1. Womic Steel: Manufacturing Capabilities & Company Strength
Womic Steel Group is a premier manufacturer and global exporter with over 20 years of expertise in producing carbon, alloy, and stainless steel tubular products. Our state-of-the-art ERW pipe production facility spans a comprehensive manufacturing capability exceeding 15,000 tons per month for electric resistance welded steel pipes.
Production Size Range for API 5L GR.B ERW Pipe: Outside diameter from 60.3mm to 610mm (2 inch to 24 inch) with wall thickness from 3.0mm to 19.1mm (Schedule 10 to Schedule 80). Single random lengths of 6m, double random lengths of 12m, or custom lengths as required.
Quality Certifications & Regulatory Compliance:
ISO 9001:2015 Certified: Quality management system ensuring consistent product quality across all operations.
API 5L Monogram License: Authorized to manufacture API 5L line pipe, demonstrating commitment to highest industry standards for oil and gas transmission pipelines.
CE Marking (PED 2014/68/EU): Compliance with European Pressure Equipment Directive for smooth customs clearance within EEA.
EN 10204 3.2 Certification: Inspection Certificate 3.2 validated by TÜV, LR, BV, or SGS for critical projects requiring full traceability.
Third-Party Inspection (TPI) Approvals: Products and processes approved by SGS, BV, ABS, LR, DNV, GL, and TÜV for classification society-regulated offshore projects.
Additional Certifications: ISO 14001, ISO 45001, NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 for sour service applications.
Global Recognition: Womic Steel is a trusted supplier to national oil companies (NOCs), Fortune 500 energy companies, and global EPC contractors, serving over 80 countries across Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
2. API 5L GR.B ERW Steel Pipe: Material Composition & Performance Characteristics
API 5L GR.B (also designated as L245 under ISO 3183) is the most widely used line pipe grade for oil, gas, and water transmission pipelines. The "GR.B" indicates Grade B with minimum yield strength of 35,000 psi (approximately 240 MPa). The "L245" designation under ISO standard represents the same material with yield strength of 245 MPa.
Compared to higher grades like X42 (42,000 psi yield) and X52 (52,000 psi yield), GR.B offers lower strength but excellent weldability, formability, and cost-effectiveness. This makes GR.B the preferred choice for low to medium pressure pipelines, water transmission systems, and general fluid transportation where ultra-high strength is not required. GR.B is the most economical line pipe grade for non-critical applications.
API 5L GR.B ERW Steel Pipe Chemical Composition (Ladle Analysis, % by mass):
| Element | C max | Mn max | P max | S max | Cr max | Ni max | Cu max | Mo max | V max |
| PSL1 | 0.26 | 1.20 | 0.030 | 0.030 | — | — | — | — | — |
| PSL2 | 0.22 | 1.20 | 0.025 | 0.015 | 0.30 | 0.30 | 0.50 | 0.15 | 0.10 |
Note: PSL2 requirements are more stringent with lower carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur limits. For PSL2, carbon equivalent (CE) limits apply: CE(IIW) ≤ 0.43% for welded pipes.
