GB/T9711-2011 PSL2 L320 SSAW Pipe

GB/T9711-2011 PSL2 L320 SSAW Pipe

GB/T9711-2011 PSL2 L320 SSAW Pipe: Comprehensive Material Data & Equivalent Grades

In-depth technical data for L320 spiral submerged arc welded pipe under GB/T 9711-2011 PSL2, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, physical properties, international equivalents, and application guidelines.

Welding process: SAW (Submerged Arc Welding); Forming process: Spiral forming; Suitable for further processing: beveling, coating, 3LPE/3LPP/FBE external coating, internal lining.

GB/T9711-2011 PSL2 L320 SSAW Pipe Introduction

GB/T 9711-2011 L320 PSL2 SSAW pipe is a high-quality steel line pipe delivered in spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) form. It belongs to the L320 grade with product specification level 2 (PSL2), ensuring tighter chemical composition, improved strength and toughness, and mandatory non-destructive testing compared to PSL1. The material exhibits a minimum yield strength of 320 MPa, excellent weldability, and good low-temperature notch toughness. Typical microstructure consists of fine-grained ferrite-pearlite obtained through thermo-mechanical controlled processing (TMCP). L320 is widely used for long-distance oil and gas transmission pipelines, where spiral welded construction provides economic production of large diameters.

GB/T9711-2011 PSL2 L320 SSAW Pipe Chemical Composition

The chemical composition limits for PSL2 L320 are specified in GB/T 9711-2011 Table 8.

  • Carbon equivalent (Ceq & Pcm) restrictions ensure good field weldability.
  • Microalloying elements Nb, V, and Ti are added individually or in combination for grain refinement and strength, with a sum not exceeding the specified maximum.
  • Residual elements like Cu, Ni, Cr, and Mo are also restricted to prevent adverse effects on corrosion resistance and toughness.
ElementStandard Value (max unless noted)Remarks
C0.22%Ladle analysis
Si0.45%Ladle analysis
Mn1.40%Ladle analysis
P0.025%PSL2 requirement
S0.015%PSL2 requirement
VNote 1See below
NbNote 1See below
TiNote 1See below
V+Nb+Ti≤ 0.15%Sum of microalloying, ladle analysis
Cu≤ 0.50%If Cu content is specified
Ni≤ 0.50%If Ni content is specified
Cr≤ 0.50%If Cr content is specified
Mo≤ 0.50%If Mo content is specified
Ceq (C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15)≤ 0.43%Based on ladle analysis, for wall thickness ≤ 25.0 mm
Pcm (C + Si/30 + (Mn+Cu+Cr)/20 + Ni/60 + Mo/15 + V/10 + 5B)≤ 0.23%Based on ladle analysis, when specified

GB/T9711-2011 PSL2 L320 SSAW Pipe Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following data represent typical physical properties for low-carbon microalloyed pipeline steel of this strength grade. These are not specified in GB/T 9711 but are derived from published literature on similar steel grades (such as API X46).

  • Density is comparable to that of carbon steel.
  • Thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity vary with temperature; values are given at room temperature (20°C).
  • Thermal expansion coefficient is averaged for the 20-100°C range.
PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20°C
Elastic Modulus (E)210GPa20°C
Shear Modulus (G)80GPa20°C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.30—20°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.010⁻⁶/K20-100°C average
Thermal Conductivity (λ)50W/(m·K)20°C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)480J/(kg·K)20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ)0.16μΩ·m20°C

GB/T9711-2011 PSL2 L320 SSAW Pipe Mechanical Properties

Mechanical property requirements according to GB/T 9711-2011 for transverse specimens taken from the pipe body.

