API Standard 614 - Lubrication, Shaft-Sealing, and Control-Oil Systems for Special-Purpose Application

Last update: August 24, 2007

Standard

Edition

Section

Inquiry #

614

4th - April
1999

General

614-I-02/03

Question
Is the use of standard elements with carbon steel galvanized core and
end caps accepted as "corrosion resistant" to comply with the API
specification?
Note 1: We feel that galvanized parts are suitable(*) for the use of
disposable filter cartridges and eg.stainless steel core and end caps
only to be used per customers request.
Does API 614 accept the 1.3 hydrotest multiplication factor per the
1998 Edition of the ASME Code?

Reply
Yes.

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 1
2.1

614-I-03/01

API 614 references ASME Section VIII, Div.1 for pressure

vessels such as filter housings. There are no specific exceptions
stated to this reference in API 614. The 1.3 hydrotest multiplication
factor is therefore accepted.

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 1
5.1.18

614-I-01/02

Does the requirement for valves that have bolted bonnet and glands
and are suitable for repacking under pressure per Chapter 1, Section
5.1.18 applicable for valves used to equalize pressure across a
transfer valve on a duplex filter vessel. Is a needle valve with a
threaded bonnet acceptable for this type of application?

No, 5.1.18 in Chapter 1 states requirements for valves in all services

as per tables 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. Equalizing valves across a
transfer valve on duplex filters fall under table 1D requirements.

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 1
5.3.2

614-I-01/00

In Chapter 1, 5.3.2 specifies conformance with 2.1.4, but there is no

2.1.4?

This is a typographical error. The correct reference should be 5.1.5.

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 1
5.2.2

614-I-01/02

Section 5.2.2 of Chapter 1, General Requirements says that 'socket

welded fittings shall not be used in pressure piping downstream of
oil filters.' Does this include fittings located on the clean oil side of a
filter vessel? Does this include a socket weld connection located on
a transfer valve that is welded to a filter vessel?

Clean oil side of a filter is considered to be downstream of filters

since it is downstream of the filter elements. Piping connections
downstream of filter elements should comply with 5.2.2 of Chapter 1.

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 1
6.4.9

614-I-01/00

Question 1: Chapter 1, 6.4.9 Control Valves, 6.4.9.5 is omitted from

Chapter 2, paragraph 3.2.9 on same subject. Does this mean that if
specifying to Chapter 2, the sizing recommendations in 6.4.9.5a, b
and c may be disregarded?

Reply 1: API 614 fourth edition was developed using the Chapter
concept. This was the first API document to introduce chapters and it
was intended that the chapters work in conjunction with one another.
(i.e. Special Purpose oil systems are in accordance with chapter 1
and chapter 2 of the standard, General Purpose systems are in
accordance with Chapter 1 and Chapter 3 of the standard, Self-acting
Gas seal support systems are in accordance with chapter 1 and
chapter 4 of the standard.)
Somewhere in the editing process, some control valve paragraphs,
which are already included in chapter 1, were re-included in chapter
2. It is the intent of API that all of the Chapter 1 paragraphs apply
unless specifically excluded in the applicable second chapter.

Question 2: May 'external sensing line' of 6.4.9.5d be regarded as not

applicable if specifying to Chapter 1?

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 2
1.3.6.1

614-I-02/05

Question 3: In Chapter 3 control valves are not mentioned. Figs. 3A4 and 3A-5 show control valves as typical or optional components
though. Does this mean that Chapter 1 6.4.9 does not apply to
Chapter
3 except
as implied
figures?
According
to Chapter
2, Fig. by
2-1,those
if thetwo
working
capacity equals three
minutes of normal flow which equals the retention capacity, is the
suction loss level (Level D) equal to the bottom of reservoir?

Reply 2: This is applicable to a Chapter 2 (Special Purpose) system.

Refer to the Question 1 answer above.
Reply 3: All of Chapters 1 and 3 apply. Refer to the above answer to
question 1.

No. Chapter 3, Section 1.4.3.3 requires pump suction connections to

be located at least 50 mm (2 in.) above the reservoir bottom. See
Chapter 2, Section 1.3.6.1.4 for definitions of Levels D and E.

API Standard 614 - Lubrication, Shaft-Sealing, and Control-Oil Systems for Special-Purpose Application
Last update: August 24, 2007
Standard

Edition

Section

Inquiry #

Question

Reply

614

4th - April
1999

Chpater 2
1.3.9

614-I-04/01

Could you please specify if according to API 614 it is necessary to

have a purge gas line for the continuous purging of the oil reservoir
with an inert gas?

The purge gas connections are mandated by API 614. The decision
on whether to actually implement the purge in the field is a decision
by the purchaser.

