EN 10217-2 P195GH is a standard and widely available material specification for manufacturing Spiral Submerged Arc Welded (SSAW) steel pipes , , . This combination is a common product offered by numerous global manufacturers for pressure applications requiring elevated temperature service, such as in boilers, heat exchangers, and industrial piping systems , .
The designation "EN 10217-2 P195GH Spiral Submerged Arc Pipe" combines the entry-level high-temperature pressure grade (P195GH) from the European pressure pipe standard with the spiral welding process for large-diameter, pressure-rated piping solutions , .
📋 Key Specifications for EN 10217-2 P195GH SSAW Pipe
The table below summarizes the primary specifications for this product, based on comprehensive industry data , , , , , , .
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard | EN 10217-2: "Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes - Technical delivery conditions - Part 2: Electric welded non-alloy and alloy steel tubes with specified elevated temperature properties" , , . |
| Steel Grade | P195GH: The entry-level high-temperature pressure grade. "P" indicates pressure purpose, "195" indicates minimum yield strength in MPa, and "GH" stands for "Gases" and "High" temperature, indicating suitability for elevated temperature service , . |
| Material Number | 1.0348 . |
| Manufacturing Process | Spiral Submerged Arc Welding (SSAW/HSAW/SAWH) : Formed from hot-rolled steel coil, with the weld seam running continuously in a spiral along the pipe's length. Welded using double-sided automatic submerged arc welding , , . |
| Chemical Composition (max %) , , | Carbon (C): 0.13% max Silicon (Si): 0.35% max Manganese (Mn): 0.70% max Phosphorus (P): 0.025% max Sulfur (S): 0.020% max Aluminum (Al): ≥ 0.020% min Cr+Cu+Mo+Ni: 0.70% max total residual elements |
| Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature , , | Yield Strength (t ≤ 16mm): 195 MPa minimum Yield Strength (16 < t ≤ 40mm): 185 MPa minimum Tensile Strength: 320-440 MPa Elongation (longitudinal): ≥ 27% Elongation (transverse): ≥ 25% |
| Elevated Temperature Yield Strength (Rp0.2 min, MPa) | 100°C: 175 MPa 150°C: 165 MPa 200°C: 150 MPa 250°C: 130 MPa 300°C: 113 MPa 350°C: 102 MPa 400°C: 94 MPa |
| Impact Properties | Charpy V-notch Impact: 40 J minimum at 0°C (longitudinal) 28 J minimum at -10°C (longitudinal, Option 5) 27 J minimum at 0°C (transverse) |
| Typical Size Range , | Outside Diameter: 219 mm to 4064 mm (approx. 8" to 160") for SSAW Wall Thickness: 5 mm to 32 mm (common range) Length: 3 m to 12 m standard; up to 18 m available |
| Key Testing Requirements , , | Chemical Analysis: Per cast Tensile Test: At room temperature (per batch) Elevated Temperature Tensile: When specified Impact Test: Mandatory for GH grades (40J at 0°C) Bend Test: For weld integrity Flattening Test: For ductility Hydrostatic Test: 100% of pipes; ≥ 1.5 × design pressure for ≥ 10 seconds; max 7 MPa , NDT of Weld: 100% ultrasonic or radiographic inspection , , Visual Inspection: 100% of pipes |
| Test Categories , | TC1: Standard test category for non-alloy steel tubes TC2: Enhanced test category with additional NDT of pipe body; mandatory for alloy steel tubes |
| Temperature Range | Designed for elevated temperature service up to 400°C , , . |
| Common Applications , | Boiler tubes; heat exchangers; superheaters; feedwater lines in power plants; industrial process piping at elevated temperatures; petrochemical plant piping; district heating systems. |
| Certification | Mill Test Certificate to EN 10204 Type 3.1 (or Type 3.2 for independent verification) with full test results, traceability records, and PED documentation , , . |
📊 EN 10217-2 Grade Comparison
P195GH is the entry-level high-temperature grade in the EN 10217-2 specification. The table below shows its position relative to other grades , , :
| Grade | Minimum Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Impact Testing (0°C) | Key Feature | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P195GH | 195 | 320-440 | 40J | Entry-level high-temperature | Low-pressure boilers, heat exchangers, general elevated temperature service |
| P235GH | 235 | 360-500 | 40J | Medium strength | General boiler applications, power plant piping |
