FOREWORD This publication is a compilation of interpretations issued by the Industry Operattions Group of the American Petroleum Institute. API has issued these interpretations in response to questions concerning the meaning of its standards and in consideration of suggestions for revisions to its standards. API welcomes questions@ suggestions@ and comments concerning its standards. However@ API can only respond to questions concerning application of its standards that are stated clearly and that strictly pertain to the meaning of one of its standards. API staff will make interpretations of standards in writing after consultation@ if necessary@ with the appropriate committee officers and the committee membership. Suggestions for revision to an API standard should include supporting technical information. Inquiries that do not provide the information needed for complete understanding will be returned. As a matter of policy@ API does not approve@ certify@ rate@ or endorse any item@ contribution@ proprietary device@ or activity. Moreover@ API does not act as a consultant on specific engineering problems or on the general understanding or application of its standards. Therefore@ inquiries requesting such considerations will be returned. API does not normally respond to questions seeking the rationale for requirements in its standards. These requirements are based upon consideration of technical data and the judgment and skill of experienced engineering and technical personnel@ representing both users and manufacturers@ who serve on API standards committees. API committees meet regularly to consider written requests for interpretations and revisions of standards@ as well as to develop new standards as dictated by technological development. All technical meetings during which requirements of API standards are considered are open to the public. Notices of these meetings are published in Standards Action@ a publication of the American National Standards Institute. 1 A report of standardization activities is also available from individual API departments. API publications may be used by anyone desiring to do so. Every effort has been made by the Institute to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in them; however@ the Institute makes no representation@ warranty@ or guarantee in connection with this publication and hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use or for the violation of any federal@ state@ or municipal regulation with which this publication may conflict.