API vs.

ASPE Pumps Specifications and Performance

The comparison that I am providing is referenced from his 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:

1. A thinner casing, i.e. less corrosion allowance
2. An ANSI pump has reduced permissible nozzle loads. It is even more sensitive to pipe-induced
stresses than the API pump.
3. An ANSI pump has a smaller stuffing box size. Unless a large bore option is chosen, an ANSI
pump may not be able to accomodate the optimum mechanical seal for a given service.
4. 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.
5. 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 generlly easier to maintain alignment
of API pumps since their supports are surrounded by the typically moderate-temperature ambient
environment.



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:
a. Head exceeds 106.6 m (350 ft)
b. Temperature of pumpage exceeds 149C (300F) on pumps with discharge flange sizes larger
than 4 inch or 177C (350F) on pumps with 4 inch discharge flange size or less.
c. Driver horsepower exceeds 74 kW (100 hp)
d. Suction pressure in excess of 516 kPag (75 psig)
e. Rated flow exceeds flow at best efficiency point (BEP)
f. 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.