American Petroleum Institute

The American Petroleum Institute ( API abbreviated ) is the largest trade association for the oil and gas industry, including the petrochemical industry in the United States. The API is based in Washington, D.C. consists of about 400 companies (as of August 2005).

The Institute addressing issues such as the exploitation of deposits, oil consumption, taxes, trade, environmental protection and occupational safety. An important area of ​​work is the development of technical guidelines and standards. The influence of the API extends far beyond the United States.

Standards published by the API technical guidelines are relatively comprehensive and demanding. The guidelines are drawn up not by independent bodies, but by professionals from the merged association in industrial companies.

From the API are specifications for engine oils (see: Lubricating oil). Other directives dealing for example with the design of machinery, oil transported by ship, maintenance of equipment and the design of safety devices.