise specified herein, use the latest edition.
2) All normative references in API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 are applicable to this PDS. In
addition, the references in this Section shall apply.
3) [A] If any conflicts exist between this PDS and the codes and standards referenced, the
more stringent requirements shall govern. Any conflict in specifications shall be submitted in
writing to Company for resolution.

1.1. Project Design Specifications

Not used.

1.2. API–American Petroleum Institute

API RP 2Z Recommended Practice for Preproduction Qualification for Steel
Plates for Offshore Structures
API RP 6HT Recommended Practice for Heat Treatment and Testing of
Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Large Cross Section and Critical
Section Components
API SPEC 5L-45/ISO Specification for Line Pipe - Forty-Fifth Edition; Incorporating
3183-2012 Errata: April 2015
API SPEC Q1 Specification for Quality Management System Requirements for
Manufacturing Organizations for the Petroleum and Natural Gas
Industry

1.3. ASME–American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME B31.4 Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquids and Slurries
ASME B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems
ASME SEC IX BPVC Section IX - Welding, Brazing and Fusing Qualifications

1.4. ASNT–American Society for Nondestructive Testing

ASNT CP-189 Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing
Personnel
1.5. ASTM International
ASTM A 577/A 577M Standard Specification for Ultrasonic Angle-Beam Examination of
Steel Plates
ASTM E 709 Standard Guide for Magnetic Particle Testing
ASTM E 2445/E Standard Practice for Performance Evaluation and Long-Term
2445M Stability of Computed Radiography Systems
ASTM G 39 Standard Practice for Preparation and Use of Bent-Beam Stress-
Corrosion Test Specimens

1.6. BSI–British Standards Institution

BSI BS 7448 PART 1 Fracture Mechanics Toughness Tests - Part 1: Method for
Determination of KIc, Critical CTOD and Critical J Values of
Metallic Materials
BSI BS EN ISO 9712 Non-Destructive Testing - Qualification and Certification of NDT
Personnel
BSI BS EN ISO Metallic Materials - Method of Test for the Determination of
15653 Quasistatic Fracture Toughness of Welds

1.7. ISO–International Organization for Standardization

ISO 3183 Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries - Steel Pipe for Pipeline
Transportation Systems
ISO 5178 Destructive Tests on Welds in Metallic Materials - Longitudinal
Tensile Test on Weld Metal in Fusion Welded Joints
ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems - Requirements
ISO 10893-4 Non-Destructive Testing of Steel Tubes - Part 4: Liquid Penetrant
Inspection of Seamless and Welded Steel Tubes for the Detection
of Surface Imperfections
ISO 10893-5 Non-Destructive Testing of Steel Tubes - Part 5: Magnetic
Particle Inspection of Seamless and Welded Ferromagnetic Steel
Tubes for the Detection of Surface Imperfections
ISO 10893-8 Non-Destructive Testing of Steel Tubes - Part 8: Automated
Ultrasonic Testing of Seamless and Welded Steel Tubes for the
Detection of Laminar Imperfections
ISO 10893-9 Non-Destructive Testing of Steel Tubes - Part 9: Automated
Ultrasonic Testing for the Detection of Laminar Imperfections in
Strip/Plate Used for the Manufacture of Welded Steel Tubes
 ISO 10893-10 Non-Destructive Testing of Steel Tubes - Part 10: Automated Full
Peripheral Ultrasonic Testing of Seamless and Welded (Except
Submerged Arc-Welded) Steel Tubes for the Detection of
Longitudinal and/or Transverse Imperfections
ISO 10893-11 Non-Destructive Testing of Steel Tubes - Part 11: Automated
Ultrasonic Testing of the Weld Seam of Welded Steel Tubes for
the Detection of Longitudinal and/or Transverse Imperfections
ISO 11699-1 Non-Destructive Testing - Industrial Radiographic Films - Part 1:
Classification of Film Systems for Industrial Radiography
ISO 17640 Non-Destructive Testing of Welds - Ultrasonic Testing of Welded
Joints
ISO TS 29001 Petroleum, Petrochemical and Natural Gas Industries - Sector-
Specific Quality Management Systems - Requirements for
Product and Service Supply Organizations

1.8. NACE–NACE International

NACE MR0175/ISO Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries Materials for Use in H2S-
15156 Containing Environments in Oil and Gas Production
NACE TM0177 Laboratory Testing of Metals for Resistance to Sulfide Stress
Cracking and Stress Corrosion Cracking in H2S Environments
NACE TM0284 Evaluation of Pipeline and Pressure Vessel Steels for Resistance
to Hydrogen-Induced Cracking
2. DEFINITIONS
2.1. Terms
All symbols and abbreviated terms in API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 are applicable. In
addition, the following shall apply.

Term Description
High Frequency PSL-2 pipe manufactured via the HFW process with additional
Welded (HFW) testing requirements to confirm the enhanced properties of the
Enhanced weld seam. HFW Enhanced product shall meet all the
requirements of HFW product, along with the additional tensile,
Charpy, and Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) requirements
identified in this PDS.

2.2. Abbreviations
Term Description
AUT Automatic Ultrasonic Testing
CL Centerline
CLR Crack Length Ratio
CR Computed Radiography
CSR Crack Sensitivity Ratio
CTR Crack Thickness Ratio
CV Curriculum Vitae
CVN Charpy V-Notch
DR Digital Radiography
EDI Electronic Data Interface
FL Fusion Line
FSH Full Screen Height
ID Inside Diameter
ITP Inspection and Test Plan
IQI Image Quality Indicator
HAZ Heat-Affected Zone
HFW High Frequency Welded
Term Description
MPQT Manufacturing Procedure Qualification Tests
MPS Manufacturing Procedure Specification
MT Magnetic Particle Testing
MUT Manual Ultrasonic Testing
NDE Non-Destructive Testing
OD Outside Diameter
Pcm Carbon Equivalent Based on Ito-Bessyo Equation
PQR Procedure Qualification Records
PT Penetrant Testing
PWHT Post-Weld Heat Treatment
Q&T Quenched and Tempered
RFQ Request for Quotation
RT Radiographic Testing
SAWH Submerged-Arc Welded Helical
SAWL Submerged-Arc Welded Longitudinal
SCR Steel Catenary Riser
SMLS Seamless
SMTS Specified Minimum Tensile Strength
SMYS Specified Minimum Yield Strength
SSC Sulfide Stress Corrosion
TMCP Thermo-Mechanical Control Processing
Tmin Minimum Design Temperature
Ttest Test Temperature
UT Ultrasonic Testing
WPS Welding Procedure Specification
WT Wall Thickness
3. REVISIONS TO API SPECIFICATION 5L/ISO 3183
1) This PDS shall be used in conjunction with API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012. The
requirements identified here are intended to clarify, modify, and add additional requirements
to the wording of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 and are numbered to correspond to the
numbered sections of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012. Clauses (paragraphs) in API SPEC
5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 not mentioned remain unaltered and are fully applicable. If only part
of a paragraph in API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 is altered by this PDS, then the
remainder of any such paragraph shall remain applicable.
2) Tables and figures added in this PDS have alpha designations to distinguish them from
tables and figures in API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 or such tables and figures modified in
this PDS.

Modifications to Section 2: Conformity

2.3. Substitution: Compliance to This Standard
1) [A] Manufacturer shall be certified to API SPEC Q1, ISO TS 29001, ISO 9001, or Company-
approved equivalent.
2) [A] Third Party Inspection is required during the manufacture of the order. Third party
inspectors’ CVs shall be submitted to Company for review. Third Party Inspectors shall be
approved by Company as qualified to monitor product quality and processing at assigned
locations within the manufacturing facility.

Modifications to Section 6: Pipe Grade, Steel Grade and

Delivery Condition
6.2.1. Substitution: Delivery Condition
1) [A] All pipes shall be ordered as PSL 2. Seamless (SMLS) pipe with Specified Minimum
Yield Strength (SMYS) > 360 MPa (53 ksi) shall be supplied as Quenched and Tempered
(Q&T). HFW applications for Grade L555 (X80) require approval from Company.
2) Pipes shall be provided with a surface quality compatible to subsequent application of a
protective coating.
Modifications to Section 7: Information to be Supplied by the
Purchaser
7.1. Substitution: General Information
Line pipe shall be ordered according to the Annex requirements shown in Table A of this PDS.
When an annex is required, the requirements of the applicable annex in API SPEC 5L-45/ISO
3183-2012 and this PDS (where applicable) shall be followed. Annex B (as modified by this
PDS), Annex C (as modified by this PDS), and Annex D of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012
shall be applied to all line pipe applications.

7.2. Substitution: Additional Information

For each order item, the applicable provisions are identified within this PDS.

Table A: Annex Requirements

Application Service Annex Requirements

Annex G Annex H Annex J Annex K

Fracture Sour Offshore NDT
Arrest Service (Modified) (Modified)
(Modified) (Modified)
Onshore— Non-sour Yes No No Yes
Gas

Modifications to Section 8: Manufacturing

8.1. Substitution: Process of Manufacture
[A] Acceptable applications for each pipe type are indicated in Table B of this PDS. Where
"approval required" is indicated, the approval process applies only to the producing pipe mill.
The approval process may include pre-qualification, production, inspection, and testing of pipe.

