Welded Line Pipe
High-strength API 5L line pipes for oil and gas transmission. Including ERW, LSAW, and SSAW — certified for critical pipeline projects worldwide.
Welded Line Pipe
Line pipe is specifically designed and manufactured to API 5L standard for transporting oil, natural gas, and water in onshore and offshore pipeline systems. CREATEEL supplies API 5L line pipe in both PSL1 and PSL2 product specification levels across all standard grades from X42 through X70.
Available in ERW, LSAW and SSAW manufacturing types with full certification including chemical analysis, mechanical testing, hydrostatic testing, and NDT per API 5L requirements.
- OD Range: 21.3mm – 1422mm (1/2″ – 56″)
- Wall Thickness: 2.77mm – 50.8mm
- Grade: B, X42, X46, X52, X56, X60, X65, X70
- PSL Level: PSL1 and PSL2
- Standard: API 5L, ISO 3183, GB/T 9711, DNV-OS-F101
Technical Specifications
Applicable Line Pipe Standards (Worldwide)
| Region / Country | Standard | Scope (line pipe) | Typical Grades / Levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| International | ISO 3183 | Steel pipe for pipeline transportation systems (oil & gas) | PSL1, PSL2, PSL2+ |
| USA / International | API 5L | Specification for line pipe — oil & gas transmission pipelines | Grade B – X80 (PSL1 / PSL2) |
| China | GB/T 9711 | Petroleum & natural gas industries — Steel pipe for pipeline transportation systems (mod. adopts ISO 3183:2019) | PSL1, PSL2 (Grade up to X120) |
| Europe | EN ISO 3183 | Harmonized European adoption of ISO 3183 for pipeline transportation | PSL1, PSL2 |
| Europe | EN 10208-1 / -2 | Steel pipes for pipelines for combustible fluids — Req. class A (liquid) / class B (gas) | L210 – L485 |
| Russia | GOST 20295 | Welded steel pipes for main gas & oil pipelines | K34 – K60 |
| Russia | GOST R 52079 | Seamless steel pipes for main gas & oil pipelines | K38 – K65 |
| South Africa | SANS 719 | Steel pipes for pipeline transportation systems (equivalent to API 5L / ISO 3183) | Grade A, B, C, D |
Note: Japan, India, Australia / New Zealand, the Middle East and most other markets procure line pipe directly to API 5L / ISO 3183; no separate national line-pipe product standard is generally used.
Welded Line Pipe Dimensions (NPS 2″–56″)
Common welded line pipe sizes from NPS 2″ to 56″ (OD 60.3–1422.4 mm) per API 5L / ISO 3183, covering our ERW, LSAW and SSAW production capability. Intermediate sizes (34″, 38″, 44″, 46″, 52″ and up to 64″) and custom wall thicknesses are available on request. Sizes below NPS 2″ are rarely specified as line pipe — see our ERW Steel Pipe page for small-diameter options. Weight (kg/m) ≈ (OD − WT) × WT × 0.02466.
