When we apply API 610 as applicable standard, it should not be just stated as one of applicable standards,
we should always prepare a technical specification which should address application of API 610 with
specifics relevant to the project and/or relevant to a specific pump item or items in an inquiry. API 610 is
a standard which is written to cover pumps of various types as classified in the standard (OH, BB, VS etc).
Now, when it comes to the application, pumps can be of different size (flowrate, head), of different
severity in service etc. So, there are several requirements stated in API 610 (rather in all API standards)
which are marked with a bullet point (●) and stated with “If specified” at the beginning. These
requirements are to be applied based on a decision to be taken in consideration to the specific application.
The reason why such requirements are not left open as applicable to every pump item is that if done so,
the cost of the pump would become unreasonably high, so such requirements are highlighted with bullet
point (●) and left open to the user of API to see and decide if he/she feels it necessary to apply those
requirements.
Having explained the reason why there are several requirements in API standards which are marked with
a bullet point, it is important to understand what does a bullet point clause really means. People have
misconception that every clause which is preceded by a bullet point is an optional requirement and so is
straightway not applicable, this is not correct. Let’s have a look at the definition of a bullet clause in API
quoted below from section “Introduction”:
A bullet (●) at the beginning of a clause or sub-clause indicates that either a decision is required or the
purchaser is required to provide further information. It is necessary that this information should be
indicated on data sheets or stated in the enquiry or purchase order (see examples in Annex N).
Now it is very clear that API has not used the word “Optional” at all. API says that in case of a bullet point,
either “a decision is required” or “the purchase is required to provide further information”. In all cases
where we have bullet point and there is a wording “If specified”, only in such cases, vendor is not obligated
to follow such a clause unless purchaser have declared such a clause as “Applicable” either in the technical
specification or in the data sheet or the material requisition and Purchaser should always declare such
requirements. While on the other side, there are cases when Purchaser is required to provide further
information, in such cases vendor is obligated to follow these requirements and should ask/clarify the
Purchase to get this information. So, in short, a para with bullet point is not always an “optional”
requirement for the vendor.
Another misconception about the bullet clause is that if a bullet point is marked on the main clause, it is
wrongly understood that the bullet is addressing all the sub-clauses, whereas this is not correct. In case
we find a bullet mark at the main clause, we need to read each sub-clause and identify which of the sub-
clause falls under that bullet mark (e.g. which sub-clause contains the wording “If specified” or which sub-
clause is asking for a “further information to be provided by the purchaser”.
Now coming to the testing section in API 610, 11th, Section 8.3.3, although the heading is about
“Performance Test”, this test is a actually a “Combined Performance & Mechanical Running Test”. If we
closely read all the clauses including sub-clauses, we can see that the core requirements for Mechanical
Running Test (bearing temperature and vibration check and compliance) is already stated. Clause 8.3.3.3
sub-clause a) requires “Vibration Measurement”. Clause 8.3.3.5 address vibration and bearing
temperature, this clause though contains bullet mark, is still applicable under base scope, the only part
which falls under this bullet is the sub-clause d) which is applicable only if the pump is operated at Rated
Speed, otherwise not applicable. Also, some Mechanical testing requirements are stated under 9.2.7 for
specific pump types. So, in short, API do recognize Mechanical aspects of the shop running tests and has
included those requirements inside the Performance test.
The Mechanical Run test specifically defined under section 8.3.4 and specifically mentioned under
“Optional Tests” is basically “Extended Mechanical Run Test”. This means that although pump will be run
(meaning mechanically run ad mechanical aspects such as vibration and bearing temperature will be
measured) during performance test, Purchase may choose to perform extended mechanical running test
for 4 hours to verify the mechanical soundness of the pump. This test is usually chosen for the heavy duty
pumps usually with motor rating starting from 300KW and higher. Since this test critical for heavy duty
pumps and would not do value addition if done for a smaller duty pumps, so it has been kept under a
specific section with bullet mark. For small pumps, it is considered enough to have the mechanical run
test parameters verified during the performance test run time period only.
So, basically extended mechanical running test is not included in your case, however basic check of
parameters required to verify the mechanical behavior of the pumps is already included in vendor’s base
scope. However, if your pumps are above 300 kW (this is just a figure based on commonly used practice,
not defined in any API), the you should have included extended mechanical running test for 4 hours.
However, still you can enforce basic mechanical run test requirements as I have explained above.
