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 LSAW pipe production facility (JCOE process) has an annual capacity exceeding 250,000 tons for straight seam submerged arc welded pipes, serving water, oil, gas and structural projects across five continents.
Production Size Range for LSAW Steel Pipe: Outside diameter from 219mm to 1,422mm (8 inch to 56 inch) via JCOE forming. Wall thickness from 5.0mm to 50.8mm. Single lengths from 6m to 12m standard, with custom lengths up to 24m available for pipeline and piling projects requiring longer joints.
Quality Certifications & Regulatory Compliance:
● ISO 9001:2015 Certified for quality management in LSAW production.
● API 5L Monogram License – Womic Steel holds API 5L license for line pipe manufacturing including GR.B, X42, X52, X60, X65, X70. Regular API audits ensure compliance.
● CE Marking (PED 2014/68/EU) – Available upon request for EN standards.
● EN 10204 3.2 Certification – Mill test certificates with third-party validation (TÜV, BV, SGS, LR) for critical projects.
● Third-Party Inspection (TPI) – Approved by SGS, BV, ABS, DNV, TÜV.
l Additional: ISO 14001, ISO 45001.
Womic Steel supplies to over 80 countries across Southeast Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
2. API 5L GR.B: Material Composition & Performance Characteristics
API 5L GR.B is the most commonly specified line pipe grade for standard pressure services. It offers minimum yield strength of 245 MPa (35,500 psi) and tensile strength of 415 MPa (60,200 psi). While lower in strength than X42 or X52, GR.B provides excellent ductility, good weldability for field joining, and the lowest cost per ton for non-critical applications.
Chemical Composition (Ladle Analysis, max % by mass):
| Element | API 5L GR.B (PSL1, max %) |
| C | 0.26 |
| Mn | 1.20 |
| P | 0.030 |
| S | 0.030 |
| Si | 0.40 |
For PSL2, limits are tighter: C ≤ 0.22%, P ≤ 0.025%, S ≤ 0.015%, with impact testing requirements.
Mechanical Properties (Room Temperature):
| Property | API 5L GR.B |
| Yield Strength (min) | 245 MPa (35,500 psi) |
| Tensile Strength (min) | 415 MPa (60,200 psi) |
| Elongation (min) | 23% (for 50mm gauge) |
| Hardness (max, PSL2) | 90 HRB |
PSL2 adds Charpy V-Notch impact toughness of 27J minimum @ 0°C.
3. Dimensional Range & Standards Compliance
Womic Steel supplies API 5L GR.B LSAW pipes with full compliance to API 5L and related ASTM/EN standards.
| Item | Specification |
| Standard | API 5L PSL1 / PSL2 |
| Manufacturing Process | LSAW (JCOE / UOE) – 219mm to 1,422mm OD |
| Outside Diameter Range | 219mm – 1,422mm (8″ – 56″) |
| Wall Thickness Range | 5.0mm – 50.8mm |
| Length Range | Standard: 6m, 12m, 18m; Custom: up to 24m |
| End Finish | Plain End (PE) / Beveled End (BE) |
| Surface Finish | Bare / Oiled / Black Coated / 3LPE / FBE |
| Tolerances | OD: ±0.5% (max ±3.2mm), WT: -0% +15% (API), Length: +50mm -0mm |
4. Available Dimensions & Specifications – API 5L GR.B LSAW Steel Pipe
LSAW Steel Pipe (219mm – 1,422mm OD):
| OD (mm) | Wall Thickness Options (mm) | Weight (kg/m) approx | Standard Length |
| 219 – 325 | 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0, 12.5 | 26.4 – 96.3 | 6m / 12m |
| 325 – 426 | 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0, 12.5, 14.0 | 39.5 – 142.2 | 6m / 12m |
| 426 – 530 | 6.0, 8.0, 10.0, 12.5, 14.0, 16.0 | 62.1 – 202.8 | 6m / 12m |
| 530 – 610 | 6.0, 8.0, 10.0, 12.5, 14.0, 16.0, 18.0 | 77.5 – 262.5 | 6m / 12m / 18m |
| 610 – 762 | 8.0, 10.0, 12.5, 14.0, 16.0, 18.0, 20.0 | 118.9 – 366.2 | 6m / 12m / 18m |
| 762 – 914 | 8.0, 10.0, 12.5, 14.0, 16.0, 18.0, 20.0, 22.0 | 148.7 – 484.3 | 6m / 12m / 18m |
| 914 – 1067 | 10.0, 12.5, 14.0, 16.0, 18.0, 20.0, 22.0, 25.0 | 223.2 – 642.5 | 6m / 12m / 18m |
| 1067 – 1220 | 12.5, 14.0, 16.0, 18.0, 20.0, 22.0, 25.0, 30.0 | 325.4 – 881.2 | 6m / 12m / 18m |
| 1220 – 1422 | 12.5, 14.0, 16.0, 18.0, 20.0, 22.0, 25.0, 30.0, 35.0 | 372.4 – 1,198.5 | 6m / 12m / 18m |
Note: Larger diameters up to 1,600mm (63″) available for special projects. Thicker walls up to 50.8mm upon request.
