API 5L Grade B and X60 represent two distinct tiers of carbon steel line pipe.
API 5L Grade B (L245): 245 MPa (35,500 psi).
API 5L X60 (L415): 415 MPa (60,000 psi).
X60 vs. Grade B: Save up to 20% on total steel tonnage. Request a weight-optimized quote for your project today!
Technical Specification Comparison: API 5L Grade B vs. API 5L X60
| Technical Dimension | API 5L Grade B (L245) | API 5L X60 (L415) | Procurement & Design Impact |
| Standard Spec | API Spec 5L | API Spec 5L | Both follow API standards but serve different performance tiers. |
| Min. Yield Strength | 245 MPa (35,500 psi) | 415 MPa (60,200 psi) | X60 is ~70% stronger, allowing for much thinner wall designs. |
| Min. Tensile Strength | 415 MPa (60,200 psi) | 520 MPa (75,400 psi) | X60 offers significantly higher ultimate load-bearing capacity. |
| Elongation | Higher (Approx. 22%-30%) | Slightly Lower | As strength increases, ductility decreases slightly but remains within safety margins. |
| Carbon (C) Content Max | 0.22% (PSL2) | 0.24% (PSL2) | X60 uses micro-alloying (Nb, V, Ti) to balance strength and toughness. |
| Manganese (Mn) Max | 1.20% | 1.40% | Mn helps increase strength; X60 typically has higher Mn levels. |
| Carbon Equivalent (CEV) | Approx. 0.43 | Approx. 0.43 | Welding Insight: While CEV is similar, X60 requires stricter welding heat controls. |
| Impact Toughness | Optional (Mandatory for PSL2) | Mandatory (CVN at 0°C or lower) | Crucial for high-pressure gas lines to prevent brittle fracture. |
| Manufacturing Process | Seamless (SMLS) / Welded (ERW) | SMLS / Welded (LSAW, HFW, SSAW) | Large-diameter X60 is typically LSAW (Longitudinal Welded). |
| Recommended Usage | Low pressure, in-plant, utility lines, water/oil service. | High pressure, long-distance gas transmission, offshore. | X60 is the "industry standard" for modern high-pressure pipelines. |
Application Suitability: Where to Use Which?
| Feature | API 5L Grade B | API 5L X60 |
| Typical Use | Low-pressure oil/water lines, refinery piping, utility service. | High-pressure gas transmission, long-distance pipelines, offshore. |
| Pressure Rating | Low to Moderate. | High Pressure. |
| Environment | Generally non-corrosive or standard service. | Sour service (H2S) options available; high-stress environments. |
| Weldability | Extremely easy; low risk of cracking. | Good, but requires qualified procedures and pre-heating. |
API 5L Pipe Sizes Chart
| API SPECIFICATION 5L | ||
|---|---|---|
| Permissible Specified Outside Diameter and Specified Wall Thickness | ||
| Specified Outside Diameter D mm (in.) |
Specified Wall Thickness t mm (in.) |
|
| Special Light Sizes a | Regular Sizes | |
| ≥ 10.3 (0.405) to < 13.7 (0.540) | - | ≥ 1.7 (0.068) to ≤ 2.4 (0.094) |
| ≥ 13.7 (0.540) to < 17.1 (0.675) | - | ≥ 2.2 (0.088) to ≤ 3.0 (0.118) |
| ≥ 17.1 (0.675) to < 21.3 (0.840) | - | ≥ 2.3 (0.091) to ≤ 3.2 (0.125) |
| ≥ 21.3 (0.840) to < 26.7 (1.050) | - | ≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 7.5 (0.294) |
| ≥ 26.7 (1.050) to < 33.4 (1.315) | - | ≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 7.8 (0.308) |
| ≥ 33.4 (1.315) to < 48.3 (1.900) | - | ≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 10.0 (0.394) |
| ≥ 48.3 (1.900) to < 60.3 (2.375) | - | ≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 12.5 (0.492) |
