A review on the advance of low-temperature toughness in pipeline steels

The escalating global demand for energy resources, particularly oil and natural gas, underlines the critical need for enhancing the performance of pipeline infrastructure. This necessity is particularly pronounced in extreme environments such as remote permafrost zones and polar regions, where pipeline steels are exposed to exceptionally low temperatures. In this review, the effects of alloying elements and thermomechanical processing on the low-temperature toughness of pipeline steels are comprehensively examined. It particularly focuses on the influence of alloy elements niobium (Nb), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), boron (B), and vanadium (V), and process factors like cooling rate, finish cooling temperature, and rolling reduction. The discussion also emphasizes the significance and prospects of augmenting the low-temperature toughness of pipeline steels, as a measure to manufacture high-grade pipeline steels. These insights are valuable for engineers, researchers, and policymakers engaged in the field of pipeline construction and energy development.