| NPS | OD (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Typical Process | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2″ | 60.3 | 3.9–7.6 | 5.4–9.9 | ERW | 6–12 m |
| 3″ | 88.9 | 3.9–7.6 | 8.2–15.2 | ERW | 6–12 m |
| 4″ | 114.3 | 4.0–8.7 | 10.9–22.6 | ERW | 6–12 m |
| 6″ | 168.3 | 4.8–11.0 | 19.4–42.7 | ERW | 6–12 m |
| 8″ | 219.1 | 5.6–12.7 | 29.5–64.6 | ERW | 6–12 m |
| 10″ | 273.1 | 6.4–12.7 | 42.1–81.6 | ERW | 6–12 m |
| 12″ | 323.9 | 6.4–17.5 | 50.1–132 | ERW | 12–18 m |
| 14″ | 355.6 | 6.4–17.5 | 55.1–146 | ERW / SSAW | 12–18 m |
| 16″ | 406.4 | 6.4–17.5 | 63.1–168 | ERW / LSAW / SSAW | 12–18 m |
| 18″ | 457.2 | 7.1–19.1 | 78.8–206 | ERW / LSAW / SSAW | 12–18 m |
| 20″ | 508.0 | 7.1–19.1 | 87.7–230 | ERW / LSAW / SSAW | 12–18 m |
| 22″ | 558.8 | 7.9–19.1 | 107–254 | ERW / LSAW / SSAW | 12–18 m |
| 24″ | 609.6 | 7.9–22.2 | 117–322 | ERW / LSAW / SSAW | 12–18 m |
| 26″ | 660.4 | 7.9–22.2 | 127–349 | ERW / LSAW / SSAW | 12–24 m |
| 28″ | 711.2 | 8.7–25.4 | 151–430 | LSAW / SSAW | 12–24 m |
| 30″ | 762.0 | 8.7–25.4 | 162–461 | LSAW / SSAW | 12–24 m |
| 32″ | 812.8 | 9.5–25.4 | 188–493 | LSAW / SSAW | 12–24 m |
| 36″ | 914.4 | 9.5–25.4 | 212–557 | LSAW / SSAW | 12–24 m |
| 40″ | 1016.0 | 9.5–25.4 | 236–621 | LSAW / SSAW | 12–24 m |
| 42″ | 1066.8 | 9.5–25.4 | 248–652 | LSAW / SSAW | 12–24 m |
| 48″ | 1219.2 | 12.7–27.0 | 378–794 | LSAW / SSAW | 12–24 m |
| 56″ | 1422.4 | 12.7–30.0 | 442–1030 | LSAW / SSAW | 12–24 m |
Chemical Composition (%) — API 5L
| Grade | C (max) | Mn (max) | Si (max) | P (max) | S (max) | CE (max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gr. B PSL1 | ≤0.28 | ≤1.20 | ≤0.45 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | — |
| X42 PSL1 | ≤0.28 | ≤1.30 | ≤0.45 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | — |
| X52 PSL1 | ≤0.28 | ≤1.40 | ≤0.45 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | — |
| X60 PSL1 | ≤0.28 | ≤1.60 | ≤0.45 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | — |
| Gr. B PSL2 | ≤0.22 | ≤1.20 | ≤0.45 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.015 | ≤0.15 |
| X42 PSL2 | ≤0.22 | ≤1.30 | ≤0.45 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.015 | ≤0.15 |
| X52 PSL2 | ≤0.22 | ≤1.40 | ≤0.45 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.015 | ≤0.25 |
| X60 PSL2 | ≤0.22 | ≤1.60 | ≤0.45 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.015 | ≤0.25 |
| X65 PSL2 | ≤0.22 | ≤1.60 | ≤0.45 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.015 | ≤0.25 |
| X70 PSL2 | ≤0.22 | ≤1.70 | ≤0.45 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.010 | ≤0.25 |
CE = Carbon Equivalent = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15. Values apply to pipe body.
Mechanical Properties — PSL1
PSL1: Basic testing requirements. No impact testing required. Suitable for standard oil and gas service at ambient to moderate temperature.
| Grade | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation | CVN Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gr. B | 415–758 | 245–450 | ≥23 | — |
| X42 | 415–758 | 290–495 | ≥23 | — |
| X46 | 434–758 | 317–524 | ≥22 | — |
| X52 | 455–758 | 359–531 | ≥22 | — |
| X56 | 490–758 | 386–544 | ≥21 | — |
| X60 | 517–758 | 414–565 | ≥21 | — |
| X65 | 531–758 | 448–600 | ≥21 | — |
| X70 | 565–758 | 483–621 | ≥19 | — |
Mechanical Properties — PSL2
PSL2: Enhanced testing. Mandatory Charpy impact testing. Stricter chemistry. Suitable for sour service (HIC/SSC), offshore, and high-pressure transmission. HIC/SSC tests per NACE TM0284/TM0177 on request.