API 5L GR.B ERW Steel Pipe Mechanical Properties (Room Temperature):
| Property | PSL1 Requirement | PSL2 Requirement |
| Yield Strength (min) | 35,000 psi (240 MPa) | 35,000 psi (240 MPa) |
| Yield Strength (max) | No maximum | 65,000 psi (450 MPa) |
| Tensile Strength (min) | 60,000 psi (415 MPa) | 60,000 psi (415 MPa) |
| Ratio (Yield/Tensile) | No specific limit | ≤ 0.85 for ≤ 0.93 |
| Elongation (min) | Calculated per formula | Calculated per formula |
*Note: PSL2 imposes additional requirements including maximum yield strength limits, maximum yield-to-tensile ratio, and mandatory Charpy impact testing.*
API 5L GR.B ERW Steel Pipe Low-Temperature Impact Properties (Charpy V-Notch) - PSL2:
| Test Location | Temperature | Average Energy (min) | Individual Energy (min) |
| Pipe Body (Longitudinal) | 0°C | 40 Joules | 30 Joules |
| Weld Metal (Transverse) | 0°C | 40 Joules | 30 Joules |
| Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) | 0°C | 40 Joules | 30 Joules |
*Note: Impact testing is mandatory for PSL2. For sour service applications, lower temperatures (-10°C or -20°C) and hardness restrictions (≤ 248 HV10 / ≤ 22 HRC) apply.*
3. API 5L GR.B ERW Steel Pipe Dimensional Range & Standards Compliance
Womic Steel supplies API 5L GR.B ERW pipes across a wide dimensional spectrum, fully compliant with API 5L 46th Edition and ISO 3183 standards.
| Item | Specification |
| Standard | API 5L 46th Edition / ISO 3183 |
| Product Specification Level | PSL1 (Standard) / PSL2 (Enhanced) |
| Grade | GR.B (L245) |
| Manufacturing Process | Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) / High Frequency Welding (HFW) |
| Outside Diameter Range | 60.3mm – 610mm (2 inch – 24 inch) |
| Wall Thickness Range | 3.0mm – 19.1mm (Schedule 10 – Schedule 80) |
| Length | 6m (SR), 12m (DR), or custom lengths up to 18m |
| End Finish | Plain End (PE) / Beveled End (BE) / Threaded & Coupled (T&C) |
| Surface Finish | Bare / Oiled / Black Coated / 3PE / FBE / Galvanized |
| Tolerances | OD: ±0.75% / WT: -0% +15% / Length: +50mm -0mm |
4. Available Dimensions & Specifications - ERW Steel Pipe
|
NB |
Size |
OD mm |
SCH40S mm |
SCH5S mm |
SCH10S mm |
SCH10 mm |
SCH20 mm |
SCH40 mm |
SCH60 mm |
XS/80S mm |
SCH80 mm |
SCH100 mm |
SCH120 mm |
SCH140 mm |
SCH160 mm |
SCHXXS mm |
|
6 |
1/8” |
10.29 |
1.24 |
1.73 |
2.41 |
|||||||||||
|
8 |
1/4” |
13.72 |
1.65 |
2.24 |
3.02 |
|||||||||||
|
10 |
