The API 5L GR.B standard, established by the American Petroleum Institute (API), specifies requirements for pipeline steel pipes used in oil and gas transportation. Within this standard, PSL1 and PSL2 represent two distinct Product Specification Levels – not material grades – defining tiered quality control protocols.
Standard Requirements
PSL2 imposes stricter technical criteria than PSL1, covering chemical composition, mechanical properties, and manufacturing processes.
Production Control
PSL2 pipes undergo enhanced quality inspections and testing during manufacturing, ensuring consistent performance. This includes tighter dimensional tolerances, improved surface quality, and rigorous non-destructive testing (NDT).
Inspection & Testing
PSL2 requires more comprehensive pre-shipment verification, including hydrostatic testing and full-body NDT (e.g., ultrasonic/radiographic examination), to guarantee superior product integrity.
API 5L gr B PSL1 and PSL2 carbon steel pipe yield strength
| API 5L gr B | PSL1 (psi) | PSL2 (psi) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Yield Strength: | None | 65000 |
| Min Yield Strength: | 35000 | 35000 |
| Max Tensile Strength: | None | 110000 |
| Min Tensile Strength: | 60000 | 60000 |
API 5L grade B PSL1 and PSL2 Line pipe Chemical composition
| Grade | PSL1 | PSL2 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mn | C | S | P | Mn | C | S | P | |
| B | 1.2 | 0.26 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 1.3 | 0.22 | 0.015 | 0.025 |
API 5L Grade B Psl1 Vs Psl2
| Description | API 5L Grade B PSL1 | API 5L Grade B PSL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Specification Level | Product Specification Level 1 | Product Specification Level 2 |
| Welding Requirements | Basic | More detailed |
| Testing Requirements | Basic | More demanding |
| Chemical Composition | Standard | Tighter control |
| NDT Test | Not required | Required |
| Mechanical Properties | Minimum requirements | Higher |
| Charpy Impact Test | Not required | Required |
Test and inspection
Packaging and shipping
