Axial Compressors for Air Service IP 10-3-4

INTERNATIONAL Page 1 of 7
PRACTICE (This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document) Rev. 0 June 1997

THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH NUMBERS REFER TO API 617, SIXTH EDITION, FEBRUARY 1995
WHICH IS A PART OF THIS PRACTICE

SECTION 1 - GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE
I a. (Exception) This practice covers axial compressors in process air service.
I b. All requirements specified in this practice are additions to those of API 617 unless specifically
noted as exceptions. Paragraph numbers in this practice which do not appear in API 617 are
new paragraphs.
I c. An asterisk () indicates that a decision by the purchaser is required or that additional
information is furnished by the purchaser.
Note: A bullet () is shown in API 617 indicating that a purchaser's decision is required.
I d. The following references are synonymous: BP and IP.
O,R e. Vendor Qualification. Compressor systems shall be supplied by vendors qualified by
experience in manufacturing the units proposed. To qualify, the vendor must have
manufactured at the proposed point of manufacture, at least two compressors of comparable
speed, power rating, and discharge pressure. These compressors must have been in service
for at least one year and be performing satisfactorily. Also see Par. 1.1h.
Alternatively, the vendor may satisfy this experience requirement on an individual
component and service condition basis. Experience need not be concentrated in a single
compressor, but may be spread through several operating compressors. To qualify, each of
these compressors must have been in service for at least one year and be performing
satisfactorily.
The critical areas relative to service conditions which must be demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the Owner's Engineer include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Pressure
2. Volumetric capacity
3. Power rating
4. Speed
5. Temperature
The critical areas relative to mechanical design which must be demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the Owner's Engineer include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Sealing system
2. Bearing design and loading
3. Number of stages and staging arrangement
4. Casing size and design
5. Casing joint design
6. Rotor dynamics
7. Blade and disk mechanical design and performance
8. Material selection
9. Power transmission components - design and arrangement
f. In the area of component mechanical design, the vendor must show that each component
has operated under the same conditions as those of the proposed compressor.
g. Compressors manufactured under a license agreement shall carry the licenser’s written
guarantee.
 h. Where the vendor qualification requirement of Par. 1.1e prevents the application of the latest
technology, the vendor shall submit a second alternative proposal incorporating such
features for evaluation by the Owner's Engineer. The proposal shall specifically identify the
undemonstrated features and state their advantages.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY — FLORHAM PARK, N.J.
 IP 10-3-4 Axial Compressors for Air Service
Page 2 of 7 INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE
Rev. 0 June 1997 (This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

1.5 REFERENCED PUBLICATIONS

I 1.5.3 a. Table 1 lists the practices and standard which shall be used with this practice.
 b. Table 2 lists the practices and standard which shall be used with this practice as specified by
the purchaser.

TABLE 1
PRACTICES

IP 2-1-1 Equipment Noise Level Data Requirements

IP 3-16-1 Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting
IP 10-11-1 Sizing of Drivers and Transmissions for Compressors, Fans, and Pumps
IP 10-12-1 Vibration, Axial-Position, and Bearing-Temperature Monitoring Systems for
Compressors and Drivers
IP 10-14-1 Lube and Seal Oil Systems for Machinery
IP 18-12-1 Positive Material Identification
IP 20-1-1 Inspection of Equipment and Materials

STANDARD

API Standard
617 Centrifugal Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Industry Services

TABLE 2
PRACTICES

IP 10-7-2 Special Purpose Steam Turbines

IP 10-8-1 Combustion Gas Turbines
IP 10-10-1 Special Purpose Gear Units
IP 15-1-2 Instrumentation for Compressors and Drivers
IP 15-7-1 Electric Power Branch Circuit Design for Instrumentation
IP 15-7-2 Protective Systems
IP 15-11-1 Instrument Control Panels
IP 16-9-1 Low Voltage A-C Motors Up to 200 HP (150 kW)
IP 16-9-2 A-C Motors: Medium Voltage and Low Voltage Over 200 HP (150 kW)
IP 18-6-1 Impact Requirements for Materials

STANDARD

ASTM Standard
A 488 / A 488M Steel Castings, Welding, Qualifications of Procedures and Personnel

SECTION 2 - BASIC DESIGN

2.1 GENERAL
O,C 2.1.3 For constant speed compressors, the specified capacity shall be guaranteed with the
understanding that the head shall be within +5% and -0% of that specified; the power shall not
exceed stated power by more than 4%. These tolerances are not additive. See Par. 4.3.6.1.4.
O  2.1.4 The rise in pressure ratio from normal capacity to the surge point at normal speed shall not be less
than that specified.
I,R  2.1.9 a. Compressors and auxiliaries shall be suitable for outdoor installation.
b. Compressors and auxiliaries shall be winterized for the climatic zone specified.
E,I 2.1.10 Noise. Compressor vendors shall submit noise emission data for the quoted machine with their
proposal per IP 2-1-1.