Table B: Acceptable Process of Manufacture

End Use SAWL SAWH HFW HFW Enhanced SMLS

Onshore—Sweet Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable

Bend Mother Pipe Acceptable Not Not Not Acceptable Acceptable
Acceptable Acceptable

8.3.2. Addition: Starting Material

[A] The use of open hearth process in combination with a ladle refining process requires
Company approval.
8.3.10. New: Starting Material
[A] The producers of slab/skelp/billet used for the production of pipe require Company approval.

8.3.11. New: Starting Material

When Nb is ≥ 0.020% and when the ambient temperature is ≤ 5 C (41 F), gas cutting or
scarfing of slabs shall be performed with the slabs at a temperature of ≥ 120 C (248 F) to
minimize potential for thermal cracking.

8.3.12. New: Starting Material

Steel shall be produced as continuous cast. The steelmaker shall employ steelmaking and slab
casting parameters and procedures to mitigate center and centerline segregation. For the
production of skelp for welded pipe, the steelmaker shall utilize a slab sulphur print/macroetch
rating system to monitor centerline segregation and shall identify the maximum macroetch
rating. For S ≤ 0.005%, a macroetch program shall be employed to monitor segregation.

8.3.13. New: Starting Material

Plate/skelp thickness shall be controlled by continuous gamma or X-ray devices. Plate/skelp
rolling and accelerated cooling shall be adequately instrumented to ensure proper control of
furnace/rolling temperature, rolling reduction, and post-rolling cooling rate.

8.4. Addition: Tack Welds

Tack welds in SAW pipe shall be continuous.

8.6. Substitution: Weld Seams in SAW Pipe

1) All production shall employ fully automatic equipment. For single-step SAWH pipe,
automatic seam tracking and gap control should be employed and electrical grounding shall
not be through the machine body.
2) The longitudinal edges of the skelp shall be sheared or machined to remove a minimum
width of material equal to one times the plate thickness from each edge in preparation for
welding.
3) A program of moisture control of the welding flux shall be maintained through the use of
moisture-proof sealed storage, and/or by baking and/or by holding the flux at a temperature
and time recommended by the flux manufacturer in order to maintain the flux moisture
content below 0.05% or diffusible hydrogen in the weld ≤ 5 mL/100 g of weld metal.
4) The use of recycled crushed flux slags (previously melted) is not permitted.
5) [A] A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)
shall be submitted with the Manufacturing Procedure Specification (MPS) for approval. The
WPS and PQR shall be conducted in accordance with ASME SEC IX. Previously qualified
WPS and PQR are valid for the current order provided all essential variables identified in
Annex D, Section D.2.2 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 are within the stated limits and
provided they are less than 5 years old. The following essential variables shall also apply:
a) Increase in parent metal C of more than 0.02%
b) Change in parent metal supplier
c) Change in alignment or groove dimensions outside tolerances in qualified WPS
d) Change in aim ratio of recycled-to-new flux greater than 15%
e) Change in manufacturer of welding consumables (wire and flux)
f) Change in number of wires or change in welding equipment
g) Change in method of or decrease in preheat temperature or increase in interpass
temperature

8.8.2. Substitution: LW Pipe and PSL 2 HFW Pipe

1) Skelp edge preparation for welding shall be by milling or machining.
2) HFW pipes produced from partial width skelp product are acceptable only where the
longitudinal slitting operation has not cut through any of the centered 30% width of the
original slab width. The amount of edge removal from the original mill edge shall be a
minimum of 2 mm (0.079 in.) per side for wall thickness < 12.7 mm (0.50 in.) and a minimum
of 3 mm (0.118 in.) per side for wall thickness ≥ 12.7 mm (0.50 in.).
3) All HFW conduction welding shall be performed with a minimum welder frequency of 200
kHz. Welding parameters (amps, volts, and travel speed) shall be established and shall not
vary by more than ±10% during production.
4) The entire weld zone, including the Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) of HFW pipe, shall receive a
normalizing heat treatment, with a minimum temperature of 870 °C, so that no untempered
martensite remains. The weld area temperature shall be tracked automatically and
recorded.
5) [A] HFW weld seam portions not heat treated in accordance with the approved procedure
qualification shall be identified and removed. Off-line heat treatment of the weld seam is not
allowed.

8.9.2. Substitution: Cold Sizing and Cold Expansion

1) Not used.
2) During expansion/sizing, contact of the expansion/compression device, or of any jacking
device used to correct pipe end dimensions, with the inside and outside weld beads shall
not be permitted, unless approved by Company. Correction of a pipe out-of-round condition
using a maximum of one additional expansion cycle is acceptable.
8.11.1. Substitution: Jointers
[A] Single jointers (two lengths of pipe welded together to make a length that conforms to the
specification length) shall not be furnished for SAWL, HFW, or SMLS pipe. Single jointers may
be supplied for SAWH pipe if approved by Company. Double jointing (defined as the welding
together of two pipes that each meet the length and all other requirements of this PDS) is
acceptable.

8.11.2. Substitution: Jointers

Double-jointed pipe shall meet the requirements of Annex A of this PDS.

8.11.3. Substitution: Jointers

For SAWH pipe, the length of pipe used in making a jointer shall be ≥ 3 m (10 ft).

8.12. Substitution: Heat Treatment

1) All heat treating facilities should be in general conformance with Section 6.2 "Requirements
for Heat Treating Equipment" and Section 6.3 "Recommendations for Heat Treatment
Procedures and Practices" of API RP 6HT.
2) [A] If mechanical test failures are encountered during the heat treating of SMLS pipe, then
one re-heat treatment cycle of the entire heat treat lot is allowed. Additional cycles require
Company approval. All mechanical testing shall be repeated after re-heat treatment.

Modifications to Section 9: Acceptance Criteria

9.2.2. Substitution: Chemical Composition
The requirements of the Modified Annex A of this PDS shall apply to onshore line pipe. For
residual elements not identified, API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 limits shall apply.

9.2.3. Substitution: Chemical Composition

1) When t is > 25.0 mm (0.984 in.) for onshore pipe, Table 5 "Chemical Composition for PSL 2
Pipe with Thickness ≤ 25.0 mm (0.984 in.)" in API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 shall apply,
except that Mn shall be ≤ 2.00% and the limits for carbon, sulphur, and phosphorus, and the
footnotes provided in the Modified Table 5 of this PDS, shall apply.
 Modified Table 5: Chemical Composition for PSL 2 Pipes with
t ≤ 25.0 mm (0.984 in.)
Carbon
Mass Fraction, Based on Heat and Product Analyses Equivalent
Steel Grade
(Steel Name) % maximum

C (6) Si (1)
Mn (b) P S V Nb Ti Other CEIIW CEPcm
Seamless and Welded Pipes
L245N (BN) – 0.14 -- -- 0.020 0.010 -- -- 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 -- 0.20
L320N (X46N)
L360N (X52) 0.16 -- -- 0.020 0.010 0.08 0.05 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 0.40 0.20
L245 (BQ) – 0.16 -- -- 0.020 0.010 -- -- 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 0.38 0.20
L360Q (X52Q)
L390Q (X56Q) 0.16 -- -- 0.020 0.010 0.06 -- 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 0.38 0.21
L415Q (X60Q) 0.16 -- -- 0.020 0.008 0.06 0.05 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 0.39 0.21
L450Q (X65Q) 0.16 -- -- 0.020 0.008 0.06 0.05 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 0.40 0.22
L485Q (X70Q) 0.17 -- -- 0.020 0.008 0.07 0.07 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 0.41 0.23
L555Q (X80Q) 0.17 -- -- 0.020 0.005 0.08 0.08 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 0.42 0.24
Welded Pipe
L245M (BM) – 0.14 -- -- 0.020 0.010 -- -- 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 0.40 0.20
L360M (X52M)
L390M (X56M) 0.12 -- -- 0.020 0.010 -- 0.05 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 n/a 0.20
L415M (X60M) 0.10 -- -- 0.020 0.008 0.06 0.05 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 n/a 0.20
L450M (X65M) 0.10 -- -- 0.020 0.008 0.06 0.05 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 n/a 0.21
L485M (X70M) 0.09 -- -- 0.020 0.008 0.07 0.07 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 n/a 0.22
L555M (X80M) 0.08 -- -- 0.020 0.005 0.08 0.08 0.02 2, 3, 4, 5 n/a 0.23
Legend:
'--' Indicates that limits in API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012, Table 5 are applicable.
Notes:
Except as noted below, all footnotes in Table 5 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 are applicable.
(b) Mn increase is not applicable for SMLS pipe. For welded pipe, maximum Mn increase is
0.10%.
 Carbon
Mass Fraction, Based on Heat and Product Analyses Equivalent
Steel Grade
(Steel Name) % maximum

C (6) Si (1)
Mn (b) P S V Nb Ti Other CEIIW CEPcm
Additional Notes for Table 5:
(1) For HFW pipe, Si shall be ≤ 0.35%.
(2) 0.010% shall be ≤ Altotal ≤ 0.050. Minimum Altotal does not apply to Ti-killed steel, or heats with
V ≥ 0.050%, or heats with (Nb + V + Ti) ≥ 0.040% where Ti is ≥ 0.004%. For Basic Oxygen
Furnace steel, N shall be ≤ 0.0090%. For Electric Arc Furnace steel, N shall be ≤ 0.010%.
(3) Ca shall be ≤ 0.0050%. For Grade L555 (X80) pipe, 0.0008% shall be ≤ Ca ≤ 0.0050%. Rare
earth treatment is not allowed.
(4) B shall be ≤ 0.0005%.
(5) Levels of tramp elements shall not exceed: 0.02% As; 0.01% Bi; 0.01% Pb; 0.01% Sb; 0.015%
Sn. These levels shall be established during Manufacturing Procedure Qualification Tests
(MPQT), and analysis is not required during production.
(6) [A] C < 0.03% requires Company approval.

