The document provides an overview of the American Petroleum Institute (API) 682 2nd Edition standard for shaft sealing systems for centrifugal and rotary pumps. It describes the purpose and benefits of the standard in promoting best practices for mechanical seal selection and operation. The standard establishes three seal categories and defines acceptable seal types, arrangements, operating ranges, and qualification testing requirements. The 2nd Edition expands the scope of the previous edition to include additional seal types and arrangements.