API publishes Additive Manufacturing standards for natural gas & oil industry
The American Petroleum Institute (API) has released the first edition of its Standard 20S, Additively Manufactured Metallic Components for Use in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries. These standards, reported to be the first published for AM in the oil & gas industry, aim to bring critical manufacturing functions closer to where components will be used while maximising production capability and reducing supply chain stresses and emissions.
Key features of Standard 20S include:
- Requirements for qualification in the manufacturing, production, marking and documentation of metallic components manufactured using Additive Manufacturing
- Introduction of three AM specification levels that define technical, quality and qualification requirements to help ensure that metallic additively manufactured components produced are fit for purpose
- Requirements for training, inspection, monitoring and measuring equipment, as well as materials testing, acceptance and quality control of final products
“This new standard expands API’s best-in-class safety and efficiency requirements and supports cutting edge operations, helping producers to deploy new 3D printing technologies to meet rising global demand for natural gas and oil products,” stated Alexa Burr, vice president for Global Industry Services, API.
The new standard is intended to reflect the natural gas & oil industry’s focus on new technologies and innovations to meet the rising global demand for energy while protecting the environment. Burr has stated that the ability to use innovation and deploy cutting-edge technologies is one of the pillars in API’s Climate Action Framework, which details the industry’s commitment to protecting the environment by reducing carbon emissions.
The first edition is available to purchase in either a virtual or print format. API standards are also available within an API subscription service.