2) Acceptable variation between heat and product analysis is specified in Table C of this PDS.

Table C: Variation in Product Analysis

Element Allowable Variation of Product Analysis from Ladle Analysis
C +0.02%, −0.03%
Mn 0.20%
V 0.02%
Nb 0.02%
Note: If measured values are outside these tolerances, then retests shall be performed
on two additional pipes from the same heat. Failure of the retests requires a
deviation request. Note that maximum product analyses in Table 5 of this PDS are
still applicable.

9.3.2. Substitution: Tensile Properties

Maximum measured ultimate tensile strength shall be SMTS + 170 MPa (25 ksi). Maximum
measured Rt0.5/Rm shall be 0.90. For grades ≥ L450 (X65), if testing is performed with round bar
specimens, maximum measured Rt0.5/Rm shall be 0.93.

9.3.3. New: Tensile Properties

For HFW Enhanced pipe, rupture shall not occur on the weld centerline during transverse
direction weld tensile testing.
9.8.2. Addition: Pipe Body Tests
Annex G of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 shall apply except that the minimum full-size CVN
energy shall be 60 J (44 ft lbf). The minimum CVN energy shall be the larger of the above
alternatives.

9.8.2.1. Substitution: Pipe Body Tests

CVN Test Temperature (Ttest) for pipelines shall be as shown in Table D of this PDS or 0°C,
whichever is lower.

Table D: C-Mn Steel Line Pipe, Charpy V-Notch Impact Testing

Temperatures T0 as a Function of Tmin
(Minimum Design Temperature)
Specified Wall Blowdown Conditions Blowdown Conditions
Thickness Applied Not Applied
t ≤ 20 mm T0 = Tmin T0 = Tmin – 10 C (18
(t ≤ 0.78 in.) F)
20 mm < t ≤ 40 mm T0 = Tmin – 10 C (18 T0 = Tmin – 20 C (36
(0.78 in. < t ≤ 1.57 F) F)
in.)
t > 40 mm T0 = Tmin – 20 C (36 T0 = Tmin – 30 C (54
(t > 1.57 in.) F) F)

9.8.2.2. Substitution: Pipe Body Tests

For all pipe sizes, CVN% shear shall be as shown in Table E of this PDS.

Table E: CVN% Shear Requirements

Sampling Location Minimum Average / Single Value % Shear at
Ttest
Pipe body 85/75%
SAW and HFW Weld Centerline Not required
(CL)
SAW Fusion Line (FL) Report for information only
SAW FL + 2 mm (0.08 in.), 60/50%
FL + 5 mm (0.20 in.)

9.8.3. Substitution: Pipe Weld and HAZ Tests

Weld metal, FL, and HAZ, minimum average full-size CVN energy shall be 60 J (44 ft·lbf) at the
Minimum Design Temperature (Tmin) or 0C, whichever is lower.
9.8.4. New: HFW Pipe Weld Tests
Weld centerline, minimum average full-size CVN energy shall be 60 J (44 ft·lbf) at the Minimum
Design Temperature (Tmin) or 0C, whichever is lower.

9.9. Addition: DWT Test for PSL 2 Welded Pipe

Drop-Weight Tear (DWT) testing per Annex G of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 is required
for pipe 508 mm (20 in.) or larger in diameter intended for gas or multiphase service. For pipes
to be buried, the DWT test temperature shall be −10 C (14 F). For unburied pipes, the DWT
test temperature shall be at Tmin.

9.10.5.2. Substitution: Geometric Deviations

Dents within the limits of this PDS are acceptable on pipe with wall thickness  13 mm (0.51 in.).
Dents are not allowed on pipe sizes outside these limits. For dents, the length in any direction
shall be ≤ 0.25 D. The maximum depth for all dents shall be 3.2 mm (0.125 in.). Dents that
impact the weld shall not be allowed. Removal of dents by re-expansion, jacking out, or
hammering is not allowed. A dent is classified as a depression caused by mechanical damage
that produces a localized alteration in the curvature of the OD and ID surface without reducing
wall thickness.

9.10.7. Substitution: Other Surface Imperfections

1) Other surface imperfections shall be treated in accordance with Annex J, Section J.5 of API
SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012, except that the depth for sharp bottom (stress raising) notches
and gouges longer than 200 mm (8 in.) shall be ≤ 3% t. The maximum depth for sharp
bottom notches and gouges for t > 25 mm (1 in.) shall be 1.0 mm (0.039 in.).
2) Contact marks on HFW pipe are surface discontinuities characteristic of the manufacturing
process and are not considered arc burns.
3) For pipes to be fusion-bond epoxy coated, surface imperfections, regardless of depth,
judged to be detrimental to coating application include slivers, scabs, laps, and gouges that
have sharp edges or undercutting. These imperfections would be expected to affect the
flow of coating into the imperfection and should be removed. There should be no slivers or
other sharp-edged imperfections that protrude above the pipe surface by more than 0.3 mm
(0.012 in.). The average number of these imperfections shall be  0.07 per m2 (.75 ft2) (e.g.,
maximum of 7 imperfections for 100 m2 [1,100 ft2] of pipe surface).
4) For SMLS pipes where coating application will not be at the producing mill and where there
is no Company-recognized track record of successful coating, the following evaluation
should be performed to determine if imperfections will appear during the coating process
that will be detrimental to the coating application. Two pipes per ordered diameter (70 mm
[2.75 in.]) and wall thickness (5 mm [0.20 in.]) shall be tested as follows:
a) Clean the pipe OD surface free of oil, grease, and other contaminants.
b) Heat pipes to  150 C (302 F), blast to near white finish (40–100 µm anchor pattern).
c) Heat pipes to  260 C (500 F) and maintain for  3 minutes.
d) Allow to cool and visually examine to meet requirements of Item (3) above.
9.11.3.1. Substitution: Tolerances for Diameter, Wall Thickness, Length and
Straightness
The dimensional tolerances shown in Table 10 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 shall apply
except that maximum pipe end out-of-roundness shall be  8.0 mm (0.315 in.). For SMLS pipe,
the diameter and associated tolerance may be based on actual diameter established during
initial pipe rolling.

9.11.3.2. Substitution: Tolerances for Diameter, Wall Thickness, Length and

Straightness
The wall thickness tolerance for shall be as shown in Modified Table 11 of this PDS.

Modified Table 11: Tolerances for Wall Thickness (t)

Pipe Type Tolerances
SMLS—Wall Thickness t < 5 mm +0.15 t, −0.10 t
(t < 0.20 in.)
t  25 mm API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012, but
(t  0.984 maximum −0.10 t for minus tolerance
in.)
SMLS—Eccentricity (1)  20%
Welded Pipe—Wall Thickness (2) +0.10 t (but 1.5 mm [0.059 in.] max),
−0.05 t (but 1.0 mm [0.039 in.] max)
Notes:
(1) Eccentricity = difference between maximum and minimum wall thickness divided by nominal wall
thickness.
(2) At HFW weld seam (FL  25 mm [1 in.]): +0.15 t (but 2.5 mm [0.098 in.] max), −0.5 t (but 0.8 mm
[0.031 in.] max).

9.11.3.3. Substitution: Tolerances for Diameter, Wall Thickness, Length and

Straightness
[*] Pipes shall be delivered in fixed lengths as in Table F of this PDS, unless otherwise
specified.

Table F: Standard Length Requirements

Application Minimum Pipe Length Average Pipe Length Maximum Pipe Length

Onshore 11.7 m (38.4 ft) (1)  12.2 m (40 ft) 12.8 m (42 ft)
Notes:
(1) [A] For SMLS pipe, the minimum length may be reduced, if approved by Company, to 11.2 m
(36.7 ft) to allow for mechanical test sampling.
9.11.3.4. Substitution: Tolerances for Diameter, Wall Thickness, Length and
Straightness
The total deviation from a straight line over the entire pipe length shall be ≤ 0.15% of the pipe
length.

9.12.1.2. Substitution: Finish of Pipe Ends—General

Pipes shall be beveled for welding per API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012, Paragraph 9.12.5.2,
unless otherwise specified. Hand beveling shall not be allowed.

9.13.2.1.b. Substitution: Height of the Flash or Weld Bead/Reinforcement (EW

Pipes)
For a distance of at least 150 mm (6 in.) from each pipe end, the inside flash and any adjacent
upset from the welding process shall be removed by grinding such that it does not extend above
the contour of the pipe by more than 0.5 mm (0.020 in.). The transition to the base material /
pipe body shall be smooth and without a noticeable step.

9.13.2.2.c. Substitution: Height of the Flash or Weld Bead/Reinforcement (SAW

Pipes)
For a distance of at least 150 mm (6 in.) from each pipe end, the inside weld bead shall be
removed by grinding such that it does not extend above the adjacent pipe surface by more than
0.5 mm (0.020 in.). The transition to the base material / pipe body shall be smooth and without
a noticeable step. For the remainder of the pipe, the inside weld bead shall not extend above
the adjacent pipe surface by more than the applicable value given in Table 16 of API SPEC 5L-
45/ISO 3183-2012.

