What is API stands for?
The American Petroleum Institute (API) is an organization based in the United States and plays an important role in the petroleum industry. API actually stands for “American Petroleum Institute”. This organization operates to set, develop and implement standards in the oil and gas industries.
API’s mission is to guide the industry and promote best practices to ensure reliability, environmental protection and quality. It also supports technological advances and encourages innovation in the sector through research.
API standards cover a wide range of petroleum products, from design to manufacturing, and are of great importance for both producers and consumers. Thanks to these standards, productivity in the industry increases while at the same time ensuring safety.
As the leading name in the petroleum industry, the American Petroleum Institute is a globally recognized authority and continues to shape developments in the sector.

What are American Petroleum Institute (API) Standards?
API standards are guidelines set by the American Petroleum Institute and contain industry-accepted technical requirements. These standards provide specific guidelines for the design, manufacture and testing of equipment used in the oil and gas industry. It covers important topics such as safety, quality control, performance specifications and helps identify best practices in the industry.
It is also of great importance internationally. These standards facilitate harmonization between companies operating in different countries. These standards guide the sector and increase the possibility of cooperation, while at the same time ensuring that the competitive environment is maintained in a fair manner.
Given the complexity and risk factors of the oil industry, it is safe to say that the standards set by API are of vital importance. Companies that comply with standards can both remain compliant with industry norms and provide reliable service to their customers.
How to Use API Standards?
These standards have been established to improve product quality, ensure safety and minimize environmental impacts.
In order to use the API standard, the relevant document must first be examined in detail. It is important to understand and implement the requirements in the document. It should not be forgotten to carry out the necessary tests according to the scope of the standards.
- Guiding the development of operational excellence.
- Enables you to implement secure and compliant applications.
- Increases productivity by reducing the risk of equipment failure.
In the process of compliance with API standards, it is also important to organize trainings within the company and inform the personnel. Continuous monitoring of compliance with standards and improvement efforts can also strengthen your position in the sector.
Keep in Mind!
Improve the safety of oil and gas operations and procedures

Why API is the Leader?
The American Petroleum Institute is the only national trade association representing all sides of the American oil and natural gas industry. API was born in 1919 as a standard-setting organization and its membership has grown to include organizations of all sizes, from the largest oil companies to independent SMEs that are industry stakeholders.
For more than 100 years, API has led the development of petroleum and petrochemical equipment and operating standards, drawing strength from its member manufacturers, refining companies, pipeline operators and marine shippers, as well as service and supply companies supporting all areas of the industry.
API promotes proven and accepted engineering and operating practices, the use of safe, interchangeable equipment and materials, and an environmentally responsible approach that prioritizes safety in even the smallest parts, such as drill bits.
It has documented more than 700 standards and recommended practices and continues to update them in line with developments. Many of its publications have been incorporated into state and federal regulations and are increasingly approved and accepted by the Organization for Standardization (ISO).
API publications address many of the primary functions of the oil and gas industry, including exploration and production, refining, fire protection and safety, petroleum measurement, marine transportation. It refers to offshore production, drilling, structural pipe, pipeline, valves, storage tanks, health and environmental issues and similar matters.
API standards and documentation
They are important elements that emphasize the importance of the American Petroleum Institute in the industry. These standards play a vital role in ensuring reliability, quality and efficiency in the industry. It provides guidance to industry professionals while at the same time promoting environmentally sound practices.
Proper use of these standards will benefit both companies and consumers. It is of great importance to act in accordance with API standards to increase the efficiency of industrial processes and ensure environmental sustainability.
It will always remain a leading organization in the energy sector. It will continue to help the industry become safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly thanks to the resources it provides.
What is the API 650 Standard?
API 650 is a standard published by the American Petroleum Institute. This standard specifies the criteria for the design, construction, installation and maintenance of industrial storage tanks used worldwide. Storage tanks are often used for the storage of hazardous substances such as oil, chemicals, liquid gases and therefore it is important that safety and quality standards are high.
Explains in detail the features that storage tanks should be protected against the effects of environmental factors as well as issues such as sealing and mechanical durability. It also determines the specific tests and inspections required for long-term use, made in accordance with the design criteria and using the right materials.
What is the API 622 Standard?
The API 622 standard is a test protocol designed to control the environmental emissions of valves. This standard aims to provide guidance for the determination and reduction of leakage levels of valves used in industry.
The test protocol is based on the relative pressure difference between the valve body and the bonnet. Relative pressure changes are measured when the valve is open or closed and the leakage level is calculated. According to API 622 standard, the acceptable leak tightness level is set at 100 sccm/m (cubic centimeters per hour).
What is the API 653 Standard?
API 653 is a standard that specifies the requirements for maintenance, repair, alteration and refurbishment of petroleum, chemical and other liquid storage tanks.
This standard covers the technical requirements for the safe operation and long service life of surface and underground steel storage tanks.
API 653 also specifies best practices in the design, fabrication, installation, testing and commissioning of storage tanks.
What is the API 620 Standard?
API 620 is a standard set by the American Petroleum Institute for the Design and Construction of Storage Tanks. This standard covers the design, construction, erection, testing and maintenance of large volume vertical cylindrical steel tanks used for the storage of petroleum products.
Designed in accordance with API 620 standard, the tanks are built to withstand external influences such as high pressure, vacuum and earthquakes. Fire safety is also taken into account in tanks where flammable or explosive substances are stored.
This standard also specifies the requirements for sealing and protection systems. Designed in accordance with API 620, the tanks can be used safely with regular inspection and maintenance.
API 620 is an internationally recognized standard for the construction and use of storage tanks. It is therefore important that all tanks designed for the storage of hazardous substances such as petroleum products are built in accordance with this standard.
How Can We Serve You?
Online Standard is your most reliable and fastest solution partner for access to technical documents and publications, guidelines and standards.
If you contact us, you will also get all the documentation you need.
- Printed or digital individual documentation
- Document collection specific to your department or project
- Customized documentation solutions for your company
Thanks to our valuable collaborations, we can offer you the documentation you can obtain through research on more than 500 sources in digital or printed form.
Through our partnerships with ASHRAE, ASME, ASTM, BSI, IEC, IEEE, ISO, SAE and hundreds of other standardization bodies, we can save you time and resources by giving you fast access to accurate and reliable information.