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API 5L Pipe Grades

API 5L is the international standard for seamless and welded steel pipes used in oil and gas pipelines. It specifies two product specification levels: PSL1 (standard quality) and PSL2 (higher quality with stricter testing). The most common grades range from L245/B to L485/X70. These pipes are essential for transporting petroleum, natural gas, and water in the energy industry.

Chemical Composition (Max %) for PSL2

Typical maximum chemical composition (% by mass) per API 5L PSL2.

Grade C (%) Mn (%) P (%) S (%) Equivalent
L245 / B ≤0.26 ≤1.20 ≤0.030 ≤0.030 Low Carbon
L290 / X42 ≤0.26 ≤1.30 ≤0.030 ≤0.030 Micro-alloyed
L360 / X52 ≤0.26 ≤1.40 ≤0.030 ≤0.030 Micro-alloyed
L415 / X60 ≤0.22 ≤1.45 ≤0.025 ≤0.015 HSLA
L450 / X65 ≤0.22 ≤1.60 ≤0.025 ≤0.015 HSLA
L485 / X70 ≤0.22 ≤1.65 ≤0.025 ≤0.015 HSLA

Note: PSL2 requires stricter chemical limits, mandatory impact testing, and NDT (Non-Destructive Testing). Micro-alloying elements like Nb, V, and Ti are often added to higher grades (X60 and above) to achieve the required strength and toughness.

Mechanical Properties (PSL2)

Grade Yield Strength (MPa) Tensile Strength (MPa) Elongation (%) Impact Test
L245 / B 245–450 415–760 ≥21 Required
L290 / X42 290–495 415–760 ≥21 Required
L360 / X52 360–530 460–760 ≥21 Required
L415 / X60 415–565 520–760 ≥21 Required
L450 / X65 450–600 535–760 ≥21 Required
L485 / X70 485–635 570–760 ≥21 Required

Available Sizes & Delivery

Outer Diameter (OD) 21.3–1420 mm
Wall Thickness (WT) 2.0–50 mm
Length Up to 12m (random or fixed length)
Pipe Types Seamless (SMLS), ERW, LSAW, SSAW
Standard API 5L (PSL1 / PSL2) / ISO 3183
Mill Test Certificate EN 10204 3.1 with every shipment
MOQ 10 Tons
Delivery Time Within 15-25 days (≤1000 tons)

Why Order from Zhongtang Steel?

  • Full API 5L Range — PSL1 and PSL2 from L245/B to L485/X70
  • Strict Quality Control — Hydrostatic testing, NDT, and impact testing
  • EN 10204 3.1 MTC supplied with every shipment
  • ISO 9001 certified manufacturer since 1998
  • Mill-direct pricing — no trading company markup

Applications

  • Oil and gas transmission pipelines
  • Water supply and sewage systems
  • Petrochemical and refinery piping
  • Offshore and onshore drilling operations
  • High-pressure boiler and heat exchanger tubes
  • Structural and piling applications

Values are typical reference ranges per API 5L. Actual properties may vary by pipe type (SMLS, ERW, LSAW) and production route. Mill test certificates (EN 10204 3.1) are supplied with every shipment — contact us for exact data sheets.

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