9.13.2.2.d. Substitution: Height of the Flash or Weld Bead/Reinforcement

The outside weld bead shall not extend above the adjacent pipe surface by more than the
applicable value given in Table 16 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012, inclusive of any outside
radial offset allowance (i.e., an increase in weld reinforcement over and above the value in
Table 16, as measured from the lower side of a longitudinal seam with outside radial offset [hi-
lo], is not permitted).

9.13.2.2.e. Clarification: Height of the Flash or Weld Bead/Reinforcement

For a distance of at least 250 mm (10 in.) from each pipe end, the outside weld bead shall be
removed by grinding such that it does not extend above the adjacent pipe surface by more than
0.5 mm (0.020 in.). The transition to the base material / pipe body shall be smooth and without
a noticeable step.

9.13.2.2.f. New: Height of the Flash or Weld Bead/Reinforcement

Peaking at the pipe end weld seam shall be ≤ 0.005 D or 2.5 mm (0.098 in.), whichever is less.
9.13.3. Addition: Misalignment of the Weld Beads of SAW and COW Pipes
The minimum interpenetration of the OD weld bead into the ID weld bead shall be  3.0 mm
(0.118 in.). Weld re-entrant angle should be  110 degrees. Concavity in SAWH ID welds shall
be ≤ 1.5 mm (0.060 in.). See Figure A of this PDS.

Figure A: Concavity of SAWH ID Welds

Weld Re-entrant Angle
 110 degrees

 3.0 mm
t
Concavity
 1.5 mm
Interpenetration

9.15. Substitution: Weldability of PSL 2 Pipe

Unless otherwise specified, no weldability tests at the pipe mill are required. Assuming that the
chemistry and mechanical properties of this PDS are met, the material is considered to be
weldable under routine welding conditions. Contractors may require test pieces for field weld
qualification in which case the pipe samples should be within 0.02 carbon equivalent points of
the maximum carbon equivalent to be supplied to the order.

9.16. New: Hardness Tests

For all pipe, Vickers Hardness (HV10) tests shall be conducted on the metallographic cross-
sections required in API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 Table 18 and in accordance with API
SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 Paragraph H.7.3.3. At least one HAZ hardness indent shall be
positioned in the coarse grain structure immediately adjacent to the fusion line.

Table G: Hardness

Grade Hardness (HV10)—Base Metal, Weld Metal, and HAZ

≤ L450 270
(X65)
L485 (X70) 280
L555 (X80) 290
Notes:
(1) Aim pipe body hardness should be  230 HV10 to allow for hardness
increase during girth welding.
Modifications to Section 10: Inspection
10.1.1.2. Substitution: Types of Inspection and Inspection Documents—General
[A] Electronic Data Interface (EDI) documentation is preferred. The following documents shall
be provided in the English language:
1) Manufacturing Procedure Specification
2) Inspection and Test Plan (ITP)
3) Certified Material Test Reports
4) Inspection Reports, including hydrotest reports
5) Copies of Equipment Calibration Certificates
6) Packing and Shipping Reports

10.1.3.1. Addition: Inspection Documents for PSL 2 Pipe

[*] EDI documentation is preferred.

10.2.1.2. Clarification: Inspection Frequency

1) The following clarifications shall apply to Table 18 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012. All
dimensional inspections listed in Table 18 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 shall be
measured and recorded at least three times per 8 hour working shift—at approximately the
start, middle, and end of the shift.

Addition to Table 18: Inspection Frequency for PSL 2 Pipe

Type of Inspection
Pipe end diameter
Pipe end out-of-roundness
Height of ID/OD weld beads
Pipe end peaking at weld seam
Cold sizing/expansion ratio
Eccentricity (SMLS only)
Frequency of Inspection
Each pipe
OD < 457 mm (18 in.) ( 5% of
pipes)
OD  457 mm (18 in.) (100% of
pipes)
Minimum 3 pipes per 8 hour shift
Minimum 3 pipes per 8 hour shift
Minimum 3 pipes per 8 hour shift
Minimum 3 pipes per 8 hour shift

2) For SAWL and two-step SAWH pipes, weld interpenetration shall be measured and
recorded at least once per 8 hour shift. For single-step SAWH pipes, weld interpenetration
and alignment shall be measured and recorded at least three times per 8 hour shift.
10.2.3.1. Addition: Samples and Test Pieces for Mechanical Tests—General
1) Mechanical test samples should be randomly selected from alternate ends of the production
pipes.
2) [A] Specimens for strain-aged testing should be evenly heated to a uniform temperature. The
use of a salt bath or glass beads is recommended. Heating and soaking methods shall be
approved by Company.

10.2.3.3. Substitution: Test Pieces for the CVN Impact Test

1) The axis of all pipe body CVN test specimens shall be near to the center of the wall
thickness.
2) For production test pieces taken in the HAZ of SAW pipes, the notch shall be at one of the
fusion line locations, FL + 2 mm (0.08 in.) or FL + 5 mm (0.20 in.), whichever location has the
lowest impact toughness values obtained in the MPQT. Sample locations are as shown in
Modified Figure 7 of this PDS. Fusion line notch location shall traverse 50% weld metal and
50% HAZ.

Modified Figure 7: Location of the Charpy Test Specimens for HAZ

Tests
Weld Metal CL
Additional set when HAZ
WT  25 mm
FL + 2 mm
2 mm FL

FL + 5 mm

WT  25 mm

One set at each location 0 mm

- Weld Centerline
- FL (50% Weld, 50% HAZ) FL
- FL + 2 mm FL + 2 mm
- FL + 5 mm FL + 5 mm

3) For SAW pipes, the weld sections selected for CVN testing shall be taken from a different
OD welding machine for each succeeding set of tests in order to sample all internal and
external welding machines.
4) For test pieces taken in the weld of HFW pipe, the axis of the notch shall be located on, or
as close as practicable to, the weld line. The axis of the notch shall be less than 0.5 mm
(0.020 in.) from the weld line.
10.2.6.1. Substitution: Hydrostatic Test
The test pressure shall be held for at least 10 seconds. Test pressures for welded pipe with
D > 457 mm (18 in.) shall be held for not less than 10 seconds.

10.2.6.2. Substitution: Hydrostatic Test

The hydrostatic testing master gauge shall be calibrated against a dead weight tester before start
of production and at least once per month during production. The pressure chart shall be verified
against the master gauge at the start of each working shift. All hydrostatic pressure tests shall
be chart recorded and traceable. Both pressure gauge and chart shall be calibrated after any
expansion or hydrostatic test failure.

10.2.6.5. Substitution: Hydrostatic Test

1) [A] All pipes shall be hydrostatically tested to a pressure that will produce a hoop stress of
at least 95% SMYS. In the event of individual pipe distortion, or failure to meet dimensional
requirements, hydrostatic pressure may be reduced to 90% for individual pipes with
Company approval. For welded pipe, hydrostatic testing shall be carried out on each pipe
prior to final visual and final non-destructive inspection, except that cutting to length,
beveling, or correction to pipe end out-of-roundness may take place after hydrostatic testing.
2) Any pipes that fail during expansion or hydrostatic test shall be rejected and retained for
investigation to determine cause. This information shall be provided to Company.

10.2.6.6. Substitution: Hydrostatic Test

[A] End load compensation for hydrostatic test pressure may be implemented provided there is
Company approval of Manufacturer calculations for the compensation.

10.2.7.1. Substitution: Visual Inspection

1) Except as allowed by 10.2.7.2 of this PDS, each pipe shall be visually inspected to detect
surface defects, with an illuminance of at least 300 lx. The external surface shall be
examined visually over the full length of each pipe. The inside surface of all pipes with OD 
610 mm (24 in.) shall be visually inspected. For pipe OD < 610 mm (24 in.), the inside
surface of the pipe shall be visually inspected at the pipe ends as far inside the pipe length
as practical. All end bevels shall be visually inspected.
2) Pipes shall not come into contact with materials that contain low melting metals such as
copper, zinc, or tin.

10.2.7.2. Substitution: Visual Inspection

For SMLS pipe with D  323.9 mm (12.75 in.), NDT methods as modified in this PDS in Annex
K, Section K.3.4.2–3.4.4 may replace visual inspection for the outside surface. However, at
least 5% of the pipes randomly selected throughout the shift shall be visually inspected over the
complete outside surface.
10.2.8.2. Substitution: Dimensional Testing
[A] Out-of-roundness shall be measured with calipers, rod gauge, or Company-approved
equivalent. Pipe body out-of-roundness shall be measured at approximate mid-length of pipe.

10.2.10. Substitution: Non-Destructive Inspection

The requirements of Annex K of this PDS and Annex K of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 shall
be apply.

10.2.12.2. Addition: Tensile Retests

If the yield strength for the initial tensile test specimen, representing a lot of pipe, is less than
SMYS + 10 MPa (1.5 ksi), then two additional retests of different pipe from the same lot are
required. The lot passes only if all three tests are above the SMYS.

Modifications to Section 11: Marking

11.2.3. Substitution: Pipe Markings
Die stamping shall not be permitted, except on the pipe end bevel face with low-stress stamps.

Modifications to Section 13: Retention of Records

13. First Paragraph, Exception: Retention of Records
Records of the inspections indicated in Section 13 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 shall be
maintained for at least 7 years.

