Overview and Application of Grade B (L245) Pipeline Steel

Concept of Grade B (L245) Pipeline Steel

Grade B (L245) is a common pipeline steel, which belongs to the low-strength carbon-manganese steel under the American Petroleum Institute (API) standard and is widely used in the manufacture of pipelines for fluid transportation such as oil and natural gas. The "L245" in its name indicates that the minimum yield strength is 245 MPa.

Features of Grade B (L245) Pipeline Steel

Good weldability: Low carbon content makes it easy to weld and suitable for on-site construction.

Moderate strength: Yield strength of 245 MPa, tensile strength of 415-655 MPa, taking into account safety and economy.

Excellent toughness: It can still maintain good impact resistance in low temperature environment.

Corrosion resistance: The service life can be further improved by coating or cathodic protection.

Grade B (L245) pipeline steel chemical composition

Typical composition (%):

Carbon (C): ≤0.22

Manganese (Mn): ≤1.20

Silicon (Si): ≤0.45

Sulfur (S), phosphorus (P): ≤0.030

In addition, trace amounts of niobium (Nb), vanadium (V) and other elements may be contained to refine the grains.

Grade B (L245) pipeline steel delivery status

Usually delivered in hot rolled or normalized state to ensure uniform mechanical properties. Some demanding scenarios may use controlled rolling and controlled cooling process (TMCP).

Grade B (L245) pipeline steel application

Mainly used for low-pressure oil and gas pipelines, urban pipeline networks, structural supports, etc. It has a high cost-effectiveness and is the mainstream material for medium and low pressure pipelines, especially in long-distance pipeline construction.