API stud bolts are, without a doubt, the cream of the crop when it comes to special bolting.
But why are API standards so important, and what are the consequences of not complying to API?
In this blog, we’ll run through the importance of API stud bolts, and why organisations across the world continue to choose API-rated products.
What are API standards in special bolting?
The API standards (American Petroleum Institute) are used globally to ensure safety, reliability and consistency in various aspects of operations. This includes special bolting, with the 20E and 20F standards relating specifically to requirements in the selection of alloy and carbon steel bolting materials in the petroleum and natural gas industries.
While API is an American standard, it’s widely used across the world, where it sets a baseline for quality, ensuring the safety of organisations’ machinery.
What are the consequences of not using API bolting?
Failing to use API-compliant bolting in the specified applications can have several consequences:
- Safety Risks: API standards are developed with a strong emphasis on safety. Bolting that doesn’t meet these standards may be more prone to failure, leading to accidents, leaks, or other hazardous situations.
- Equipment Reliability: Bolting is a critical component in many pieces of equipment used in the industry, such as wellhead. Using non-compliant bolting may compromise the reliability of this equipment, leading to unplanned downtime, maintenance issues, and potentially costly repairs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many regions have regulations that require adherence to industry standards, including those set by organisations like the API. Failure to use API-compliant bolting may result in non-compliance with regulatory requirements, leading to potential legal and financial consequences.
- Environmental Impact: In the oil and gas industry (as well as many others), there’s far more at risk than simply financials. Oil spills or gas leaks can have a catastrophic environmental impact, too. API standards are designed to mitigate these risks.
- Long-Term Costs: While cheaper, non-compliant bolting may seem like a cost-saving measure in the short term, it can lead to higher long-term costs. Equipment failures, increased maintenance, and potential legal issues often cost far more than investing in compliant bolting in the first place.
- Loss of Reputation: Companies in the oil and gas industry often prioritise their reputation for safety and reliability. Failure to adhere to industry standards, including API standards, can tarnish your organisational reputation, potentially affecting relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders.
So, it’s clearly important that your special bolts are built to API standards, but how exactly do we achieve this?
How Wulfrun meet API standards across all of our products
Wulfrun are qualified to both API20E and API20F; we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of service.
We remain up to date with all of the latest guidance, and ensure that every member of our team complete API training courses.
Bespoke crafting
All of our special bolts are created to order, custom made to your needs.
Our process allows us to ensure that each and every bolt that leaves our factory is created to specific guidelines, designed to ensure strength, longevity and performance.
Available API stud bolts
We have a wide range of API stud bolts available, in both standard and custom sizes, materials and platings.
Wulfrun fabricate specialist bolts for any industry. We offer sizes from M3 to M120, created in any required material. Adhering to ASTM, ANSI, BS, ISO, UNI, AFNOR and DIN standards, our bolt products include (but aren’t limited to):
- 12 point bolts
- Cheese head bolts
- Flange bolts
- Hex head bolts
- Low head bolts
- Square head bolts
- Anchor bolts
- Blade bolts
- Conrod bolts
- Foundation bolts
- Grub screws
- J bolts
- Rotor bolts
- Suspension bolts
- Tower connection bolts
API stud bolt specialists – get in touch today
Wulfrun specialise in special bolting and CNC machined components.
It’s no secret that your mission-critical machinery cannot fail. It’s our job to ensure that your fasteners are all built to the highest standards; special bolting you can rely on.
You can learn more about our headed products (bolts and screws) here. Prefer to talk to one of our specialists? No problem. Get in touch by clicking the link below: