API Publishes New Safety Standard for Onshore Tank Measurement of Crude Oil

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 vapours 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 recognised API standards and certification programmes.”