LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded) steel pipes are manufactured for medium to large diameters where high strength, dimensional accuracy, and heavy wall thickness are required.
LSAW steel pipes are commonly manufactured with outside diameters from 406 mm (16 in) to 1626 mm (64 in), wall thicknesses from 6 mm to 75 mm, and standard lengths up to 12.5 m. Available sizes vary by forming process, mill capability, and the applicable manufacturing standard.
| Specification | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Outside Diameter (OD) | 406–1626 mm (16–64 in) |
| Wall Thickness (WT) | 6–75 mm |
| Standard Length | 6–12.5 m |
| Forming Process | UOE / JCOE |
| Typical Applications | Oil & Gas Pipelines, Water Transmission, Structural Piling, Offshore Projects |
The following chart lists the most common LSAW pipe sizes and dimensions, including Nominal Pipe Size (NPS), outside diameter (OD), common wall thicknesses, and standard production lengths.|
Note: The dimensions below represent common manufacturing ranges. Available wall thickness and length may vary depending on the production process (UOE or JCOE), steel grade, and project specifications.
| NPS | DN | Outside Diameter (mm) | Common Wall Thickness (mm) | Standard Length (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" | DN400 | 406.4 | 6.0–32.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 18" | DN450 | 457.2 | 6.0–35.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 20" | DN500 | 508.0 | 6.0–40.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 22" | DN550 | 558.8 | 6.0–40.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 24" | DN600 | 609.6 | 6.35–50.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 26" | DN650 | 660.4 | 7.11–50.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 28" | DN700 | 711.2 | 7.92–50.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 30" | DN750 | 762.0 | 7.92–60.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 32" | DN800 | 812.8 | 7.92–60.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 34" | DN850 | 863.6 | 8.0–60.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 36" | DN900 | 914.4 | 9.53–65.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 40" | DN1000 | 1016.0 | 9.53–70.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 42" | DN1050 | 1066.8 | 9.53–70.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 44" | DN1100 | 1117.6 | 10.0–75.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 48" | DN1200 | 1219.2 | 10.0–75.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 52" | DN1300 | 1320.8 | 12.0–80.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 56" | DN1400 | 1422.4 | 12.0–80.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 60" | DN1500 | 1524.0 | 12.7–80.0 | 6 / 12 |
| 64" | DN1600 | 1625.6 | 14.0–100.0 | 6–18 |
The sizes listed above represent common manufacturing ranges rather than fixed stock dimensions. Actual availability varies by mill capability, steel grade, and applicable standards.
LSAW pipe dimensions are typically specified by Nominal Pipe Size (NPS), Nominal Diameter (DN), Outside Diameter (OD), and Wall Thickness (WT).
Understanding these dimensions makes it easier to select the correct pipe for a project and interpret manufacturing specifications.
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| NPS | Nominal Pipe Size, the standard inch-based pipe designation used in ASME, ASTM, and API standards. |
| DN | Nominal Diameter, the metric equivalent of NPS used in ISO and EN standards. DN is an approximate designation rather than the actual pipe diameter. |
| OD | Outside Diameter, the actual outside diameter of the pipe. For a given NPS, the OD is fixed according to the applicable standard. |
| WT | Wall Thickness, the thickness of the pipe wall. Different wall thicknesses determine the pipe's pressure capacity and weight while the outside diameter remains unchanged. |
Selecting the appropriate LSAW pipe wall thickness requires balancing steel grade, pressure requirements, and manufacturing capability. In general, higher API 5L grades are supplied with optimized wall thicknesses, while heavier walls are more common in lower grades.
The table below shows the typical wall thickness ranges commonly used for different API 5L steel grades.
| API 5L Grade | Minimum Yield Strength | Common Wall Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Grade B | 245 MPa | 6–50 mm |
| X42 | 290 MPa | 6–50 mm |
| X52 | 360 MPa | 8–40 mm |
| X60 | 415 MPa | 9.5–35 mm |
| X65 | 450 MPa | 10–32 mm |
| X70 | 485 MPa | 12–28 mm |
| X80 | 555 MPa | 12.7–25.4 mm |
| X100 | 690 MPa | Project specific |
Engineering Tip:
In many pipeline projects, higher-strength grades such as X65 or X70 are chosen to achieve the required pressure rating while reducing wall thickness, pipe weight, and transportation costs.
Although LSAW steel pipes are available in a wide range of diameters and wall thicknesses, not every size combination is commercially produced. Availability depends on manufacturing capability, applicable standards, and project demand.
LSAW pipes are manufactured from steel plates rather than coils, so the available wall thickness is largely determined by plate availability and mill production capability. In addition, standards such as API 5L or ASTM specifications define acceptable dimensional ranges for different applications. As a result, only the most commonly used wall thicknesses are regularly stocked, while special dimensions are typically produced on request.
The available size range varies from one manufacturer to another because production equipment and mill capability are different. Forming methods such as UOE and JCOE also influence the maximum diameter and wall thickness that can be manufactured. For this reason, the published size range should always be verified with the supplier before placing an order.
Most LSAW steel pipes are supplied in standard lengths of 9–12 m because these lengths provide a practical balance between manufacturing efficiency, transportation, and on-site handling. Longer or shorter lengths can also be produced when required by specific project specifications.
While standard sizes meet the requirements of most pipeline projects, some applications require custom dimensions. Huaxi Steel manufactures custom LSAW steel pipes with non-standard outside diameters, wall thicknesses, lengths, steel grades, end preparations, and coatings to meet project-specific requirements.
Q1. What sizes are available for LSAW steel pipes?
LSAW steel pipes are commonly available from 16 in to 64 in (406–1626 mm). Available wall thickness and length depend on the forming process and mill capability.
Q2. What is the largest available LSAW pipe diameter?
Most manufacturers produce LSAW pipes up to 64 in (1626 mm). Larger diameters may be available for specific projects.
Q3. What wall thicknesses are available for LSAW steel pipes?
Standard wall thickness typically ranges from 6 mm to 75 mm, depending on the pipe size, steel grade, and manufacturing capability.
Q4. Can LSAW pipes be manufactured in custom sizes?
Yes. Custom outside diameters, wall thicknesses, lengths, steel grades, and end preparations can be manufactured for project-specific requirements.
Q5. Are LSAW pipe dimensions standardized?
Yes. The outside diameter of LSAW pipes follows recognized standards such as ASME B36.10M and API 5L. Wall thickness and length may vary according to the applicable specification and manufacturer.