ANSI Pump and API Pump are two types of Centrifugal pump styles that are used in Chemical

Plants, Refineries, Oil & Gas Industries. They have some

distinct differences. This article will compare the major features of both these pumps.

What is an API Pump?

An API Pump is a special type of centrifugal pump that meets the design, inspection and testing criteria specified by the American Petroleum Institute’s API-
610 standard for pumps. In Refineries and Petrochemical Industries, mostly API pumps are used as they provide very good operating experience in handling
hydrocarbons (oil, gasoline, Natural gas, and petroleum products) due to their robust design. Generally, they come in many different forms employing a
number of pumping mechanisms. Traditionally API pumps are considered as very conservative (stringent) and costly.

What is an ANSI Pump?

ANSI Pumps are a type of horizontal, single-stage, end suction centrifugal pump that has an overhung impeller and back pull out. This type of pump is
designed based on the ASME B73.1 standard. Due to their less cost, they are popularly used in chemical industries, refineries, industrial and mining
applications for comparatively less temperature pressure applications. The main advantage of ANSI pumps is their interchangeability across manufacturers
and brands.
ANSI Pump vs API Pump
Compared to an API pump, the typical ANSI pump has the following characteristics:

Criteria API Pump ANSI Pump

Design Code API 610 ASME/ANSI B 73.1

Thick Casing, more corrosion

Thinner Casing, less corrosion allowance. Normally
Pump Casing allowance. In general, designed for
designed for 300 psig at 300℉.
750 psig at 500℉.

More allowable nozzle loads, up to More sensitive to pipe induced stresses, hence reduced
Nozzle Load
2 times API 610 table 5 permissible nozzle load

Smaller stuffing box size. Unless a large bore option is

Stuffing Box
Large Stuffing Box chosen, an ANSI pump may not be able to accommodate
Size
the optimum mechanical seal for a given service.
 API pumps feature closed ANSI pump impellers are designed and manufactured
Impeller
impellers with replaceable wear without wear rings. Many ANSI pump impellers are open or
Design
rings. semi-open

Mounting
Centre-line mounted Foot Mounted.
Option

Suitable for heavy duty, much Not suitable for moving thicker and/or viscous fluids.
Application
higher temperatures and pressures Moderate duty application.

Reliability High Comparatively less

Cost High Comparatively less

Difference Between API Pump and ANSI Pump

Refer to 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.
Choosing Pump Type: API or ANSI
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 recommendations and preferences 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)

• The temperature of pumping fluid exceeds 149°C (300°F) on pumps with discharge flange sizes larger than 4 inches 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.

The above comparison that is provided in the article is referenced from Heinz P. Bloch’s book “Pump User’s Handbook Life Extension” co-
authored with Allan R. Budris.

Credit to: https://whatispiping.com/comparing-api-610-pumps-with-ansi-asme-b73-1-centrifugal-pumps/