Andrew Orfanides
Director of Individual Certification Programs at the American Petroleum Institute (API); manages professional development and certification initiatives including the API Bolted Flange Joint (BFJ) certification program.
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APPEARANCES
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PODCASTS
Jun 15, 2026
Lee NicholsHOST
So I want to bring you in, Andrew, and kind of just start off the conversation with what prompted the development of these certifications.
Andrew OrfanidesGUEST
So this effort actually started probably two years ago or three, maybe now.
Andrew OrfanidesGUEST
I was approached by Scott Hamilton, who I think is very well known in the Bolton community, who wanted to talk about how these programs would be beneficial and needed in the oil and gas industry.
Andrew OrfanidesGUEST
I think as Andy mentioned, like for years, the Welton Joint has mandated procedures and competency requirements to ensure its fitness for service.
Andrew OrfanidesGUEST
However, the bolted joint has fewer requirements, despite the fact that they serve the same purpose of pressurized process containment.
Andrew OrfanidesGUEST
In any plant, there can be thousands of bolted connections through flanged connections, and these systems cannot operate under high pressures, high temperatures, and in dangerous chemicals.
Lee NicholsHOST
So can you give us a little bit of the inside scoop on how API goes about developing these types of certifications?