Here, the pump's rotor is supported by bearings on of the impeller(s), providing greater stability for high-pressure and high-power applications.
For some years, there has been discussion about combining API 610 (centrifugal pumps with seals) and API 685 (magnetic‑drive sealless pumps) into a single unified standard. The 13th Edition draft does include such a merger, and the report notes that “under such circumstances, the merger will not be realized in the short term”. Therefore, sealless pumps will continue to be covered by a separate standard, though cross‑references between the two will likely be maintained.
The "non-negotiable" features that define an API pump remain:
The API 610 13th Edition updates standards for centrifugal pumps in energy industries, focusing on enhanced vibration limits, refined material selections, and stricter testing protocols. Key changes address vane pass vibrations, pump types (OH, BB, VS), and improved alignment with digital monitoring systems. For the full technical details, visit the American Petroleum Institute (API) official standards portal. Api 610 13th Edition
Even incremental changes to API 610 have profound consequences for end users, engineering contractors, and pump manufacturers. The 13th Edition will influence everything from equipment specification and procurement to installation, operation, and maintenance.
Why it matters: High-temperature hydrocarbon pumps are prone to thermal bowing. Tighter shaft tolerances directly extend mean time between repairs (MTBR).
API 610 13th Edition is currently under development by the API 610 Task Force Here, the pump's rotor is supported by bearings
Following the precedent set by previous editions, the 13th edition will continue to align closely with ISO 13709 to ensure a global framework for pump professionals [1, 28]. Digital Integration: We expect further enhancements to Electronic Data Exchange (EDE)
The API 610 13th edition represents a significant update to the standard for centrifugal pumps used in the oil and gas industry. The standard's guidelines for pump design, manufacture, and testing are considered best practices, and its influence extends beyond the oil and gas industry. As pump manufacturers and users adapt to the updated standard, they can expect to see improvements in pump reliability, safety, and performance, which can lead to increased efficiency and productivity.
| Feature | API 610 12th Edition | API 610 13th Edition | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Up to 40,000 kW (pump input power) | Clarified for high-speed integral-gear pumps | | Bearing housing vibration | Alarm limits based on filter types | Stricter un-filtered peak velocity limits | | Mechanical seals | Reference to API 682 4th Edition | Mandatory reference to API 682 5th Edition | | Baseplate rigidity | General guidance | Quantified minimum stiffness requirements | | Coupling guards | Standard metal guards | Non-sparking materials for ATEX zones | Therefore, sealless pumps will continue to be covered
While earlier iterations set robust baselines, the 13th Edition specifically targets enhanced and superior bearing reliability .
All pressure-retaining parts must withstand 1.5 times the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP).
Despite the updates, the fundamental structure of API 610 remains intact, which is crucial for continuity in the industry.
—where a single millimeter of vibration or a degree of heat can be the difference between a productive day and a catastrophic failure. specific technical changes