API 5L X60 (L415) pipeline steel: the preferred material for high-pressure transmission pipelines

Concept

API 5L X60 (corresponding to ISO standard L415) is a high-strength pipeline steel that meets the standards of the American Petroleum Institute (API 5L) and is widely used in high-pressure oil and natural gas transmission pipelines. Its minimum yield strength is 60 ksi (about 415 MPa), which belongs to the medium-to-high strength level in the API 5L standard and is suitable for harsh working conditions.

Features

High strength: yield strength ≥415 MPa, tensile strength ≥520 MPa, meeting the needs of high-pressure transmission.

Excellent toughness: low-temperature impact resistance is optimized through microalloying and controlled rolling processes.

Good weldability: low carbon equivalent design (CE≤0.43) ensures welding process adaptability.

Corrosion resistance: can be used with anti-corrosion coating (3PE/FBE) and cathodic protection system.

Chemical composition (%)

C≤0.22, Mn≤1.60, Si≤0.45

P≤0.025, S≤0.015 (PSL2 grade)

Add micro-alloy elements such as Nb, V, Ti to improve strength and toughness.

Delivery status

Thermomechanical rolling (TMCP): mainstream process, taking into account both strength and toughness.

Normalizing (N): used in special requirements.

Application

High-pressure oil and gas transmission trunk line

Deep-sea and polar pipelines

Urban high-pressure gas pipeline network