5. Common Standards Manufactured by Womic Steel – LSAW Line Pipe
| Standard | Steel Grades | Typical Application |
| API 5L PSL1 | GR.B, X42, X52, X60, X65, X70 | Standard line pipe |
| API 5L PSL2 | GR.B, X42, X52, X60, X65, X70 | Higher quality with impact and hardness |
| ASTM A53 | GR.B | Low pressure piping |
| ASTM A106 | GR.B | High temperature service |
| EN 10217-1 | S235JR, S275JR | Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes |
| EN 10219 | S235JRH, S275JRH, S355JRH | Cold formed welded structural hollow sections |
Usage: Water supply, gas distribution, oil gathering, slurry transport, structural supports, industrial piping, piling.
6. Manufacturing Process – LSAW (JCOE) Straight Seam Submerged Arc Welded Steel Pipe
LSAW Manufacturing Process for Steel Pipe (219mm – 1,422mm OD):
● Raw Material Inspection – Hot rolled steel plates are verified for chemical composition and mechanical properties. Each plate gets a unique heat number for traceability.
● Edge Preparation – Plate edges are milled to a precise bevel (typically X or J shape) for proper welding penetration.
● Pre-bending (Crimping) – Edges are pre-bent to ensure uniform forming at the weld seam.
● JCOE Forming – The plate is formed step by step: first J-shape, then C-shape, then O-shape using a series of dies. This produces an open seam pipe.
● Tack Welding – The open seam is tack welded at intervals to maintain roundness.
● Inner Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) – Automatic SAW welds the inside seam with flux and wire.
● Outer Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) – The outside seam is welded immediately after, completing full penetration.
● Mechanical Expansion (optional) – Pipe is mechanically expanded to improve roundness and relieve residual stresses.
● Cutting to Length – Cut by automatic plasma or oxygen system.
● Non-Destructive Testing – 100% UT, optional RT, MPI, hydrostatic testing.
● End Finishing – Beveling or plain end as specified.
● Final Inspection & Marking – Permanent marking per API 5L.
Advantages of LSAW over SSAW for line pipe: Shorter weld length (lower risk of defect), better residual stress control, higher tolerance for thick walls, preferred for high-pressure and sour service.
7. Quality Control & Testing Procedures for API 5L GR.B LSAW Steel Pipe
| Stage | Inspection Method | Purpose |
| Raw Plate | Chemical Analysis (OES) | Verify composition limits |
| Raw Plate | Tensile & Bend Test | Verify mechanical properties |
| Raw Plate | Ultrasonic Testing | Detect internal laminations |
| In-Process | Dimensional Inspection | Monitor forming accuracy |
| Weld | Ultrasonic Testing (100%) | Detect lack of fusion, porosity |
| Weld | Radiographic Testing (as required) | Verify weld penetration quality |
| Weld | Magnetic Particle Inspection | Surface crack detection |
| Finished Pipe | Hydrostatic Test (mandatory per API 5L) | Pressure integrity |
| Finished Pipe | Guided Bend Test | Weld ductility |
| Finished Pipe | Flattening Test | Pipe ductility |
| Finished Pipe | Visual & Marking | Surface defects and marking |
Optional for PSL2: Charpy impact, hardness, HIC/SSC.
