Api 614 5th Edition
Hollie Brafman
What is API 614 5th Edition and How Does It Affect Lubrication Systems?
API 614 is a standard developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) that covers the minimum requirements for lubrication systems, oil-type shaft-sealing systems, oil-control systems, and auxiliaries, excluding dry gas seal systems and fuel systems[^1^]. These systems can serve individual equipment such as compressors, gears, pumps, and drivers or complete trains[^1^].
API 614 5th Edition was published in April 2008 and replaced the previous 4th Edition that was published in April 1999[^1^]. The 5th Edition introduced several changes and improvements to the standard, such as:
- Dividing the standard into four chapters corresponding to four types of systems: general requirements (Chapter 1), special-purpose oil systems (Chapter 2), general-purpose oil systems (Chapter 3), and self-acting gas seal support systems (Chapter 4)[^1^].
- Aligning the standard with ISO 10438, which is an international standard for lubrication systems developed jointly with API[^2^].
- Updating the design criteria, materials, fabrication, inspection, testing, and documentation requirements for lubrication systems[^1^].
- Incorporating new technologies and best practices for lubrication systems[^3^].
The 5th Edition of API 614 provides more clarity and consistency for the design and operation of lubrication systems. It also reflects the current state of the art and industry needs for lubrication systems. Users of API 614 should be aware that further or differing requirements might be needed for individual applications[^2^].
API 614 5th Edition is an important reference for engineers, manufacturers, operators, and regulators involved in the petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries. It helps to ensure that lubrication systems are designed and maintained to provide reliable performance and safety for equipment and personnel.
One of the types of lubrication systems covered by API 614 5th Edition is the automatic lubrication system. This type of system delivers the lubricant to the machine parts without human intervention, using pumps, valves, sensors, and controllers[^4^]. Automatic lubrication systems offer many benefits over manual lubrication, such as:
- Increased productivity and extended uptime by avoiding machine shutdowns and lock-out procedures for lubrication[^4^].
- Reduced consumption of lubricant by providing small and frequent amounts of lubricant to the machine parts[^4^].
- Reduced maintenance costs by saving on spare parts, labor, and downtime[^4^].
- Extended equipment life by reducing wear and tear and preventing over- or under-lubrication[^4^].
- Improved safety and health conditions by eliminating the risks of climbing on machines, contacting lubricants, and slipping on spilled oil[^4^].
- Environmental improvements by reducing waste, product contamination, and energy consumption[^4^].
Another type of lubrication system covered by API 614 5th Edition is the special-purpose oil system. This type of system is designed for specific applications that require high reliability and performance, such as gas turbines, steam turbines, centrifugal compressors, and gearboxes[^1^]. Special-purpose oil systems have more stringent requirements than general-purpose oil systems in terms of design, materials, fabrication, inspection, testing, and documentation[^1^]. Special-purpose oil systems may include features such as:
- Dual pumps and filters for redundancy and reliability[^1^].
- Oil coolers with bypass valves for temperature control[^1^].
- Oil reservoirs with heaters, level switches, sight glasses, and drain valves for proper storage and monitoring[^1^].
- Oil pressure and flow indicators, transmitters, switches, and alarms for proper regulation and protection[^1^].
- Oil sampling and analysis devices for quality assurance[^1^].