API has provided a summary of the 45th edition improvements, as per the following excerpt from them:
"This new revision was generated in order to strengthen requirements to ensure quality, reduce potential for non-conforming pipe and provide improved tools for communication between manufacturer and purchaser.
A summary of some of the key requirements are:
- Enhanced requirements for selection and qualification raw material suppliers (plate and coil),
- Increased frequency for tests of mechanical properties,
- An allowance for digital radiography in lieu of film,
- Identification and validation of critical variables throughout all manufacturing processes (steel melting, plate/coil rolling, pipe forming, etc.) to assure suitable mechanical properties, and
- Additional re-test requirements in case of tensile test failure.
Most of the changes to the 45th Edition of API Specification 5L were made to incorporate the requirements from the previously published Errata/Addenda into the main specification.
In addition, changes were made to Section 11.4, Marking of pipe to multiple grades"
It seems that you are the one most likely to review the two standards, so please update the forum with your review / comparison at your earliest convenience. Thank you in advance.
Cheers,
gr2vessels