GB/T 9711-2011 PSL2 L320 LSAW Pipe

GB/T 9711-2011 PSL2 L320 LSAW Pipe

GB/T 9711-2011 PSL2 L320 LSAW Pipe Material Data and Equivalents

Comprehensive material analysis of GB/T 9711-2011 PSL2 L320 longitudinal submerged arc welded (LSAW) steel pipe for oil and gas pipelines, including chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, international equivalents, and application guidance.

Hot rolling, TMCP, normalizing; LSAW welding (longitudinal submerged arc welding); cold expansion (optional).

GB/T 9711-2011 PSL2 L320 LSAW Pipe Introduction

GB/T 9711-2011 PSL2 L320 is a Chinese standard line pipe steel grade for longitudinal submerged arc welded (LSAW) pipes used in the petroleum and natural gas industries. It is equivalent to API 5L X46 PSL2 and ISO 3183 L320.
L320 belongs to the PSL2 (Product Specification Level 2) category, which imposes stricter requirements on chemical composition, mechanical properties, non-destructive testing, and toughness compared to PSL1.
Key features: minimum yield strength of 320 MPa, good weldability, excellent low-temperature toughness, and suitability for sour service when specified. The LSAW manufacturing process produces large-diameter, thick-wall pipes with high dimensional accuracy, ideal for high-pressure transmission pipelines and structural applications.

GB/T 9711-2011 PSL2 L320 LSAW Pipe Chemical Composition

Maximum limits for PSL2 L320 as per GB/T 9711-2011 (Table A.1). The actual ladle analysis is controlled by the manufacturer to meet mechanical properties and carbon equivalent requirements. Fine grain practice with additions of Nb, V, Ti is mandatory.

Chemical ElementStandard ValueRemark
C≤0.22max
SiNot specified (typically 0.15-0.35)For killed steel
Mn≤1.40max
P≤0.025max
S≤0.015max
V≤0.10max
Nb≤0.05max
Ti≤0.04max
Ni≤0.30max
Cr≤0.30max
Mo≤0.15max
Cu≤0.50max
Al (total)≤0.06max
N≤0.012max

GB/T 9711-2011 PSL2 L320 LSAW Pipe Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

These values are not specified in GB/T 9711-2011 and are typical for low‑carbon L320 (X46) line pipe steel. They serve as engineering reference and may vary slightly with actual composition and processing.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20 °C
Elastic Modulus (E)205GPa20 °C
Shear Modulus (G)79GPa20 °C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3020 °C
Thermal Expansion (α)11.710⁻⁶/°C20–300 °C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)51.9W/(m·K)20 °C
Specific Heat Capacity486J/(kg·K)20 °C
Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ)0.17µΩ·m20 °C

GB/T 9711-2011 PSL2 L320 LSAW Pipe Mechanical Properties

Tensile and impact properties for PSL2 L320 pipe body and weld, tested at room temperature unless otherwise specified. Transverse specimens are taken from the pipe (base metal) or across the weld. Minimum values are given; actual results often exceed these due to TMCP processing.

PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)320 – 525MPaTransverse, pipe body
Tensile Strength (Rm)435 – 655MPaTransverse, pipe body
Elongation (A)≥22%Gauge length 50 mm, transverse, pipe body
Yield to Tensile Ratio≤0.93 (for strain-based design if required)By agreement
Weld Tensile Strength≥435MPaTransverse to weld
Charpy Impact (KV)≥27 avg / ≥20 singleJTransverse, at 0°C (typical; temperature by agreement)
Guided Bend Test (weld)No crack >3 mmFace and back bends, 180° around specified mandrel

GB/T 9711-2011 PSL2 L320 LSAW Pipe Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Substitute Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemark
InternationalISO 3183:2007 / ISO 3183:2012L320 PSL2Identical to GB/T 9711-2011
USAAPI Spec 5L (46th Edition)X46 PSL2Equivalent line pipe grade
EuropeEN 10208-2:2009L320Seamless/welded line pipe
NorwayDNV-OS-F101Grade 320Offshore pipeline systems

GB/T 9711-2011 PSL2 L320 LSAW Pipe Application Introduction

L320 LSAW pipe is extensively used in the oil and gas sector for high‑pressure transmission lines, both onshore and offshore. Its PSL2 qualification ensures high integrity and toughness, enabling use in challenging environments including low‑temperature and mildly sour service.

Product Applications: Long‑distance transmission pipelines, Flowlines and gathering lines, Water injection lines, Offshore risers and J‑tubes, Piling pipes and structural tubulars

Processed into products: Line pipe segments (straight and transition pieces), Hot induction bends (factory‑made), Tees, reducers, and caps, Flanges and weld‑neck connections, Pipeline repair sleeves and pups

Application industries: Oil & Gas Exploration and Production, Pipeline Transport (onshore/offshore), Water Supply and Sewage, Structural and Civil Engineering, Offshore Platforms and Subsea Systems

GB/T 9711-2011 PSL2 L320 LSAW Pipe Similar or Nearby Substitute Materials

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemark
InternationalISO 3183L290 (X42) PSL2Lower yield (≥290 MPa); suitable for less demanding service
InternationalISO 3183L360 (X52) PSL2Higher yield (≥360 MPa); may require downgauging or alternative design
USAASTM A572/A572MGrade 50 (Type 1)Structural steel with 345 MPa yield; not designed for pipeline sour service
EuropeEN 10025-4S355MLThermo-mechanical rolled, similar strength but for structural/offshore use

Notes:

PSL2 additional requirements: Carbon equivalent (CE) limits apply (CE IIW ≤0.43 or CE Pcm ≤0.25 typically), depending on product analysis and wall thickness. Mandatory non‑destructive testing (NDE) of the weld and full‑body hydrostatic test are required. For sour service, supplementary hydrogen‑induced cracking (HIC) and sulfide stress cracking (SSC) tests may be imposed. The user should specify desired temperature for Charpy tests and any special coating or lining requirements.

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