Category
Rotating Equipment
Subcategory
Compressor
Applicable standards
4
Issuing bodies
3
Description
Positive displacement reciprocating compressor for high-pressure gas service.
Applicable Standards (4)
API — 2 standards
API 618
Reciprocating Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Industry Services
Reciprocating compressors for severe process service.
Key requirements (9)
- Reciprocating compressors for petroleum, chemical, gas service — 5th edition.
- Service classification by speed: low-speed (<330 rpm), moderate (330–800), high-speed (>800).
- Pulsation control: API 618 'design approach' M2 (analog), M3 (acoustical), M4 (mechanical+acoustical).
- Pulsation limits: ≤ 1 % peak-to-peak of average line pressure, OR ≤ 7 kPa (whichever less).
- Crank shaft web deflection: < 0.0005 × stroke (TIR).
- Hydrotest: 1.5 × MAWP for cylinders & all pressure-containing parts.
- Mechanical run test: 4-hr continuous at rated speed and load.
- Valves typically replaced at 8,000–25,000 hrs; valve lift ≤ 3 mm typical.
- Lube oil consumption rate: 0.06–0.25 mL/kWh typical for distance-piece-lubricated.
API 670
Machinery Protection Systems
Vibration, axial-position, bearing temperature monitoring for rotating machinery.
Key requirements (7)
- Machinery protection systems for rotating equipment.
- Standard sensors: 8 mm proximity probes (eddy current), velocity sensors, accelerometers, KPH probes for speed.
- Signal: 200 mV/mil sensitivity for proximity probes (5 V across 25 mil gap).
- Standard alert/shutdown: 25 µm Alert / 50 µm Trip on shaft displacement (typical, tunable).
- Bearing temperature RTD: 100 Ω Pt; 110 °C Alert / 120 °C Trip typical.
- Casing vibration (accelerometer / velocity): 7.6 mm/s RMS typical alert for centrifugal machines.
- API 670 monitoring system has 2-out-of-3 voting for trips, with bypass keys for maintenance.
ASME — 1 standard
ASME PTC 10
Performance Test Code on Compressors and Exhausters
Performance test procedures for centrifugal and axial compressors.
Key requirements (7)
- Performance test code on compressors and exhausters.
- Two test classes: Class 1 (full load, design fluid), Class 2 (model/equivalent fluid).
- Test parameters: inlet pressure/temperature, discharge pressure/temperature, flow, power.
- Polytropic efficiency reported (not isentropic) — preferred for multistage.
- Test points: minimum 4 spanning surge to choke.
- Uncertainty: typically ±2–4% on guaranteed performance.
- Used to verify API 617/618/619 compressor compliance.
BIS — 1 standard
IS 10431
Reciprocating Air Compressors and Air Receivers — Code of Practice
Indian recip compressor selection/installation guidance.