A summary of API SPEC 20A

With Simone from BIFFI, Emerson.

Among the project requirements we encounter at work is API and I’m still working on this – browsing and making noted along the way, which specs we can meet, which specs need working out. Today, I’d like to share a summary what I read about the API SPEC 20A.

API SPEC 20A – Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, and Nickel Base Alloy Castings for Use in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry

This specification identifies requirements for the foundry qualification, production, design, marking and documentation of carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and nickel-base alloy castings used in the petroleum and natural gas industries when referenced by an applicable API product standard or otherwise specified as a requirement for compliance.

It applies to castings used in the manufacture of pressure containing, pressure-controlling, and primary load-bearing components. Castings manufactured in accordance with this API Standard may be produced using any industry standard casting method.

This spec also provides manufacturers with a fixed methodology to examine a qualification casting and to compare the results of that examination to a defined set of acceptance criteria. The results of the qualification testing by material grouping are then used to establish a baseline Casting Specification Level (CSL) for subsequently produced castings.

Lastly, it provides manufacturers with a fixed production testing methodology to determine if subsequently produced castings conform to the minimum requirements for the intended CSL. The intent is that the production castings meet the minimum CSL requirements established during qualification testing by material grouping and/or the minimum CSL specified by the purchaser.

I hope to discover more specifications and be back here to share with you. Have a great Sunday, and happy holidays.

Cheers 🥂 MFR

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