American Petroleum Institute

From Plastics Wiki, free encyclopedia

The American Petroleum Institute, commonly referred to as API, is the main U.S. trade association for the oil and natural gas industry, representing more than 400 members involved in all aspects of the industry. API is involved in government relations on behalf of the American oil and natural gas industries. It takes positions on exploration, taxes, trade regulation, environmental regulation, sanctions, industry security and climate change. [1]

API also distributes more than 200,000 publications each year. The publications, technical standards, and electronic and online products are designed to help users improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their operations, comply with legislative and regulatory requirements, and safeguard health, ensure safety, and protect the environment. Each publication is governered by a committee of leading industry professionals. The fact that API's publications are developed by member company engineers and other professionals instead has given rise to it respect and prominence.

For example, API 610 is the specification for centrifugal pumps, API 682 governs mechanical seals, and API 677 is the standard for gear units. API also defines the industry standard for the energy conservation of motor oil. SL is the latest specification to which motor oils should adhere since 2001.