Project Description
13Cr Steel OCTG Pipe — API 5CT L80 Type 13Cr Casing & Tubing
Hunan ShunFu Metal Material Co., Ltd. proudly supplies premium 13Cr Steel OCTG Pipe, a highly efficient martensitic stainless steel engineered to combat severe corrosion in oil and gas extraction environments. Containing 11.5% to 14.0% Chromium, L80 Type 13Cr represents the most cost-effective Corrosion-Resistant Alloy (CRA) available for downhole applications. It provides exceptional resistance to sweet corrosion (CO2) and is suitable for mildly sour (H2S) conditions up to 300°F, eliminating the need for costly inhibitor treatments.
Compared to duplex stainless steels or high-nickel alloys, 13Cr delivers outstanding performance at a fraction of the cost — making it particularly attractive for offshore production operations where working space is constrained and workover costs are exceptionally high. As a qualified, top-tier supplier to the world’s top 10 oilfield service companies, SHUNFU METAL ensures every 13Cr tubular meets the most stringent industry requirements. Our deep expertise in metallurgy and precision manufacturing guarantees a reliable, long-lasting solution for your critical well completions.
Equivalent Grades & Designations
13Cr steel is recognized under multiple international designation systems. The table below lists all common equivalent grades for cross-reference during engineering specification and procurement.
| Standard / System | Grade / Designation |
|---|---|
| API 5CT | L80 Type 13Cr |
| UNS | S42000 |
| AISI / SAE | 420 Modified |
| Common Industry Names | 13Cr | 13% Cr | L80-13Cr |
Typical Applications
13Cr martensitic stainless steel is widely utilized across global Oil & Gas and Drilling industries, with major deployments in North America, the North Sea, and the Middle East. Its superior corrosion performance makes it the material of choice across the following critical application domains:
Oil & Gas Extraction
Seamless casing and tubing for deep wells containing high partial pressures of CO2.
Downhole Equipment
Production packers, subsurface safety valves, and completion accessories in corrosive fluid environments.
Drilling Engineering
Coupling stock, pup joints, and specialized downhole tubulars requiring precise dimensional tolerances.
Offshore Operations
Subsea tie-backs and offshore platform production tubing where maintenance interventions are costly.
Sour Service (Mildly)
Wells requiring NACE MR0175 compliance for mildly sour service: H2S ≤ 1.5 psi, pH ≥ 3.5.
Specifications & Standards
SHUNFU METAL manufactures and supplies 13Cr steel products in strict accordance with the following internationally recognized standards, covering seamless tubes, casing, tubing, and coupling stock:
API Standards
- API 5CT — PSL-1, PSL-2, and PSL-3; casing, tubing, and coupling stock
- API 5CRA — CRA seamless tubes for use as casing, tubing, and coupling stock
- API 5B — Threading, gauging, and thread inspection for casing and tubing
ISO, GOST & Industry Guidelines
- ISO 11960 — Steel pipes for use as casing or tubing for wells
- ISO 13680 — CRA seamless tubes for use as casing and tubing
- GOST 632-80 — Casing and tubing for CIS / Russian market projects
- NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 — Materials qualification for sour service
Available Sizes & Delivery Options
SHUNFU METAL offers a comprehensive range of sizes and flexible delivery options to meet the dynamic demands of global drilling projects. Our facilities are equipped with API-compliant, regularly calibrated heat treatment furnaces, BTA boring machines, CNC lathes, and long-distance gunhole drilling equipment.
- Tubular Sizes
- Standard API casing and tubing outer diameters; full range per API 5CT dimensional tables.
- Available Lengths
- API Range 1, Range 2, and Range 3 as standard production lengths.
- Solid Bars / Coupling Stock
- Hot-rolled round bars and forged round bars for machining downhole components.
- Ready Stock — MOQ: 1 Piece
- Common 13Cr tubular and coupling stock sizes held in inventory. Delivery in approximately 7 days.
- Custom Forgings / Rolled Materials
- Non-standard dimensions available. MOQ typically 3 tons; lead time approximately 30 days.
