Table of content
Introduction
Understanding the standard length of carbon steel pipes is a fundamental skill for personnel in the pipeline system industry. There are two standard lengths for steel pipes: 6 meters and 12 meters.
How to choose between these two options depends on the actual situation. It needs to include the design requirements of the project, transportation conditions, installation environment, etc.
Choosing the appropriate length can effectively reduce the number of cutting times in actual installation and avoid material waste.
Carbon Steel Pipe Standard Length
The standard lengths of carbon steel pipes are 6 meters (20 feet) and 12 meters (40 feet).
In some special cases, if requested by the customer, corresponding lengths can be produced according to the customer’s requirements, including but not limited to 5.8 meters, 11.8 meters, etc. The standard length is specified in ASME B36.10, ASMT A53/A106, and APL 5L.
What Is the Standard Length of Carbon Steel Pipe?
There are two standard lengths for carbon steel pipes, and in addition, specified lengths can be produced according to customer needs. The two common lengths are:
- Single random length (SRL): around 5-7 meters, with the most common being 6 meters.
- Double Random Length (DRL): between 11-13 meters, with the most common being 12 meters.
Why Length Standardization Matters
- Fixed dimensions can better accommodate transportation and storage during transportation.
- It can ensure that the steel pipes produced by different manufacturers are the same.
- It can effectively reduce the excess cutting generated during installation.
- Complies with international production standards.
Key Standards Defining Carbon Steel Pipe Length
The length specified by different production standards is basically the same, but there may be length tolerances allowed:
| Standard | Description | Typical Lengths |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A53 / A106 | Seamless and welded carbon steel pipes for pressure and mechanical uses | 6m, 12m |
| API 5L | Line pipes for petroleum and natural gas industries | 6m, 12m, or as specified |
| ASME B36.10M | Dimensions and schedules for carbon and alloy steel pipes | Defines NPS, OD, WT, and length range |
| ASTM A252 | Welded and seamless steel pipe piles | 6–12m typical |
| EN 10220 | European standard for seamless steel pipes | 5–13m |
The production standards mentioned above can all have manufacturing tolerances, usually within a tolerance range of ± 50 mm (2 inches).
Pipe Size, Diameter, and Schedule Overview
The nominal diameter (NPS), outer diameter (OD), inner diameter (ID), wall thickness (WT), wall thickness grade (SCH), and length of steel pipes. These factors together form a standard steel pipe. It also specifies its strength and ability to withstand pressure.
| NPS (inch) | OD (mm) | Schedule 40 (mm) | Schedule 80 (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1” | 33.4 | 3.38 | 4.55 |
| 2” | 60.3 | 3.91 | 5.54 |
| 4” | 114.3 | 6.02 | 8.56 |
| 6” | 168.3 | 7.11 | 10.97 |
| 8” | 219.1 | 8.18 | 12.7 |
Tip: In ASME B36.10 standard, the size of NPS corresponds to the STD standard wall thickness.
Manufacturing and Length Tolerances
Different production methods also have varying lengths.
Seamless steel pipe (ASTM A106, API 5L): Typically, it can be produced in lengths up to 12 meters. Because it is mostly made by cutting long steel billets or pipes.
Welded steel pipe (ASTM A53): It is made by rolling steel plates, and its length is more convenient to produce customized lengths in addition to the conventional length.
Standard Length Tolerances
- Single random length: 5-7 meters, conventional 6 meters.
- Double random length: 11-13 meters, regular 12 meters.
- Accurate length: produced according to customer requirements.
- Usually, the length is around ± 50 mm overall.
But for some projects with stricter requirements, the tolerance requirements are even more stringent.
Single vs Double Random Length Pipes
Single Random Length (SRL)
- Length range: 5-7 meters, usually 6 meters.
- Application scenarios: Some small pipeline systems or places with limited space.
- Advantage: Easy to transport during installation.
Double Random Length (DRL)
- Length range: 11-13 meters, usually 12 meters.
- Application scenario: Industrial pipeline systems in some outdoor open environments.
- Advantage: It can be quickly installed and completed, reducing the number of joints.
In some large pipeline systems, double section random length pipelines (DRL) are commonly used because they can reduce the number of welding cycles and make the entire system safer.
Applications Based on Pipe Length
The length selection varies for different applications, but the specific choice should be based on project design, transportation costs, and industry requirements.
- The oil pipeline industry: mostly consists of 12 meter double section random length pipelines (DRL), as the environment in the oil pipeline industry is more open and welding is reduced, making it safer.
- Construction projects: mostly consisting of 6-meter single section random length pipelines (SRL), as they are often in relatively enclosed environments.
- Water supply system: 12 meters or 6 meters are acceptable, as the length varies depending on the installation location.
- Industrial equipment: mostly short steel pipes, as this system requires different flow paths.
In international transportation, in order for us to handle 20 inch and 40 foot containers, the length is usually around 5.8 meters to 11.8 meters.
Cost and Transportation Considerations
The length of the steel pipe affects the cost, including installation and transportation costs.
- 12 meter steel pipe: The transportation cost is high, but the installation cost is low.
- 6 meters: The transportation cost is lower, but the installation cost is higher.
In addition, different thicknesses also affect weight, which needs to be included as part of the cost.
Summary
The above is an introduction to the length of carbon steel pipes. Regardless, the production of steel pipes must comply with ASME B36.10, ASTM A53/A106, and API 5L. Its regular length is only 2, 6 meters and 12 meters.
If considering international transportation, due to the size of the container, it is mostly 5.8 meters and 11.8 meters.
