API 19B Perforator Witness & Registered Design Program
API 19B Recommended Practice for Evaluation of Well Perforators describes standard procedures for evaluating the performance of perforating equipment so that representations of this performance may be made to the industry under a standard practice. The purpose is to specify the materials and methods used to objectively evaluate the performance of perforating systems.
API's Perforator Witness and Registered Design Program provides objective and experienced witnesses to observe critical industry tests under Section I and Section II of the API Recommended Practice 19B Evaluation of Well Perforators.
- Evaluation of Perforating Systems under Surface Conditions, Concrete Targets (Section I)
- Evaluation of Perforating Systems using Stressed Rock Targets (Section II)
By participating in this program, perforator manufacturers may choose to post the test rests of their perforator designs to the API Composite List, providing public evidence of test data in an impartial medium.
19B Application Process
To apply for the program, please fill out the API 19B Perforator Witness & Registered Design Application, and email to audits@api.org.
Companies applying for the program for the first time should allow at least 60 days between submitting the new application and the desired date of your initial witness visit. Companies that have already registered with the API Perforator Program should allow 45 days between the submission of the application and the desired date of the test.
After applications have been reviewed, a qualified API representative will be assigned to witness the perforator test.
After the test, the witness report and data sheet(s) will be provided to API by the Witness. Manufacturers then have 30 days to request that the Data Sheets be posted to the API Composite list as a Registered Design.
For more information, please email audits@api.org
Form for API Perforator Witness Application
Forms for API 19B Section I (Evaluation of Perforating Systems under Surface Conditions, Concrete Targets)
- API 19B Section I Data Sheet
- API 19B Section I Data Sheet, Mixed Charges 1
- API 19B Section I Data Sheet, Mixed Charges 2
- API 19B Section I Data Sheet, Dual String
- API 19B Section I Witness Report
- API 19B Section I Witness Instructions
Forms for API 19B Section II (Evaluation of Perforating Systems using Stressed Rock Targets)
API Advisories
API Advisories apply to API Monogram Licensees, APIQR Registered Organizations, organizations requesting a 19B Perforator Witness and organizations with API 19B Registered Designs.Go to API Advisories
API RP 19B Perforator Program Updates
- Notice February 9, 2022: API RP19B Perforator Agreement Update
- Notice February 9, 2022: API RP19B Perforator Agreement Update Chinese Translation
- Notice February 9, 2022: API RP19B Perforator Agreement Update Spanish Translation
- Notice February 9, 2022: API RP19B Perforator Agreement Update Portuguese Translation
- Notice February 8, 2022: API RP19B Perforator Witness & Design Announcement
- Notice February 8, 2022: API RP19B Perforator Witness & Design Announcement Chinese Translation
- Notice February 8, 2022: API RP19B Perforator Witness & Design Announcement Spanish Translation
- Notice February 8, 2022: API RP19B Perforator Witness & Design Announcement Portuguese Translation
- Notice September 23, 2020: Action Requested Perforator Account Migration
- Notice September 9, 2020: Perforator Customer Migration to myCerts
- Notice April 27, 2018: New API 19B Perforator Witness & Registered Design Application
- Notice October 4, 2021: API 19B Perforator Witnessing Program Fee Increase
Appealing API Witnessed 19B Perforator Tests
An appeal concerning the witnessed results of a perforating equipment test based on API 19B Recommended Practices for Evaluation of Well Perforators must be signed and submitted in writing to:Manager of Operations
API Monogram/APIQR Program
American Petroleum Institute
200 Massachusttes Ave NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20001-5571
Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the witnessed test date and include all of the following:
- An explanation of the issue in dispute
- The specific reason why the client believes the witnessed results was in error, with evidence to support the client's claim
- The specific outcome the client is seeking
Clients should provide specific factual evidence to support their appeal. This evidence should indicate why witnessed results was in error or otherwise went against the intent of the API specifications and standards and/or the other Program requirements.
Clients must pay a $1000 US Dollar filing fee. Clients will be invoiced for this amount when the appeal letter is received. The fee in non-refundable unless API reverses its original determination or decision as a result of the appeal review process.
Following its procedure for appeals, for those appeals which API determines to merit independent review, API will convene an Independent Appeals Board to review the appeal and give all parties involved the opportunity to be heard. The decision of the Appeals Board will be communicated in writing to API and to the appellant.