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 Axial Compressors for Air Service IP 10-3-4
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PRACTICE (This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document) Rev. 0 June 1997

R 2.1.19 The following spare parts shall be furnished for and delivered with each axial compressor:
a. Rotor.
b. Set of stator blades. Blades to be installed in carriers if such design is available.
c. A fully instrumented set of bearings (radial and thrust).
d. Shaft seals.
e. Renewable labyrinths and other seal types for all internal close clearance points.
If two or more axial compressors are duplicates, a single set of spares will suffice.
2.3 INTERSTAGE DIAPHRAGMS AND INLET GUIDE VANES
I a. (Exception) API Paragraphs 2.3.1 through 2.3.5 are deleted since they are not applicable
and are replaced by the following Subpar. b.:
R b. ROTORS AND STATORS-BLADING
1. Campbell Diagrams for the blades of each stage shall be submitted to purchaser
for review by the Owner's Engineer. The diagrams shall show fundamental (natural)
blade frequencies and their first harmonics in bending, edgewise, torsional and
coupled modes over the range of excitation sources.
The operating speed range considered shall be 10% below minimum operating to
10% above maximum continuous speed, and natural frequency corrections reflecting
actual operating temperatures and speeds shall be shown. These diagrams, if based
on theoretical calculation and prediction shall be verified within 6 months of receipt of
an order, by actual blade test data. The data shall represent a sample of the testing
of at least 25% of the number of blades installed in each stage of the proposed
machine.
2. Sources of excitation for rotating blades shall include but not be limited to: the
first and second harmonics of blade and nozzle passing frequencies, the first ten
compressor speed harmonics, meshing frequencies in geared units, and periodic
impulses caused by nozzle segment design. Sources of excitation for stationary
blades shall include but not be limited to: the first and second harmonics of blade
passing frequencies.
3. Goodman Diagrams for all blades shall be submitted to purchaser for review by the
Owner's Engineer.
2.4.2 CASING CONNECTIONS
I 2.4.2.2 (Exception) Flanges shall be per IP 3-16-1.
2.4.3 AUXILIARY CONNECTIONS
M 2.4.3.8 Casing shall have features that permit direct visual inspection of the first stage compressor blading.
2.6 ROTATING ELEMENTS
I,R 2.6.2 Coupling hubs shall be removable and nonkeyed (tapered bore, hydraulically fitted).
I 2.6.7 (Exception) This API paragraph as well as API Paragraphs 2.6.8, 2.6.9, and 2.6.10 are deleted
since they are not applicable.
2.7 BEARINGS AND BEARING HOUSINGS
2.7.1 GENERAL
I 2.7.1.2 Thrust and radial bearings shall be fitted with bearing metal temperature sensors per IP 10-12-1.
2.7.4 BEARING HOUSINGS
I 2.7.4.2 (Exception) All compressors shall have drive end bearing housing shaft seals on the coupling side to
prevent oil leakage toward the coupling.
I 2.7.4.7 The probe installation shall be as specified in IP 10-12-1.
2.8 SHAFT SEALS
I,R  2.8.3 Shaft seals shall be of the labyrinth type.
2.9 DYNAMICS
2.9.2 LATERAL ANALYSIS
O,R  2.9.2.1 The vendor shall provide a stability analysis considering all sources of cross coupling.
2.9.3 SHOP VERIFICATION OF UNBALANCED RESPONSE ANALYSIS
O,R 2.9.3.1 (Exception) The unbalance weights shall be added at positions mutually agreed to by the vendor,
purchaser and Owner's Engineer.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY — FLORHAM PARK, N.J.
 IP 10-3-4 Axial Compressors for Air Service
Page 4 of 7 INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE
Rev. 0 June 1997 (This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

O,R 2.9.3.3 & 4 (Exception) Failure to meet the separation margins of 2.9.2.5 or vibration amplitudes of 2.9.2.6
shall be corrected as mutually agreed upon by the vendor, purchaser, and Owner's Engineer.
2.10 LUBE-OIL AND SEAL-OIL SYSTEMS
I 2.10.5 (Exception) Lube and seal oil systems shall be per IP 10-14-1.
2.11 MATERIALS
2.11.2 PRESSURE-CONTAINING PARTS
R 2.11.2.9.5 All butt welds not requiring 100% radiography shall be spot radiographed per ASME VIII-I.
I 2.11.3 LOW TEMPERATURE
 (Exception) Material selection and impact requirements for low-temperature service shall be
governed by IP 18-6-1. Critical exposure temperature will be specified.
I 2.11.5 IMPELLERS
This API standard paragraph is deleted since it is not applicable.