3/8” |
17.15 |
1.65 |
2.31 |
3.20 |
|||||||||||
|
15 |
1/2” |
21.34 |
2.77 |
1.65 |
2.11 |
2.77 |
3.73 |
3.73 |
4.78 |
7.47 |
||||||
|
20 |
3/4” |
26.67 |
2.87 |
1.65 |
2.11 |
2.87 |
3.91 |
3.91 |
5.56 |
7.82 |
||||||
|
25 |
1” |
33.40 |
3.38 |
1.65 |
2.77 |
3.38 |
4.55 |
4.55 |
6.35 |
9.09 |
||||||
|
32 |
1 1/4” |
42.16 |
3.56 |
1.65 |
2.77 |
3.56 |
4.85 |
4.85 |
6.35 |
9.70 |
||||||
|
40 |
1 1/2” |
48.26 |
3.68 |
1.65 |
2.77 |
3.68 |
5.08 |
5.08 |
7.14 |
10.15 |
||||||
|
50 |
2” |
60.33 |
3.91 |
1.65 |
2.77 |
3.91 |
5.54 |
5.54 |
9.74 |
11.07 |
||||||
|
65 |
2 1/2” |
73.03 |
5.16 |
2.11 |
3.05 |
5.16 |
7.01 |
7.01 |
9.53 |
14.02 |
||||||
|
80 |
3” |
88.90 |
5.49 |
2.11 |
3.05 |
5.49 |
7.62 |
7.62 |
11.13 |
15.24 |
||||||
|
90 |
3 1/2” |
101.60 |
5.74 |
2.11 |
3.05 |
5.74 |
8.08 |
8.08 |
||||||||
|
100 |
4” |
114.30 |
6.02 |
2.11 |
3.05 |
6.02 |
8.56 |
8.56 |
11.12 |
13.49 |
17.12 |
|||||
|
125 |
5” |
141.30 |
6.55 |
2.77 |
3.40 |
6.55 |
9.53 |
9.53 |
12.70 |
15.88 |
19.05 |
|||||
|
150 |
6” |
168.27 |
7.11 |
2.77 |
3.40 |
7.11 |
10.97 |
10.97 |
14.27 |
18.26 |
21.95 |
|||||
|
200 |
8” |
219.08 |
8.18 |
2.77 |
3.76 |
6.35 |
8.18 |
10.31 |
12.70 |
12.70 |
15.09 |
19.26 |
20.62 |
23.01 |
22.23 |
|
|
250 |
10” |
273.05 |
9.27 |
3.40 |
4.19 |
6.35 |
9.27 |
12.70 |
12.70 |
15.09 |
19.26 |
21.44 |
25.40 |
28.58 |
25.40 |
|
|
300 |
12” |
323.85 |
9.53 |
3.96 |
4.57 |
6.35 |
10.31 |
14.27 |
12.70 |
17.48 |
21.44 |
25.40 |
28.58 |
33.32 |
25.40 |
|
|
350 |
14” |
355.60 |
9.53 |
3.96 |
4.78 |
6.35 |
7.92 |
11.13 |
15.09 |
12.70 |
19.05 |
23.83 |
27.79 |
31.75 |
35.71 |
|
|
400 |
16” |
406.40 |
9.53 |
4.19 |
4.78 |
6.35 |
7.92 |
12.70 |
16.66 |
12.70 |
21.44 |
26.19 |
30.96 |
36.53 |
40.49 |
|
|
450 |
18” |
457.20 |
9.53 |
4.19 |
4.78 |
6.35 |
7.92 |
14.27 |
19.05 |
12.70 |
23.83 |
29.36 |
34.93 |
39.67 |
45.24 |
|
|
500 |
20” |
508.00 |
9.53 |
4.78 |
5.54 |
6.35 |
9.53 |
15.09 |
20.62 |
12.70 |
26.19 |
32.54 |
38.10 |
44.45 |
50.01 |
|
|
550 |
22” |
558.80 |
9.53 |
4.78 |
5.54 |
6.35 |
9.53 |
22.23 |
12.70 |
28.58 |
34.93 |
41.28 |
47.63 |
53.98 |
||
|
600 |
24” |
609.60 |
9.53 |
5.54 |
6.35 |
6.35 |
9.53 |
17.48 |
24.61 |
12.70 |
30.96 |
38.89 |
46.02 |
52.37 |
59.54 |
|
|
650 |
26” |
660.40 |
9.53 |
7.92 |
12.70 |
12.70 |
Note: Wall thickness availability may vary based on pipe diameter and manufacturing capability. Custom dimensions outside this range available upon request.