| P265GH | 265 | 410-570 | 40J | Higher strength | High-pressure boiler tubes, superheater components |
| 16Mo3 | 280 | 450-600 | 40J (20°C) | Cr-Mo alloy steel | High-temperature service up to 500°C |
📏 Dimensional Tolerances
EN 10217-2 specifies the following typical tolerances for SSAW pipes , , :
| Parameter | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Outside Diameter (D ≤ 219.1mm) | ±1% or ±0.5mm (whichever is greater) , |
| Outside Diameter (D > 219.1mm) | ±0.75% or ±6mm (whichever is greater) , |
| Wall Thickness (T ≤ 5mm) | ±10% or ±0.3mm (whichever is greater) |
| Wall Thickness (T > 5mm) | ±8% |
| Straightness | ≤ 0.15% of total length (max 3mm per meter) , , , |
| Length (L ≤ 6000mm) | 0 – +10 mm (D < 406.4mm); 0 – +25 mm (D ≥ 406.4mm) , , |
| Length (6000 < L ≤ 12000mm) | 0 – +15 mm (D < 406.4mm); 0 – +50 mm (D ≥ 406.4mm) , , |
🔍 Key Points to Understand
What "EN 10217-2 P195GH" Means: This is the European standard for welded pressure pipes with specified elevated temperature properties. P195GH is the entry-level high-temperature grade, with minimum yield strength of 195 MPa at room temperature. The "GH" suffix indicates suitability for Gases and High temperature service , . Pipes to this standard are designed to meet the essential safety requirements of the EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU .
Elevated Temperature Capability: The key feature of P195GH is its guaranteed strength at elevated temperatures up to 400°C. The yield strength decreases with temperature, as shown in the table above . This allows designers to calculate allowable stresses for high-temperature applications.
Guaranteed Impact Properties: Unlike the TR1 grades in EN 10217-1, GH grades require mandatory Charpy impact testing at 0°C (40J longitudinal minimum) , ensuring toughness for safety-critical pressure applications.
Aluminum Requirement: P195GH requires minimum aluminum content of 0.020% for grain refinement, ensuring fine-grain structure and enhanced mechanical properties .
PED Compliance: EN 10217-2 is harmonized with the EU Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU. Pipes manufactured to this standard with appropriate certification (EN 10204 Type 3.1) are presumed to conform to the essential safety requirements of the PED .
Manufacturing Process: EN 10217-2 pipes can be manufactured by various processes including HFW (High Frequency Welded) and SAW (Submerged Arc Welded) . For large-diameter pipes, the SAW process (including spiral SAW) is typically used , , .
Test Categories: The standard offers two test categories , :
TC1: Standard test category for non-alloy steel tubes, including chemical analysis, tensile testing, flattening test, impact testing, and NDT of the weld seam
TC2: Enhanced test category with additional NDT of the pipe body; mandatory for alloy steel tubes (e.g., 16Mo3)
🔧 Manufacturing Process for EN 10217-2 P195GH SSAW Pipe
The manufacturing process follows standard SSAW production methods with quality controls suitable for high-temperature pressure applications , , , :
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Raw Material Preparation | Hot-rolled steel coils meeting P195GH chemistry requirements (fully killed, fine grain steel with Al ≥ 0.020%) are leveled, inspected, and edge-milled , , . |
| 2. Spiral Forming | The steel strip is continuously formed into a cylindrical shape at a specific helix angle at room temperature. |
| 3. Submerged Arc Welding | Double-sided automatic submerged arc welding (inside and outside) creates the spiral seam with full penetration. SAW tubes can be manufactured with longitudinal (SAWL) or helical (SAWH) seams , . |
| 4. Non-Destructive Testing | 100% ultrasonic or radiographic inspection of the entire weld seam is mandatory per EN 10217-2 requirements , , , . |
| 5. Hydrostatic Testing | Each pipe individually tested to verify pressure integrity (≥ 1.5 × design pressure, ≥ 10 seconds; max 7 MPa) , , . |
| 6. Mechanical Testing | Tensile tests (room temperature and optionally elevated temperature), flattening tests, bend tests, and mandatory Charpy impact testing at 0°C to verify properties , , . |
| 7. Dimensional Inspection | 100% verification of dimensions, straightness, and end squareness per EN 10217-2 tolerances. |
| 8. End Finishing | Ends prepared (plain or beveled) for field welding; beveled ends for wall thickness > 4mm typically , . |
