Difference Between API and ASME

API= American petroleum Industries.

The API codes are used for all petroleum and fiuel related applications. There are similarities (and many dissimilarities) in the codes even for same type of applications (say a low pressure tank).

You have the mandatory requirements - where you don't have choice

BPV - ASME, EPV Codes (or local national codes) depending on for whom you are manufacturing

API- for petroleum industries - sometimes mandated, Eg Drilling Equipments, etc and some times it is not.

Silent areas- It is your choice- eg for our equipments the lubrication units we prefer to follow API codes even if it is not mandated.

UD15

It would best be said that it is the customer preference. I find that both codes can be referenced on a single PO, making it interesting at times to sort things out. A vendor, in that case will usually take the easy way out with the less restrictive code. It is kind of like weld inspector certifications, there are way to many and I see very competent and able inspectors are not accepted because someone recently took a test after cramming, passed, and got their new cert, but have not a clue about inspecting welds.

Re: A vendor, in that case will usually take the easy way out with the less restrictive code.

I can imagine a vendor trying to get away with that, but I can't see the customer allowing him to do so.

"I can imagine a vendor trying to get away with that, but I can't see the customer allowing him to do so."

Ideally this should be so, but too often the vendor snowballs the customer. It happened to me recently, because of time constraints. I did disclaim all of the subject material, but the customer took possession anyway.