The refining industry is one of the most complex and vital in the energy world. It is the bridge between the extraction of crude oil and the delivery of finished products that power our daily lives. However, with complexity comes the need for clear and rigorous standards that ensure safety, quality and efficiency at every step of the process. This is where API (American Petroleum Institute) Standards play a crucial role.

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What is API and API Standards?

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is an organization that has established a series of technical standards for the oil and natural gas industry. These standards cover everything from drilling and production to transportation and refining. Its objective is to ensure that processes are safe, efficient and environmentally friendly.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) traces its roots to the early days of the petroleum industry, specifically , an era marked by rapid technological advances and a growing demand for regulation and standardization. Their story and the reason behind the creation of their standards is a narrative of innovation, safety and commitment to excellence. However, with this growth came significant challenges. There was a lack of standardization in equipment and practices, leading to inefficiencies and, in some cases, accidents.

Leading companies in the industry recognized the need for a body that could address these issues and promote best practice in the industry. Thus, they came together to form the American Petroleum Institute. Its initial mission was to provide a forum to discuss and develop solutions to common problems, promoting cooperation and sharing best practices.

The reason for Standards

From its inception, one of API’s primary objectives was the creation and promulgation of technical standards. There were several reasons for this:

1. Safety: The extraction, transportation and refining of oil and gas are inherently dangerous activities. The standards were essential to ensure that operations were carried out safely, minimizing risks to workers and the environment.
2. Efficiency: The lack of standardization led to inefficiencies in production and refining. By establishing standards, API sought to ensure that equipment and processes were consistent and efficient across the industry.
3. Quality: For petroleum products to be useful (and safe) for consumers, they must meet certain specifications. API standards ensure that products such as gasoline, diesel, and lubricant meet consistent levels of quality.
4. Competitiveness: In a global market, oil companies needed to compete effectively. Standards allow companies to operate on a level playing field and ensure they meet international expectations.

5. Innovación: A medida que la tecnología avanzaba, era esencial que la industria adoptara las mejores prácticas y tecnologías disponibles. Los estándares de API ayudan a guiar la innovación de manera que beneficie a toda la industria.

Visión general de las Normas API en la industria del petróleo y gas

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has published more than 700 standards and recommendations covering all aspects of the oil and gas industry. These standards address a wide variety of topics, from equipment and machinery to operating practices and safety. Listing and describing each of them would be an extensive task. However, we can provide you with an overview of some of the most prominent categories and some specific rules within those categories:

1. Production and Drilling Equipment:
2. API Spec 5CT: Specifications for casing and production tubes.
3. API Spec 7K: Well drilling and workover equipment.
4. Refining Operations:
5. API Std 520: Sizing, selection and installation of pressure relief devices in refineries.
6. API Std 653: Inspection, repair, alteration and reconstruction of atmospheric storage tanks.
7. Hydrocarbon Transportation:
8. API RP : Recommendations for the operation, maintenance and inspection of hydrocarbon transmission pipelines.
9. API Spec 6D: Specifications for gate, plug, and control valves for pipeline applications.
10. Safety and Environmental Protection:
11. API RP 75: Development of a safety and environmental protection program for offshore operations.
12. API RP 98: Personal protection in drilling and production facilities.
13. Integrity and Inspection:
14. API RP 580: Risk-based integrity management.
15. API RP 581: Risk-Based Integrity and Risk Assessment Methodology.
16. Measurement and Quality:
17. API MPMS Chapter 11.1: Temperature and volume pressure for crude oil.
18. API MPMS Chapter 12.1: Calculation of quantities of petroleum liquids.

These are just some of API’s standards and recommendations. Each of these standards is developed in collaboration with industry experts and is reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant and effective as technology and industry practices evolve.

For the complete list or more specific details about all API standards or a particular standard, we recommend visiting the official API website or consulting their publications directly on their web portal.

Successes obtained with the implementation of API standards over time

The implementation of American Petroleum Institute (API) standards has led to numerous success stories in the oil and gas industry, as well as related industries. These standards, by establishing clear practices and specifications, have allowed companies to improve the safety, efficiency and quality of their operations. Below are some examples of success stories related to the implementation of API standards:

• Mejora de la seguridad en plataformas offshore: Tras la adopción de API RP 75, muchas empresas de exploración y producción offshore han desarrollado e implementado programas de seguridad y protección ambiental más robustos. Esto ha llevado a una reducción significativa de incidentes y derrames en plataformas marinas, protegiendo tanto a los trabajadores como al medio ambiente

• Optimización de la infraestructura de ductos: La implementación de API Spec 5L y API RP ha permitido a las empresas de transporte de petróleo y gas diseñar, construir y mantener ductos más seguros y eficientes. Como resultado, se han reducido las fugas y rupturas, lo que ha llevado a una operación más confiable y a menores impactos ambientales.

• Integridad de tanques de almacenamiento: Empresas que han adoptado API Std 653 para la inspección y mantenimiento de sus tanques de almacenamiento han logrado extender significativamente la vida útil de estos activos. Además, han reducido los riesgos de derrames y contaminación del suelo.

• Calidad y consistencia en refinerías: Refinerías que han implementado normas como API Std 520 y API Std 510 han mejorado la calidad y consistencia de sus productos. Esto no solo ha llevado a una mayor satisfacción del cliente, sino también a una operación más eficiente y rentable.

