American Petroleum Institute
About the American Petroleum Institute
Formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization, the American Petroleum Institute is a leading non-profit organization. It has led the development of petroleum, natural gas, petrochemical equipment and operational standards for over 90 years. Their mission is to promote safety across the industry globally, and to influence public policy in support of a strong, viable U.S. oil and natural gas industry.
Intertek Inform: Your Gateway to the American Petroleum Institute
API Standards drive consistency, innovation, and fairness in the industry. They ensure superior product invention and manufacturing, critical service delivery, and marketplace equity. Widely adopted globally, these standards foster acceptance by industry and governments, promoting international trade and collaboration.
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Understanding API Standards
The American Petroleum Institute (API) develops and maintains Standards that set benchmarks for quality, safety, and environmental responsibility within the petroleum, natural gas, and petrochemical industries. API Standards support global energy operations by ensuring consistency, reliability, and compliance across the supply chain.
What is the American Petroleum Institute?
Founded in 1919, the API is the primary trade association representing the U.S. oil and natural gas industry. It develops technical Standards, conducts research, and advocates for policies that promote energy safety, efficiency, and innovation.
The Role of API in the Energy Sector
API plays a critical role in creating industry-wide consensus Standards, offering guidance on everything from drilling operations and pipeline transportation to refining processes and environmental safeguards.
API Standards and Specifications
API’s portfolio includes hundreds of Standards covering equipment, processes, and materials used across the petroleum and natural gas industries. These documents help manufacturers, operators, and regulators align with best practices and safety requirements.
American Petroleum Institute Specifications
API specifications define technical requirements for equipment and materials such as valves, pipelines, storage tanks, and drilling components, ensuring uniform quality and compatibility.
API Petroleum Standards
These Standards address operational safety, environmental compliance, and performance across exploration, production, refining, and distribution activities.
API Standard Tank Sizes
Tank size Standards provide guidance on the dimensions, capacities, and construction requirements for storage tanks used in petroleum and related sectors.
API Codes, Ratings, and Certification
API codes and ratings are internationally recognised markers of compliance and performance, helping to establish trust in products and processes used in energy operations.
American Petroleum Institute Codes
API codes offer a structured framework for safe design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of oil and gas infrastructure. They are widely referenced by regulators and industry professionals.
American Petroleum Institute Oil Ratings
API oil ratings classify engine oils based on performance characteristics, ensuring they meet industry requirements for protection, efficiency, and longevity.
American Petroleum Institute Certification
API certification verifies that equipment, processes, and professionals meet established API Standards. This enhances credibility, supports regulatory approval, and facilitates global market access.
API Governance and Industry Influence
Beyond technical Standards, API provides governance frameworks that encourage transparency, accountability, and sustainable industry practices.
API Governance Standards
These Standards establish guidelines for corporate responsibility, stakeholder engagement, and environmental stewardship in the petroleum and natural gas industries.
What Does API Publish Standards Related To?
API publishes Standards for upstream, midstream, and downstream activities, covering areas such as drilling, refining, transportation, storage, safety, environmental management, and occupational health.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard enhances the safety of industry operations, assures quality, and helps keep costs down to reduce waste and minimise confusion.
API’s Training Certification Program provides third- party certification for a variety of oil and gas industry training courses, ensuring that any training provided meets industry standards.
The American Petroleum Institute (API), is the principal standards body around the world for engine oil and lubricants. It is primarily responsible for developing, maintaining and promoting petroleum related standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.
The American Petroleum Institute is an independent, non-governmental organisation. The API receives substantial funding from major oil conglomerates, including Royal Dutch Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and BP. These companies contribute millions of dollars to API, reinforcing its power and influence. API represents over 625 members, which encompass various segments of the US oil and natural gas industry. These member companies engage in exploration, production, refining, marketing, distribution, and marine activities across the globe.
API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. They have more than 600 members who produce, process and distribute most of the nation’s energy. In their first 100 years, the American Petroleum Institute developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability both nationally, and in countries around the globe.