Grupo de Ingeniería Consultoría y

Calidad Industrial SA de CV

Comparing API 610 Pumps With ANSI / ASME B73.1 Centrifugal Pumps

The comparison that is provided in this article is referenced from Heinz P. Bloch’s book “Pump
User’s Handbook Life Extension” co-authored with Allan R. Budris.
ANSI vs API:
Compared to an API pump, the typical ANSI pump has the following characteristics:

 A thinner casing, i.e. less corrosion allowance

 An ANSI pump has reduced permissible nozzle loads. It is even more sensitive to pipe-
induced stresses than the API pump.
 An ANSI pump has a smaller stuffing box size. Unless a large bore option is chosen, an
ANSI pump may not be able to accommodate the optimum mechanical seal for a given
service.
 ANSI pump impellers are designed and manufactured without wear rings. Many ANSI pump
impellers are open or semi-open whereas API pumps feature closed impellers with
replaceable wear rings.
 ANSI pumps are generally foot-mounted, whereas the API pump will be centerline
mounted. Refer the attached sketch. In foot-mounted pumps casing heat tends to be
conducted into the mounting surfaces and thermal growth will be noticeable. It is generally
easier to maintain alignment of API pumps since their supports are surrounded by the
typically moderate-temperature ambient environment.
 surrounded by the typically moderate-temperature ambient environment.

Progreso de Obregón, Hidalgo CP: 42730

Telefono: 738 7250527. Móvil: 5512287002
aeflores@giccisa.com
 Grupo de Ingeniería Consultoría y
Calidad Industrial SA de CV

The decision on API vs ANSI construction is experience-based and is not governed by

governmental or regulatory agencies. However, experienced machinery specialists have their own
likes and dislikes based on the experience gathered by them over their long years in the machinery
field.
Many highly experienced and reliability-focused machinery engineers would prefer to use pumps
designed and constructed according to API 610 for toxic, flammable, or explosion-proof services at
on-site locations in close proximity to furnaces and boilers in some of the conditions (rules-of-
thumb) that are listed below:

 Head exceeds 106.6 m (350 ft)

 Temperature of pumpage exceeds 149°C (300°F) on pumps with discharge flange sizes
larger than 4 inch or 177°C (350°F) on pumps with 4 inch discharge flange size or less.
 Driver horsepower exceeds 74 kW (100 hp)
 Suction pressure in excess of 516 kPag (75 psig)
 Rated flow exceeds flow at best efficiency point (BEP)
 Pump speed in excess of 3600 rpm.

The author mentions that there have been exceptions made where deviations from the rules-of-
thumb were minor, or in situations where the pump manufacturer was able to demonstrate
considerable experience with ANSI pumps under the same, or even more adverse conditions.
Finally the author gives his opinion on choosing either API or ANSI pumps based on the following:
Conventional Wisdom: API-compliant pumps are always a better choice than ANSI or ISO pumps
Fact: Unless flammable, toxic or explosion-prone liquids are involved, many carefully selected,
properly installed, operated and maintained ANSI or ISO pumps may represent an uncompromising
and satisfactory choice.

About the Author: This article is written by Mr Ankur Srivastava, a Chemical Engineer with 32
years of process engineering experience in oil and gas, refining, polymers and petrochemical
industries. Activities include conceptual and feasibility studies, front end engineering design, detail
engineering, preparation of company standards and pre-commissioning/operation manuals,
erection, pre-commissioning and start-up assistance, PHA and HAZOP, and planning and quality
control.

Progreso de Obregón, Hidalgo CP: 42730

Telefono: 738 7250527. Móvil: 5512287002
aeflores@giccisa.com