5. Common ERW Steel Pipe Standards Manufactured by Womic Steel
|
Standard |
Regular Grades |
Typical Application |
| API 5L (Specification for Line Pipe) | ||
| API 5L PSL1 / PSL2 | GR.B, X42, X52, X60, X65, X70 | Oil and gas transmission, onshore/offshore pipelines |
| ASTM Line Pipe & Structural Pipe | ||
| ASTM A53 (Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless) | GR.A, GR.B | Water, gas, steam, air, structural applications |
| ASTM A135 (Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Steel Pipe) | GR.A, GR.B | Water, gas, steam, refinery services |
| ASTM A252 (Specification for Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe Piles) | GR.1, GR.2, GR.3 | Foundation piling, marine piling, bridge foundation |
| ASTM A500 (Specification for Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel Structural Tubing) | GR.A, GR.B, GR.C | Structural tubing, building frames, bridges |
| ASTM A501 (Specification for Hot-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel Structural Tubing) | GR.A, GR.B | Heavy structural applications, columns, trusses |
| ASTM Boiler & Heat Exchanger (ERW) | ||
| ASTM A178 (Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Carbon Steel and Carbon-Manganese Steel Boiler Tubes) | Grade A, C, D | Boiler tubes, superheater tubes |
| ASTM A214 (Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Carbon Steel Heat Exchanger and Condenser Tubes) | — | Heat exchangers, condensers |
| ASTM A250 (Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Ferritic Alloy Steel Boiler and Superheater Tubes) | T1, T2, T5, T9, T11, T22 | High temperature boiler and superheater |
| ASTM A334 (Specification for Seamless and Welded Carbon and Alloy Steel Tubes for Low-Temperature Service) | GR.1, GR.3, GR.6 | Low temperature service, cryogenic |
| EN / DIN / BS Standards | ||
| EN 10217-1 (Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes - Non-alloy steel tubes with specified room temperature properties) | P235TR1, P265TR1 | Pressure vessels, boiler drums, high pressure piping |
| EN 10217-2 (Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes - Non-alloy and alloy steel tubes with specified elevated temperature properties) | P235GH, P265GH, P295GH, P355GH | Elevated temperature, boiler tubes, heat exchangers |
| EN 10219-1 (Cold-formed welded steel hollow sections for structural purposes) | S235JRH, S275J0H, S275J2H, S355J0H, S355J2H, S355K2H | Structural applications, building construction, bridges |
| EN 10210(Hot finished structural hollow sections of non-alloy and fine grain steels) | S235JRH, S275J0H, S275J2H, S355J0H, S355J2H, S355K2H S420MH, S460MH | Hot formed seamless/welded hollow sections for structural purposes, building construction, bridges |
| EN 10025-2 (Hot-rolled products of structural steels - Non-alloy structural steels) | S235JR, S275JR, S355JR, | General structural steelwork, civil engineering |
| EN 10255 (Non-alloy steel tubes suitable for welding and threading) | S195T, S235JRTH | Water, gas, sewage, threaded pipe systems |
| EN 10305-2 (Steel tubes for precision applications - Welded cold drawn tubes) | E215, E235, E355 | Precision applications, hydraulic cylinders |
| BS 1387 (Specification for screwed and socketed steel tubes and tubulars) | Class A, B, C | Water, gas, steam, scaffolding, threaded pipe |
| DIN 2458 (Welded steel tubes and fittings - General technical delivery conditions) | St37.0, St44.0, St52.0 | General welded steel tubes, structural applications |
| ISO & Other Standards | ||
| ISO 3183 (Petroleum and natural gas industries - Steel pipe for pipeline transportation systems) | L245, L290, L360, L415 | Oil and gas pipelines (ISO equivalent of API 5L) |
| ISO 65 (Steel tubes for water, gas, and sewage - Threaded tubes) | Medium, Heavy | Water, gas, sewage, threaded pipe |
| CSA G40.21 (Structural quality steel - Canadian standard) | 44W, 50W | Structural applications (Canada) |
| AS 1163 (Structural steel hollow sections - Australian standard) | C250, C350, C450 | Structural hollow sections (Australia) |
| GOST 10706 (Welded steel pipes for pipelines and structures - Russian standard) | St20, St35, St45 | Pipelines, structural applications (Russia) |
Usage: Oil and gas transmission, water and sewage, structural projects, scaffolding, piling foundation, high pressure fluid, chemical processing, power generation, construction, marine engineering, boiler tubes, heat exchangers, superheaters, condensers, low temperature service, precision applications, hydraulic cylinders, threaded pipe systems
6. Manufacturing Process - ERW / HFW Steel Pipe
Raw Material Inspection: Incoming steel coils are verified for chemical composition, mechanical properties, and surface quality. Each coil is assigned a unique heat number for full traceability.
