What is the purpose of API publications?

The purpose of API (American Petroleum Institute) publications is primarily to address issues of a general nature and to facilitate the broad availability of proven engineering and operating practices. These publications serve as guidelines and best practices that can be utilized across the industry, ensuring that various stakeholders have access to consistent, reliable information that promotes safety, efficiency, and quality in operations.

By focusing on established practices and addressing widespread challenges, API publications help the industry as a whole improve processes and maintain standards. This collaborative approach allows companies to ensure their operations align with proven methodologies and industry benchmarks, fostering a safer and more efficient environment for everyone involved in the oil and gas sector.

In contrast, while regulatory compliance instructions and company-specific operational procedures may be vital for individual companies, they are not the overarching purpose of API publications. Similarly, promoting new technologies might occur as part of industry evolution, but API's core mission revolves around the consolidation and dissemination of standardized best practices rather than solely focusing on innovation or compliance.