Qualification of Metal Additive Manufacturing Processes and Components Production Control for Use in the Petroleum an...

API STANDARD 20S: Qualification of Metal Additive Manufacturing Processes and Components Production Control for Use in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries

The petroleum and natural gas industries are continuously seeking innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and component longevity. Metal additive manufacturing (AM) presents a transformative opportunity, enabling the creation of complex, optimized parts with reduced lead times. API STANDARD 20S provides the essential framework for qualifying these advanced manufacturing processes and ensuring robust production control, offering proven methods for integrating AM into critical oil and gas applications.

What is API STANDARD 20S?

API STANDARD 20S is an authoritative industry standard developed by the American Petroleum Institute. It establishes comprehensive requirements for the qualification of metal additive manufacturing processes and the subsequent production control of components manufactured using these technologies. Its primary purpose is to ensure that AM-produced parts meet the stringent safety, reliability, and performance demands of the petroleum and natural gas sectors.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs a wide range of activities related to metal AM in the oil and gas domain, including the qualification of AM processes, feedstock materials, and equipment. It also details the necessary controls for the production of AM components, from initial design considerations through to final acceptance. While it covers various AM technologies like powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition, it specifically focuses on metallic materials and does not extend to polymer or ceramic additive manufacturing processes.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Control Inspectors, Project Managers, and Design Engineers involved in the specification, procurement, or production of components for the oil and gas industry.
• • Industries affected: Petroleum (upstream, midstream, and downstream), Natural Gas, and Equipment Manufacturing.
• • Compliance nature: While API standards are generally voluntary, they are often adopted by reference by regulatory bodies or incorporated into contractual agreements, effectively making compliance a requirement for specific projects and applications.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through audits by clients, third-party inspection agencies, or regulatory authorities having jurisdiction.

Key Requirements Overview

API STANDARD 20S mandates a rigorous approach to AM integration. Key provisions include:

• • Process Qualification: Manufacturers must demonstrate the capability and repeatability of their AM processes through systematic qualification procedures, including the production and testing of a "First Article Component."
• • Material and Equipment Control: Strict requirements are placed on the quality and traceability of feedstock materials (powders or wires) and the calibration and maintenance of AM equipment.
• • Production Control: The standard outlines essential elements for ongoing production, such as detailed manufacturing process specifications, pre-build checks, and robust batch control strategies, including powder reuse protocols.
• • Component Inspection and Testing: Comprehensive quality control measures, including material testing and chemical analysis, are required for both qualification and production components to verify mechanical properties and composition.
• • Post-Build Processing: Guidelines are provided for post-processing steps, ensuring they do not compromise the integrity or performance of the final component.

Related Standards & References

API STANDARD 20S works in conjunction with other industry-leading standards. It is often referenced alongside standards such as API 6A (Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment) and API 5L (Specification for Line Pipe) when AM