SECTION 3 - ACCESSORIES
3.1 DRIVERS
I 3.1.1 (Exception) Drivers and gears shall be sized per IP 10-11-1.
I,R 3.1.3 For electric motor drivers the compressor train shall be capable of withstanding momentary
high torque overloads equal to or exceeding four times motor nameplate rating to provide for peak
torque resulting from reacceleration after a power interruption. The suitability of this rating shall be
confirmed by purchaser after final electrical system characteristics are defined.
In addition, for synchronous motor drives, the compressor train shall also be capable of
withstanding the peak oscillatory torque values predicted by the system transient torsional analysis
of the motor starting.
I  3.1.4 (Exception) If a steam turbine is specified for the main driver it shall be per IP 10-7-2.
I  3.1.5 (Exception) If a motor is specified for the main driver it shall be per IP 16-9-2.
I  3.1.7 (Exception) If a gas turbine is specified for the main driver it shall be per IP 10-8-1.
I  3.1.8 (Exception) If a gear is specified it shall be per IP 10-10-1.
I 3.1.9 (Exception) Motors used as auxiliary drivers shall be per IP 16-9-1.
3.2 COUPLINGS AND GUARDS
I,R 3.2.2 Couplings and guards shall conform to the following:
M a. Couplings shall be of the flexible element (disc or diaphragm) type.
O  b. Alternative coupling designs may be proposed for use at or below 3600 rpm (60 rev/s)
when required to increase system torsional damping. Such proposals shall be submitted to
purchaser for approval by Owner's Engineer.
O c. A limited end float coupling is required on the low speed shaft of motor driven
compressors. The total coupling end float shall be 1/4 in. (6 mm) maximum and the total
motor end float shall exceed the coupling end float by 1/4 in. minimum. The motor running
center shall not exceed 3/32 in. (2 mm) from the geometric center of the motor rotor float,
and may be assumed to be at the float center for layout and installation purposes.
d. Coupling hubs shall be removable and nonkeyed (tapered bore, hydraulically fitted).
e. AISI 4100 and 4300 Series flexible elements shall be suitably coated for corrosion
resistance.
f. Fully enclosed coupling guards shall be furnished, and provided with a 2 in. NPS (50 mm)
minimum vent connection fitted with either the vendor's standard breather or a steel pipe
plug. Coupling guards shall be furnished with a 2 in. (50 mm) NPS minimum drain
connection fitted with a steel pipe plug.

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 Axial Compressors for Air Service IP 10-3-4
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PRACTICE (This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document) Rev. 0 June 1997