According to 1.3.9. there is a provision for two plugged connections

above the rundown level of the tank, one of which MAY be used for a
purge gas service. On figure 2A-21 (oil reservoir) there is one
connection named as plugged purge connection. Please clarify if
purging with an inert gas is necessary or not.
614

614

614

4th - April
1999

4th - April
1999

4th - April
1999

Chpater 2
1.4.2

Chpater 2
1.4.10.2

Chpater 2
1.4.12

614-I-03/07

614-I-01/06

614-I-02/06

Question 1: Can a sealless submerged motor pump be used in a

lubricating sealing control auxiliary oil system for special purpose
applications providing the purchaser allows the use of submerged
pumps?

Reply 1: No, unless otherwise specified by the end-user. See

Chapter 2, Section 1.4.2.

Question 2: Can a sealless submerged motor pump be used in a

lubricating sealing control auxiliary oil system for general purpose
applications providing the purchaser asks for a submerged pump?

Reply 2: No.

Background: Section 1.4.10.2 in Chapter 2 which states each oil

pump shall be capable of:
a. Supplying the normal flow required by the equipment plus the
greater of 20% of the normal flow or 40 l/min (10 gal/min).
b. Transient oil requirements.
c. The equipment vendors allowance for normal wear.

Pumps must be sized to meet these three criteria individually.

Question: Is the transient condition above in item "b" and the

allowance for normal wear in item "c" considered an addition to the
"normal+20%" or part of the 20%?
Question 1: Chapter 2, Section 1.4.12 states that the motor driver for
a centrifugal pump shall have a power rating which covers the "end
of curve". At what temperature is it normal operating temperature,
the minimum pump start-up temperature, or 10C (50F)?
Question 2: Chapter 2, Section1.4.12.1 states that the pump shall be
capable of delivering the specified system pressure over the pump's
stable flow range with oil at 10C (50F). Is this requirement intended
over the "full" stable flow range or is it only necessary for the pump
at its minimum stable flow? If my understanding is not correct, is the
intent to have the whole system able to deliver the specified pressure
and design flow at 10, with no regard to operating temperature?

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 2
1.5.2

614-I-01/01

In Section 1.5.2j of API 614 4th edition, it states that the shell side
corrosion allowance is to be 3mm (0.125in). Is this only if water is on
the shell side? Please clarify.

Reply 1: At 10C (50F). See 1.4.12.1.

Reply 2: The requirement applies to the full stable range at 10C

(50F).

No. A corrosion allowance is required due to external corrosion and

the possibility of acid buildup in the oil.
It is noted that API 614 1.5.3.4.5 requires that water be on the tube
side of the coolers.

API Standard 614 - Lubrication, Shaft-Sealing, and Control-Oil Systems for Special-Purpose Application
Last update: August 24, 2007
Standard

Edition

Section

Inquiry #

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 2
1.5.2

614-I-04/07

Question
Question 1: In Chapter 2, Section 1.5.2, covering cooling system
on water side. This is the value to consider for shell-and-tube coolers.
In case of plate coolers, what is the recommended fouling factor
value?

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 2
1.5.12.1

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 2
1.6.2.3

614-I-02/03

Reply
Reply 1: API 614 defaults to shell-and-tube type coolers (see
Chapter 2, Section 1.5.1.1). Alternate types of coolers are allowed as
specified by the purchaser but have defined requirements only to the
extent included in the standard. See Chapter 2, Section 1.5.3.5, for
plate frame cooler requirements. A particular fouling factor is not
mandated for this type of cooler, and therefore must be mutually
agreed upon between the supplier and purchaser.

Question 2: Is there a difference between sweet water and sea water?

Reply 2: Assuming you are referring to materials, Chapter 2, Section

1.5.3.5.1, provides default materials for sweet water and sea water
service for plate coolers.

Is the pressure regulating valve a steady state control spilling oil

which has to be included in the normal flow or does it come under
the category of a device involved with bypassing oil directly back to
the reservoir and therefore not included in the "normal flow"?

Normal flow is the amount of oil supplied to the main equipment

served by the oil system; it does not include oil which is by-passed by
control valve(s) within the oil system. The oil system, including
pumps, must be sized to account for the amount of oil which is
bypassed by oil system valves in order that the oil system is able to
deliver required flow to the main equipment.
No, all separate hardware on the filtered (clean) side of the oil must
be stainless steel. A separate piece even if permanently attached
must meet this requirement.

API Chapter 2 Para 1.6.2.3 is the same as API 614 Chapter 3 Par 1.7.4.3
Is the use of a standard press fitted carbon steel element- adapter, as
integral, non-removable part of the filter body accepted to comply
with the API specification?
Note 2: We feel that our standard element adapter which is a nonremovable part, and not a centre post or other removable hardware, is
not subject to this Chapter.

