The API 610 13th Edition is currently under development and follows the 12th Edition, which was released in January 2021. While the official document is still in progress, discussions from the API 610 Task Force have highlighted several key areas of focus for this next update. Core Focus Areas for the 13th Edition Recent task force meetings indicate that the 13th Edition will likely address: Piping Loads: A major point of debate involves the industry trend of requiring pumps to handle increasingly higher piping forces and moments, essentially using the pump as a pipe anchor point . The task force is looking to refine these rules to prevent excessive stress on the pump casing. Alignment with International Standards: Following the move in the 12th Edition to no longer "co-brand" with ISO 13709, the 13th Edition will continue to evolve as a standalone API standard while maintaining global procurement compatibility . Reliability Improvements: Building on the 12th Edition’s inclusion of shaft guards for all pumps and updated material designations, the 13th Edition is expected to further refine reliability requirements for high-energy pumps. Comparison with the 12th Edition Professionals transition to the new edition by first mastering the 12th Edition's changes, which include: Parallel Operation: New requirements for head values in parallel operation to ensure continuous operation within preferred ranges . Technical Specifications: Updated formulas for clearances, minimum temperature criteria, and refined electrical classifications. Maintenance & Testing: Stricter vibration criteria in the rated region (80%–110% of BEP) and updated torsional analysis flow charts. Where to Follow Updates
Comprehensive Report: API 610 13th Edition / ISO 13709:2024 Centrifugal Pumps for Petroleum, Petrochemical, and Natural Gas Industries 1. Executive Summary API 610 13th Edition (identical to ISO 13709:2024) is the latest revision of the globally recognized standard for heavy-duty, overhung, between-bearings, and vertically suspended centrifugal pumps . Released in 2024 , it supersedes the 12th Edition (2021). Key changes include stricter mechanical reliability requirements, updated materials, enhanced vibration limits, revised nozzle loads, and alignment with modern industry practices (e.g., digital monitoring, risk-based inspection). The standard remains mandatory for most oil & gas, refinery, chemical, and power generation applications requiring high availability and long service life. 2. Scope & Application
Applicable pumps :
Overhung (OH1, OH2, OH3, OH4, OH5, OH6) Between-bearings (BB1, BB2, BB3, BB4, BB5) Vertically suspended (VS1, VS2, VS3, VS4, VS5, VS6, VS7) Api 610 13th Edition
Exclusions : Positive displacement pumps, fire pumps, domestic/light-duty pumps, pumps with non-metallic casings (except specified linings). Service conditions : Typically for flammable, hazardous, high-temperature (up to 450°C+ with appropriate materials), high-pressure (up to 350 bar depending on type), and corrosive fluids.
3. Key Changes from 12th Edition (2021) to 13th Edition (2024) | Aspect | 12th Edition | 13th Edition | |--------|--------------|--------------| | Vibration | Limits based on pump type & speed | Tighter limits; mandatory continuous monitoring for ≥ 1 MW | | Nozzle loads | Allowable loads defined | Updated with higher safety margins, new calculation methods | | Materials | Standard material classes S-6, C-6, D-2, etc. | Added duplex/super duplex, revised HIC/SSC requirements | | Sealing systems | API 682 4th edition referenced | API 682 5th edition (2023) now mandatory | | Mechanical run test | 4 hours for most pumps | Increased to 6 hours for critical services | | Lube oil systems | Basic requirements | More rigorous filtration, cooling, and alarm requirements | | Condition monitoring | Optional | Recommended as standard for all, mandatory for >500 kW | | Hydrostatic test pressure | 1.5 × MAMP | 1.5 × MAMP but minimum test pressure 1.2 × MAWP | | Minimum continuous flow | As specified by vendor | Required to be documented and guaranteed to avoid damage | | Epicyclic gearboxes | Brief mention | New annex on design/selection for pump drives | 4. Pump Type Classification (Summary) 4.1 Overhung (OH)
OH1 – Flexible coupled, foot-mounted OH2 – Centerline-mounted, heavy-duty (most common refinery pump) OH3 – Vertical inline, close-coupled OH4 – Vertical inline, rigid coupled OH5 – Vertical inline, separate bearing housing OH6 – High-speed integral geared pump The API 610 13th Edition is currently under
4.2 Between-Bearings (BB)
BB1 – Axially split, single-stage BB2 – Radially split, single-stage BB3 – Axially split, multistage BB4 – Radially split, multistage (barrel pump) BB5 – Radially split, double-case (barrel with inner cartridge)
4.3 Vertically Suspended (VS)
VS1 – Wet pit, column pipe, discharge through column VS2 – Wet pit, discharge elbow above floor VS3 – Submersible motor VS4 – Sump pump, cantilever shaft VS5 – Sump pump, with bearing housing below floor VS6 – Deep well, lineshaft driven VS7 – Deep well, submersible motor
5. Design & Construction Requirements (Selected Critical Clauses) 5.1 Pressure & Temperature Ratings