API RP 8B-2014 (2021) PDF

Full title and description

API RP 8B — Recommended Practice for Procedures for Inspections, Maintenance, Repair, and Remanufacture of Hoisting Equipment. Eighth edition (2014) issued with addenda; the text is commonly presented as API RP 8B:2014 with Addendum 1 (2019) and Addendum 2 (2021). The document gives procedural guidance and mandatory requirements (where noted) to maintain the serviceability of drilling and production hoisting equipment.

Abstract

This recommended practice establishes inspection, maintenance, repair, remanufacture and load‑testing procedures for hoisting equipment used in drilling and production operations. It addresses assessment criteria, allowable wear limits, repair and remanufacture methods, acceptance testing and recordkeeping to ensure continued safe service of items manufactured to API Spec 8A, API Spec 8C or equivalent ISO specifications.

General information

• Status: Current (8th edition with addenda).
• Publication date: Eighth edition published May 1, 2014; Addendum 1 issued 2019; Addendum 2 issued July 1, 2021.
• Publisher: American Petroleum Institute (API).
• ICS / categories: Petroleum and natural gas industries — drilling and production equipment; hoisting tools and lifting equipment.
• Edition / version: 8th edition (2014) — includes Addendum 1 (2019) and Addendum 2 (2021).
• Number of pages: Approximately 26 pages (document and addenda combined as published records).

Key bibliographic and edition details above are based on API publication records and major standards distributors.

Scope

Applies to inspection, maintenance, repair and remanufacture procedures for drilling and production hoisting equipment manufactured to API Spec 8A, API Spec 8C or ISO 13535 (where equivalent). Covered items include, but are not limited to: crown‑block sheaves and bearings; travelling and hook blocks; adapters and connectors; various types of hooks and elevators (casing, tubing, drill‑pipe, drill‑collar, sucker‑rod); swivel and power swivel components; power subs and top drives (when used as hoisting equipment); spiders (when used as elevators); dead‑line tie‑downs/wireline anchors; drill‑string motion compensators; and related lifting accessories.

Key topics and requirements

• Inspection intervals and methods (visual, dimensional, non‑destructive testing where required).
• Acceptable wear limits, criteria for rejection, and dimensional tolerances.
• Repair and remanufacture procedures and quality requirements for component replacement.
• Load testing requirements and methods for returned or repaired equipment.
• Documentation, traceability and recordkeeping for inspections, repairs and remanufacture.
• Annex material providing wear limits and informative guidance (e.g., elevator bore wear tables, top‑drive/power‑swivel guidance).

Typical use and users

Used by operators, drilling contractors, hoisting equipment manufacturers, maintenance and inspection personnel, remanufacturers, third‑party inspectors and asset integrity teams to set procedures for safe continued service, acceptance/rejection of components, and to document repairs and load tests. It is commonly referenced in rig maintenance programs, equipment overhaul shops and regulatory/compliance audits.

Related standards

Commonly used together with API Spec 8A (Drilling and Production Hoisting Equipment specification), API Spec 8C (Drilling and Production Hoisting Equipment — PSLs), ISO 13535 (where equivalent), and companion recommended practices such as API RP 7L and API RP 9B for related drilling equipment, wire rope care and other lifting device standards.

Keywords

hoisting equipment; inspection; maintenance; repair; remanufacture; elevator; hook; swivel; load test; API RP 8B; drilling equipment; serviceability; wear limits.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: API RP 8B is an industry recommended practice that defines procedures and acceptance criteria for inspection, maintenance, repair and remanufacture of hoisting equipment used in drilling and production operations.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers inspection methods, allowable wear limits, repair/remanufacture practices, load testing, and documentation/recordkeeping for a wide range of hoisting components (blocks, hooks, elevators, swivels, adapters, etc.).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Operators, drilling contractors, equipment manufacturers and remanufacturers, maintenance shops, inspectors and asset‑integrity teams use it to develop and verify safe procedures for hoisting equipment lifecycle activities.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The base 8th edition dates to May 1, 2014; it remains current in its published form with subsequent addenda, the latest being Addendum 2 issued in July 2021. Users should verify whether any further revisions or newer editions have been published after 2021 for their jurisdiction or contracts.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the family of API drilling and hoisting publications and is typically used alongside API specifications for hoisting equipment (e.g., API Spec 8A, API Spec 8C) and other related RPs for drilling equipment and wire rope care.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Hoisting equipment, inspection, maintenance, repair, remanufacture, elevator, hook, swivel, load testing, API RP 8B.