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 2
1.7.5

614-I-01/03

Is intent of having dual filters on lube system, along with a

continuous flow transfer valve to allow for change out of filters
elements with system in operation? I believe it is or why would API
have the requirements listed in 4.3.3.6.
If so shouldn't the following be changed on page 2-12 para 1.7.5:
a) Either note removed, or;
b) Spectacle blinds provision should not be an "if specified" but
rather a requirement, or;
c) The "Note:" wording should be changed to "Transfer valves are not
intended to be used for any tight shutoff type maintenance work (ex.
hydrotest).

Yes, the intent of having dual filters on a lube system, along with a
continuous flow transfer value, is to allow for change out of filter
elements with the system in operation.
a) Note is correct.
b) Spectacle blinds are an option.
c) Current note is correct.
Please note the following as additional explanation:
1. Transfer valves are not necessarily tight shut off.
2. Filter switchover can be accomplished without spectacle blinds as
long as the leakage rate of the transfer valve can be kept up with via
filter drains.
3. Spectacle blinds can be used to positively isolate the equipment
(cooler or filter) on the closed side of the transfer valve.

API Standard 614 - Lubrication, Shaft-Sealing, and Control-Oil Systems for Special-Purpose Application
Last update: August 24, 2007
Standard

Edition

Section

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 2
1.9.2.1

Inquiry #

Question
API 614, Chapter 2, Section 1.9.2.1 specifies that the coast down
period cannot be less than 3 minutes of normal lube-oil flow. Section
1.9.2.2 specifies that maximum static head shall be less than the lube
oil trip pressure but not less than 5 pounds per square inch (0.3 bar)
at the beginning of coast down. For an API 614 lube-oil System
designed to operate at 20 psig with the pump running, and with trip
setpoint at 8 psig, is the 3 minutes of normal lube-oil flow called for in
1.9.2.1: (1) The normal lube-oil flow expected when the lube oil pump
is operating and providing lube-oil at 20 psig (approximately 47 gpm
in this case) to the bearings, or (2) The normal lube-oil flow expected
when the system trips and the lube-oil rundown tank begins
emptying, starting at a lube-oil pressure of just less than 8 psig and
decreasing as the rundown tank static head decreases from 8 psig (-)
to 5 psig (approximately 26 gpm in this case).

Reply
The term "normal flow" is defined in the API 614, Chapter 1, in
Section 3.22, and therefore the overhead tank should be sized per
Chapter 2, Section 1.9.2.1, and the normal flow indicated on the data
sheets.

In this case, what is meaning of the term "normal lube-oil flow"?

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 2
3.2.6.3

614-I-01/04

Question 1: Does Chapter 2, Section. 3.2.6.3, require a permanent

marking on the flow indicator at the minimum oil flow level?

Question 2: Does the statement shall clearly show the minimum oil
flowing level mean only that the lowest point of the bulls eye shall
be at least below the minimum oil flowing level in order to assure a
continuous control of the oil flow?

Reply 1: No, a permanent marking on the sight flow indicator is not

required. The purpose of these indicators is to confirm that oil is
flowing through the drains rather than quantitatively measuring the oil
flowrate.
Reply 2: The phrase shall clearly show the minimum oil-flowing
level requires that the sight flow indicator enable the viewer to clearly
determine that oil flow through the drain exists, even when oil is
flowing at minimum rates.
Yes.

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 3
1.4.6.2.1

614-I-02/05

If the reservoir is sized such that the working capacity equals at lease
three minutes of normal flow per Chapter 3, Section 1.4.6.2.1, is the
retention capacity greater than three minutes of normal flow?

614

4th - April
1999

Chapter 4
Appendix B

614-I-03/03

Question 1: Details of Cooler are tabulated on page 3 of 4. My

question is, if coolers are used on seal gas lines the technical
requirements are not mentioned on Chapter 4. Also "Lube" is
specified in the data table alongside "Coolers:". What are the
requirements of lube oil in coolers, and in gas coolers?

Reply 1: Refer to schematics in Appendix 4A for dry gas seal support

systems as well as the text in Chapter 4. Coolers are not
recommended as part of these systems due to the potential of
condensed liquids damaging the seal. Inclusion of coolers in Chapter
4 data sheets is an error which will be considered in the next edition.

Question 2: Under Shop test section on page 4 of 4, requirements are

to be marked for "Four hour run", "Changeover filters/coolers", "One
and two pump operation", "Sound level", "Hydrotest assembled
system". If these tests applicable for Dry gas seal module, what are
the pumps used for in this module? Also, sound level test and
hydrotest instead of gas leak test is required for dry gas seal
module?

Reply 2: Testing requirements for dry gas seal support systems are
described in Chapter 4 Section 4.3. Datasheet requirements for gas
seal support systems should not include requirements for pump
operation. This will be considered in the next edition.