

EN 10217 S355J2H ERW Pipe
Basic Overview
EN 10217 S355J2H ERW pipe is a high-strength welded carbon steel tube manufactured to the European standard for pressure purposes, with guaranteed impact toughness at -20°C [citation:2, citation:10]. S355J2H is a normalized fine-grain structural steel grade with a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa (approximately 50% higher than S235 and 30% higher than S275) and guaranteed impact toughness of 27 J at -20°C [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:10]. The "J2" suffix makes this material suitable for demanding applications in cold climates, offshore structures, and critical infrastructure where low-temperature performance is essential .
Understanding the Designation
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| EN 10217 | European standard for welded steel tubes for pressure purposes [citation:2, citation:10] |
| S355J2H | Material grade – "S" indicates structural steel, "355" is minimum yield strength in MPa, "J2" denotes impact testing at -20°C (27J min), and "H" indicates hollow section [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:7, citation:8, citation:10] |
| ERW | Electric Resistance Welded – pipe formed from steel coil and welded longitudinally without filler metal [citation:1, citation:4, citation:5, citation:6] |
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength (min) | 355 MPa (for thickness ≤ 16mm) [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8, citation:10] |
| Tensile Strength | 470-630 MPa [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8, citation:10] |
| Elongation (min) | 20-22% (depending on wall thickness) [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8, citation:10] |
| Impact Energy (min) | 27 J at -20°C – the "J2" suffix guarantees low-temperature toughness [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8, citation:10] |
| Manufacturing | Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) – cold formed and high-frequency welded [citation:1, citation:4, citation:5, citation:6] |
| Size Range | 21.3 mm to 660 mm (1/2" to 26") OD [citation:1, citation:3, citation:4, citation:5, citation:6, citation:7] |
| Wall Thickness | 1.0 mm to 22.2 mm [citation:1, citation:3, citation:4, citation:5, citation:6] |
| Length | 3 m to 18 m standard; custom lengths available [citation:1, citation:2, citation:3, citation:4, citation:5, citation:6, citation:7, citation:10] |
| End Finishes | Plain ends, beveled ends, threaded [citation:5, citation:6] |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Maximum % | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.20-0.22% | Low carbon for good weldability [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8] |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.55% | Deoxidizer [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8] |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.60% | Provides strength [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8] |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.025-0.035% | Controlled for weldability [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8] |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.025-0.035% | Controlled for toughness [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8] |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength ReH (min) | 355 MPa | Thickness ≤ 16mm [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8, citation:10] |
| 345 MPa | 16mm < t ≤ 40mm [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8, citation:10] | |
| Tensile Strength Rm | 470-630 MPa | Thickness 3-16mm [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8, citation:10] |
| Elongation (min) | 20-22% | Longitudinal, 5.65√S₀ [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8, citation:10] |
| Impact Energy (min) | 27 J | -20°C, 10×10mm specimen [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8, citation:10] |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 GPa | |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
EN 10217 Standard Parts
EN 10217 is divided into multiple parts based on application [citation:2, citation:10]:
| Part | Title | Application |
|---|---|---|
| EN 10217-1 | Non-alloy steel tubes with specified room temperature properties | General pressure applications at ambient temperatures – applicable for S355JR |
| EN 10217-2 | Electric welded tubes with elevated temperature properties | For elevated temperature service (up to 400°C) – S355J2H is not typically used; P235GH/P265GH are the GH grades |
For S355J2H, EN 10217-1 is the applicable standard .