| Grade | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation | CVN Impact (min.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gr. B PSL2 | 415–758 | 245–450 | ≥23 | 27 J @ 0°C |
| X42 PSL2 | 415–758 | 290–495 | ≥23 | 27 J @ 0°C |
| X52 PSL2 | 455–758 | 359–531 | ≥22 | 27 J @ −10°C |
| X60 PSL2 | 517–758 | 414–565 | ≥21 | 27 J @ −20°C |
| X65 PSL2 | 531–758 | 448–600 | ≥21 | 40 J @ −20°C |
| X70 PSL2 | 565–827 | 483–621 | ≥19 | 40 J @ −20°C |
Pipe Manufacturing Types
Standard Testing Requirements (API 5L)
Manufacturing Routes Compared: ERW vs. SSAW vs. LSAW
Electric Resistance Welded (straight seam)
Coil-fed continuous line; no filler metal, high-speed and cost-efficient.
- OD range: 21.3 – 660 mm (1/2″ – 26″)
- Wall: 2.0 – 20 mm
- Length: 6 – 18 m (fixed, high output)
- Grades: Gr.B – X70 (PSL1/PSL2)
Best for: Low/medium pressure gathering lines, water, gas distribution, structural piling.
Submerged Arc Welded (spiral / helical seam)
Coil formed helically and welded inside & out; large diameters from narrow strip.
- OD range: 219 – 3,620 mm (8″ – 142″)
- Wall: 5 – 25 mm
- Length: Any length up to 30 m+ (cut to need)
- Grades: Gr.B – X70 (PSL1/PSL2)
Best for: Long-distance trunklines, water transmission, piling & structural, low-pressure service.
Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded (JCOE / UOE)
Heavy plate formed then welded inside & out; heaviest wall & highest integrity.
- OD range: 406 – 1,422 mm (16″ – 56″)
- Wall: 6 – 60 mm+
- Length: 6 – 18 m (up to 24 m)
- Grades: Gr.B – X80 (PSL2, sour & offshore)
Best for: High-pressure trunklines, offshore/arctic, sour service, river & road crossings.
Diameter coverage by route (mm)
Side-by-side technical comparison
| Item | ERW (straight seam) | SSAW (spiral seam) | LSAW (longitudinal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welding method | High-frequency induction/resistance, no filler metal | Double-side submerged arc, spiral seam | Double-side submerged arc, longitudinal seam (JCOE/UOE) |
| Raw material | Hot-rolled coil | Hot-rolled coil (strip) | Heavy/medium plate |
| Weld seam geometry | Straight, longitudinal | Helical (typically 30°–70°) | Straight, longitudinal |
| OD range | 21.3 – 660 mm | 219 – 3,620 mm | 406 – 1,422 mm |
| Wall thickness | 2.0 – 20 mm | 5 – 25 mm | 6 – 60 mm+ |
| Dimensional accuracy | Excellent (tight OD/WT) | Moderate (spiral Form tolerance) | Good to excellent (expanded) |
| Pressure capability | Low to medium | Low to medium (large bore) | High (heavy wall, high grade) |
| Typical grades (API 5L) | Gr.B – X70 | Gr.B – X70 | Gr.B – X80, sour & offshore |
| NDT coverage | 100% online UT/eddy current + hydrostatic | 100% seam UT/RT + hydrostatic | 100% seam UT/RT, expansion, full mechanical testing |
| Length flexibility | Fixed (6–18 m) | High (cut to any length) | Fixed (6–18/24 m) |
| Cost & lead time | Lowest cost, shortest lead time | Low cost for large bore | Highest cost, longer lead time |
| Typical applications | Gathering lines, city gas, water, piling | Trunklines, water mains, piling, structural | High-pressure trunklines, offshore, crossings, arctic |
| Standards | API 5L / ISO 3183 / GB/T 9711 | API 5L / ISO 3183 / GB/T 9711 | API 5L / ISO 3183 / DNV-ST-F101 / GB/T 9711 |
How to select the right route
- Below 24″ and moderate pressure? ERW — lowest cost per tonne and the tightest tolerances.
- Large bore (24″–142″) with modest wall? SSAW — the only economical route at very large diameters.
- High pressure, heavy wall, sour or offshore? LSAW — required by most trunkline and DNV-ST-F101 specifications.
- Still unsure? Send us your design pressure, medium and diameter — we quote all three routes side by side.
