EN 10025-6 S620QL1 SSAW Pipe Steel

EN 10025-6 S620QL1 SSAW Pipe Steel

EN 10025-6 S620QL1 SSAW Pipe Steel - Quenched & Tempered High-Strength Structural Grade

Comprehensive technical data for S620QL1 steel according to EN 10025-6, including chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, equivalent grades, and application guidance for spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes.

Welding (all common methods, including SAW for SSAW pipe), forming, cutting, machining, cold and hot bending

EN 10025-6 S620QL1 SSAW Pipe Steel Introduction

S620QL1 is a high-strength, quenched and tempered structural steel covered by EN 10025-6, designed for welded load-bearing structures. It provides a minimum yield strength of 620 MPa in thicknesses up to 50 mm and guarantees Charpy impact toughness of at least 27 J at -20 °C (designated by the L1 quality). The fine-grain microstructure ensures excellent weldability and good ductility. This grade is widely used in heavy machinery, crane booms, bridge construction, offshore structures, and particularly for the fabrication of spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes in oil and gas transmission and piling applications.

  • Outstanding strength-to-weight ratio
  • Reliable low-temperature toughness
  • Controlled carbon equivalent for welding
  • Consistent properties through heat treatment

EN 10025-6 S620QL1 SSAW Pipe Steel Chemical Composition

Ladle analysis according to EN 10025-6:2019, Table 3, heat analysis for S620QL1. Maximum values unless otherwise indicated. Elements not listed, such as Nb, V, Ti, Zr, B, are included if intentionally added or as residuals within standard limits. Carbon equivalent (CEV) is calculated according to the standard formula and typically restricted to a maximum of 0.52–0.58 depending on thickness; the exact limit is agreed upon at ordering.

  • Low phosphorus and sulfur levels enhance cleanliness and toughness.
  • Microalloying elements (Nb, V, Ti) refine grain size and increase strength.
  • Nickel and chromium improve hardenability and toughness.
ElementStandard Value (max %)Remarks
Carbon (C)0.20Maximum
Silicon (Si)0.80Maximum
Manganese (Mn)1.70Maximum
Phosphorus (P)0.020Maximum for L1 quality
Sulfur (S)0.010Maximum for L1 quality
Nitrogen (N)0.015Maximum
Chromium (Cr)1.50Maximum
Copper (Cu)0.50Maximum
Molybdenum (Mo)0.70Maximum
Nickel (Ni)2.0Maximum
Niobium (Nb)0.06Maximum
Vanadium (V)0.12Maximum
Titanium (Ti)0.05Maximum
Zirconium (Zr)0.15Maximum
Boron (B)0.005Maximum
Aluminium (Al) total0.015 min.Minimum when used as grain refiner; otherwise agreed

EN 10025-6 S620QL1 SSAW Pipe Steel Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Physical properties are not mandatory in EN 10025-6 and are provided as typical reference values for S620QL1 at room temperature unless another temperature is noted. Actual values may vary slightly depending on exact chemical composition and heat treatment.

  • Thermal conductivity decreases with increasing temperature.
  • Thermal expansion coefficient is needed for welding and design calculations.
  • Electrical resistivity is useful for corrosion protection design.
Physical PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Temperature
Density (ρ)7850kg/m³Room temperature
Elastic modulus (E)210GPaRoom temperature
Shear modulus (G)80GPaRoom temperature
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.30–Room temperature
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)11.110⁻⁶/K20–100 °C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)11.910⁻⁶/K20–200 °C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.510⁻⁶/K20–300 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)42W/(m·K)20 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)38W/(m·K)200 °C
Specific heat capacity460J/(kg·K)20 °C
Electrical resistivity (ρ_e)0.2010⁻⁶ Ω·mRoom temperature

EN 10025-6 S620QL1 SSAW Pipe Steel Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties according to EN 10025-6:2019, Table 5 for quenched and tempered condition. Values are for longitudinal test pieces unless noted. For thicknesses above 150 mm, properties are subject to agreement.

