EN10025-6 S690QL1 Steel for SSAW Pipe

EN10025-6 S690QL1 Steel for SSAW Pipe

EN10025-6 S690QL1 Steel for SSAW Pipe: High Strength Quenched & Tempered Structural Steel

Detailed material data for EN10025-6 S690QL1, a high yield strength quenched and tempered fine-grain structural steel used for spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes. Includes chemical composition, mechanical properties, thermal and electrical properties, international equivalents, and application guidelines.

Welding (SAW, GMAW, SMAW), hot forming (controlled), cold forming (with precautions), machining

EN10025-6 S690QL1 Steel for SSAW Pipe Introduction

S690QL1 is a high strength quenched and tempered structural steel defined in EN 10025‑6, delivering a minimum yield strength of 690 MPa and excellent low‑temperature toughness down to ‑20 °C. It belongs to the family of fine‑grain weldable steels intended for demanding welded structures.
The 'Q' denotes quenched and tempered condition, 'L1' specifies guaranteed impact energy (27 J) at ‑20 °C. It is commonly supplied as hot‑rolled plate suitable for forming spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes used in offshore, pressure vessel, and structural applications.
Key features:

  • High strength‑to‑weight ratio enabling weight reduction
  • Good weldability with controlled carbon equivalent (CEV typically ≤ 0.65)
  • Excellent notch toughness at low temperatures
  • Uniform properties across thickness due to quenching and tempering

EN10025-6 S690QL1 Steel for SSAW Pipe Chemical Composition

The following chemical composition limits are according to EN 10025‑6:2019, Table 2 (heat analysis). All values are maximum unless a range is indicated. The steel is fine‑grain treated and may contain alloying elements to achieve required strength and toughness.

  • Maximum carbon equivalent (CEV) is typically ≤ 0.65 for good weldability.
  • Optional addition of B, Nb, Ti, V, and Zr for grain refinement and precipitation hardening.
ElementStandard Value (max %)Remarks
C0.20Carbon
Si0.80Silicon
Mn1.70Manganese
P0.020Phosphorus
S0.010Sulfur
N0.015Nitrogen
B0.005Boron (optional)
Cr1.50Chromium
Cu0.50Copper
Mo0.70Molybdenum
Nb0.06Niobium (columbium)
Ni2.0Nickel
Ti0.05Titanium
V0.12Vanadium
Zr0.15Zirconium (optional)

EN10025-6 S690QL1 Steel for SSAW Pipe Thermal and Electrical Properties

The following physical properties are typical for quenched and tempered structural steels and are not part of EN 10025‑6 delivery requirements. They are provided for design and calculation purposes. Actual values may vary slightly depending on exact composition and heat treatment.

  • Density, elastic moduli, and Poisson's ratio are measured at room temperature.
  • Thermal conductivity and specific heat are given at 20 °C and 100  °C.
  • Electrical resistivity is for reference at ambient temperature.
PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7850kg/m³Room temperature (20 °C)
Modulus of elasticity (E)210GPaRoom temperature
Shear modulus (G)80GPaRoom temperature (calculated from E and ν)
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.3–Room temperature
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)11.510⁻⁶/K20 – 100 °C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.510⁻⁶/K20 – 200 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)42W/(m·K)At 20 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)40W/(m·K)At 100 °C
Specific heat capacity460J/(kg·K)At 20 °C
Specific heat capacity490J/(kg·K)At 100 °C
Electrical resistivity (ρ_e)0.25µΩ·mAt 20 °C, approximate

EN10025-6 S690QL1 Steel for SSAW Pipe Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are specified in EN 10025‑6:2019, Table 5. Values depend on product thickness and sampling direction. Unless stated otherwise, tensile test specimens are transverse to the rolling direction.