13.m. New: Retention of Records

Repair welder qualification records shall be maintained.

Modifications to Annex A: Specification for Welded Jointers

A.1.1. Substitution: Method
[A] If jointers are approved for SAWH pipe, then welding shall be automatic submerged arc
qualified in accordance with ASME SEC IX and Annex B of this PDS.

A.1.3. Substitution: Method

Copies of the WPS and PQRs shall be submitted with the MPS.

A.4. Substitution: Non-Destructive Inspection

The full circumference of the SAWH pipe jointer welds shall be ultrasonically inspected in
accordance with the appropriate requirements in Annex K of this PDS for the longitudinal/helical
weld seam.
Modifications to Annex B: Manufacturing Procedure
Qualification for PSL 2 Pipe
B.1.1. Substitution: Introduction
Manufacturing Procedure Qualification, including WPS and Welding PQR, is required for pipes
produced to this PDS.

B.3. Substitution: Characteristics of the Manufacturing Procedure Specification

1) [A] As part of the technical bid, a generic MPS is acceptable if it provides sufficient detail for
Company to determine process and procedure acceptability. Manufacturer shall submit a
job-specific MPS for Company approval prior to production.
2) The MPS shall include the following:
a) Process flow diagram.
b) Steel and skelp producer.
c) Aim chemical composition and tolerances for each element.
d) Steelmaking and casting techniques, including transition slab/billet practice.
e) Ladle treatments, including degassing.
f) Slab caster centerline segregation mitigation and monitoring procedures, including test
frequency and photographs of macroetch rating system and the identification of
maximum macroetch ratings for heats produced to the order.
g) Allowable variation for slab reheat temperature and soak time, start and stop
temperatures for finishing mill, and accelerated cooling.
h) Hydrogen control procedures for skelp > 20 mm (0.78 in.) thick.
i) End cropping process and procedures.
j) Pipe manufacturing process.
k) Procedures for run-on and run-off weld tabs.
l) Slab/billet/pipe identification and traceability procedures.
m) Procedures for weld wire and flux storage and handling, including moisture control.
n) WPS and Welding PQR for SAW welding and repair welding.
o) For HFW pipe, details of welding process, including description and tolerances for edge
alignment, weld line width, and upset angle. Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) details,
including proposed temperature range, time-at-temperature, and methods of
temperature monitoring and control to ensure through-wall heat treatment.
p) For SAW pipe, methods of weld defect removal and repair welding procedures.
q) Method for cold expansion / sizing / pipe end dimensional correction.
r) Aim sizing ratio.
s) For normalized or Q&T pipe, proposed austenitizing and tempering time and
temperature, including temperature monitoring and control methods.
 t) Hydrostatic test procedures, including calibration/verification.
u) Dimensional control procedures, including corrective jacking.
v) NDT procedures, including skelp.
w) Mechanical tests—sampling and testing procedures.
x) Procedures for testing or reworking material that does not conform to MPS process
tolerances.
y) Marking, handling, loading, and shipping procedures.
3) Re-qualification of the MPS shall be required if any of the essential variables below are
exceeded:
a) Any change in Steel Supplier or type of steelmaking/casting.
b) Changes beyond the allowable variation for rolling and accelerated cooling processes.
c) Change in aim chemistry of 0.03 Pcm and/or +0.02% C.
d) Change in type of pipe forming.

B.4. Substitution: Characteristics of the Inspection and Test Plan

[A] Before production commences, Manufacturer shall supply Purchaser with summary
information or identification of the control documents, as applicable, on the main characteristics
of the ITP. The ITP shall be approved by Company prior to commencement of any fabrication
work. The ITP format shall include at least the following:
1) The specific activity and associated procedure or specification reference governing the
activity
2) Organization or individuals responsible for performing the inspection activity (including
Manufacturer, Subcontractor, Purchaser, or Third Party Representative)
3) Inspection/test and calibration practices, as applicable
4) Frequency of inspection
5) Acceptance criteria
6) Actions to non-conformances
7) Result recording, as applicable
8) Identification of processes requiring validation
9) Provisions for Company to designate third party monitor, witness, and hold points
10) Verifying document to be used for recording inspection and test results
11) Manufacturer's designated monitor, witness, or hold points in manufacturing process

B.5.1. Substitution: Manufacturing Procedure Qualification Tests

The testing and inspection identified in Table 18 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 and Table
H of this PDS shall be applied as First Day production testing and shall meet the requirements
of this PDS. Additional testing may be required based on the service and applicable annexes of
this PDS.
B.5.2. Substitution: Manufacturing Procedure Qualification Tests
[A] In order to qualify the proposed manufacturing procedure, two pipes from each pipe size,
wall thickness, and grade representing two separate heats will be selected by Company for
MPQT. Sufficient notice (at least 14 days) shall be given of the time when the production run is
to begin. For small quantity orders, the qualification of the manufacturing procedure for pipe
with similar wall thicknesses may be combined provided the procedure is otherwise identical;
the order with greater wall thickness should be tested. No pipes on this order shall be accepted
until the MPQT results are approved by Company. Changes to the MPS shall be approved by
Company.

Table H: Additional Manufacturing Procedure Qualification Tests

Item Test Requirement Acceptance Criteria
1. Chemical analysis of weld metal. ≤ Pcm of ordered grade + 0.03.
2. All-weld metal tensile test (longitudinal) per ISO 5178. For WT R0.5t shall be  SMYS.
> 25 mm (0.984 in.), test both OD and ID welds.
3. Transverse CVN tests for pipe body, weld CL. FL, FL + 2 mm Section 9.8 of API SPEC 5L-
(0.08 in.), and FL + 5 mm (0.20 in.) at Ttest, per Modified 45/ISO 3183-2012 as modified
Figure 7 of this PDS. by this PDS.
4. Transverse CVN transition curves for pipe body, weld CL, and To document transition
HAZ; temperature range of +20 C (68 F) to −50 C (−58 F) temperature.
( 5 temperatures). One HAZ notch location shall be tested; CVN: Section 9.8 of API
this location shall be the one that gives the lowest values SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012
when performing the tests in Item (3) of this table. as modified by this PDS at
Ttest.
5. For SAW pipe to be used for gas service, Crack Tip Opening CTOD  0.20 mm (0.008 in.).
Displacement (CTOD) of weld metal at Tmin (Location "NP")
samples in accordance with BSI BS EN ISO 15653.
6. For Q&T SMLS pipe with wall thickness  25.0 mm (0.984 in.), Section 9.8 of API SPEC 5L-
additional CVN test shall be performed with the specimens 45/ISO 3183-2012 as modified
located  2 mm (0.08 in.) from the pipe ID surface. by this PDS.
7. SMLS pipe, Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) or Penetrant No defects (1).
Testing (PT) inspection for oblique imperfections.
8. For HFW pipe, weld cross-sections shall be examined for full [A] Approved MPS tolerances.
section heat treatment, edge alignment, flash trim, upset
angle, weld line width, and microstructure.
9. For HFW pipe, MT or PT inspection of the OD weld seam. No transverse cracks or crack-
like defects (2).
10. For single-step SAWH pipe, cross-section macro specimen Section 9.13 of API SPEC 5L-
(photo required), from the weld at a position 150 mm (6 in.) 45/ISO 3183-2012 as modified
from each pipe end, polished and etched to disclose weld by this PDS.
geometry.
 Item Test Requirement Acceptance Criteria
Notes:
(1) For SMLS pipe, pipe bodies (100%) of the two MPQT pipes shall be inspected by MT or PT
methods to determine the presence and angle of possible oblique defects. If oblique defects
are detected, then inspection during production may be required, at the discretion of Company.
(2) For HFW pipe, 100% of the OD weld zone of the two MPQT pipes shall be examined by MT or
PT methods for transverse defects. If no transverse defects are found, then ultrasonic
inspection of the weld seam for transverse imperfections during production is not required. If
transverse imperfections are detected, then inspection during production may be required, at
the discretion of Company.

Modifications to Annex C: Treatment of Surface

Imperfections and Defects
C.4.2. Substitution: Repair of Defects by Welding
[A] Repairs to the weld shall only be performed prior to cold expansion. Repairs on SAW pipe
shall be made either by automatic submerged-arc welding, or by manual metal-arc welding
using low hydrogen electrodes to Company-approved WPS. The following restrictions also
apply:
1) Through-thickness repair is not allowed.
2) Back-to-back repair is not allowed.
3) Repair welding of cracks is not allowed.
4) One re-repair is allowed. The weld metal and HAZ from the first weld repair shall be
completely removed prior to the re-repair.
5) Manual metal-arc repairs shall not be completed in a single pass.
6) If carbon arc gouging is used for defect removal, at least 3.2 mm (0.125 in.) additional metal
shall be removed by chipping or grinding to completely remove any carburized area prior to
making the repair weld.
7) Weld repair within 200 mm (8 in.) of pipe end is not allowed.
8) The maximum length of any individual repair shall be 300 mm (12 in.).
9) The properties of the weld repair shall meet the specification requirements for the
longitudinal/helical seam weld.

C.4.3. Substitution: Repair of Defects by Welding

For SAWH pipe, the total length of repaired zones on each pipe shall be ≤ 3% of total length of
weld.
C.4.6. Substitution: Repair of Defects by Welding
The complete removal of defects prior to weld repair shall be verified by magnetic particle or
liquid penetrant methods. The total area of the weld repair shall be inspected by ultrasonic and
radiographic methods to the acceptance levels of this PDS.

