What is API 6A? What does it mean for heat treaters?

API 6A standard, It is a specification published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) . It covers wellhead and tree equipment (Christmas tree equipment) used in the oil and gas industry. This standard specifies the design, manufacturing, testing, material, heat treatment , inspection, marking and quality control requirements.

Open sea platform

The latest version of API 6A, published in 2018, is an important reference for engineers, designers and manufacturers working in the oil and gas industry. Equipment that complies with this standard can operate safely and effectively under high pressure and temperature conditions.

Basic Content of API 6A

• Scope : Requirements for wellhead and wellhead equipment

• Material Requirements : Metallurgical properties, mechanical tests and heat treatment requirements.

• Pressure Ratings : Nominal pressure levels compatible with ANSI classes

• Connection Types : Different connection types such as flanges, threaded and clamped connections

• Testing and Inspection Requirements : Pressure tests, non-destructive testing (NDT), functional tests

• Product Classes : Equipment classifications determined by various service conditions.

• Service Conditions : Suitable for low temperature, H2S (sulfurous gas), high pressure and corrosive fluid conditions.

• Quality Assurance : Production processes, traceability and documentation requirements

Heat treatment furnaces:

In the 20th edition of the API 6A standard, heat treatment requirements were informative. In the 21st edition, heat treatment requirements are now normative . This update requires heat treatment processes and related equipment, especially furnaces, to comply with certain standards.

API 6A Annex M

Furnaces need to be calibrated periodically to ensure they are operating at the correct temperature. These calibrations are performed to verify that the oven’s temperature control systems and sensors are operating correctly.

Furnace calibrations are critical to the accuracy and reliability of heat treatment processes, such as in industries aerospace, defense and automotive.

Although the requirements in API 6A are not as strict as those in aviation and automotive, there is a requirement for a temperature uniformity survey (TUS ) at least once a year and a instrument calibration every three months. Of course, after the heavy maintenance performed on the furnaces, another TUS must be performed before the furnace can be used for production.

How can BDI Metal help you?

It can calibrate your furnaces with field test devices and experienced teams that comply with the requirements of API 6A. BDI Metal pyrometry services can be your solution partner regardless of furnace type, screen, and manufacturer.