API 5L standard is the standard for seamless and welded steel pipes used in the oil and gas industry. PSL1 and PSL2 are two levels of API 5L, both of which are standards for pipeline steel pipes.
The PSL1 standard requires the steel pipe to undergo tensile testing at room temperature and meet specific mechanical property requirements. These requirements include tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and impact energy.
PSL1 standard steel pipes are typically used to transport fluids such as oil and natural gas, therefore requiring high corrosion resistance and pressure resistance. Furthermore, because these fluids are typically characterized by high temperatures and high pressures, the steel pipes also need to possess high resistance to high temperatures and pressures.
API 5L PSL1 V.S. API 5L PSL2
| Comparison Dimension | PSL1 (Basic) | PSL2 (High-Performance) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Scenario | Low-pressure/non-critical pipelines (e.g. irrigation pipes) |
High-pressure/sour service/arctic pipelines (e.g. gas transmission trunk lines) |
| Mechanical Properties | No impact energy requirement | ≥27J at -30°C (prevents brittle fracture) |
| Non-Destructive Testing | Hydrostatic test sampling | 100% UT + Eddy Current inspection |
| Chemical Control | Lax (S≤0.030%) |
Strict (S≤0.010%, P≤0.025%) |
| Dimensional Tolerance | Standard precision (WT +15%/-12.5%) |
High precision (WT +10%/-0%) |
| Low-Temp Applicability | ＞-5°C | -46°C (arctic pipelines require PSL2) |
| Acid Corrosion Resistance | Not for H₂S environments | NACE tested for sulfide resistance |
| Cost Difference | Base price | 8%-15% premium |
Test and inspection of API 5L PSL1 and PSL2 line pipe
Packaging and shipping
