API 5L PSL2 X42 Double-Sided Submerged Arc Welding (DSAW) Steel Pipe
Basic Overview
API 5L PSL2 Grade X42 DSAW steel pipe is a medium-strength line pipe manufactured to the American Petroleum Institute specification. The "X42" designation indicates a minimum yield strength of 42,000 psi (290 MPa). PSL2 is the enhanced quality level with stricter requirements than PSL1 .
Key Specifications
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard | API 5L (46th Edition) |
| PSL Level | PSL2 – enhanced quality |
| Grade | X42 (L290) |
| Min Yield Strength | 290 MPa (42,100 psi) |
| Max Yield Strength | 496-579 MPa (72,000-84,000 psi) |
| Min Tensile Strength | 414-436 MPa (60,000-63,200 psi) |
| Max Tensile Strength | 758 MPa (110,000 psi) |
| Yield-to-Tensile Ratio | ≤ 0.93 |
| Size Range (DSAW) | 16" to 100" OD (406 mm to 2540 mm) |
| Wall Thickness | 6.0 mm to 50 mm |
| Length | 6 m to 12 m standard |
Chemical Composition (PSL2)
| Element | Max % | PSL1 Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.22-0.24% | PSL1: 0.26-0.28% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.40% | Similar |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.025% | PSL1: 0.030% |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.015% | PSL1: 0.030% (50% reduction) |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.45% | Not specified for PSL1 |
PSL1 vs PSL2 Comparison
| Feature | PSL1 | PSL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon max | 0.28% | 0.22-0.24% |
| Sulfur max | 0.030% | 0.015% |
| Yield Strength | Min only (290 MPa) | Min & Max (290-496 MPa) |
| Yield-to-Tensile Ratio | Not specified | ≤ 0.93 |
| Impact Testing | Not required | Mandatory (27J at 0°C) |
| Traceability | Batch level | Pipe-by-pipe |
| Typical Use | General service | Critical service, sour service, low temp |
DSAW Manufacturing
Double-sided welding (inside + outside) forms a single high-quality weld nugget
Used for large diameter pipes (16" to 100"+)
Methods: JCOE or UOE forming
Common Applications
Oil and gas transmission pipelines
Natural gas gathering lines
Sour service (H₂S environments)
Low-temperature service
Water transmission mains
Summary
API 5L PSL2 X42 DSAW steel pipe is a medium-strength line pipe with enhanced quality requirements. Key benefits over PSL1 include mandatory impact testing, 50% lower sulfur content (0.015% vs 0.030%), maximum strength limits, and full traceability. Available in large diameters from 16" to 100"+ .
When ordering, specify: API 5L PSL2 Grade X42, DSAW, Size (OD x WT), Length, Impact test temperature.
