API Updates Line Pipe Standard with New CO₂ Pipeline Requirements

A century-old pipeline standard has received major updates, including new requirements aimed at the growing CO₂ transportation sector.

(P&GJ) — API has released the 47th edition of Specification 5L, the pipeline industry's foundational standard for steel line pipe, adding new requirements covering CO₂ transportation pipelines, high-frequency weld (HFW) pipe quality and other manufacturing and testing practices.

Originally published in 1924, API Spec 5L establishes requirements for the manufacture of seamless and welded steel line pipe used to transport oil, natural gas and other energy products. The latest edition includes updates across more than 15 technical areas affecting pipe manufacturing, inspection, testing and quality control.

Among the revisions are new requirements related to CO₂ transmission pipelines, HFW line quality, hydrostatic testing, non-destructive examination, sour-service applications, impact toughness and sulfide stress cracking resistance. The standard also updates provisions for records retention, chemical composition ranges and lamination control.

API said the revisions were developed with input from technical experts representing more than a dozen countries and are intended to reflect evolving industry practices and operating experience.

"API Specification 5L has helped establish consistent requirements for line pipe manufacturing for more than 100 years," said Anchal Liddar, API's senior vice president of Global Industry Services. "The 47th edition reflects the pipeline industry's collective experience and API's ongoing commitment to supporting the safe and reliable operation of pipeline systems."

The standard serves as a key reference for manufacturers producing steel line pipe for oil, natural gas and emerging CO₂ transportation infrastructure. Organizations meeting the requirements of the new edition may continue to apply for licensing under API's Monogram Program.