  • Yield strength (ReH) is the upper yield strength, if not present then Rp0.2 is used.
  • Bend test mandrel diameters are expressed as multiples of thickness (t).
  • Impact test uses Charpy V‑notch specimens (10×10 mm), longitudinal direction.
PropertyStandard ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield strength (ReH)690MPaThickness ≤ 50 mm
Yield strength (ReH)650MPa50 mm < thickness ≤ 100 mm
Yield strength (ReH)630MPa100 mm < thickness ≤ 150 mm
Tensile strength (Rm)770 – 940MPaAll thicknesses (≤ 150 mm)
Elongation (A)14%Thickness ≤ 50 mm, L0=5.65√S0, transverse
Elongation (A)14%50 mm < thickness ≤ 100 mm
Elongation (A)13%100 mm < thickness ≤ 150 mm
Bend test (180°)2t–Thickness ≤ 16 mm
Bend test (180°)3t–16 mm < thickness ≤ 50 mm
Bend test (180°)4t–50 mm < thickness ≤ 150 mm
Impact energy (KV)27 (min)JAt -20 °C, longitudinal, 10×10 mm specimen
Impact energy (KV)16 (min)JAt -20 °C, longitudinal, 7.5×10 mm sub‑size specimen (proportional)

EN10025-6 S690QL1 Steel for SSAW Pipe Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Grade Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
European UnionEN 10025-6:2019S690QL1Original specification
InternationalISO 4950-2:1995E690QL1Technically equivalent; QL1 denotes -20 °C impact
GermanyDIN EN 10025-6S690QL1Adopted EN standard, identical
United KingdomBS EN 10025-6S690QL1Adopted EN standard, identical
FranceNF EN 10025-6S690QL1Adopted EN standard, identical
ItalyUNI EN 10025-6S690QL1Adopted EN standard, identical
SpainUNE EN 10025-6S690QL1Adopted EN standard, identical

EN10025-6 S690QL1 Steel for SSAW Pipe Application Introduction

S690QL1 is designed for high‑stress welded structures that require a combination of high strength, low‑temperature toughness, and good weldability. It is ideally suited for SSAW (spiral submerged arc welded) pipes used in demanding environments. Its high strength enables thinner wall thicknesses, reducing weight and material costs while maintaining structural integrity.

  • Preheating and interpass temperature control are essential during welding (typical preheat 100–150 °C depending on thickness).
  • Post‑weld heat treatment (PWHT) is generally not required but may be applied with caution to avoid strength reduction.
  • For SSAW pipe production, the steel is supplied as hot‑rolled coil or plate, then formed and welded using spiral SAW process.

Product Applications: Spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes, Longitudinal submerged arc welded (LSAW) pipes, Offshore structural components (nodes, braces), Pressure vessels and reactors, Heavy‑duty mechanical parts, Bridges and architectural high‑strength elements

Processed into products: SSAW pipe strands for cross‑country pipelines, Riser pipes and platform legs, Welded ring flanges and pipe fittings, Crane boom sections and telescopic arms, Wind tower shell sections, High‑strength bolted and welded connections in steel frames

Application industries: Oil and gas transmission (onshore & offshore pipelines), Marine and offshore engineering (jacket legs, topside modules), Bridge construction (box girders, arch bridges), Pressure vessel and storage tank fabrication, Heavy lifting and transport equipment (cranes, excavators), Renewable energy (wind turbine towers, subsea structures), Mining and earthmoving machinery

EN10025-6 S690QL1 Steel for SSAW Pipe Near‑Equivalent / Similar Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EUEN 10025-6S690QSame strength; impact at 0 °C instead of -20 °C; less toughness
EUEN 10025-6S690QLSame strength; impact at -40 °C; better toughness than QL1
EUEN 10149-2S700MCThermomechanically rolled, yield 700 MPa, lower toughness and not quenched & tempered
USAASTM A514/A514MGrade SQuenched & tempered alloy steel, minimum yield 690 MPa, different chemical approach
USAASTM A517/A517MGrade SPressure vessel quality, similar strength and QT condition
JapanJIS G 3128SHY685NHigh yield strength steel for welded structure, 685 MPa yield, good toughness

Notes:

  • Carbon equivalent (CEV) according to EN 10025‑6 formula: CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15. Typical maximum CEV for S690QL1 is 0.65, ensuring good weldability with low hydrogen processes.
  • For thickness > 150 mm, properties shall be agreed at the time of enquiry and order.
  • When used for SSAW pipes, the mill test certificates should confirm compliance to EN 10025‑6 and any supplementary pipe standard (e.g., API 5L X100 or EN 10208‑2 L690M may cross‑reference). However, direct substitution with API grades requires full qualification.
  • It is recommended to consult the latest edition of EN 10025‑6:2019 for exact requirements and any amendments.
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