API Specifications for Oilfield Tubulars

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has defined certain standards for oilfield
tubular goods, such as tubing and casing. The API has defined ten grades of
steel: H40, J55, K55, C75, L80, N80, C90, C95, P105, and P110. The number
indicates the API minimum yield strength in thousands of psi. The letters H, J,
and N are primarily to minimize verbal confusion, while the others have an
additional meaning:

K — has higher ultimate strength than J

C, L — "restricted yield strength" with tighter specifications

P — high strength

The behavior of tubular goods under stress conditions is a basic problem in

strength of materials. The API has developed a set of standard formulas that are
used throughout the oil industry to predict the minimum load-carrying capacity to
be expected from a particular grade and weight of pipe (API Bulletin 5C3). Tables
of casing and tubing strengths based on the formulas are also published by the
API (Bulletin 5C2) and in various manufacturers' and service companies'
handbooks. Remember that the API formulas are modified from time to time and
it is important to make sure that the performance data used is taken from the
most recent version.

The major failure modes that we are concerned with are

· burst

· collapse

· tension — failure of the coupling or pipe

There is always some debate as to whether the API formulas are the best
theoretical basis for computing a particular strength parameter (e.g., for burst, a
modified Barlows equation is used instead of Lame). However, each company's
assessment of the conservative nature or inadequacies of the API formulas is
generally reflected in the design factor and design assumptions that they apply in
using the API Strength Criteria.