Uncoiling & Leveling: Coils are uncoiled and leveled to flatten the strip and remove coil set, ensuring uniform flatness for consistent forming.
Edge Milling & Trimming: Both edges of the strip are milled to precise width tolerance (±0.5mm), creating a clean, parallel surface for high-quality weld formation.
Cold Forming: The leveled strip passes through forming rolls which gradually shape the flat strip into an open cylindrical tube shell.
High-Frequency Welding (HFW/ERW): High-frequency current (200-500 kHz) heats the mating edges to forging temperature (1,350-1,500°C). Squeeze rolls press the heated edges together, creating a forged weld without filler material.
Weld Bead Removal: Internal and external flash is removed by carbide scarfing blades while hot, producing a smooth surface with minimal weld reinforcement.
Sizing: The welded tube passes through sizing rolls to achieve precise OD tolerance (±0.5% to ±1.0%). Additional rolls produce square/rectangular shapes if required.
Heat Treatment (Optional): Normalizing at 890-930°C may be applied for enhanced ductility or stress relief, producing uniform ferrite-pearlite microstructure.
Cutting to Length: Pipe is cut to specified lengths using flying cut-off saws with precision control (±3mm).
Non-Destructive Testing:
● Ultrasonic Testing (UT): 100% inspection of weld seam and pipe body for laminations, inclusions, and lack of fusion.
● Eddy Current Testing (ET): Continuous on-line weld quality inspection.
● Hydrostatic Testing: Each pipe tested to 95% of SMYS for minimum 10 seconds.
End Finishing: Plain ends, beveled ends (30°-35° with 1.6mm landing), or threaded ends as per customer specification.
Final Inspection & Marking: Visual inspection, dimensional verification (OD, WT, length, straightness), and permanent marking per standard (grade, size, heat number, manufacturer).
7. Quality Control & Testing Procedures for Piling Pipe
| Stage | Inspection Method | Purpose |
| Raw Material | Chemical Analysis (OES Spectrometer) | Verify compliance with API 5L composition limits |
| Raw Material | Tensile Testing | Verify yield, tensile strength, elongation |
| In-Process | Dimensional Inspection (Micrometers, Calipers) | Monitor OD, WT during forming and sizing |
| Weld Zone | Ultrasonic Testing (UT) - On-Line | Detect weld discontinuities, lack of fusion |
| Weld Zone | Eddy Current Testing (ET) - On-Line | Continuous weld seam quality monitoring |
| Weld Zone | Weld Seam Macro-Examination | Verify weld penetration and fusion geometry |
| Finished Pipe | Hydrostatic Testing (10 sec min at 95% SMYS) | Verify pressure integrity and leak-tightness |
| Finished Pipe | Ultrasonic Testing (UT) - Off-Line (Optional) | Full body laminar inspection |
| Finished Pipe | Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) | Surface crack detection (weld and HAZ) |
| Finished Pipe | Charpy V-Notch Impact Test | Verify low-temperature toughness (PSL2) |
| Finished Pipe | Hardness Test (HRC / HV10) | Verify maximum hardness limits (sour service) |
| Finished Pipe | Guided Bend Test (Face & Root) | Verify weld ductility and soundness |
| Finished Pipe | Flattening Test | Verify ductility and soundness of pipe body |
| Finished Pipe | Dimensional & Visual Inspection | Verify OD, WT, length, straightness, surface quality |
| Finished Pipe | Marking Verification | Ensure permanent marking per API 5L |
Additional Tests for PSL2 / Sour Service:
● HIC (Hydrogen Induced Cracking) Test per NACE TM0284
● SSC (Sulfide Stress Cracking) Test per NACE TM0177 Method A
● CVN Impact Testing at -10°C, -20°C, or -46°C
● Hardness Verification (≤ 22 HRC / ≤ 248 HV10 for HIC resistant)
Quality Documentation:
● Mill Test Certificate per EN 10204 Type 2.2, 3.1, or 3.2
● Hydrostatic Test Report (pipe-by-pipe)
● UT / ET Inspection Report
● Traceability from heat number to finished pipe
8. Primary Applications ERW Steel Pipe
ERW pipes are essential components in oil & gas transmission and various industrial applications:
Oil & Gas Transmission: Long-distance onshore and offshore pipelines for crude oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products.
