Tianjin Brisk Steel is one of the manufacturers of API 5L PSL1 ERW STEEL PIPE in China. Our products are mainly exported to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, New Zealand, and other regions.If you would like to learn more about our products, feel free to contact us and send your purchase list.
Manufacturing Types
- API 5L: American Petroleum Institute standard for line pipe, specifically designed for pipelines transporting oil, gas, and water.
- ERW (Electric Resistance Welding): High-frequency electric resistance longitudinal seam welded pipe; formed by high-frequency fusion welding of coiled steel strip, offering better cost-effectiveness than seamless pipe.
- PSL1 (Product Specification Level 1): A basic quality grade-one of the two standard quality levels under API 5L-characterized by less stringent control and testing requirements; PSL2, is intended for demanding, high-risk operating conditions.
ERW PROCESS
PSL1 vs. PSL2 Spec Sheet
| PSL1 | PSL2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Grade range | GR B through X70 | GR B through X80 |
| Size range | 0.405″ through 80″OD | 2.375″ through 80″OD |
| Type of pipe ends | Plain-end, threaded-end, beveled-end, special coupling pipe | Plain-end |
| Seam welding | All methods continuous welding limited to Grade A25 | All methods except continuous and laser welding |
| Electric welds: welder frequency | No minimum | 100 kHz minimum |
| Heat treatments of electric welds | Required for grades > X42 | Required for all grades (GR B through X80) |
| Chemistry: max C for seamless pipe | 0.28% for grades > Gr B | 0.24% |
| Chemistry: max C for welded pipe | 0.26% for grades > Gr B | 0.22% |
| Chemistry: max P | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| Chemistry: max S | Only when purchases specifies SR18 | 0.02% |
| Carbon equivalent | None | Maximum required for each grade |
| Yield strength, maximum | None | Maximum for each grade |
| UTS, maximum | None required | Maximum for each grade |
| Fracture toughness | Only when purchaser specifies SR4 | Required for all grades |
| Non-destructive inspection of seamless pipes | Permitted | SR4 mandatory |
| Repair by welding of pipe body, plate and skelp | Permitted by agreement | Prohibited |
| Certification | Certificates when specified per SR15 | Prohibited |
| Traceability | Traceable only until all tests are passed unless SR15 is specified | Certificates (SR15.1) mandatory Traceable after completion of tests (SR15.2) mandatory |
- PSL1 & PSL2 requirements are given in the latest edition of API 5L specifications. About more details please click standard API 5L.
Key Summary
- PSL1: The preferred choice for municipal water lines, low-pressure branch lines, and general steel structural piping; features relaxed manufacturing requirements, allows for rework, offers certificates upon request, and comes at a lower price.
- PSL2: Essential for oil and gas trunk lines, buried high-pressure pipelines, and low-temperature or sour service applications; mandates strict controls on chemical composition, heat treatment, impact testing, and non-destructive testing; prohibits pipe body repairs; features a comprehensive traceability system; offers higher safety and commands a higher price.
pplication Scenarios (PSL1 : Low-pressure, non-critical service conditions)
✅ Recommended for:
- Onshore low-pressure crude oil and standard natural gas gathering and transmission branch lines
- Municipal water supply/drainage and plant-site circulating water pipelines
- Steel structure supports and low-pressure process fluid piping
- Ambient-temperature pipeline projects free from hydrogen sulfide and extreme cold
❌ PSL1 Prohibited for: Subsea pipelines, high-pressure gas transmission trunk lines, pipelines carrying sour media, and pipelines in low-temperature permafrost regions (PSL2 required)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can PSL1 pipe be used for buried high-pressure natural gas main pipelines?
A: Not recommended. PSL1 lacks mandatory impact test, carbon equivalent control and upper limit control of yield & tensile strength. It is suitable for low-pressure branch pipelines, water delivery and steel structure frames. Buried high-pressure gas projects must select PSL2 grade ERW pipes.
Q: What is the sulfur content control rule for two levels?
A: PSL1 only restricts sulfur content if the buyer orders SR18. PSL2 permanently caps the maximum sulfur content at 0.02% to lessen hot cracking risk during welding.
Q: What is the most obvious difference between PSL1 and PSL2 ERW steel pipe?
A: PSL1 is a basic grade with loose inspection standards, pipe body repair is allowed, certificates and impact tests are only provided upon customer request, lower cost and short delivery time. PSL2 is a high safety grade with strict chemical composition limits, mandatory weld heat treatment & Charpy impact test, pipe body welding repair is forbidden, full material traceability and official test certificates are compulsory, mainly for high-pressure oil & gas trunk pipelines.
Q: Does PSL1 ERW pipe need weld heat treatment? What about PSL2?
A: For PSL1 ERW pipes, heat treatment is only required for steel grades higher than X42. All steel grades from Gr.B to X80 of PSL2 must carry out post-weld heat treatment to eliminate welding residual stress.
Hot Tags: api 5l psl1 erw steel pipe, China api 5l psl1 erw steel pipe manufacturers, suppliers, factory
