API 674

Plunger pumps according to API 674 belong to the category of reciprocating positive displacement pumps and are used wherever fluids must be conveyed under high pressure with maximum reliability. The API 674 standard is a globally recognized industrial specification issued by the American Petroleum Institute for reciprocating pumps. It is widely applied in the oil and gas industry, petrochemicals, water treatment plants, and other high-pressure processes. The standard defines requirements for mechanical design, construction, operational safety, and ease of maintenance for such pumps.

Unlike centrifugal pumps, API 674 plunger pumps operate based on the principle of positive displacement, making them particularly suitable for delivering constant flow rates at high pressures—even with varying media and operating conditions. API 674 ensures that these pumps operate efficiently and durably under extreme conditions, typically at pressures ranging from several hundred to several thousand bar (e.g., up to 58,000 psi).

KAMAT, based in Witten, Germany, is a globally active manufacturer of high-pressure technology and one of the leading suppliers of powerful plunger pumps. The company develops and produces modular high-pressure plunger pumps that not only withstand the highest pressure demands but can also be custom-configured for specific applications—naturally also in full compliance with API 674 if required. With decades of experience and “Made in Germany” quality, KAMAT stands for reliability, serviceability, and maximum power density in demanding industries.

The official API 674 standard (Positive Displacement Pumps – Reciprocating) is published by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The current version is the 3rd edition from December 2010, including errata up to April 2015 and reaffirmed in November 2016. This standard defines the technical requirements for reciprocating plunger pumps used in the process industry under the toughest conditions. It ensures that plunger pumps are mechanically robust, long-lasting, and easy to maintain—with a special focus on operational safety, reliability, and performance consistency under high pressure.

Key requirements of API 674 include:

• Mechanically robust design for continuous operation at high delivery pressures—typically up to 1000 bar (14,500 psi) and beyond. KAMAT pumps can technically reach pressures up to 4000 bar (58,000 psi).
• Low pulsation and smooth flow achieved through triplex or quintuplex configurations.
• Long service life due to wear-resistant components, optimized sealing systems, and high-quality materials.
• Maintenance-friendly design, such as modular construction, externally accessible seals, and low-wear valves.
• Monitoring capabilities via standardized interfaces for sensors and condition diagnostics.

API 674-compliant design is not only a guarantee of durability but often a prerequisite for use in critical and safety-relevant environments.

Typical applications of API 674 plunger pumps include:

• Oil and Gas Industry: e.g., injection of methanol or glycol for hydrate prevention and gas dehydration.
• Petrochemicals and Refining: precise dosing of aggressive or viscous media in chemical pumps.
• Energy and Power Plants: e.g., boiler feed systems or desalination processes.
• Water and Wastewater Treatment: e.g., in reverse osmosis systems or high-pressure desalination.
• Steel and Heavy Industry: descaling pumps and high-pressure cleaning applications.

Thanks to their robust construction, API pumps are used wherever high-pressure delivery must perform reliably and continuously under extreme conditions.

Plunger pumps built according to API 674 increasingly benefit from engineering innovations that extend service life and reduce operational costs. Leading manufacturers like KAMAT rely on advanced design solutions aimed at maintenance-friendliness and reliability in demanding industrial environments.

Key advantages of modern API 674 designs include:

• Maintenance-friendly design: Simplified access to all seal systems, e.g., external oil seals that allow maintenance without draining gearbox oil or opening the pump housing.
• Minimized downtime: Optimized serviceability reduces outages and lowers the risk of assembly errors during maintenance.
• Low-vibration and quiet operation: Modern pump designs ensure smooth and quiet running. KAMAT, for example, offers soundproofed container solutions—ideal for noise-sensitive environments or enclosed installations.

Maximum system availability thanks to robust construction: Durable API 674-compliant designs using premium materials, wear-resistant valve systems, and optimized guide elements ensure long operating life and significantly reduce unplanned downtime.

KAMAT has specialized in high-pressure technology for decades and develops powerful, maintenance-friendly plunger pumps for industrial applications worldwide. All pump models are based on a modular system that allows flexible customization to suit different application requirements—including full API 674 compliance where needed.

Key parameters in designing API 674-compliant pumps include plunger stroke, speed, and plunger velocity. While the standard defines maximum allowable values, modern engineering often enables even higher operating ranges. KAMAT’s latest pump designs, for example, achieve significantly higher plunger speeds and rotation rates without compromising safety. This results in more compact units with equal or greater performance—an advantage for customers who don’t require full API compliance.

For applications that demand 100% adherence to API 674, KAMAT also offers specially adapted models. These feature lower speeds, reduced plunger velocities, or deliberately larger dimensions to fully meet the standard’s specifications.

Thanks to this engineering flexibility, KAMAT pumps can be tailored precisely to industry-specific requirements—whether in oil and gas, petrochemicals, or water treatment.