High-Pressure Fluid Transportation: Water injection lines, produced water disposal systems, and high-pressure fluid transfer in oilfields and processing facilities.
Onshore Pipeline Projects: Cross-country gathering lines, trunk lines, and distribution pipelines in oil and gas fields.
Offshore Pipeline Systems: Subsea flowlines, risers, and export pipelines for offshore platforms and subsea completions (with PSL2 and sour service options).
Sour Service Environments: Pipelines handling wet sour gas (H₂S containing) requiring PSL2 with supplementary requirements including HIC and SSC resistance per NACE standards.
Water Transmission: Large-diameter water supply pipelines, irrigation systems, and raw water transmission for municipal and industrial use.
Sewage & Wastewater Treatment: Effluent outfall lines, treatment plant piping, and sludge handling systems.
Industrial Structural Applications: Pipe racks, supports, bracing, and structural components in refineries, petrochemical plants, and industrial facilities.
Oil & Gas Processing Facilities: Flow lines, headers, manifolds, and interconnecting piping in processing plants and compressor stations.
EPC & Plant Piping: Process and utility piping in refineries, gas processing plants, chemical complexes, and power generation facilities.
9. Packaging & Shipping
ERW pipes are packaged and shipped with utmost care to ensure their protection during transit. Here is a description of the packaging and shipping process:
Packaging:
Protective Coating: Before packaging, pipes may be coated with a thin layer of anti-rust oil or protective varnish to prevent surface corrosion and oxidation during storage and transit. Bare finish also available for immediate coating application at destination.
Bundling: Pipes of similar dimensions and specifications are carefully bundled together in hexagonal or rectangular bundles. They are secured using steel straps (typically 3-5 straps per bundle) to prevent movement within the bundle.
End Caps: Plastic end caps (PE or PP) are placed on both ends of each pipe to protect beveled ends, plain ends, and threaded connections from impact damage, debris ingress, and moisture.
Padding and Cushioning: For premium export orders, padding materials such as foam rings or rubber strips may be used between pipe layers to prevent abrasion and coating damage during handling.
Wooden Crates or Cases: For thin-walled pipes, precision tubes, or premium coating orders, pipes may be packed in sturdy wooden crates or plywood cases to provide enhanced protection against external forces and rough handling.
Shipping:
Mode of Transportation: Pipes shipped via container vessels (20ft/40ft), bulk carriers, or rail freight depending on destination, volume, and urgency. Air freight available for sample or time-critical shipments.
Containerization: Small to medium orders loaded into standard shipping containers, protecting cargo from weather, moisture, and external contaminants during transit.
Bulk Vessel Loading: Large-volume orders (typically >200 tons) loaded directly into bulk carriers. Lifting beams and spreader bars prevent damage; dunnage and lashing secure cargo against sea motion.
Labeling & Documentation: Each bundle clearly labeled with grade, standard, dimensions, heat number, and handling instructions. Complete documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, Certificate of Origin, Mill Test Certificates) prepared for smooth customs clearance.
Secure Fastening: Bundles secured with steel strapping, dunnage bags, or timber bracing to prevent shifting, rolling, or damage during transit.
Tracking & Insurance: Container tracking numbers provided for real-time monitoring. Marine cargo insurance (All Risk or With Average) available upon request.
