Line Pipe Dimensions and Schedule in Inches Chart (API 5L)

Line Pipe Dimensions and Schedule

Line pipe dimensions and schedule follows a set of standards to classify pipe that can be utilized for high or low temperatures and pressures. In the United States, the dimension of the line pipe describes the normal bore (NB) of the pipe. NB is usually used interchangeably with nominal pipe size (NPS), which defines the size of the pipe.

As an example, in a 4-inch pipe, the four inches defines the nominal size of the pipe. For pipe ranging from 1/8” to 12”, the NPS is neither the outer diameter (OD) nor the inner diameter (ID). For pipe with NPS of 14” and above, the nominal pipe size equates with the outer diameter.

Line pipe is not only determined by their diameter, but also by another non-dimensional number called the line pipe schedule. The schedule of the line pipe pertains to the way pipe wall thickness is described. Line pipe schedule can be classified as standard weight or STD; extra-strong or XS; extra-heavy or XH; double extra-strong or XXS; or double extra-heavy or XXH.

To keep up with the growing industry, various revisions and additions were made to the line pipe dimensions and schedule, following the standards provided by different institutions, including the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Line Pipe Dimensions and Schedule of API 5L

Line pipe dimensions and schedule of API 5L pipes is set by the API to guarantee the quality of the pipe for oil and natural gas conveyance. The specifications allow the regulation of the Standard Grade A, Grade B, and Grade X pipe utilization.

The line pipe can be availed of as seamless or electric resistance weld (ERW), depending on the need of applications in the gas system.

Line Pipe Dimensions and Schedule Significance

The dimension of the line pipe is described using the outer diameter (OD), pipe length, and wall thickness (WT). With the help of these numbers, the pipe weight can be calculated in terms of the cost of the pipe per meter or per foot, and even the amount of pressure that the pipe can tolerate.

The schedule of the line pipe is an important factor in the oil and gas drilling industry, as this defines whether the pipe can fit inside the casing and screen.

Line Pipe Dimensions and Schedule in Inches Chart (API 5L)

Line pipe dimensions and schedule of the API 5L pipe presents characters using the nominal bore (NB), diameter nominal (DN), outer diameter (OD) in inches, and pipe schedule.

NB is roughly associated with the pipe’s inner diameter (ID), while OD remains constant for each NB. Each pipe size is presented with various schedules or wall thickness.  The heavier the line pipe’s schedule is, the smaller the bore.

Line Pipe Dimensions and Schedule in Inches Chart Abbreviations:

• N.B. – Nominal Bore
• D.N. – Diameter Nominal
• O.D. – Outer Diameter
• SCH – Pipe Schedule

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