PIP VECST001/VESST002 & API 660 standards

[AspenMech]

Hi all,

I am looking for what standards to use for shell & tube heat exchangers. There are PIP standards VECST001/VESST002 for shell and tube heat exchangers. It has some overlaps with API 660 and some are not in API 660. My questions is:

If I specify API 660 for the heat exchangers, do I still need VECST001/VESST002?

Thanks,

 

[GD2]

OP,
This is an interesting question.
Following is my take:
All Standards all have the same basic purpose of setting out agreed principles or criteria so that the users can make reliable assumptions about the product, service or practice.
However, they can vary in two major respects:

• the type of agreement
• the number of people, organizations or countries who were involved in making the agreement.

In some standards, the type of agreement essentially amounts to advice and guidance; others are much more prescriptive and set out absolute requirements that have to be met if a user wishes to make a claim of compliance with the standard.

Having said that, API Standards are old and widely accepted by companies/industries across the globe. PIP is newer and involves few companies making the Standard.

API doesn't either stop/inhibit a Vendor from proposing a better equipment based on innovation and developing technology or the purchaser from accepting alternative equipment or engineering solutions for an application.

Check with your Company/local Regulator which Standards are acceptable to them. If you have a Project Standard, you can quote both the Standards (API and PIP) and state that the stricter criteria will apply, if there is overlapping/difference in criteria.

 

[SJones]

If you believe that the API standard is closer to your requirements, write a specification as an overlay, and add in the extras that you feel are required.

Guidance on requirement development

IOGP Report 604 – Guidance on requirement development Projects in the oil and gas industry are large and complex, and project execution can be negatively affected by unclear or ambiguous technical requirements. Greater precision in the drafting of requirements for use in the oil and gas industry...

www.iogp.org

S-614 Heat Exchangers – Shell and Tube to API Std 660

This is available to download as a compendium or individually below: Download Quality Requirements Download Supplementary Specification Download Information Requirements

www.iogp.org

 

[r6155]

There are various specifications but care must be taken not to over-specify, which can increase the cost of a simple heat exchanger.

Regards