Welded Line Pipe: Product Overview & Technical Data
Line pipe is engineered specifically to API 5L / ISO 3183 for the pipeline transportation of oil, natural gas, refined products, water and slurry. Unlike general-purpose structural or water-well tube, it is specified against a defined product specification level (PSL1 or PSL2), with mandatory fracture control, tighter chemistry and full traceability from steel heat to finished pipe.
CREATEEL supplies welded line pipe in all three manufacturing routes — ERW, SSAW and LSAW — so the route can be matched to your design pressure, diameter, environment and budget rather than forcing a single process onto every project.
Standards, specification levels & grades
| API 5L grade | PSL | Yield strength min (MPa / psi) | Tensile strength min (MPa / psi) | Typical service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gr.B | PSL1 / PSL2 | 245 / 35,500 | 415 / 60,200 | Low-pressure gathering, water, gas distribution |
| X42 | PSL1 / PSL2 | 290 / 42,100 | 415 / 60,200 | General transmission, low/medium pressure |
| X52 | PSL1 / PSL2 | 360 / 52,200 | 460 / 66,700 | Onshore trunklines, city gas |
| X56 | PSL1 / PSL2 | 390 / 56,600 | 490 / 71,100 | Higher-pressure trunklines |
| X60 | PSL1 / PSL2 | 415 / 60,200 | 520 / 75,400 | Long-distance oil & gas trunklines |
| X65 | PSL1 / PSL2 | 450 / 65,300 | 535 / 77,600 | High-pressure, large-diameter trunklines |
| X70 | PSL1 / PSL2 | 485 / 70,300 | 565 / 81,900 | High-pressure, high-throughput lines |
| X80 | PSL2 only | 555 / 80,500 | 625 / 90,600 | Ultra-high-pressure / long-distance, LSAW |
Chemical composition (typical limits, welded pipe)
| Element / index (max, wt. %) | PSL1 (typical) | PSL2 (typical) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.26 | 0.22 | Higher carbon hurts weldability |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.20 – 1.65 by grade | 1.20 – 1.65 by grade | Main strength contributor |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.030 | 0.025 | Brittleness & lamellar tearing risk |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.030 | 0.015 | Sulphide inclusions reduce toughness |
| Carbon equivalent CEIIW | not required | 0.43 max | Weldability index for field girth welds |
Dimensional tolerances & end finish
| Parameter | Typical requirement (API 5L / ISO 3183) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outside diameter | ±0.75% of OD (±0.5% for PSL2 ≥ DN 200) | Tighter on request |
| Wall thickness | −12.5% / +15% (welded pipe, by grade & WT) | Average WT checked per heat/lot |
| Out-of-roundness | ≤ 1.5% (DN ≤ 200), ≤ 2.0% (DN > 200) | Critical for automatic welding |
| Straightness | ≤ 0.2% of total length | Measured over the full pipe |
| Length | ± 500 mm on standard 6/12/18 m; cut-to-length available | Random or exact length |
| End finish | Square cut or bevelled 30° +5°/−0° with 1.6 ± 0.8 mm root face | Per API 5L / ASME B16.25 |
Inspection, testing & certification
| Test / inspection | Scope | Acceptance basis |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrostatic test | Every pipe, pressure = 2St/D, held ≥ 5 s (10 s for larger sizes) | No leakage; pressure agreed with purchaser |
| Seam NDT | 100% of weld seam: UT / eddy current (ERW); UT + RT (SSAW, LSAW) | API 5L Annex E / ISO 3183 |
| Mechanical tests | Tensile, flattening (ERW) or guided-bend (SAW), CVN impact per lot | PSL2 mandatory CVN; PSL1 by agreement |
| Charpy V-notch | PSL2 and/or design temperature service; DWTT for large-diameter SAW | Minimum absorbed energy per grade & WT |
| Dimensional & visual | 100% visual, dimensional sampling per lot | API 5L Tables 8–10 |
| Traceability & documents | Heat & pipe traceability, EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 MTC, third-party (SGS/BV/DNV) on request | API 5L monogram licence where required |
Coating, lining & packing
- External coating: 3LPE / 3LPP, single & dual-layer FBE, coal-tar enamel, polyurethane — selected for operating temperature and soil conditions.
