API RP 5L 8:1996 (R2015)

1 Scope and Application 1.1 BASIS FOR INSPECTION This document contains practices recommended for use in the inspection of new line pipe subsequent to production by the manufacturer. Appendix A contains ordering information for owners desiring to order inspection of new pipe per this document. The basis for performing an inspection may have its origin either in API Specification 5L or in a supplemental specification or contract prepared by the owner. The inspections represented by the practices may be placed in one of three categories as follows: a. Inspections specified in API Specification 5L. b. Inspections specified as one of several options in API Specification 5L. c. Inspections not specified in API Specification 5L. 1.2 APPLICABILITY OF INSPECTIONS 1.2.1 Some of the practices contained in this recommended practice are applicable to pipe regardless of size or type. Other practices typically may have limited applicability. Table 1 indicates those inspections that are available in the field and covered by this recommended practice in relation to pipe type. It is the owner's responsibility to specify which inspections are to be used when completing the ordering information (see Appendix A) to accompany an inspection contract. 1.3 REPEATABILITY OF RESULTS 1.3.1 Sources of Variation Every inspection and measurement process is characterized by an inherent variability of results. The nondestructive inspections and measurements included in this recommended practice are characterized by additional inherent variability attributable to the following factors: a. API Specification 5L permits options in the selection of practices to be used in the inspection for specific attributes. b. Within a single practice, API Specification 5L permits options in the selection of calibration standards. c. Each manufacturer of nondestructive inspection systems uses different mechanical and electronic designs. d. Certain practices in this recommended practice are based on operation of the system at high, and even maximum, sensitivity without the use of the reference standards specified in API Specification 5L. e. Within the performance capability of a single nondestructive inspection system installation, there will not be perfect repeatability of results. f. API Specification 5L contains provisions for a number of uses of radiological inspection of double submerged arc welds (DSAW) pipe, which are neither contained nor specifically referenced in this recommended practice. The possibility exists that material classified as rejected using practices in this recommended practice may have been inspected and classified prime by the manufacturer using radiological inspection or reinspection procedures in compliance with API Specification 5L. Note 1: Key to inspection abbreviations: DBE Diameter and bevel check, pipe ends EAI End area inspection EMI Electromagnetic inspection FLMPI Full-length magnetic particle, inside surface FLMPIW Full-length magnetic particle, inside weld FLMPO Full-length magnetic particle, outside surface FLMPOW Full-length magnetic particle, outside weld FLVI Full-length visual inspection UTBL Ultrasonic body laminations and wall thickness UTBLTO Ultrasonic body longitudinal, transverse, oblique UTLE Ultrasonic lamination check, pipe ends UTW Ultrasonic inspection, weld only Note 2: Key to pipe types: AW Arc-welded pipe CW Continuous-welded pipe (butt-welded) EW Electric-welded pipe SMLS Seamless pipe Note 3: Key to applicability of inspections: All Inspection may be applicable throughout the diameter range. EQ Inspection may be applicable throughout the diameter range subject to equipment limitations. N Inspection usually is not applicable for this type pipe. N.A. Not applicable because there are no welds in seamless pipe. 1.4 CONSEQUENCES OF VARIABILITY 1.4.1 Disposition For any of the reasons given in 1.3.1, the results of field inspection may not duplicate corresponding inspections performed during manufacture. Variability within and among the results of practices contained in the recommended practice is to be expected. When field inspection results in the classification of pipe as other than prime, it shall not be presumed that the material is defective until an evaluation has been performed in accordance with Section 16, to establish final disposition. 1.4.2 Responsibility For Rejections In some cases, a pipe inspected using practices described in this recommended practice may be classified as a reject, even though it was inspected in conformance with API Specification 5L and classified as an acceptable pipe in conformance with API Specification 5L by the manufacturer. Responsibility for a rejection shall be based on the acceptance criteria contained in API Specification 5L or on an additional or more restrictive criteria previously negotiated with the manufacturer. Under no circumstances will the results of field nondestructive inspection stand alone as a basis for rejection without corroborating evidence that the material is properly classified as defective based on the appropriate evaluation(s) performed in accordance with Section 16 of this recommended practice. In case disposition is disputed between the purchaser and the manufacturer, the provisions of H.4 of API Specification 5L shall apply.