• Desarrollo de tecnologías de perforación: Las empresas de servicios de perforación que siguen API Spec 7K para equipos de perforación y reparación de pozos han desarrollado tecnologías más avanzadas y seguras. Esto ha permitido a las empresas de exploración acceder a reservas previamente inalcanzables de manera segura y eficiente.

• Adopción global y reconocimiento: En países y regiones fuera de los Estados Unidos, las normas API son ampliamente reconocidas y adoptadas. Por ejemplo, en el Medio Oriente y partes de Asia, las normas API son vistas como el estándar de oro, y su implementación ha llevado a operaciones más seguras y eficientes en estas regiones.

These success stories are just a sample of the positive impact that API standards have had on the global oil and gas industry. By providing a clear and rigorous framework, API has helped companies operate more safely, efficiently and sustainably.

Conclusions

In a world where energy is the engine that drives daily life and sustains modern infrastructure, the refining industry stands as a fundamental pillar. However, like any pillar, it requires a solid and structured foundation to remain firm and efficient. The API Standards represent that foundation.

Desde sus inicios en , el American Petroleum Institute ha sido la brújula que guía a la industria hacia la excelencia, la seguridad y la innovación. A través de sus más de 700 normas, API no solo ha establecido el camino a seguir, sino que ha elevado el estándar de lo que significa operar de manera óptima en el sector energético.

The successes obtained thanks to the implementation of these standards are testimony to their importance: from the protection of workers on offshore platforms to the quality assurance of the products we consume daily.

In a global landscape, where competition is fierce and challenges are constant, adhering to API Standards is not just a choice, but an imperative necessity. It is a commitment to excellence, a vote of confidence in safety and a promise of sustainability. In short, the API Standards not only define the refining industry; They elevate it, transform it and prepare it for a brighter and more efficient future.

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Reference

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API Specification 5CT, 10th Edition

We are pleased to announce the publications of the 10th edition of Specification 5CT, Casing and Tubing, and the 7th edition of Technical Report 5C3, Calculating Performance Properties of Pipe Used as Casing or Tubing. These new editions provide technical updates that have reached consensus within API’s Subcommittee on Tubular Goods and will now give industry consistent practices in the respective areas of the standards. As part of API’s standards develop program, these updates are reflective of API’s standards program mission to provide a forum for development of consensus-based industry standards, and technical cooperation to improve the industry’s safety performance and competitiveness.

The key changes to highlight for Spec 5CT are:

• Scope to reference RP 5C6 for new requirements for large diameter PSL 2 casing not specifically covered by Spec 5CT (e.g. conductor casing)
• New content on converting USC unit to SI units to be used in stress intensity factor toughness and updates to SSC requirements
• Updated pipe range length requirements for carload shipping
• Update requirements for grade N80 Type 1
• Update requirements for pipe with special end-finish threads
• Updates to how material grades are grouped throughout document
• Eliminate Supplementary Requirement 15 (test certificates) and add new requirements for mill test reports/certifications in its place
• Expand triangle stamp marking requirements
• Add polymer quenching for grade L80
• Update hardness requirement for grades L80, C90, T95 and C110 as result of NACE MR
• Delete clause on reducing couplings
• Update requirements for L80 13Cr inside surface preparation
• Expand requirements for NDE personnel certification
• Elimination of grade M65 entirely from the specification
• Updates and clarifications for NACE testing methods as result of updates to NACE’s requirements
• Increase casing coupling OD wall thicknesses for 4-1/2, 5 and 5-1/2 inch, and update spec respectively throughout as result, e.g. recalculate weight gain/loss of material
• The key changes to highlight for TR 5C3 are:
• Increase casing coupling OD wall thicknesses for 4-1/2, 5 and 5-1/2 inch, and update TR respectively throughout as result
• Updates to using nominal linear mass in calculations and remove equation for calculating theoretical mass
• Corrective updates to mass steel density and related equations and calculations

Effective Date and Program Implications

The Monogram Program effective date will be July 1, .

Current licensees shall ensure that products manufactured on and after July 1st, meet the requirements of API 5CT 10th edition in order to be monogrammed.

Also, effective July 1st, , API 5CT audits will be conducted to the 10th edition of the document.

To Purchase

Specification 5CT and Technical Report 5C3 are available on API’s new Compass Platform. A Compass subscription gives you organization-wide, 24/7 access to all of the API standards and specifications you need to ensure, safety, compliance and interoperability. With a subscription on Compass, you are ensured consistent and up-to-date access to the latest API standards.  For additional information please visit API's Standard Subscription Service.

• The subscription updates itself, so your subscription automatically reflects the latest edition
• 24/7 desktop access to critical information for all users at the licensed location
• Version comparison  to quickly identify critical changes
• The ability to collaborate internally within the standard

Purchase the standard at the API webstore.

Additional Information and Questions

A companion video, highlighting key changes and the implications for Monogram licensees, will be available for viewing in August. Registration details will be available mid-May. To receive direct notification of when registration is open, please   with the subject “5CT”.

API receives numerous inquiries related to its standards, specifications, recommended practices, technical reports and codes (i.e. documents). While we can provide answers to many of these questions, there are certain categories of queries to which API cannot provide assistance. We use the terms “General and Technical Questions,” and “Requests for Interpretation” to describe the typical categories of questions we receive. The information below will help you understand what type of questions we can answer and how to go about submitting your question to us for consideration.

Please carefully read the guidelines for submission on the web page’s tabs prior to submitting your request for interpretation. If you are ready to submit your interpretation request, please visit the RFI website.

For more information, please visit api spec 5ct.