3.3 MOUNTING PLATES

3.3.1 GENERAL
I 3.3.1.1 a. Turbine driven compressors shall be mounted on common baseplates.
b. Motor drivers may be mounted on a common baseplate with compressor and gear or
separately on soleplates.
3.4 CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTATION
3.4.1 GENERAL
I 3.4.1.2 a. Lube and control oil instrumentation shall be per IP 10-14-1.
b. The design of electrical facilities for instruments shall be per IP 15-7-1.
I  3.4.1.5 Compression trains specified as being in critical service as defined by IP 15-1-2 shall be provided
with Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) controls and protective systems in accordance with Table 3A
IP 15-1-2.
3.4.2 CONTROL SYSTEMS
I 3.4.2.2 Independent anti surge control and surge protection systems shall be provided. They shall
meet the following requirements:
 a. Unless otherwise specified, both systems shall be implemented in specialty hardware,
purpose built for these services. The anti surge controller shall be fully programmable to
implement standard and custom algorithm/surge line models.
 b. Unless otherwise specified, each system shall be independent of the other and of the process
control functions except for (1) flow measurement primary elements; i.e., use independent
taps and isolation valves for each transmitter on the same orifice flanges or primary
measuring element, and (2) final actuators; e.g., one common blowoff valve.
 c. The proposed system designs shall be submitted to the purchaser for approval by the
Owner's Engineer. Data shall be provided to permit evaluation of valve response times,
sensor placement, and component independence.
d. The blowoff valve stroking speed shall be demonstrated to the Owner’s satisfaction at the
Vendor’s factory prior to shipment. Verification of stroking speed shall be witnessed and
approved by the Owner’s engineer. If rotating stall can be induced during start -up or
shutdown, the compressor controls shall be arranged for automatic avoidance of the rotating
stall region.
I,O  3.4.2.4 Constant speed motor driven compressor shall be controlled by varying stator blade angles.
Vendors shall supply variable stator blades and linkages as an integral part of the compressor, and
the actuator (pneumatic or hydraulic) to receive the control signal. Purchaser shall specify the
required guide vane action on loss of control power, e.g., electrical hydraulics or pneumatic.
3.4.5 ALARMS AND SHUTDOWNS
3.4.5.1 GENERAL
I 3.4.5.1.1 Alarms and shutdowns are part of protective systems per IP 15-7-2.
O,M 3.4.5.3 REMOVAL OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
(Exception) All instruments and controls, including alarm and shutdown sensing devices, shall
be installed with sufficient valving for isolation to permit testing and removal while the system,
i.e., compressor, its controls, and the protective system, is in operation.
3.4.7 VIBRATION, POSITION, AND BEARING TEMPERATURE DETECTORS
I 3.4.7.1 & 2 (Exception) Compressors shall be provided with a non-contacting vibration monitoring system
per IP 10-12-1.
I 3.4.7.3 (Exception) Compressors shall be provided with a bearing temperature monitoring system per IP
10-12-1.
3.5 PIPING AND APPURTENANCES
3.5.1 GENERAL
I 3.5.1.1 (Exception) All auxiliary piping shall be per IP 10-14-1.
I 3.5.2 INSTRUMENT PIPING
(Exception) Instrument piping shall be per IP 10-14-1.
3.7 INLET SYSTEM
I  3.7.1 If specified, the vendor shall supply the inlet system for process air compressors per the
applicable portions of API 616 Paragraphs 3.5.5 - 3.5.9.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY — FLORHAM PARK, N.J.
 IP 10-3-4 Axial Compressors for Air Service
Page 6 of 7 INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE
Rev. 0 June 1997 (This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

3.8 DISCHARGE SYSTEM

R  3.8.1 The vendor furnishing the discharge blowoff silencers for air compressors (Downstream side
of blowoff valves) shall submit cross-sectional drawings and at least one example of prior
satisfactory experience to purchaser for approval by Owner's Engineer. The experience case(s)
submitted shall be for the same diameter and flow rate range as the proposed silencer.

SECTION 4 - INSPECTION, TESTING, AND PREPARATION FOR SHIPMENT

4.3 TESTING
I 4.3.3 IMPELLER OVERSPEED TEST
Delete. Not applicable.
4.3.4 MECHANICAL RUNNING TEST
I,R 4.3.4.3.2 The vibration amplitude/frequency spectra shall also be taken at minimum operating speed.
I,R 4.3.4.4.4 a. Spare rotor and stator (if bladed carrier) shall also undergo a mechanical running test.
b. If the compressor is designed with variable stator geometry, the linkage, servo-motor and
stator blade seals shall be checked during mechanical test.
4.3.6 OPTIONAL TESTS
4.3.6.1 PERFORMANCE TEST
I,O  4.3.6.1.1 a. Unless otherwise specified, a performance test in accordance with ASME Power Test Code
10 shall be conducted.
R b. Unless otherwise specified, the vibration limits and requirements of Par. 4.3.4.3.1 & 4.3.4.3.2
shall apply at all test points.
I,O c. The performance test at the compressor manufacture's shop shall accomplish the
following objectives as a minimum:
1. Determination of maximum flow at normal speed with maximum open stator vanes
and normal pressure ratio.
2. Determination of the surge line.
3. Calibration of the compressor inlet nozzle for flow rate measurement by the antisurge
system.
4. Setting of end stop positions for the stator vane positioning control.
O 4.3.6.1.4 (Exception) For constant speed compressors, the horsepower based on measured head at normal
capacity shall not exceed 104 percent of the value at the specified normal operating point.
O,R  4.3.6.1.5 When spare compressor rotors are ordered to permit concurrent manufacture, and a shop
performance test of the compressor is conducted, the rotor which was used in the test shall be
shipped in the compressor.
R 4.3.6.8 POST TEST INSPECTION OF COMPRESSOR INTERNALS
Following the mechanical run test, the compressor shall be opened for internal inspection.
4.4 PREPARATION FOR SHIPMENT
I  4.4.3.1 (Exception) Painting of unmachined exterior surfaces for corrosive or marine atmospheres will
be specified.

