The Upstream Oil and Gas Industry's Initiative in the Development of International Standards Based on API Standards
Authors: Thomas G.A.N. , Thorp Geoffrey , Denham J.B. 
Published: October 2008

The paper describes the international work of the oil Industry to formalise as International Standards many of the industry standards used world-wide. It also describes how matters have been developing in Europe. E&P Forum, representing the international exploration and production oil and gas industry, provides a forum for coordinating industry standardisation, to ensure that the necessary standards are maintained by the appropriate technical body.

The paper discusses the development of the standardization programrne in lSO/TC67, the Technical Committee directing the transformation of some 70APl Standards into ISO Standards. The relationship to CEN (the European standardisation body) and to the European Directives (legislation) is presented and its effect is discussed.

The objective of the upstream industry is to operate world-wide to consistent international standards. Company standards can then Concentration functional and performance requirements. This will facilitate international trade and communication, open competition and the global market. For a practical realisation of this objective the oil industry must foster a special relationship between the relevant US bodies, ISO and CEN. The sustained support of all sides of industry is required.

INTRODUCTION

The Oil Industry International Exploration and Production Forum (E&P Forum) is an international Industry association based in London. Its membership is constituted from international and national oil and gas companies and national industry associations. The currentmembershipis52from 18different countries and its members operate in over 50 countries.

The petroleum and natural gas exploration and production(upstream) industry uses a great number of standards developed by a range of organisations including national, regional and international standardisation bodies and industry associations.

In many areas, American national standards and in particular API, ASME, ASTM, NACE and NFPA Standards provide the upstream industry with standards that support activities world-wide. But with the development over the past two decades of a significant upstream industry outside the United States in countries already industrially developed, there has been a need to supplement the American standard with national, local industry or company standards.

The upstream industry therefore has a need for recognised International Standards particularly where the APl or other 'imported' standard requires significant qualification to the technical content, or where regional or local standards developed for other industries may be wrongly applied to the upstream industry. The upstream industry has therefore activated a programme in ISO, to achieve international standards of the quality required i.e. 'fit for purpose'. This activity is centred on ISO Technical Committee 67 (lSO/TC 67): 'Materials, Equipment and Offshore Structures for the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries'.

The need for good international standards has been furthered by the imminent creation of the European Single Market. On 1et January 1993 all trade restrictions will be abolished within the 19-nation European Economic Area (EEA). One of the European Community Directives to be implemented on that date requires open procurement for the upstream industry with company's technical specifications based on European Standards (where they exist) or on other commonly accepted standards. Consequently there is a need to identify or develop standards that can be used in Europe.