What is the difference: API 5L PSL1 VS API 5L PSL2 pipeline steel

API 5L PSL1 and API 5L PSL2 are two specification levels of API 5L pipeline steel that differ in terms of chemical composition and test requirements. API 5L PSL1 pipeline steel is standard quality steel used for pipelines. While API 5L PSL2 pipeline steel sets more strict chemical, mechanical properties, and test requirements.

API 5L PSL1 VS API 5L PSL2 pipeline steel in chemical composition:

API 5L	C, a	Mn a	P	S	Si	V	Nb	Ti	Other	CEIIW	CEpcm
API 5L PSL1	0.24	1.4	0.025	0.015	0.45	0.1	0.05	0.04	b,c	0.043	0.025
API 5L PSL2	0.28	1.4	0.030	0.030	–	b	b	b	–	–	–

API 5L PSL1 VS API 5L PSL2 pipeline steel in test requirements:

Test requirement	API 5L PSL1	API 5L PSL2
Charpy test	None required	Required for all grades
Seamless NDT test	Only if purchaser specifies SR4	SR4 mandatory
Certification	Certificates when specified per SR15	Certificates (SR 15.1) mandatory
Traceability	Traceable only until all tests are passed, unless SR15 is specified	Traceable after completion of tests (SR 15.2) mandatory
Hydrostatic Test	Required	Required

The above is about API 5L PSL1 VS API 5L PSL2 pipeline steel in chemical composition and test requirements. From the comparison, we can clearly see the difference between API 5L PSL1 and API 5L PSL2. API 5L pipeline steel is mainly in shape of API 5L pipeline steel strip / coil, API 5L pipeline steel sheet/ plate and API 5L pipeline steel pipe. The API 5L pipeline steel strip / coil and API 5L pipeline steel sheet/ plate can be used to fabricate API 5L pipeline steel pipe (ERW, SSAW, LSAW welded pipe) also.

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