| ≥ 60.3 (2.375) to < 73.0 (2.875) | ≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 3.6 (0.141) | > 3.6 (0.141) to ≤ 14.2 (0.559) |
| ≥ 73.0 (2.875) to < 88.9 (3.500) | ≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 3.6 (0.141) | > 3.6 (0.141) to ≤ 20.0 (0.787) |
| ≥ 88.9 (3.500) to < 101.6 (4.000) | ≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 4.0 (0.156) | > 4.0 (0.156) to ≤ 22.0 (0.866) |
| ≥ 101.6 (4.000) to < 168.3 (6.625) | ≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 4.0 (0.156) | > 4.0 (0.156) to ≤ 25.0 (0.984) |
| ≥ 168.3 (6.625) to < 219.1 (8.625) | ≥ 2.1 (0.083) to ≤ 4.0 (0.156) | > 4.0 (0.156) to ≤ 40.0 (1.575) |
| ≥ 219.1 (8.625) to < 273.1 (10.750) | ≥ 3.2 (0.125) to ≤ 4.0 (0.156) | > 4.0 (0.156) to ≤ 40.0 (1.575) |
| ≥ 273.1 (10.750) to < 323.9 (12.750) | ≥ 3.6 (0.141) to ≤ 5.2 (0.203) | > 5.2 (0.203) to ≤ 45.0 (1.771) |
| ≥ 323.9 (12.750) to < 355.6 (14.000) | ≥ 4.0 (0.156) to ≤ 5.6 (0.219) | > 5.6 (0.219) to ≤ 45.0 (1.771) |
| ≥ 355.6 (14.000) to < 457 (18.000) | ≥ 4.5 (0.177) to ≤ 7.1 (0.281) | > 7.1 (0.281) to ≤ 45.0 (1.771) |
| ≥ 457 (18.000) to < 559 (22.000) | ≥ 4.8 (0.188) to ≤ 7.1 (0.281) | > 7.1 (0.281) to ≤ 45.0 (1.771) |
| ≥ 559 (22.000) to < 711 (28.000) | ≥ 5.6 (0.219) to ≤ 7.1 (0.281) | > 7.1 (0.281) to ≤ 45.0 (1.771) |
| ≥ 711 (28.000) to < 864 (34.000) | ≥ 5.6 (0.219) to ≤ 7.1 (0.281) | > 7.1 (0.281) to ≤ 52.0 (2.050) |
| ≥ 864 (34.000) to < 965 (38.000) | - | ≥ 5.6 (0.219) to ≤ 52.0 (2.050) |
| ≥ 965 (38.000) to < 1422 (56.000) | - | ≥ 6.4 (0.250) to ≤ 52.0 (2.050) |
| ≥ 1422 (56.000) to < 1829 (72.000) | - | ≥ 9.5 (0.375) to ≤ 52.0 (2.050) |
| ≥ 1829 (72.000) to < 2134 (84.000) | - | ≥ 10.3 (0.406) to ≤ 52.0 (2.050) |
| NOTE Standardized values for specified outside diameter and specified wall thickness of pipe are given in ISO 4200 [7] and ASME B36.10M[8] | ||
|
a Pipe having the combination of specified outside diameter and specified wall thickness is defined as special light size pipe; other combinations given in this table are defined as regular size pipe. |
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PSL1 vs. PSL2
API 5L Gr.B is frequently sold as PSL1 for water or low-pressure oil lines.
API 5L X60 is almost exclusively required as PSL2 for gas transmission.
The Difference: PSL2 requires mandatory Charpy V-Notch impact testing and strict chemical traceability. Never procure PSL1 X60 for high-pressure gas projects, as it lacks the toughness required to prevent crack propagation.
GNEE API 5L High Yield Line Pipes factory
FAQ
What is API 5L grade X60 material?
API 5L X60 is a common high grade pipe material in API 5L specifciations for oil and gas transmissions. It's also called L415 pipe, which named by yield strength minimum in 415 Mpa (60,200 psi). It covers manufacturing types in seamless (hot rolled and colde rolled), and welded in ERW, LSAW, SSAW (HSAW).
What is the minimum temperature for API 5L Grade B?
Pressure (kPa) and temperature (°C) ratings of API 5L GR. B Carbon Steel Pipes - temperatures ranging -29 °C – 450 °C.
What is the allowable stress for API 5L GR B?
Tensile Strength: The minimum tensile strength for API 5L Grade B is 60,000 psi (414 MPa). This property indicates the maximum stress the material can withstand before fracturing.