8. Primary Applications – API 5L GR.B LSAW Steel Pipe
● Municipal drinking water transmission mains
● Fire protection ring mains in industrial plants
● Low-pressure natural gas distribution networks (up to 2 MPa)
● Cooling water circuits in power stations
● Slurry pipelines in mining (copper, iron ore tailings)
● Foundation pipe piles for buildings and bridges
● Industrial process piping for non-corrosive fluids
9. Packaging & Shipping – API 5L GR.B LSAW Steel Pipe
● Bundling: Smaller diameters (≤ 24″) are bundled with steel straps and corner protectors.
● Individual stacking: Larger diameters are shipped loose with wooden dunnage between layers.
● End caps: Plastic or steel end caps protect bevels and prevent debris ingress.
● Coating: Anti-rust oil or FBE/3LPE coating applied as required.
● Shipping: Break bulk for large diameters; containers for small diameters; flat racks for extra long lengths.
● Documentation: MTC 3.1 or 3.2, hydrotest report, UT report, packing list, commercial invoice, COO.
10. Womic Steel Advantages & FAQ – API 5L GR.B LSAW Steel Pipe
Why Womic Steel?
● JCOE LSAW capacity: 250,000 tons/year
● API 5L Monogram and CE marked
● PSL1 and PSL2 supply
● 3rd party inspection (SGS, BV, TÜV) accepted
● Long lengths up to 24m reduce field welding
● Full traceability from plate to finished pipe
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the difference between LSAW and SSAW for GR.B pipe?
A: LSAW has a straight seam (shorter weld length) and is generally preferred for higher pressure, thicker walls, and sour environments. SSAW is more economical for very large diameters (>56″) but has longer spiral weld.
Q: Can you supply GR.B PSL2 with impact test?
A: Yes. PSL2 includes 27J @ 0°C Charpy impact, tighter chemistry, and hardness limits. Suitable for low-temperature environments down to -20°C.
Q: What coating is recommended for water pipelines?
A: For buried water lines, 3LPE or liquid epoxy is common. For above-ground, FBE or two-layer epoxy. We offer all options.
Q: Do you provide EN 10204 3.2 certificates?
A: Yes, upon request we arrange inspection by EU-notified bodies such as TÜV or BV and issue 3.2 certificates.
Project Reference – Bangladesh Municipal Water Supply Project
Country: Bangladesh
Standard & Grade: API 5L GR.B PSL1
Dimensions & Quantity: OD 914mm (36″) × WT 9.5mm, 12m lengths, total 1,250 tons (approx. 2.8 km)
Specifications: Plain ends, external 3LPE coating (2.5mm thickness), hydrotest at 1.8 MPa, 100% UT on weld seam and pipe body.
Application: Municipal drinking water transmission from the Meghna River to the Narayanganj district, serving 500,000 residents.
Technical Challenges:
● The pipeline route crossed three tidal canals with soft alluvial soil. Differential settlement risk was high. Womic Steel provided pipes with strict OD tolerance (±0.3%) to ensure reliable rubber gasket joint assembly (field used snap-on couplings).
● High groundwater table caused coating disbondment concerns during installation. We applied an extra layer of fusion-bonded epoxy primer before the 3LPE, achieving peel strength > 150 N/cm at 70°C (tested by SGS).
● Shipping constraint: pipes had to be delivered to Chittagong port within 40 days. Womic coordinated with COSCO for break-bulk vessel space and delivered in 38 days.
Result: All pipes passed third-party inspection by SGS. No coating holidays found after 100% holiday detection. The pipeline was commissioned in 2022 and remains in service with zero leakage.
Contact:
Website: www.womicsteel.com
E-mail: sales@womicsteel.com
Tel / WhatsApp / WeChat:
Victor: +86 15575100681
Jack: +86 18390957568
Womic Steel – Your reliable partner for LSAW carbon steel pipes for water, oil, gas, and structural applications worldwide.
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