SECTION 5 - VENDOR'S DATA

5.2 PROPOSALS
5.2.3 TECHNICAL DATA
R,C a. Coatings to improve rotor and stator blade aerodynamic efficiency, resistance to fouling, and
blade life shall be offered for review and approval of the Owner's Engineer.

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 Axial Compressors for Air Service IP 10-3-4
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PRACTICE (This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document) Rev. 0 June 1997

5.3 CONTRACT DATA

5.3.3 TECHNICAL DATA
I 5.3.3.1.4 Rotating stall region shall be indicated on the performance curve.
O,R 5.3.3.3 Sixteen weeks after date of order the following final design information shall be submitted to the
purchaser for review by the Owner's Engineer.
a. All information required per Paragraphs 5.3.3.1, 5.3.3.2, and Items 1 through 6, Item 8,
Items 15 through 24 and Items 34 and 35 of Appendix C.
b. The cross-sectional drawing (Appendix C, Item 2) shall be dimensioned to show all radial
and axial clearances.
c. Dimensioned general arrangement drawing.
d. A completely dimensioned rotor drawing showing all axial and radial dimensions. This
drawing shall show the location of all major parts including blading, balance piston, thrust
collar, etc.
e. The lateral critical analyses (Appendix C, Item 20) shall include input and results of critical
speed and unbalance response rotor study including bearing and support stiffnesses and
damping as a function of speed and expected variation in bearing clearances and oil
viscosity.
f. Composite performance curves for the compressor. The curves shall be of the quadrant type
showing effect of speed, stator vane angle, inlet temperature, inlet pressure and inlet volume
on efficiency, discharge pressure, discharge temperature and power. A curve shall also be
provided for polytropic head versus ACFM. The curves shall show performance for a full
range of operating conditions and shall indicate the surge, stonewall, and rotating stall
regions. The actual stator vane angle/position relative to the stator vane external position
indicator shall also be identified on the performance curves. Confirmation of the
performance curves shall be provided following the performance test. If no test is specified,
the vendor shall provide verification of the estimated performance from its experience.
g. Campbell and Goodman Diagrams for both the stator and rotor blades.
h. The thrust bearing, journal bearing, seal, and coupling assembly drawings (Appendix C,
Items 4, 5, 6, 8) shall be dimensioned.
i. Input data for thrust analysis, final calculated thrust loads for expected clearances.
j. The alignment diagram (Appendix C, Item 24) shall include hot and cold alignment data for
the entire train.
k. Thrust bearing rating and radial bearings unit loadings.
 l. If requested by Purchaser, Vendor shall supply additional blading and blade constraint
dimensional details sufficient to allow Owner's Engineer to analyze blade natural frequencies
and stress levels.

Revision Memo
1/75 Original Issue of Basic Practice
1/77 Revision 1
1/81 Revision 2
6/82 Revision 3
1/85 Revision 4
6/86 Revision 5
12/92 Revision 6
12/93 Revision 7
6/97 Revision 0 - Original Issue of International Practice
Complete editorial/technical revision to update to 6th edition of API 617 and to revise scope to cover air compressors only.
Pars. deleted pertaining to axial compressors in process gas service are as follows: Old Par. 2.1.16 - air run-in note deleted.
Old Par. 2.2.16 - guide vane requirements for gas compressors deleted. Old Par. 2.8 - gas seal requirements deleted.
Labyrinth seals specified. Old Par. 2.8.7 - buffer gas piping requirements deleted. Old Par. 2.11.1.7 and 2.11.2.12 -
requirements for materials in wet H 2S service deleted. Old Par. 5.2.5.8m - request for data to do performance calculations
deleted.
Additional major revisions included: Added IP 3-16-1 and 18-12-1 to Table 1 and deleted IP 18-1-1 (withdrawn) from Table
2. Old Par. 2.1.2 deleted and modified to adopt API 617 wording on vendor unit responsibility adopted. Old Par. 2.4.2.3 -
flange requirements per IP 3-16-1 substituted for need to provide matching flanges. Old Par. 2.9.4.2 deleted and API
requirements on location of critical speeds accepted. Old Par. 2.9.4.3 - deleted need for independent torsional analysis.

 Exxon Research and Engineering Company, 1993, 1997

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY — FLORHAM PARK, N.J.