In summary, Womic Steel ensures that all ERW Steel pipes are packaged with industry-leading protective measures and shipped using reliable transportation methods to reach their destination in optimal condition. Proper packaging and shipping procedures are essential to preserving the integrity and quality of the delivered products.
10. Womic Steel Advantages & FAQ
Why Partner with Womic Steel?
One-Stop Shop: Complete range from API 5L ERW pipes to matching OEM pipe fittings (Elbows, Tees, Reducers, Flanges, Caps) in compatible material grades, including carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel.
Technical Compliance: Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 Type 2.2, 3.1, or 3.2) provided with every shipment, detailing exact chemical composition, mechanical test results, and non-destructive examination reports.
Value-Added Services: End beveling (30°-35°), threading & coupling, plastic caps installation, and anti-corrosion coating (FBE, 3LPE, 3LPP, Epoxy, Galvanizing) available in-house or through qualified partner facilities.
Competitive Logistics: Strategic partnership with global freight forwarders ensures optimized container loading (maximizing quantity per container) and cost-effective worldwide shipping with reliable transit times.
Inventory & Availability: Extensive stock of standard API 5L X52 sizes (2"-24" OD, Schedule 10-80) ensures short lead times and rapid response to urgent project requirements. Custom sizes produced on demand with typical lead time of 30-45 days.
Sour Service Capability: Full capability to supply PSL2 pipes with HIC and SSC testing per NACE standards for sour gas applications. Hardness controlled to ≤ 248 HV10 / ≤ 22 HRC.
Choose Womic Steel Group as your reliable partner for high-quality API 5L X52 ERW Steel Pipes and unbeatable delivery performance. Welcome to inquire!
Website: www.womicsteel.com
Email: sales@womicsteel.com
Tel/WhatsApp/WeChat:
Victor: +86-15575100681
Jack: +86-18390957568
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between API 5L GR.B and ASTM A53 GR.B?
A: Both have similar strength (240 MPa yield). API 5L GR.B is for line pipe (oil, gas, water transmission). ASTM A53 GR.B is for general pressure piping (water, gas, steam). API 5L has stricter quality and traceability requirements.
Q: What is the difference between API 5L PSL1 and PSL2 for GR.B?
A: PSL1 is standard quality with basic requirements. PSL2 has stricter limits on carbon, P, S, plus mandatory impact testing, yield/tensile ratio limits, and enhanced NDT. PSL2 is required for offshore and sour service.
Q: Can API 5L GR.B be used for water transmission?
A: Yes. For potable water, specify internal coating (epoxy or cement mortar) to prevent corrosion.
Q: What is the difference between ERW and HFW?
A: HFW uses high-frequency current (200-500 kHz), producing narrower HAZ and better weld quality. For API 5L GR.B, HFW is the preferred process.
Q: What is the maximum length available?
A: Standard lengths: 6m and 12m. Custom lengths up to 18m available for diameters below 168mm. Longer lengths require engineering review.
Q: What end finishes do you offer?
A: Plain ends (square cut), beveled ends (30°-35°), threaded ends, and coupled ends.
Q: Can you provide third-party inspection?
A: Yes. We facilitate inspections by DNV, BV, SGS, TÜV, ABS, LR. 3.2 certificates available.
Q: What coating options are available?
A: FBE, 3LPE, 3LPP, coal tar epoxy, cement mortar lining, galvanizing, black coating.
Q: What is the typical lead time?
A: Stock sizes: 15-25 days. Custom sizes: 30-45 days. Add 10-20 days for coating. Rush orders available for small quantities.
Q: What documentation do you provide?
A: Mill Test Certificate (3.1 or 3.2), hydro test report, UT/ET report, dimensional report, packing list, invoice, bill of lading.
Q: Can GR.B be used for sour service?
A: Yes, but PSL2 with sour service requirements (HIC/SSC testing, hardness ≤ 248 HV10) is required. Specify at time of quotation.











