In a strategic step to improve operational integrity at well sites, the American Petroleum Institute (API) released the first edition of API Standard 16FI, focused on equipment known as frac iron. This standard defines the safety guidelines for their design, manufacture and operation during hydraulic fracturing processes on oil and gas wells.
The frac iron is essential in well stimulation, transporting pressurized fluids from pumps to the wellhead. These systems, which include pipelines, valves, manifolds and relief devices, operate under extreme conditions and require rigorous monitoring to prevent failures. API 16FI seeks to reduce risks to workers and enhance environmental safety through consistent and verifiable standards.
New API standard for an evolving industry
With more than 800 technical standards in its history, API strengthens its role as a global benchmark in best practices for the energy industry. This new standard comes in response to the need to establish common criteria for temporary high-pressure equipment widely used in fracking. The main objective is to ensure that manufacturers and operators follow clear guidelines that promote safer and more reliable operations.
Setting consistent expectations for frac iron equipment is key to advancing field safety.
According to Anchal Liddar, senior vice president of API Global Industrial Services,
This statement reflects API’s institutional commitment to continuous improvement in an increasingly demanding technical environment.
Impact on operation and regulation
The implementation of API 16FI could influence future occupational and environmental safety policies in the United States and other countries that adopt API standards. By providing a solid technical foundation, the standard will enable companies in the industry to optimize their operational processes and meet regulatory requirements more easily.
It also reinforces API’s role as a key player in the certification and technical standardization of the oil and gas industry. oil and gas industry, whose memberswhose members generate a significant portion of the energy consumed in the United States.
The publication of API 16FI marks a new milestone in building a culture of technical prevention supported by specialized standards that reflect the accumulated experience of a constantly evolving industry.
Source and photo: API