New API 3D Printing Standard Promotes Efficiency And Environmental Stewardship

Washington – The American Petroleum Institute (API) today published a new standard on additive manufacturing (3D printing) for polymer-based components used in the natural gas and oil industry that will increase operating efficiency, ease supply chain issues and help reduce emissions.

“This new standard highlights the industry’s success in leveraging new technologies and innovations to improve operations while supporting sustainability efforts,” said API Vice President of Standards and Segment Services Alexa Burr. “Additive manufacturing can bring significant efficiency improvements that will help the industry meet the world’s demand for natural gas and oil.”

API Standard 20T, Additively Manufactured Polymer-Based Components for Use in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries, specifies requirements for qualification in the manufacturing process, production, marking and documentation of 3D printed polymer-based components used in the industry.

The standard also provides guidance on how to test and document the material properties for the 3D printing of polymer-based components and introduces three additive manufacturing specification levels that define technical, quality and qualification requirements.

Additive manufacturing can help the natural gas and oil industry improve efficiency and productivity, cut lead times and supply chain stress, and streamline transportation and logistics because additive manufacturing takes place near the point of use.

Deploying 3D printing can help the industry reduce Scope 3 emissions when compared to traditional manufacturing, showing how innovation and technologies support API’s Climate Action Framework, which details the industry’s commitment to protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

20T is a complementary standard to the first edition of API Standard 20S, Additively Manufactured Metallic Components for Use in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries, published in late 2021. Focused on 3D printing of metallic components, 20S is first-of-its-kind for the industry and provides similar benefits as its sister standard on polymer-based components. A webinar covering both 20S and 20T has been scheduled for October 4, 2022. Registration information can be found here.

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports more than 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.