API Releases New Upstream Safety and Environmental Standard for Layflat Hoses

WASHINGTON, December 17, 2019 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) today issued a new standard to drive safety and environmental protection in upstream operations that use layflat hoses — unique, high-pressure equipment used to transport water associated with onshore oil and natural gas production operations.

“Safety often begins with the manufacture of equipment to API’s stringent specifications and is fostered by the proper operation and consistent safe use of that equipment throughout oil and natural gas operations. By setting the first global standard for safe operation of layflat hoses, API’s new standard aims to improve workplace safety, process reliability, and environmental protection,” said Debra Phillips, senior vice president of API’s Global Industry Services.

Recommended Practice 15WT, Operations for Layflat Hose in Oilfield Water Applications, is API’s first global standard to address the safe use of layflat hoses in Oilfield Water Applications by incorporating best operating practices. Compliance with the recommended practice ensures operators and users are handling and deploying the equipment in order to maintain the integrity of the layflat hose when transporting water at consistently high volumes and under high pressures.  

The new API RP 15WT includes workplace procedures and protocols aimed at driving safe use of production equipment by calling for users to:

• Conduct thorough risk management evaluations in advance of layflat hose deployment to account for environmental impacts when using these hoses; 
• Avoid operating layflat hoses under water;
• Install pressure gauges and alarm systems at water transfer pumps to provide continuous operator feedback and alert personnel of overpressure or abnormal changes in pressure;
• Perform pre-job and hydraulic testing; and,
• Prepare a spill response plan to mitigate environmental and operational risks associated with spills.

RP 15WT also outlines proper actions for storage and transportation, including retrieval and respooling of layflat hoses and actions that need to be taken to protect on-site workers during draining and pigging operations.

In addition to RP 15WT, a new product specification for the manufacture of layflat hose assemblies is forthcoming from API.  The specification will also include performance requirements for layflat hose materials and couplings. Together, the recommended practices and specifications will further drive the safety, reliability, and environmental integrity of layflat hoses.

API standards are developed under API’s American National Standards Institute accredited process, ensuring that the API standards are recognized not only for their technical rigor, but also their third-party accreditation which facilitates acceptance by state, federal, and increasingly international regulators. API’s Global Industry Services (GIS) division is responsible for standards setting, certification, training, events, publications, and safety programs for industry operations.

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 600 members produce, process and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. In our first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.

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