C.4.9. New: Repair of Defects by Welding

Arc stops during welding shall be repaired according to the qualified weld repair procedure.

Modifications to Annex E: Non-Destructive Inspection for

Other Than Sour Service or Offshore Service
E.1.2. Substitution: Qualification of Personnel
[A] Final non-destructive inspection shall be performed by Level 2 or 3 personnel. All Level 2
personnel shall be qualified and certified for the specific NDT method by a Certification Body or
Level 3 in accordance with BSI BS EN ISO 9712 or the ASNT Central Certification Program
(ASNT CP-189) or Company-approved equivalent. A current list of qualified NDT personnel
shall be presented to Company prior to using the personnel.

E.2. Addition: Standard Practices for Inspection

1) Ultrasonic equipment electronic signal suppression and damping shall not be used during
calibration, sensitivity checking, or scanning.
2) All final Automatic Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) equipment shall incorporate a fully automatic
monitoring and recording system to indicate the location of unacceptable imperfections, and
loss of coupling that encompasses an area greater than the allowable imperfection size.
Alarms, lack of coupling, or signal transmission shall be accompanied by an audible alarm
and automatic or manual paint systems so that areas of the pipe that have valid alarms due
to an imperfection and/or loss of coupling are clearly indicated on the pipe.
3) Probe shoe or wear face surfaces shall have their radius conform to the diameter of the pipe
surface, or the shape of the weld bead, to ensure intimate contact between the surface to be
inspected and the transducer wear face.

E.2.1. New: Automatic Straight Beam Ultrasonic Inspection

1) Through-transmission type probe systems should not be used for lamination detection.
2) For lamination detection, probes should be dual element with element size per ISO 10893-8
or ISO 10893-9.
3) For detection of laminar imperfections by manual and automatic systems, initially, the signal
height from the backwall in the reference standard should be set from 60% to 90% of Full
Screen Height (FSH). Reference to the backwall is necessary to verify signal
perpendicularity and sound coupling during scanning. The gain should then be increased to
set the signal from the respective edge or body reflector at 100% FSH. Automatic
equipment shall have a minimum of two independent gates so that the flaw gate shall be set
with positive logic (≈50% FSH), and the backwall gate shall be set with negative logic (≈20%
 FSH). Loss of backwall—defined as backwall signal height < 20% FSH—greater in size
than an acceptable imperfection shall be regarded as a rejectable condition. Indications
greater than primary reference level in the flaw gate are rejectable even if there is no loss of
backwall.

E.2.2. New: Automatic Angle Beam Ultrasonic Inspection

1) For angle beam inspection of weld seams, the primary reference level should be set at 80%
of FSH. Any areas of the pipe producing signals greater or equal to the primary reference
level shall be considered suspect. For production scanning, the gain shall be increased by 
3 dB to compensate for signal variation, difference between artificial reflectors and actual
imperfections, and deterioration of equipment. For calibration/sensitivity verification and
prove-up of suspect areas, the additional gain is not required.
2) Angle beam UT transducer frequency and element size shall be selected so that inspection
does not occur in the near field. For automatic inspection, maximum element sizes should
be 13 mm (0.51 in.) for inspection by angle beam transducers. Element size shall always be
smaller than wall thickness.
3) Maximum drift of probes from the centerline of the weld shall be 3.2 mm (0.125 in.). For
welded pipe, the UT equipment should utilize an electronic weld seam tracking/centering
system to ensure accuracy of probe locations. Drift shall be compensated for by extension
of the leading and trailing edge of gate widths by an amount equivalent to the amount of
drift.
4) For angle beam scanning of weld zones, the maximum number of legs of beam travel
should be 3 (1.5 skips) for detection of imperfections.
5) Wheeled angle beam ultrasonic inspection systems are not acceptable for weld seam angle
beam inspection.
6) For angle beam inspection of weld seams, sound transmission should be verified using the
inspection probes in a paired cross-talk mode. Verification with close proximity straight
beam transducers is not acceptable.
7) For angle beam inspection of the longitudinal/helical weld seam, the maximum speed of
travel, when taking into account the alarm filter setting and the operational pulse repetition
rate, shall be such that there will be at least 3 pulses on the applicable 1.6 mm (0.063 in.).
diameter through-drilled hole.
8) Guidelines for probe frequency for automatic angle beam inspection are provided in Table I
of this PDS.
 Table I: Guidance for Angle Beam Probe Frequency
Wall Thickness (t) Frequency Range
8 mm ≤ t ≤ 12.7 mm 3.5–5.0 MHz
(0.315 in. ≤ t ≤ 0.5 in.)
12.7 mm < t  38 mm 3.0–4.0 MHz
(0.5 in. ≤ t ≤ 1.5 in.)
t > 38 mm 2.25–3.0 MHz
(t > 1.5 in.)

3) Guidelines for probe frequency for automatic angle beam inspection are provided in Table J
of this PDS.

Table J: Guidance for Probe Angle—AUT Inspection

Zone to be
Imperfection Wall Thickness (t) Probe Angle (5 degrees)
Inspected
Longitudinal ≤ 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) ID, Mid-wall 60 or 70 degrees (1)
12.7 mm < t ≤ 21 ID OD < 762 mm (30 in.): 45 or 60
mm degrees
(0.5 in. < t ≤ 0.827 OD > 762 mm (30 in.): 60 or 70
in.) degrees (1)
Mid-wall 60 or 70 degrees (1)
> 21 mm (0.826 in.) ID, Mid-wall OD ≤ 610 mm (24 in.): 60 degrees
OD > 610 mm (24 in.): 60 or 70
degrees (1)
All OD 45 or 60 degrees
Transverse All All 45 degrees
Notes:
(1) When t/D > 0.02, use 60 degrees.

E.3.1.1. Substitution: Methods of Inspection—General

For all methods of pipe manufacture, a reflector(s) shall be placed at the ends of the reference
standard to identify length of pipe on the end not inspected by UT probes. In order to verify this
dead zone, all appropriate probes shall alarm on the reflector(s), both entering and exiting the
reference standard.

E.3.1.3. Substitution: Methods of Inspection—General

1) NDT of weld seams in cold expanded pipe shall take place after hydrostatic testing.
2) Weld seams in HFW pipe shall be inspected following hydrostatic testing.
E.3.1.4. New: Manual Ultrasonic Testing
1) For production scanning, gain shall be  6 dB over the primary reference level. For prove-
up of suspect areas, no additional gain should be used.
4) Manual Ultrasonic Testing (MUT) of weld seams shall be in accordance with ISO 17640,
Testing Level B. Probe frequency should be as indicated in Table J of this PDS.
5) Inspection for longitudinal imperfections should be performed with probe angle as provided
in Table K of this PDS. For prove-up of suspect areas, when t is > 20 mm (0.8 in.),
inspection by two probe angles is required. The probe that produces the highest amplitude
response shall be used for acceptance/rejection of the imperfection.

Table K: Guidance for Probe Angle—MUT Inspection

Pipe Diameter (D) Wall Thickness (t) Probe Angle

< 610 mm (24 in.) ≤ 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) 70 degrees (1)

< 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) 60 degrees
> 610 mm (24 in.) All 70 degrees (1)
Notes:
(1) When t/D > 0.02, angle = 60 degrees.
When t/D > 0.06, angle = 45 degrees.

2) Inspection for transverse imperfections in SAW welds shall be performed with a 45 degree
probe, with the probe on-bead. If on-bead scanning is not feasible due to weld cap
configuration, X or K scan patterns may be used; however, the maximum angle from the
weld axis for the probe position shall be 15 degrees.
3) During angle beam scanning, a slight swiveling motion of angle of about 10 degrees on
each side of the nominal beam direction shall be applied to the probe. Maximum probe
movement speed for angle beam inspection of welds shall be ≤ 50 mm/sec (2 in./sec).
4) MUT of pipe ends for vertical imperfections shall be in general accordance with ASTM A
577/A 577M, but using the same acceptance level as for automatic inspection. Manual
ultrasonic testing of the pipe body shall be performed in accordance with ISO 10893-10.
Maximum probe movement speed shall be ≤ 50 mm/sec (2 in./sec).
5) MUT of pipe body or ends for laminar imperfections shall be in accordance with ISO 10893-
9 or ISO 10893-8. Sizing should be performed in accordance with ISO 10893-9, Annex A
"Procedure for the Determination of the Size of Laminar Imperfections by Manual Ultrasonic
Testing." Maximum probe movement speed for lamination inspection shall be ≤ 150
mm/sec (6 in./sec).

E.3.2.1. Substitution: Pipe End Inspection – Welded Pipe

The weld at pipe ends not covered by AUT shall be inspected by semi-automatic or MUT for
longitudinal and transverse imperfections to the same acceptance level as the automatic
inspection.
E.3.2.4. New: Pipe End Inspection – Welded Pipe
Pipe end inspection shall be performed after all internal and external pipe end weld grinding
operations have been completed.

E.3.2.5. New: Pipe End Inspection – Welded Pipe

Where the ends of the pipe have been cold sized, or the roundness corrected by jacking, the
affected surface area of the long-seam welds shall be inspected by MT in accordance with ISO
10893-5 or ASTM E 709, or PT according to ISO 10893-4. The acceptance level shall be ISO
10893-5, acceptance level M2. This inspection shall be performed after hydrostatic testing.

