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What Are The Specific Differences In Inspection Requirements Between PSL1 And PSL2?
API 5L defines two product specification levels for line pipe, PSL1 and stricter PSL2, with huge gaps in inspection rules that you must clarify before placing orders.
For non-destructive testing (NDT): PSL1 does not require full UT/RT inspection; NDT is only carried out upon your special request. In contrast, PSL2 enforces 100% full-length ultrasonic testing for all welds and pipe bodies, paired with supplementary surface flaw detection for every finished pipe, eliminating hidden weld defects.
Low-temperature Charpy impact rules differ sharply too. PSL1 only demands basic impact energy at 0℃ as an option, while PSL2 makes CVN tests mandatory at -20℃ with higher absorbed energy thresholds to resist brittle fracture in cold, offshore or high-risk environments.
Chemical and mechanical inspections are looser for PSL1 with wider element tolerance. PSL2 sets strict limits on sulfur, phosphorus and carbon equivalent, plus tighter yield/tensile value ranges to stabilize weld performance.
Traceability and certification standards also vary. PSL1 only provides batch test records, yet PSL2 requires full single-pipe traceability from steel coil melting to finished delivery, with official MTC reports meeting EN 10204 3.1 standard.
Hydrostatic testing is compulsory for both grades, but PSL2 extends pressure holding time for large-diameter SSAW pipes and forbids unrestricted weld repair on pipe bodies, which is permitted under PSL1 with simple agreement.
Cangzhou Spiral Welded Pipe Manufacturing Group’s CNAS lab fully covers all PSL2 strict inspection items. Its ILAC-recognized test reports satisfy overseas tender, offshore gas pipeline and cross-border high-pressure project acceptance standards.