| 9. Certification | EN 10204 Type 3.1 inspection certificate with full traceability, chemical analysis, mechanical properties, NDT results, and PED documentation , , . |
🏭 Applications
EN 10217-2 P195GH SSAW pipes are used in elevated temperature pressure applications , , :
| Application | Temperature Range | Why P195GH is Chosen |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler Tubes | Up to 400°C | Guaranteed elevated temperature strength; PED compliance |
| Heat Exchangers | Up to 400°C | Good weldability; certified pressure rating |
| Superheaters | Up to 400°C | Mandatory impact properties for safety |
| Feedwater Lines | Up to 300°C | Reliable performance in power plants |
| Industrial Process Piping | Up to 400°C | European standard compliance; full traceability |
| District Heating | Up to 150°C | Cost-effective for large diameters; certified quality |
| Petrochemical Plants | Up to 400°C | Suitable for non-corrosive high-temperature fluids |
📝 Important Considerations
PED Compliance: EN 10217-2 is harmonized with the EU Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU. Pipes to this standard with EN 10204 Type 3.1 certification are suitable for CE-marked pressure equipment .
Test Category Selection: For critical applications, specify TC2 test category which includes additional NDT of the pipe body , .
Supplementary Options :
Option 4: Impact testing at specified temperature (e.g., -20°C)
Option 5: Additional longitudinal impact test at -10°C
Option 2: Tighter limits on copper content for improved formability
Temperature Derating: Design must account for the reduction in yield strength at elevated temperatures. Use the provided elevated temperature properties table for accurate allowable stress calculations .
International Approximations: P195GH has no direct equivalent in ASTM standards, though it is approximately similar to:
ASTM A106 Grade A (similar strength, seamless only)
ASTM A53 Grade A (similar room temperature strength, no elevated temperature rating)
Weldability: P195GH has excellent weldability with low carbon equivalent. For pressure vessel applications, welding procedures should be qualified in accordance with relevant codes.
Complete Specification: When ordering, specify , :
EN 10217-2, Grade P195GH, Test Category [TC1 or TC2], SAWH (spiral welded), Size (OD x WT), Length, End Finish
Standard version: [e.g., EN 10217-2:2019]
Coating requirements: [e.g., bare, varnish, FBE, 3LPE]
Any supplementary options (Option 4, Option 5) if required
Certification: EN 10204 Type 3.1 (or Type 3.2)
📝 Summary
EN 10217-2 P195GH Spiral Submerged Arc Welded pipes are a standard, PED-compliant choice for elevated temperature pressure applications under the European pressure pipe standard , , . With minimum room temperature yield strength of 195 MPa and guaranteed elevated temperature properties up to 400°C, these pipes offer a cost-effective solution for boiler tubes, heat exchangers, superheaters, and industrial process piping requiring certified high-temperature performance , .
The GH grade provides essential features including:
Guaranteed elevated temperature strength with documented properties up to 400°C
Mandatory Charpy impact testing at 0°C (40J minimum) ensuring toughness for safety-critical applications
Minimum aluminum content (≥0.020%) for grain refinement and enhanced properties
PED 2014/68/EU compliance for CE-marked pressure equipment
Two test categories (TC1 and TC2) allowing selection of appropriate quality level based on application criticality ,
Available in diameters from 219mm to over 4000mm with wall thicknesses to 32mm and lengths up to 18m, these pipes are produced using the cost-effective SSAW manufacturing process while meeting the rigorous requirements of the EN 10217-2 specification , .
P195GH is the entry-level high-temperature grade in the EN 10217-2 family, suitable for applications where the higher strength of P235GH or P265GH is not required. For higher pressure applications or more severe service conditions, consider upgrading to P235GH or P265GH , , .
When ordering, ensure you clearly indicate the complete standard with grade, test category (TC1 or TC2), manufacturing process (SAWH), required dimensions, and any coating requirements based on your specific application and PED requirements , .
