Hot Spot New API Task Group Use of PFAS in Oil & Gas Industry

What is it?

API have advised the BVAA that they are forming a new task group to monitor, coordinate and document efforts in the oil and gas industry to address the use of Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They are currently looking for volunteers who are willing to participate in this work which may be of particular interest for BVAA members in the seal and barrier components supply segment.

The Task Group will report to the API Committee on Standardisation of Oilfield Equipment and Materials (CSOEM) at their twice yearly meetings on efforts to address the use of PFAS in various coatings and components within the industry. Task group meetings are generally held as hybrid meetings with an online option and usually start in the late afternoon UK time. If you are interested in participating in this task group please advise the BVAA secretariat and we will forward your name to API.

Why is it Important?

The environmental effects of PFAS are currently being examined on a global basis with specific regulation to restrict their use being currently considered in Europe, UK and North America. The current definition of PFAS being considered by these regulations includes many thousands of materials used for a great many different purposes. Fluoropolymers such as PTFE and FKM that are widely used in pressure equipment applications are amongst the materials that could be banned or use restricted in the future.

It is important that BVAA members, and particularly those supplying sealing and barrier materials and components into the oil and gas industry, are up to date on the latest progress and thinking behind the various PFAS regulations being considered globally. This API task group provides a good opportunity for BVAA members to be involved in the developing conversation across the oil and gas supply chain.

Continuous Improvement - Did we miss anything?

Hot Spots are intended to alert members and provide a brief overview of new standards, activities or procedures that are being introduced in the industry. If there is key information missing that would be helpful, please let us know so that we can improve our future service.

Please Note: This Hotspot is for information purposes, and we invite comments from BVAA members only. Please also note that at time of publication ballots may be closed. For more information, please contact the Secretariat.

BVAA Members: Did you know we have a hotspot tab on the BVAA website? Head over to www.bvaa.org.uk/login-here.asp and log into the member only area. You then need to select ‘Hotspots’ for the latest. For information on how to access the member only area of the website please contact jane@bvaa.org.uk. 

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