Contents

Purpose
Overview
Compressor
Components
Auxiliaries
Job Requirements
Key Points
API 617 Essentials
Purpose
To compress gas from a lower pressure to a
higher pressure
Used in many applications:
Fertilizers Ammonia Syn Gas, Urea Synthesis
Ethylene Charge Gas, Refrigeration Gas
Refineries Recycle, Cracked Gas
Natural Gas LNG (propane, refrigerant), Gas
Lift, Gas Reinjection
Overview - Compressor
Dynamic compressor
Basic principles
Centrifugal action
Overview Compressor
Energy Conversion

P4,V4,T4
P5,V1,T5
P3,V1,T3

P5,V1,T5
P2,V4,T2

P1,V1,T1

P3,V1,T3
Overview Compressor
Application Parameters
Gases - All Types of Gases
Speed - 3,500 to 26,500 RPM
Pressure Up to 1,000 bar
Flow Range 1,000 to 300,000 m3/hr
Number of Stages - 1 to 10 Impellers
Natural gas pressure ratio up to 2 per stage
Overview Compressor
Type of compressor
Single stage
Booster application
Overview Compressor
Multistage
Axially (Horizontally) split
Radially Split
Radially (Vertically) split

Axially Split
Overview - Compressor
Horizontal split or vertically split
Horizontal < 60 barg
Per API 617, radially split if partial pressure of
Hydrogen at MAWP >1380 kpag or 200 psig.
Overview - Compressor
Multistage types:
In-line
Back-to-back
Overview - Compressor
Multistage types (continued):
Compound / Side-stream
Double flow
Overview - Components
Overview - Components
Overview Inlet Volute
Overview - Impeller
Overview - Impeller
Overview - Diaphragm
Overview Stage and
Diffuser
Overview Discharge
Volute
Overview Rotor
Overview Rotor
Overview Stator
Overview Assembly
Overview Assembly
Job requirement
Process data
Inlet pressure, temperature
Gas compositions (each stage)
Discharge pressure
Flow (mass or volume)
Driver compatibility
Variable speed (GT, ST, VFD)
Fixed Speed (EM)
Job requirement
Scope of supply incl. equipment & test
reqmt
Major equipment
Auxiliaries
Spares
Tests
Installation & Commissioning
Layout, footprint and weight
Materials
Job requirement
Compressor selection / flexibility
Operating range
Sparing/operation philosophy
Re-bundling option
Rotordynamics
Avoid unwanted incidence high vibration,
short lifecycle
Vendors standard
Job requirement
Compliance to specs & intl standards
Project spec
API 617, 614, 616, 612, 670, 613
Cost
Base price
Optional
Key points to consider
Multiple process conditions
Power / Efficiency
Stages
Turndown capabilities
Utility consumption (dry gas seal, lube oil, utility)
Scope of supply
Auxiliaries
Test requirement
Specifications & Standards
Key points to consider
Tests
Performed tests at plant
Hydrostatic test on casing
Impeller overspeed test

Mechanical run test continuous running

Optional
Helium leak test
Performance test meet contract requirement (PTC

10)
String test
API 617 Essentials
API-617 7TH.pdf
Performance map (pg 92)
Rated point operating condition @ 100% speed,
highest capacity
Normal point optimum efficiency expected,
certified point
MAWP RV setting or 1.25 x max discharge
pressure
Std vs Normal volume 15C@atm vs 0C@atm
MCOS 105% for variable speed or 100% for motor