E.3.3.1. Substitution: Pipe End Inspection – SMLS Pipe

1) The length of pipe not inspected by ultrasonic inspection should be inspected by ultrasonic
angle beam methods. The dead zone may be inspected by MT methods, according to ISO
10893-5, or ASTM E 709 for longitudinal and transverse imperfections. The acceptance
level shall be ISO 10893-5, M2.
2) Magnetic particle testing shall be performed with active (continuous) field. (Field strength
shall not be verified with pie field indicators; pie field indicators may be used to identify field
direction.)
3) Electromagnetic AC yokes shall have a minimum lifting force of 5 kg (10 lb) at maximum leg
spread. Verification is required at the start of each operating shift.
4) [A] Permanent magnets shall not be used. DC yokes require Company approval.

E.4.2.1. Substitution: Radiographic Inspection Equipment

[A] Gamma radiation sources require Company approval. If gamma radiation is approved, then
the acceptable sensitivity level shall be reduced (smaller wire) by one level in the Image Quality
Indicators (IQIs). Image intensifiers shall not be used.

E.4.2.2. Substitution: Radiographic Inspection Equipment

[A] When using film techniques, fine grain film (ISO 11699-1, Class T1 or T2) shall be used.
Filmless techniques shall be subject to Company approval and shall have equivalent sensitivity
and overall image quality as film techniques. Filmless techniques shall utilize Computed
Radiography (CR) or Digital Radiography (DR) methods, qualified per ASTM E 2445/E 2445M,
with single wall exposure. The Pipe Mill shall demonstrate that the software for filmless
technique radiography does not electronically selectively enhance the contrast or definition to
achieve image quality.

E.4.2.3. Substitution: Radiographic Inspection Equipment

Film density through the weld seam shall be 1.8–4.0 (Hunter and Driffield).

E4.3.4. Substitution: Image Quality Indicators (IQIs)

[A] IQIs shall be placed on the source side during exposure; otherwise, Company approval is
required. If film side IQIs are approved for use, then equivalency to source side sensitivity shall
be demonstrated by the Pipe Mill and approved by Company on the first two pipes of the order.
In addition, equivalency to source side sensitivity shall be verified on the first pipe of every
working shift and on one pipe every 4 hours during the shift.

E.4.3.5. Substitution: Image Quality Indicators (IQIs)

For film and filmless techniques, at least two IQIs shall be placed across the weld on the
radiographic image (one at each end of the radiographic image) for the 200 mm (8 in.) of the
pipe ends. In addition, a hole-type penetrometer shall be placed on the base material at the
approximate middle of the image to verify that the source is perpendicular.

E.4.5. Substitution: Acceptance Limits for Imperfections Found by Radiographic

Inspection
No indications (e.g., surface discontinuities, film, stains, or blemishes larger than applicable
acceptance limit) that could mask a defect or be interpreted to be a welding-type defect are
permitted within the 200 mm (8 in.) inspection length. Any single or accumulated welding-type
imperfection equal to or exceeding 1.6 mm (0.063 in.) within 50 mm (2 in.) of the end of the pipe
shall be cause for rejection.

E.5.3.2. Addition: Instrument Standardization

1) All UT sensitivity checks shall be performed dynamically at the same or greater speed as
that used for production scanning. Sensitivity checks shall be performed at the gain setting
as used for production inspection. The sensitivity check is successful if all appropriate
channels alarm, within the gate, on the required target reflector in the reference standard,
without any alteration of any setting. All sensitivity checks are independent of each other.
2) The 3 dB allowance in Paragraph 7.5 "Equipment Calibration and Checking" in ISO 10893-
8, and ISO 10893-9, shall not be allowed.

E.5.5.2. First Paragraph, Substitution: Acceptance Limits

Suspect areas shall be accepted/rejected using the same NDT method employed to find the
original imperfection, except as allowed in Item (c).

E.5.5.2.c. Substitution: Acceptance Limits

[A] Radiographic Testing (RT) approval of ultrasonic indications that exceed the applicable
acceptance limit in Table E.8 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 is allowed provided the
indication is confirmed to be a slag-inclusion or gas-pocket that meets API SPEC 5L-45/ISO
3183-2012 Tables E.5 and/or Table E.6. RT shall meet the requirements of Section E.4.2 of
API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 as modified by this PDS. Cracks, lack of fusion or complete
penetration, and radiographic images that display no imperfections shall be classified as
defects. RT shall not be used to overrule UT signal indications that have the location and
characteristics of a crack (i.e., walking, fast rise, and sharpness).

E.5.7. Substitution: Weld Repair

Real time radiography (fluoroscopic) inspection of weld repairs is not allowed.
E.7.3. Substitution: Residual Magnetism
If other than Hall-effect measurement devices are used, the Manufacturer shall verify, per shift,
that the measurements are within  0.2 mT (2 Gs) of Hall-effect gauss meter readings.

E.7.6. Substitution: Residual Magnetism

The average of the four readings shall be ≤ 2 mT (20 Gs) with one reading as high as 2.5 mT
(25 Gs) allowed.

E.8. Addition: Laminar Imperfections in the Pipe Body of EW, SAW and COW
Pipes
For onshore applications, ultrasonic inspection shall be used to verify that the pipe body is free
of laminar imperfections greater than those permitted by Table K.1 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO
3183-2012 for sour service. The coverage during inspection shall be  20% of the skelp/pipe
surface.

Modifications to Annex K: Non-Destructive Inspection for

Pipe Ordered for Sour Service and/or Offshore Service
K.1.1. New: Introduction
This section shall be applied for all pipe ordered for sour service, offshore service, or both. For
all gas service, as well as any service were reservoir/tie-in souring or water flood is a concern,
the requirements of Annex K of this PDS shall also be applied. Enhanced requirements have
been added to Annex K in order to increase the probability of detection for potentially harmful
defects in the pipe body and weld zone.

K.2.1.1. Substitution: Laminar Imperfections at the Pipe Ends

Sensitivity shall be based on a 6 mm (0.236 in.) flat-bottomed hole.

K.2.1.3. Substitution: Laminar Imperfections at the Pipe Ends

If the girth welds will be inspected by AUT during installation, then inspection of the 100 mm (4
in.) wide zone from each pipe end shall be performed.

K.2.1.4. Substitution: Laminar Imperfections at the Pipe Ends

Magnetic particle inspection of the end bevel is required for sour service or deepwater pipe,
except that if pipe ends will be re-beveled during pipe installation in the field, then end bevel
inspection is not required. For sour service or deepwater pipe, laminar imperfections shall not
be open to the bevel face. Wet fluorescent magnetic particle inspection should be used.

K.2.2.4. Substitution: Suspect Pipe

Where dressing is carried out as a result of imperfections disclosed by NDT or the NDT alarm is
the result of a visible surface imperfection, the removal of the defect shall be confirmed by MT
or PT inspection. The repaired area shall then be examined by the original NDT method.
K.3.2. Substitution: Laminar Imperfections in the Pipe Body
For sour service and non-sour service where reservoir/tie-in souring or water flood are a
concern, SMLS pipe body ultrasonic inspection shall be 100% of the pipe surface. The
acceptance criterion is the sour service condition in Table K.1 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-
2012. The distance between tracks shall be small enough to detect the minimum imperfection
size to be considered.

K.3.4.1. Substitution: Supplementary Non-Destructive Inspection

SMLS pipe shall be inspected for transverse imperfections in accordance with ISO 10893-10,
acceptance level U2/C.

K.3.4.2.–K.3.4.4. Addition: Supplementary Non-Destructive Inspection

Where visual inspection is not employed for 100% of SMLS pipes, the pipes shall be inspected
by one of the inspection methods and to the corresponding ISO acceptance levels identified in
Paragraphs K.3.4.2 to K.3.4.4 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012. This inspection shall take
place after final heat treatment.

K.3.4.5. New: Supplementary Non-Destructive Inspection

For fatigue applications only, the Pipe Manufacturer shall identify the angle for detecting
potential oblique imperfections. Ultrasonic inspection, in accordance with the technical
requirements of ISO 10893-10, acceptance level U2/C, shall be performed at the appropriate
angle.

K.4.1. Substitution: Non-Destructive Inspection of the Weld Seam

1) For wall thickness  15.0 mm (0.6 in.), a minimum of four separate transducers shall be
used to examine the entire weld zone.
2) For wall thickness > 15.0 mm (0.6 in.), a minimum of six separate transducers shall be used
to examine the entire weld zone. At least one transducer on each side of the weld shall
examine each of the OD, mid-wall, and ID areas of the weld zone.
3) The acceptance level shall be based on a 1.6 mm (0.063 in.) diameter through-drilled hole
located on the fusion line. The weld seam not inspected (dead zone) by the AUT inspection
system at the pipe ends shall be inspected by MUT for longitudinal imperfections or cut
back.
4) Longitudinal N5 OD and ID notches shall be placed parallel to the weld seam. The notches
are to ensure that the sound beam is perpendicular to the weld seam and to indicate the
edge of gate widths for probes inspecting the weld for longitudinal imperfections.
5) A side-drilled hole should be placed on the fusion line to establish the position of the fusion
line for probe placement.
6) UT inspection for transverse defects on production pipe is not required, provided the
following inspection is completed. The full length of the external weld zone of the two MPQT
pipes shall be examined by MT, in accordance with ISO 10893-5, acceptance level M2 or
PT, or in accordance with ISO 10893-4, acceptance level P1, to ensure there are no
transverse defects. If no transverse defects are found, then production UT inspection for
 transverse imperfections is not required. If defects are found, then UT inspection for
transverse imperfections is required in accordance with ISO 10893-11, acceptance level
U2H.

