This recommended practice provides guidelines for the design, analysis, manufacture, testing, installation, and operation of flexible pipes and flexible pipe systems for onshore, subsea, and marine applications. API 17B supplements API 17J and API 17K, which specify minimum requirements for the design, material selection, manufacture, testing, marking, and packaging of unbonded and bonded flexible pipes, respectively. 

API 17B applies to flexible pipe assemblies, consisting of segments of flexible pipe body with end fittings attached to both ends. Both bonded and unbonded pipe types are covered. In addition, API 17B applies to flexible pipe systems, and provides input to API 17L1 and API 17L2 coverage of ancillary equipment.

The applications covered by API 17B are sweet and sour service production, including export and injection applications. API 17B applies to both static and dynamic flexible pipe systems, used as flowlines, risers, jumpers, downlines, and other temporary applications of flexible pipe. API 17B does cover in general terms the use of flexible pipes for offshore loading systems. Refer also to API 17K and the OCIMF hose guide for offshore loading systems.

API 17B does not cover flexible pipes for use in choke and kill lines (see API 16C or API 7K) or umbilical and control lines (see API 17E).