High Strength Low Alloy Steel for Sour Service

The increase use of natural gas as an energy source has been continuous demand for ever-increasing strength in gas transmission pipeline materials in order to achieve safe and economic transportation of natural gas. In particular, linepipe material for sour gas service primarily needs to have crack resistant property. However, applications of sour linepipes are expanding toward deep water or cold region, which require higher toughness and/or heavier wall thickness as well as higher strength. To improve the crack resistance of linepipe steel in sour environment, low alloy steel are produced by controlled rolling subsequently followed by the accelerated cooling process. This paper summarizes the design concepts for controlling crack resistant property low alloy linepipe steels for sour gas service.