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API

API — American Petroleum Institute

A global standards organization that develops widely adopted technical standards and recommended practices for the petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries.

Definition

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is a standards development organization that publishes technical standards, recommended practices, specifications and inspection codes covering the design, construction, operation, inspection, maintenance and integrity management of equipment used throughout the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. API publications are widely recognized by industry and regulatory authorities around the world.

Why It Matters

API standards provide a common technical framework that promotes safety, reliability, interoperability and consistent engineering practices across the energy industry.

In Practice

Many API publications are referenced by legislation, regulatory authorities and owner/operator specifications. They are frequently used together with ASME, ISO and other international standards to establish engineering and inspection requirements.

Common Misuse

API is a standards development organization rather than an engineering contractor, operator or regulatory authority. Individual API publications should be referenced where specific technical requirements apply.

Term Details
Synonyms:
API; American Petroleum Institute
Classification:
Standards, Codes & Regulations
Organization
Basic
Applications

Petroleum industry; Mechanical Integrity; Inspection; Pressure equipment; Risk-Based Inspection; Engineering standards.

Where It's Used

Applying API inspection codes to pressure vessels.; Developing Risk-Based Inspection programs.; Assessing equipment fitness-for-service.; Establishing mechanical integrity programs.

References

American Petroleum Institute

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