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API publishes new safety standard for onshore tank measurement of crude oil


Reid Porter | 202.682.8114 | porterr@api.org


WASHINGTON, July 7, 2016 – The American Petroleum Institute announced the publication of a new onshore safety standard for tank measurement of crude oil. The new standard, API MPMS Chapter 18.2, Custody Transfer of Crude Oil from Lease Tanks Using Alternative Measurement Methods, provides safe and accurate options for the custody transfer of crude oil from production lease tanks.  

“Industry standards developed by API support the industry goal of zero accidents,” said Lisa Salley, API’s vice president for global industry services. “This standard is a great example of what can be done when industry, regulators and all key stakeholders work together to achieve the common goal of improving safety for industry operations.This standard enables personnel to take measurements of crude oil from a lease tank without opening the hatch on the tank, thus protecting them from potentially hazardous vapors and gases.”  

The new standard integrates proven methods of custody transfer from other existing API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards. The new standard was developed by API under its rigorous standards development process accredited by the American National Standards Institute, ANSI, the same body that accredits programs at several national laboratories. API’s standards development process is open, transparent and ensures that the best minds from government, academia, the public and industry fully participate in the development of API standards, and API undergoes regular third-party audits to ensure its program meets ANSI’s Essential Requirements for openness, balance, consensus and due process.

“The United States – now the number one producer of natural gas and oil – has become the global leader in reduced carbon and other emissions, which are near 20-year lows,” said Salley. “U.S. industry achieved these milestones with a focus on safe, responsible operations and a strong foundation of globally recognized API standards and certification programs.”

API first began publishing standards in 1924 and currently has over 650 standards and technical publications. Over 200 of them have been incorporated into U.S. regulations, and they are the most widely cited industry standards by international regulators. Government-referenced standards are freely available to review online at http://publications.api.org/

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 650 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.


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