  • Minimum and maximum limits for yield and tensile strength ensure a balanced strength-ductility ratio.
  • Bend test is a guided bend test (180°) with no cracks exceeding 3 mm permitted.
  • Charpy V-notch impact tests are mandatory for PSL2, with the minimum average energy of 27 J for full-size specimens at the specified test temperature (0°C if not otherwise agreed).
  • For different wall thicknesses, elongation requirements may differ; representative values are shown for common thickness ranges.
PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Yield Strength (Rt0.5)320 - 525MPaTransverse strip specimen, 0.5% total extension
Tensile Strength (Rm)435 - 655MPaTransverse strip specimen
Yield to Tensile Ratio (Rt0.5/Rm)≤ 0.93—Maximum allowed for PSL2
Elongation (A)≥ 22%Gauge length 50.8 mm, wall thickness ≤ 19.1 mm
Elongation (A)Required value calculated per formula%Gauge length 50.8 mm, wall thickness > 19.1 mm (see standard)
Bend Test (Guided Bend)180° bend; no crack > 3 mm—Curved former diameter per standard; transverse weld and HAZ specimens
Charpy V-Notch Impact Energy (KV)≥ 27 (average of 3), ≥ 20 (single)JFull-size 10×10 mm, transverse specimen, test temperature 0°C
Charpy V-Notch Impact Energy (KV)≥ 27 (average of 3), ≥ 20 (single)JFull-size 10×10 mm, transverse specimen, test temperature -20°C (if specified)

GB/T9711-2011 PSL2 L320 SSAW Pipe Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Replaceable Grades

Country / RegionStandardGrade (PSL2 equivalent)Remarks
InternationalISO 3183:2012L320Identical technical requirements for PSL2 line pipe
USAAPI Spec 5L (46th Ed.)X46 (PSL 2)L320 is the metric designation; full interchangeability with SSAW pipe
European UnionEN 10208-2:2009L320MM indicates TMCP delivery condition; equivalent to GB/T 9711 L320
Russia / CISGOST R 52079-200308G2B (or class K46)Approximate equivalence; chemical comp. may differ slightly; verify with end-user

GB/T9711-2011 PSL2 L320 SSAW Pipe Application Introduction

L320 PSL2 SSAW pipes are designed for high-integrity fluid transportation, primarily in the oil and gas sector. Their spiral welded construction offers cost-effective production of large diameters, making them ideal for long-distance pipelines. Typical related products and components are listed below.

Product Applications: Spiral submerged arc welded steel pipe (SSAW) in diameters from 219 mm to 3048 mm, Pipe with external anti-corrosion coating (3LPE, 3LPP, FBE), Internally lined pipe for corrosive service, Induction bends and fittings (fabricated from same material or compatible grade)

Processed into products: Line pipe segments for field girth welding, Backing rings and pup pieces, Hot induction bends (with suitable heat treatment to restore properties), Structural components such as riser pipes, conductor casings

Application industries: Oil and gas onshore and offshore trunk lines, Gas gathering and distribution networks, Water transportation (potable water, industrial water), Mineral slurry pipelines (with internal coating), Structural applications (piling, jacket legs in offshore platforms) when certified

GB/T9711-2011 PSL2 L320 SSAW Pipe Similar / Alternative Material Recommendations

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks / Comparison
China / InternationalGB/T 9711 / API 5L / ISO 3183L290 (X42)Lower minimum yield strength (290 MPa). Can be considered when design stress is lower and toughness requirements are similar.
China / InternationalGB/T 9711 / API 5L / ISO 3183L360 (X52)Higher minimum yield strength (360 MPa). May be used as an upgrade but requires re-evaluation of weldability and field bending.
European UnionEN 10208-2L290MStrength level below L320; suitable for lower pressure applications.
European UnionEN 10208-2L360MHigher strength grade; may require adjustment of welding procedures and cold bend radii.

Notes:

Purchaser information: Any specific requirements for impact test temperature, sour service (HIC/SSC), or higher inspection levels (DWT, ultrasonic) must be agreed upon at the time of inquiry and order.
Manufacturing: Welds are made by submerged arc welding (inside and outside). Weld metal shall meet overmatching toughness requirements.
Documentation: Certificates compliant to EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 are usually provided.

  • 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