- Small Batch Smelting
- Special heat requirements via small induction furnaces, starting from 3 – 5 tons.
- Large Volume Orders
- Supported by 30 – 60 ton Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) for rapid fulfillment in major field developments.
Chemical Composition
Chemical composition is strictly controlled throughout all melting and refining steps to ensure optimal hardenability, corrosion resistance, and mechanical integrity in accordance with API 5CT requirements.
| Grade | C | Si | Mn | Cr | Ni | Cu | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| API 5CT L80 13Cr | 0.15 – 0.22 | max 1.00 | 0.25 – 1.00 | 12.00 – 14.00 | max 0.50 | max 0.25 | max 0.020 | max 0.010 |
Melting & Processing Routes
To achieve the superior purity required for corrosion-resistant alloys, SHUNFU METAL employs highly controlled melting processes. Because 13Cr is a martensitic stainless steel, precise control of carbon and chromium levels is paramount. The following production routes are matched to your specific well conditions and budget:
-
EAF + AOD + LF + VD — Standard Route
Electric Arc Furnace followed by Argon Oxygen Decarburization, Ladle Furnace refining, and Vacuum Degassing. Ideal for most API 5CT production requirements. Optimal cost-performance balance.
-
EAF + AOD + LF + VD + ESR / PESR — High-Cleanliness Route
Electro-Slag Remelting (ESR) or Pressurized ESR provides enhanced micro-cleanliness, structural uniformity, and tighter inclusion control for demanding downhole components.
-
VIM + VAR — Premium Route
Vacuum Induction Melting combined with Vacuum Arc Remelting delivers the highest level of alloy cleanliness and compositional homogeneity. Recommended for critical offshore and ultra-deep well completions.
We encourage clients to consult with our metallurgy engineers to select the most cost-effective melting route for their specific well conditions.
Mechanical Properties
The following mechanical properties apply to API 5CT L80 Type 13Cr in the Quenched and Tempered condition, measured at room temperature per API 5CT testing protocols.
| State | Yield Strength (ksi) | Tensile Strength (ksi) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HRC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quenched & Tempered | 80 – 95 | min 95 | Function of specimen size | max 23 |
Heat Treatment
Proper heat treatment is critical for 13Cr to achieve the fully tempered martensitic microstructure required for both corrosion resistance and NACE MR0175 compliance. All SHUNFU METAL heat treatment furnaces are API Q1 calibrated and equipped with continuous temperature data-logging throughout the full thermal cycle.
| Process | Temperature Range | Cooling Method | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austenitizing (Quenching) | 950°C – 1050°C | Air or Oil Quench | To form a uniform, fully martensitic microstructure throughout the entire wall thickness. |
| Tempering | 600°C – 750°C | Air Cool | To relieve internal stresses, achieve 80–95 ksi yield strength, and restrict hardness to max 23 HRC for NACE compliance. |
Surface Finish & Precision Machining
SHUNFU METAL provides comprehensive in-house precision machining and surface finishing, fully tailored to OCTG and downhole tool requirements.
Threading — Standard API & Premium Connections
For tubulars, our CNC threading centers support all standard API connections: STC, LTC, BTC for casing and NUE, EUE, IJ for tubing. We are equally capable of machining proprietary premium and gas-tight connections to your specific engineering drawings and specifications.
Machining for Coupling Stock & Solid Components
Our in-house capabilities include Turning, Milling, Grinding, and BTA Boring. Dimensional tolerances are held to tight specifications, with surface roughness of Ra 1.6 to 3.2 µm depending on process. Roller Burnishing and Shot Peening are available to enhance fatigue life and wear resistance on specific components.
Coating & Surface Protection Options
- Bare — No coating; suitable for immediate downstream processing or client-applied coating
- External Mill Varnish — Clear or black mill varnish for transit corrosion protection
- Internal Plastic Coating — Applied per project specifications for extended in-service performance
Quality Assurance & Inspection
Quality is the cornerstone of SHUNFU METAL. Operating under API Q1 and ISO 9001 certified quality management systems, we implement rigorous controls at every stage of production, from raw material receipt to final dispatch.
