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API is the abbreviation for the American Petroleum Institute. Founded in 1919, the API was the first **-level business association in the United States, and one of the earliest and most successful standards-setting chambers of commerce worldwide. The API mark is a product mark of the American Petroleum Institute, introduced in 1924 with the aim of identifying equipment and materials produced, as well as identifying manufacturers that can meet API quality systems and product standards. This trademark is registered in the United States, and no one may use it without permission. An important task of API is to oversee the standardization of equipment used in the oil and gas industry, in order to ensure the safety, reliability, and interchangeability of the equipment employed in this sector. Developing coordination standards is one of API’s earliest and most successful projects. Since the release of its first standard in 1924, API has now published 500 standards. API is an ANSI-accredited standards development organization; its standard-setting activities follow ANSI’s guidelines for coordination and development. API also works together with ASTM to develop and publish standards. In addition, API actively participates in the development of ISO standards suitable for the global industry, and serves as the secretariat for ISO/TC 671SC9 on wellhead equipment and pipeline valves. API standards are often considered synonymous with \"safety and reliability.\" The API 682 standard, which deals with mechanical seals and sealing supply systems, has been widely used and is also cited outside of industrial applications. The authors of the new version of API 682 state that the new standard never considered applications outside the industrial sector, and they clarified the scope of application of API 682 – these standards are applicable only to the sealing systems of pumps, and not to mixers or compressors. Moreover, this standard applies to the oil and gas as well as (petrochemical) industries, but not to the water supply or food industry. The goal of the API 682 standard is to ensure that sealing systems can operate continuously for at least three years, to improve operational reliability, and to simplify maintenance procedures. The requirements for mechanical seals are generally divided into two categories: liquid seals (the focus of this discussion) and gas seals (i.e., dry gas seals, which will be discussed in detail later and shared with you). A liquid seal is a mechanical seal designed specifically for sealing liquids. In fact, the liquid film between the sealed end faces is extremely small – equivalent to 20 parts per million of an inch, or half a micron. The liquid film helps to isolate and lubricate the sealing surfaces. When considering the pressures, temperatures, and speeds that the seal can withstand, we realize that this is an incredible technical achievement. This is only possible when we have a high-quality liquid film. How can one become a high-quality liquid film? 1. The liquid must be stable under operating conditions and not collapse. 2. The liquid must be a lubricant with good performance. 3. The liquid must remain in liquid form inside the sealed chamber, without any flashing or evaporation occurring. 4. The liquid should be relatively clean, free of contaminants or solid particles. 5. The liquid should have a moderate viscosity