K.4.2. Substitution: Laminar Imperfections in the Pipe Body

For onshore applications, HFW skelp or pipe body surface coverage shall be as in Table K.1 of
API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012 with at least 25% of the pipe body surface inspected. For sour
and non-sour offshore applications, inspection shall cover 100% of the pipe body surface to Table
K.1 service condition "sour."

K.4.3. Substitution: Laminar Imperfections on the Strip/Plate Edges or Areas

Adjacent to the Weld Seam
The longitudinal skelp edges shall be ultrasonically inspected over a width of at least 50 mm (2
in.). Sensitivity shall be based on a 6 mm (0.236 in.) flat-bottomed hole. Acceptance limits shall
be per standard sour service condition in Table K.1 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012.

K.5.1. Addition: Ultrasonic Inspection for Longitudinal and Transverse

Imperfections in Seam Welds
For final ultrasonic inspection, ISO 10893-11, acceptance level U2H (1.6 mm [0.063 in.])
diameter through-drilled hole) shall be used for longitudinal inspection at the weld centerline and
toes and for transverse inspection at the weld centerline. This applies to both automatic and
manual UT inspection. Refer to Table J and Table K of this PDS for probe frequency and angle.

K.5.1.1. Substitution: Ultrasonic Inspection for Longitudinal and Transverse

Imperfections in Seam Welds
1) Longitudinal N5 notches shall be employed per ISO 10893-11 but are only to ensure that the
sound beam is perpendicular to the weld seam and to indicate the edge of gate widths for
probes inspecting the weld for longitudinal imperfections. Transverse N5 notches on the
ID/OD weld crowns shall be employed to verify that the sound beam is perpendicular and to
identify the leading and trailing edges of the gate widths for the transverse probes.
2) In order to locate the center of the weld, one ≈ 3.2 mm (0.125 in.) diameter side-drilled hole
shall be placed at mid-wall thickness in the center of the weld and parallel (1.6 mm [0.063
in.]) to the long axis of the pipe. For SAWL pipe, the hole should be at the end of the
reference standard. For SAWH pipe, it is recommended that the side-drilled hole be placed
in an area of the spiral weld seam (approximately 150 mm [6 in.] x 150 mm [6 in.]) removed
from the reference standard and then welded back into the window in the reference
standard.
3) Probes used to detect transverse imperfections in the weld should be positioned over the
weld cap (on-bead) and shall examine the weld in both directions (i.e., probes shall face
toward or away from each other per Figure B of this PDS). Probe angle shall be 45
degrees.
 Figure B: UT Inspection of Weld Seam: On-Bead Transducers
Transducer Movement
Weld Axis

Signal Transmission

UT Inspection of Weld Seam: On-bead Transducers

4) Alternatively, if on-bead inspection is not performed, then the following program shall be
implemented on MPQT pipes and on one production pipe per shift, sequencing welding
lines:
In addition to automatic long-seam UT inspection, perform on-bead MUT inspection for
transverse imperfections on the pipe at least 48 hours after completion of welding. If MUT
does not find defects, then continue with pipe production. If MUT finds defects, then all pipe
since the last successful inspection shall be automatically or manually inspected on-bead for
transverse imperfections.

K.5.1.1.1. New: Ultrasonic Inspection for Longitudinal and Transverse

Imperfections in Seam Welds
When using agglomerated flux, final ultrasonic inspection of SAW welds on pipe should be
performed at least 24 hours after the completion of welding. For grades  L555 (X80), if this is
not practical due to production considerations, then flux moisture content or weld diffusible
hydrogen shall be measured on a regular basis, as identified in Section 8.6 of this PDS; or on-
bead UT inspection for transverse imperfections on at least one pipe per production day per
welding line shall be performed at least 48 hours after the completion of welding.

K.5.1.1.2. New: Ultrasonic Inspection for Longitudinal and Transverse

Imperfections in Seam Welds
Areas of the longitudinal weld seam that display a visual sharp deviation from the weld axial line
> 5.0 mm (0.20 in.) shall be identified and shall be manually UT inspected to the same criteria
and acceptance level as the AUT inspection.

K.5.1.4. New: SAWL and Two-Step SAWH Pipe

A minimum of six separate probes shall be used to examine the entire weld zone for longitudinal
imperfections. At least one probe on each side of the weld shall examine the center of the weld.
Each OD and ID toe area shall be examined by at least one probe.
K.5.1.5. New: Single-Step SAWH Pipe
1) For single-step SAWH pipe, at least eight probes shall scan the weld seam for longitudinal
imperfections. The following weld seam zones shall be inspected from both sides of the
helical weld seam by dedicated angle beam probes:
a) ID weld centerline: 60-degree and 70-degree probes should be used.
b) ID and OD weld toe areas to the approximate center of the respective weld. For pipe
wall thickness ≤ 12.7 mm (0.50 in.), the transducer angle should be 70 degrees. For
pipe wall thickness > 12.7 mm (0.50 in.), the transducer angle should be 60 degrees.
There shall be at least one transducer aiming at each toe-to-centerline area for a total of
four transducers.
2) In addition, for SAWH Pipe Mills without automatic seam tracking / gap control, there shall
be probes focusing on the difference in circumferential distance between the OD weld toe
signal and the ID weld toe signal. This difference shall be set to verify that weld seam
misalignment does not exceed the maximum identified in API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012,
Section 9.13.3.

K.5.2.1. Substitution: Laminar Imperfections in the Pipe Body and on the

Strip/Plate Edges
For onshore gas applications, at least 25% of SAW skelp or pipe body surface shall be
inspected for laminations. Acceptance criteria shall be Offshore service condition per Table K.1
of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012. For offshore and sour applications, inspection shall cover
100% of the pipe body surface to Table K.1 service condition "sour."

K.5.2.2. Substitution: Laminar Imperfections in the Pipe Body and on the

Strip/Plate Edges
The longitudinal coil/plate edges shall be ultrasonically inspected over a width of at least 50 mm
(2 in.). Sensitivity shall be based on a 6 mm (0.236 in.) flat-bottomed hole. Acceptance limits
shall be per the sour service condition in Table K.1 of API SPEC 5L-45/ISO 3183-2012. Any
lamination longer than 3 mm (0.118 in.) and open to the skelp edge is unacceptable.

K.5.3. Substitution: Non-Destructive Inspection of the Weld Seam at the Pipe

Ends/Repaired Areas
The weld seam not inspected (dead zone) by the AUT inspection system at the pipe ends shall
be inspected by UT methods for longitudinal and transverse imperfections to the same
acceptance level as for automatic inspection.

K.5.4. Substitution: Supplementary Non-Destructive Inspection Operation

Where the ends of the pipe have been cold sized, or the roundness corrected by jacking, the
affected area of the long-seam OD welds area shall be inspected by MT in accordance with ISO
10893-5 or ASTM E 709. There shall be no linear indications greater than 3 mm (0.118 in.) in
length. This inspection shall be after the production hydrostatic test.
 Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions
Code Description
A Assigned to paragraphs that require approval from the Owner's Engineer before the work may
proceed or the design is finalized.
C Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is reduced costs. Reduced cost in this
context refers to initial investment cost and does not include life cycle cost considerations. Life
cycle cost considerations are captured under reliability, maintainability, or operability purpose
codes.
E Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is driven by environmental considerations.
Environmental considerations typically include specifications intended to protect against
emissions/leakage to the air, water, and/or soil. Deviations from the specifications contained in
such paragraphs require formal review and approval according to local environmental policy.
I Assigned to paragraphs that provide only clarifying information, such as Scope statements,
definitions of terms, etc.
M Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to provide for maintainability of equipment
or systems. Maintainability provisions are those that facilitate the performance of maintenance
on equipment/systems either during downtimes or during onstream operations.
O Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to assure operability of equipment or
systems. Operability is the ability of the equipment/system to perform satisfactorily even
though conditions are off-design, such as during start-ups, process swings, subcomponent
malfunction, etc.
R Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to improve or assure the reliability of
equipment or systems. Reliability is a measure of the ability of equipment/systems to operate
without malfunction or failure between planned maintenance interventions.
S Assigned to paragraphs containing specifications/guidance where the primary purpose is the
avoidance of incidents impacting personnel safety, process safety, and the public in general
and/or involving responses to emergency situations. Any deviation from the specifications
contained in such designated paragraphs requires formal review and approval according to
local safety policy.
Personnel Safety: Refers to the prevention of incident-related personnel injuries or illness,
e.g., burns, cuts, abrasions, inhalation of or exposure to dangerous
substances, etc., that could result in medical treatment, restricted work,
lost-time incidents, or fatalities.
Process Safety: Refers to the prevention and control of process releases, fires, and/or
explosions that could result in damage to equipment, process disruption,
or personnel injury or illness.
Purpose Code Hierarchy: Purpose Codes assigned to a numbered item apply to all associated
subitems. Purpose codes assigned to an individual subitem apply only to that subitem.

3 RINTE
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