Dimensional Tolerances
| Parameter | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Outside Diameter | ±1% (min ±0.5mm, max ±10mm) [citation:4, citation:8] |
| Wall Thickness (t ≤ 5mm) | ±10% [citation:4, citation:8] |
| Wall Thickness (t > 5mm) | ±0.5mm [citation:4, citation:8] |
| Straightness | ≤ 0.20% of total length (max 3mm/m) [citation:4, citation:8] |
| Length (fixed) | +50mm / -0mm |
Common Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Pressure Vessels | Tanks and vessels for non-corrosive fluids at ambient temperatures |
| Industrial Piping | Process piping in chemical and petrochemical plants |
| Cold Climate Infrastructure | Structures requiring guaranteed toughness at -20°C [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:7, citation:8, citation:10] |
| Offshore Structures | Marine platforms requiring high strength and low-temperature toughness |
| High-Strength Structures | Building frames, columns, roof trusses |
| Water Transmission | High-pressure water mains |
| Mechanical Engineering | Machinery components, conveyor systems |
S355 Grade Suffixes: Impact Properties
| Suffix | Impact Test Temperature | Minimum Impact Energy | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| JR | +20°C (room temperature) | 27 J | Indoor or warm climate applications [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:7, citation:8, citation:10] |
| J0 | 0°C | 27 J | Temperate climate outdoor structures |
| J2 | -20°C | 27 J | Cold climates, demanding applications [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:7, citation:8, citation:10] |
| K2 | -20°C | 40 J | Critical applications requiring higher toughness |
Key Advantages
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| High Strength | 355 MPa yield – 50% higher than S235, 30% higher than S275 [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8, citation:10] |
| Low-Temperature Toughness | Guaranteed 27 J at -20°C – suitable for cold climates and arctic applications [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8, citation:10] |
| Good Weldability | Low carbon content ensures excellent field weldability [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8] |
| Cost-Effective | ERW process provides economic advantage over seamless for many sizes [citation:1, citation:4, citation:5, citation:6] |
| Wide Availability | Commonly stocked by manufacturers globally [citation:1, citation:3, citation:4, citation:5, citation:6, citation:7, citation:8] |
| CE/UKCA Marking | Available for construction and pressure equipment under EU regulations |
Important Considerations
1. EN 10217 is a Pressure Standard
EN 10217 is specifically for pressure purposes [citation:2, citation:10]
For structural applications (non-pressure), EN 10219 is the appropriate standard [citation:2, citation:10]
2. S355J2H vs. EN 10219 S355J2H
S355J2H can be used under both EN 10217 (pressure) and EN 10219 (structural) standards [citation:2, citation:10]
The key difference is the testing and certification requirements:
EN 10217: Includes hydrostatic testing for pressure integrity
EN 10219: No hydrostatic test required for structural applications
3. Fine Grain Structure
S355J2H is produced as a fine grain structural steel (fully killed with aluminum deoxidation) [citation:2, citation:10]
This ensures consistent mechanical properties and improved weldability
4. ERW Manufacturing Process
ERW pipes are produced using high-frequency resistance welding [citation:4, citation:6, citation:8]:
Cold forming from steel coil
High-frequency welding without filler metal
100% non-destructive testing of weld seam (ultrasonic or eddy current) [citation:1, citation:3, citation:4, citation:6, citation:7]
Hydrostatic testing for pressure applications [citation:1, citation:3, citation:4, citation:6, citation:7]
5. Testing Requirements
Typical tests for EN 10217 S355J2H ERW pipe include [citation:1, citation:3, citation:4, citation:6, citation:7]:
Chemical analysis
Tensile test (yield strength, tensile strength, elongation)
Flattening test
Bend test
Hydrostatic test
Non-destructive testing (ultrasonic or eddy current)
Charpy impact test at -20°C (27J min)
6. Coating Options
Black (bare): Standard mill finish [citation:1, citation:4, citation:6, citation:7]
Hot-dip galvanized: For corrosion protection (to EN ISO 1461)
3LPE/FBE: For buried applications [citation:1, citation:4, citation:6, citation:7]
Varnish/Anti-rust oil: Temporary protection during transport [citation:1, citation:4, citation:6, citation:7]
7. Mill Test Certificate
Typically provided as EN 10204 Type 3.1B with full test results [citation:1, citation:3, citation:4, citation:6, citation:7, citation:8, citation:10]
Third-party inspection (SGS, BV, Lloyds) available upon request
International Equivalents
| Standard | Equivalent Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM | A572 Grade 50 | Similar yield strength, different impact requirements [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:7, citation:8] |
| GB/T | Q355D | Chinese equivalent with -20°C impact [citation:1, citation:3, citation:4, citation:6, citation:7, citation:8] |
| JIS | SM490YA | Japanese standard [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:7, citation:8] |
| DIN | St52-3N | Historical German equivalent |
Summary
EN 10217 S355J2H ERW pipe is a high-strength welded carbon steel tube manufactured to the European pressure standard. With minimum yield strength of 355 MPa-approximately 50% higher than S235JR-and guaranteed impact toughness of 27 J at -20°C, this pipe is ideal for demanding applications in cold climates, offshore structures, and critical infrastructure [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:7, citation:8, citation:10].
Key features:
Manufactured to EN 10217-1 for pressure purposes [citation:2, citation:10]
High strength-to-weight ratio enables material savings in pressure vessel and piping designs
Low carbon content ensures excellent weldability [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8]
The "J2" suffix guarantees -20°C impact toughness (27 J minimum) [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6, citation:8, citation:10]
ERW process provides cost-effective production for sizes up to 24" OD [citation:1, citation:4, citation:5, citation:6]
Supplied with EN 10204 Type 3.1 mill certificates for full traceability [citation:1, citation:3, citation:4, citation:6, citation:7, citation:8, citation:10]
Common applications include:
Pressure vessels and industrial process piping
Cold climate infrastructure requiring low-temperature toughness
Offshore structures and marine platforms
High-strength building frames and columns
When ordering, specify: EN 10217-1, Grade S355J2H, ERW, Size (OD x WT), Length, End Finish, Coating, and EN 10204 Certificate Type [citation:1, citation:3, citation:4, citation:6, citation:7]. For structural applications (non-pressure), EN 10219 S355J2H may be specified instead [citation:2, citation:10].