  • Bending angle: 180°; no cracks shall occur.
  • Charpy impact test temperatures: Q (20 °C), QL (-40 °C), QL1 (-20 °C).
  • All joints and attachment welds should consider the softening effect in the heat-affected zone.
PropertyStandard Requirement ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield strength (ReH)620 min.MPaThickness ≤ 50 mm
Yield strength (ReH)580 min.MPa50 mm < thickness ≤ 100 mm
Yield strength (ReH)550 min.MPa100 mm < thickness ≤ 150 mm
Tensile strength (Rm)700 – 890MPaThickness ≤ 50 mm
Tensile strength (Rm)650 – 830MPa50 mm < thickness ≤ 100 mm
Tensile strength (Rm)620 – 800MPa100 mm < thickness ≤ 150 mm
Elongation (A5)14 min.%Longitudinal, gauge length 5.65√So, thickness ≤ 50 mm
Elongation (A5)14 min.%Longitudinal, 50–100 mm thickness
Elongation (A5)14 min.%Longitudinal, 100–150 mm thickness
Bend test (diameter)4t–Thickness ≤ 50 mm, 180° bend
Bend test (diameter)5t–50–100 mm thickness, 180° bend
Bend test (diameter)6t–100–150 mm thickness, 180° bend
Charpy impact (KV2) at -20°C27 min. (longitudinal)JAverage of three full-size specimens
Charpy impact (KV2) at -20°C19 min. (transverse)JAverage of three full-size specimens, if specified

EN 10025-6 S620QL1 SSAW Pipe Steel Complete Equivalent Grades – Direct Substitute S620QL1

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
European UnionEN 10025-6S620QL1Original specification; quenched and tempered, impact at -20°C
GermanyDIN EN 10025-6S620QL1Identical technical delivery conditions
United KingdomBS EN 10025-6S620QL1Identical
FranceNF EN 10025-6S620QL1Identical
ItalyUNI EN 10025-6S620QL1Identical
SpainUNE EN 10025-6S620QL1Identical
SwedenSS EN 10025-6S620QL1Identical
International (ISO) – historicalISO 4950-2:1995S620QL1Superseded standard, same concept; check compatibility with current EN

EN 10025-6 S620QL1 SSAW Pipe Steel Application Introduction

S620QL1 is an excellent choice for spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes used in demanding environments where high strength, toughness, and weldability are required. Its balanced chemistry and quenched-and-tempered condition allow for safe welding following established procedures.

  • Preheat and interpass temperature control are essential to prevent cold cracking.
  • Post-weld heat treatment may be needed for thick sections or high restraint.
  • Commonly used in accordance with EN 10208-2 (steel pipes for pipelines) when ordered as pipe material.

Product Applications: Spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) line pipes, Long-distance oil and gas pipelines, Water transmission mains and penstocks, Structural hollow sections and tubular piling, Heavy crane booms and lattice structures, Pressure vessels and storage tanks

Processed into products: SSAW pipe segments for onshore/offshore pipelines, Piling pipe for quay walls and bridge foundations, Tubular truss elements in long-span bridges, Reinforcement rings and flanges for large-diameter pipes, Rotary kiln shells and heavy machinery frames

Application industries: Oil and gas exploration and transmission, Water supply and sewage infrastructure, Offshore and marine structures, Bridge building and heavy civil engineering, Construction machinery and mobile cranes, Piling and foundation engineering

EN 10025-6 S620QL1 SSAW Pipe Steel Similar / Alternative Grades with Comparable Performance

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
European UnionEN 10025-6S620QSame strength, no guaranteed low-temperature toughness (impact test at +20°C)
European UnionEN 10025-6S620QLSame strength, guaranteed toughness at -40°C (more demanding than L1)
United StatesASTM A514 / A517Grade Q690 MPa yield, quenched & tempered; higher strength but different chemistry and CEV; need engineering validation for replacement
JapanJIS G 3106SM570570 MPa class; slightly lower yield; may be used in some structural applications with design adjustment
ChinaGB/T 1591Q620D / Q620EChinese high-strength structural steel, impact temperatures -20°C / -40°C; similarity in strength but distinct production route

Notes:

  • Welding consumables must match the strength and toughness requirements; typically low-hydrogen electrodes of the 7018 class or equivalent for submerged arc welding.
  • Carbon Equivalent (CEV) is usually ≤ 0.54 for thickness up to 50 mm, but the final limit is agreed between manufacturer and purchaser to ensure weldability.
  • Ultrasonic testing of SSAW weld seams is mandatory for pressure applications per relevant standards (e.g., API 5L, EN 10208).
  • For highly corrosive media, the use of HIC-resistant (hydrogen-induced cracking) testing may be required and should be specified at ordering.
  • The material can be supplied with EN 10204 Type 3.1 or 3.2 inspection certificates.
  • Share

Processing Services

BBN supplies steel raw materials and provides product processing services according to customer requirements. .

Get In Touch

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt dolore magna aliqua. Quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida.

Contact Us

Drop Us A Message