- Internal lining: flow-efficiency epoxy, liquid epoxy, cement mortar lining for water service.
- End protection: plastic/threaded protectors, bevelled ends capped, bundles strapped with steel bands and spacers.
- Marking: standard, grade, size, heat number, manufacturer and API monogram (where licensed) stencilled along the pipe.
Applications
Where our products deliver proven performance across industries worldwide.
Onshore Gathering & Transmission
Welded line pipe (ERW/LSAW/HSAW) moves natural gas, crude, and refined products across onshore networks, selected by pressure class, diameter, and terrain per API 5L.
✓ API 5L PSL2 Gr.B–X80
Gas Distribution Networks
Medium- and low-pressure city gas distribution uses smaller-diameter welded line pipe with tight tolerance and reliable welds, coated with 3PE for buried service.
✓ Dimensional per API 5L / EN 10226
Shallow-Water & Landfall Sections
Welded line pipe with enhanced toughness and CP systems serves landfalls, swamp crossings, and shallow-water approaches feeding deepwater systems.
✓ Enhanced Charpy options
Water Injection & Transmission
Waterflood injection and produced-water lines use welded line pipe in corrosion-managed service, internally coated or lined as required.
✓ Internal coating options
Slurry & Multiproduct Lines
Mining and multiproduct pipelines exploit the abrasion and pressure capability of high-grade welded line pipe over long distances.
✓ Thick-wall / wear options
Pipeline-Grade Structural Use
X-grade line pipe doubles as high-strength structural tube for piles, caissons, and specialized structures where pipe-body grade matters.
✓ Grade-driven structural design
Frequently Asked Questions
What is welded line pipe?＋
Line pipe is steel pipe manufactured specifically for transporting oil, gas, and water over distance — produced welded (ERW, LSAW, HSAW) to API 5L with strict chemistry, toughness, and test requirements.
What do PSL1 and PSL2 mean?＋
PSL1 is the basic qualification level. PSL2 adds Charpy impact testing, tighter chemistry (lower C, P, S), a capped yield-to-tensile ratio, and CVN testing at specified temperatures — required for most modern transmission lines.
What grades are available?＋
Gr. B through X80 in PSL1/PSL2, including sour-service and low-temperature options with restricted chemistries.
What standards does your line pipe comply with?＋
API 5L 46th Edition (PSL1/PSL2), ISO 3183, GB/T 9711, with EN 10204 3.1 certification and full traceability.
Which welding processes do you offer and how do they differ?＋
ERW for ½"–26" at moderate pressures; LSAW for 16"–56" high-pressure/critical lines; HSAW (spiral) for large-diameter moderate-pressure transmission — each with matched inspection regimes.
How is weld quality tested?＋
100% ultrasonic and X-ray of welds (LSAW/HSAW), online ERW weld inspection, hydrostatic testing of every joint, and Charpy testing per lot at design temperature.
What coatings are available with line pipe?＋
FBE, dual-FBE, 3PE/3PP, coal tar alternatives, concrete weight coating, and internal flow-efficiency coatings — applied in-house with single-source QC.
What is the minimum order quantity and lead time?＋
MOQ is typically 50–100 tons per size depending on process; lead time 4–10 weeks. Contact us with your pipeline specification for a firm offer.
Do you supply sour service and low-temperature line pipe?＋
Yes — HIC/SSC-tested sour grades to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 and Charpy-tested low-temperature grades for arctic service.
What documentation comes with my order?＋
EN 10204 3.1 MTCs, hydro and NDT records, CVN reports, coating QC files, and heat traceability; third-party inspection (SGS/BV/DNV) on request.
Related Products
Ready to Order Welded Line Pipes?
Get competitive pricing on API 5L (ISO 3183) welded line pipes for oil and gas transmission applications. Mill test reports (EN 10204 3.1) provided with every shipment.
📧 [email protected] | 📱 +86 15602135951 | 💬 WhatsApp Available