What pump standards do we need to comply with in the oil, gas or petro-chemical industries?
The American Petroleum Institute (API) Pump Standards are widely used throughout the world, as they are specifically designed for the specialised applications required in the oil industry. They follow stringent criteria and are most commonly followed in South Africa.
Let’s take a look at the pump standards which are most relevant to the oil and gas industry in South Africa.
Then we’ll dig deeper into the main API standards we use.
Key standards used in the oil industry in SA:
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
ISO standards offer a comprehensive set of guidelines for pumps, covering topics such as performance, testing, and safety.
Relevant ISO Standard:
ISO 5199 specifies the methods of testing for centrifugal pumps, including single- or multi-stage pumps, horizontal or vertical construction.
ISO 5199 Class II Pumps meet technical criteria, related to:
- Reliability of the pump
- The operating life
- Operating conditions
ISO 5199:2002 — Class II technical specifications for centrifugal pumps are available on the ISO website here.
Our “ISO 5199 Pumps” are known for their high technical compliance to specifications.
For centrifugal pump prices, please contact us here.
IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
IEC standards focus on electrical equipment, including pumps and their associated motors and controls.
IEC Standards for Pumps:
- IEC 60362: This standard specifies the methods of testing for centrifugal pumps.
- IEC 60363: This standard specifies the methods of testing for positive displacement pumps.
- IEC 60364: This standard specifies the methods of measurement of hydraulic performance of centrifugal pumps.
- IEC 60365: This standard specifies the methods of measurement of mechanical vibration of rotating machinery.
These are just a few examples of IEC standards that are relevant to industrial pumps used in the oil and petrochemical industries.
It’s important to consult with industry experts or regulatory bodies to determine the specific standards that are applicable to your particular project or operation.
API (American Petroleum Institute)
API standards are recognized and used in the oil and gas industry worldwide. They provide guidelines for various aspects of pump design, selection, installation, operation, and maintenance.
Specific Standards for Pumps in the Oil Industry:
API 610: This is a fundamental standard for centrifugal pumps. It covers design, construction, and testing requirements.
API 674: is the standard that relates to reciprocating positive displacement pumps, for high pressure applications
API 675: This standard addresses positive displacement pumps, such as reciprocating and screw pumps, used in the oil and gas industry.
API 676: This standard covers rotary positive displacement pumps.
API 685: The seal-less pump equivalent to API 610, these pumps eliminate the need for seals, thus reducing leaking of corrosive and potentially dangerous fluids.
It’s important to note that the specific standards used in a particular project may vary depending on factors such as the type of pump, application, and regulatory requirements.
Additional considerations:
Local regulations:
In addition to international standards, the oil industry in South Africa must also comply with local regulations, such as those related to environmental protection and worker safety.
Project-specific requirements:
The specific standards used in a project may be influenced by the project’s unique needs and constraints.
In Summary:
Ensuring compliance with Pump Standards is necessary for:
- ensuring the safety of personnel
- protecting the environment
- maintaining the reliability of equipment
Peter John Joynt, COO of Ebara Pumps South Africa, and a skilled engineer with 15+ years’ experience with pumps, says:
“Compliance with API specifications for a pump to be used in the oil / petrochemical industry is most important. Pumps need to be 100% compliant, with no changes made on the fly.”
Next Steps:
Access the relevant API standards
API Online Store: Purchase or view API standards through their online store: https://www.api.org/products-and-services/standards/
API Contact Information: For more information or assistance, contact API: https://www.api.org/
Ask an Experienced Engineer
To consult with our Engineer, who has specialised knowledge of the petrochemical and pump industries, please ask your questions here.