Pre-Production & In-Process
- Chemical analysis via optical emission spectrometry (OES)
- Continuous temperature monitoring and data logging during all heat treatment cycles
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
- 100% Ultrasonic Testing (UT) for internal flaws and laminations
- Electromagnetic Inspection (EMI) for surface and near-surface defect detection
Mechanical & Metallurgical Testing
- Full tensile testing per API 5CT
- Charpy impact testing and hardness mapping (≤ 23 HRC per NACE MR0175)
- Metallographic examination confirming fully tempered martensitic structure
Certification & Third-Party Witnessing
- EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate supplied with every shipment
- EN 10204 3.2 witnessed by SGS, TÜV, or DNV available upon request
Packing & Shipping
Preserving the integrity of CRA tubulars and machined threads throughout global maritime transit is non-negotiable. Our export packaging procedures are engineered to ensure all materials arrive in perfect condition regardless of shipping duration or yard storage conditions.
Steel Wire Bundling
Bare and coated pipes secured with heavy-duty steel wire to prevent shifting and mechanical damage inside shipping containers.
Thread Protection
Heavy-duty plastic or metal pin and box thread protectors applied to all threaded tubulars and precision-machined components.
Anti-Rust Treatment
All machined surfaces generously coated with premium anti-rust oil, guaranteeing complete protection during extended maritime shipping and yard storage.
Custom Export Crating
Wooden crating for delicate completion accessories always available. Packaging fully customizable to project requirements and destination port regulations.
Sour Service Limits & NACE MR0175 Compliance
Understanding the operational envelope of 13Cr is critical for safe well design. The industry-accepted sour service limits are defined by the following normative reference:
13Cr martensitic stainless steel is conditionally approved for sour service environments where the H2S partial pressure does not exceed 1.5 psi and the in-situ pH remains at or above 3.5. Use outside these limits requires qualification testing and engineering review.
Where well conditions exceed these boundaries, SHUNFU METAL recommends upgrading to Super 13Cr, 22Cr Duplex, or high-nickel CRA alloys. Our engineering team is available to assist with material selection and corrosion assessment for your specific H2S partial pressure, temperature, and chloride concentration profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common technical and commercial questions from procurement and drilling engineers regarding 13Cr OCTG pipe.
-
Can you supply 13Cr OCTG pipe strictly to API 5CT specifications?
Yes. SHUNFU METAL manufactures and supplies L80 13Cr casing and tubing in full compliance with the latest edition of API 5CT, covering Product Specification Levels PSL-1, PSL-2, and PSL-3. All relevant dimensional, chemical, and mechanical requirements are fulfilled, and every shipment is accompanied by an EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate. Third-party EN 10204 3.2 certification by SGS, TÜV, or DNV can be arranged upon request. -
Is 13Cr steel suitable for sour (H2S) well environments?
13Cr is primarily designed for sweet (CO2) corrosion resistance. It can however be used in mildly sour environments within strictly defined limits. Per NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156, use is generally restricted to environments with a maximum H2S partial pressure of 1.5 psi and a pH of 3.5 or higher. Wells exceeding these limits require consideration of Super 13Cr, 22Cr Duplex stainless steel, or high-nickel CRA grades. Please consult our engineering team for a formal material selection review. -
What types of thread connections can you provide?
We offer a complete range of standard API threads including STC, LTC, BTC for casing and NUE, EUE, IJ for tubing. In addition, our CNC machining centers are fully capable of cutting virtually any proprietary premium and gas-tight connections as required by your project specifications. Please provide your connection drawing or specification for a detailed machining feasibility review. -
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for 13Cr products?
For standard sizes of tubulars and coupling stock held in our inventory, the MOQ is just 1 piece, with delivery in approximately 7 days. For custom dimensions or specific forging requirements, the MOQ is typically 3 tons, with a lead time of around 30 days. Contact our sales team with your exact outer diameter, wall thickness, grade, and connection requirements for a precise quotation.
Request a Technical Consultation or Quotation
Our metallurgy and applications engineering team is ready to assist you in selecting the correct 13Cr specification, melting route, and connection type for your specific well conditions. Get in touch today.