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API 5L X52 (L360) vs. API 5L X46 (L320) : Features vs. application scope
API 5L X52 (L360) and API 5L X46 (L320) are two carbon steel grades under the API 5L standard that are widely used in oil and gas pipelines.
Characteristic comparison
API 5L X46 (L320) has a minimum yield strength of 320 MPa and a tensile strength range of 435-655 MPa, with good toughness and crack resistance. Its weldability is excellent, suitable for a variety of welding processes, and has a certain corrosion resistance. The strength of X46 is moderate, suitable for pipeline systems with moderate pressure and stress, good processing performance and relatively low cost.The API 5L X52 (L360) has a higher minimum yield strength of 360 MPa and a tensile strength of 460-760 MPa, providing greater load carrying capacity than the X46. It also has excellent toughness and weldability, but performs better in high-stress environments. Due to the higher strength, its wall thickness design can be appropriately thinned, thereby reducing pipe weight and optimizing material efficiency. The chemical composition of X52 may contain more trace elements (such as niobium or vanadium) to further improve performance.
The main difference between the two is strength: the X52 has a yield strength about 40 MPa higher than the X46, making it better suited to withstand higher pressures or more demanding conditions. However, the X46 offers advantages in terms of cost effectiveness and ease of processing, especially in less demanding scenarios.
Comparison of application range
API 5L X46 (L320) is commonly used in medium and high pressure oil and gas transmission pipelines, such as onshore small and medium-sized pipelines, natural gas feeder lines and auxiliary pipelines for offshore platforms. It is suitable for projects with relatively moderate pressure and environmental requirements, such as regional energy networks or process pipelines in petrochemical plants, and is widely used in projects with economic priority.The API 5L X52 (L360) is more suitable for high pressure or long distance transport scenarios, such as large oil main lines, high-pressure gas pipelines and delivery systems for deepwater oil and gas platforms. Its high strength makes it excellent in projects requiring greater carrying capacity or thinner wall thickness, such as transnational pipeline projects or energy infrastructure in extreme environments.