BS 8487:2007

BS 8487:2007+A1:2013
Licensed Copy: Miss Sarah Gibson, British Standards Institution, 09/10/2012 14:35, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2012

BRITISH STANDARD

The design and

construction of gas
boosters used in
association with
combustion equipment –
Specification
ICS 91.140.40

NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

 BS 8487:2007
BS 8487:2007+A1:2013
BS 8487:2007

Publishing and copyright information

Publishing andnotice
The BSI copyright copyright information
displayed in this document indicates when the
The BSI copyright
document was last notice
issued.displayed in this document indicates when the
2012

document was last issued.

2012

© The British Standards Institution 2013

BSI 2007
Institution

© BSI 2007
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2013
ISBN 978 0 580 56749 0
Institution

ISBN 978 0 580 56749

81036 07
The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard:
The following
Committee BSI references
reference GSE/33 relate to the work on this standard:
Standards

Committee reference GSE/33

Draft for comment 06/30148066 DC
Standards

Draft
Draftsfor
forcomment
comment 06/30148066
06/30148066 DCDC, 12/30273388 DC

Publication history
British

Publication
First published history
June 2007
British

First published June 2007

TheThe

Amendments issued since publication

(c)(c)

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. no. Date Text affected
Copy,

Amd. no. Date Text affected

Copy,
Uncontrolled

A1 March 2013 See Foreword.

Copy:
Licensed
Licensed Miss
Miss
Copy: Gibson,
Sarah
Sarah British
Gibson, Standards
Standards
British Institution,
Institution, 14:35,
09/10/2012
09/10/2012 Uncontrolled
14:35,
 BS 8487:2007+A1:2013
BS 8487:2007

Contents
Foreword ii
Licensed Copy: Miss Sarah Gibson, British Standards Institution, 09/10/2012 14:35, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2012

Introduction 1
1 Scope 1
2 Normative references 1
3 Materials and components 2
4 Impeller and drive train 3
5 Shaft seals 4
6 Bearings 4
7 Temperature limitations 4
8 Guarding 4
9 Controls 5
10 Electrical circuit 5
11 Motor drive 5
12 Pipe connections and tappings 5
13 Marking and data plates 6
14 Installation instructions 6
15 Commissioning instructions 8
16 Servicing and maintenance 9
Annexes
Annex A (normative) Test method for mechanical strength (see 3.3)
and torsion and bending (see 12.2) 10
Bibliography 12
List of figures
Figure A.1 – Bending moment test 11
List of tables
Table A.1 – Tightening torque for flange bolts 10
Table A.2 – Bending moments 10

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover,
pages i and ii, pages 1 to 12, an inside back cover and a back cover.

© BSI2013
© The British Standards Institution • ii
2007  • 
 BS 8487:2007
BS 8487:2007+A1:2013

BS 8487:2007
Foreword
This British Standard
Publishing came into effect on 29 June 2007 and was
information
Institution 2012

prepared by Technical Committee GW/33, Gas supply. A list of

Foreword
This British Standard
organizations
licence from The
to its secretary.
is published
represented
British Standards
by BSI Standards
on the committee Limited,on
can be obtained
Institution.
under
request

This British Standard came into effect on 29 June 2007 and was
Standards2012

Use of this
prepared document
by Technical Committee GW/33, Gas supply. A list of
The provisionsrepresented
organizations of this standard
on theare presented
committee in be
can roman (i.e. on
obtained upright)
request
The BritishInstitution

BS 8487:2007 type.
to its Its requirements are expressed in sentences in which the principal
secretary.
auxiliary verb is “shall”.
Supersession
Use of this document
Commentary, explanation and general informative material is
Foreword
Standards

The provisions
BS 8487:2007+A1:2013
presented of this standard
in smaller italic are and
supersedes
type, presented in roman
BS 8487:2007,
does not (i.e.
which
constitute upright)
is withdrawn.
a
type. Its requirements
normative element. are expressed in sentences in which the principal
This British
auxiliary Standard
verb is came
“shall”.
Information about this document into effect on 29 June 2007 and was
2012

prepared
Contractual by Technical
and legalCommittee GW/33, Gas supply. A list of
considerations
(c)

Commentary, explanation and general No.

informative material is
British

Text introduced
organizations or altered
represented by Amendment
on the committee can 1 be
is indicated
obtained onin the text
request
Copy, (c)Institution

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
Copy,

presented
by tags  in smaller
. Minor italic type,
editorial and
changes does
are not
not constitute
tagged. a
to its
of secretary.
a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
normative element.
The
Uncontrolled

Use of this with

Compliance
Contractual document
anda legal
British Standard cannot confer immunity
considerations
14:35,Standards

from legal obligations.

The provisions of this standard are presented in roman (i.e. upright)
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
type. Its requirements
In are drawn
expressed in sentences statutory
in which the principal
of aparticular,
contract. attention
Users areisresponsible
to the
forfollowing regulations:
its correct application.
auxiliary verb is “shall”.
Supply of Machinery Regulations
Standard1992, as confer
amended [1]
Uncontrolled

Compliance with a British cannot immunity

Commentary, explanation and general informative material is
British

from legal obligations.

Provision and Use of Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 [2]
presented in smaller italic type, and does not constitute a
In particular,
Dangerous
normative attention is drawn
Substances
element. andtoExplosive
the following statutory Regulations
Atmospheres regulations:
09/10/2012
(c) The

[DSEAR] 2002 [3]

Supply of Machinery Regulations 1992, as amended [1]
Contractual and legal considerations
14:35,

Electricity at Work
Provision and Use ofRegulations
Equipment1989 [4] Regulations 1992 [2]
at Work
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
Copy,

Gas Safety
Dangerous
of a contract. (Installation
Substances
Users andExplosive
and
are responsibleUse)
for Regulations 1998 Regulations
Atmospheres
its correct [5]
application.
09/10/2012
Institution,

[DSEAR]
Gas Safety 2002 [3]
(Installation and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland)
Uncontrolled

Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity

2004
from legal [6]
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 [4]
obligations.
Gas Actattention
In particular, 1986,
Gas Safety as isamended
(Installation
drawn to[7]
and Use) Regulations
the following 1998 [5]
statutory regulations:
Standards
Institution,

Gas Safety
Supply (Installation
of Machinery and Use) Regulations
Regulations (Northern
1992, as amended [1] Ireland)
British14:35,

2004 [6]
Provision and Use of Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 [2]
Gas Act 1986, as amended [7]
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations
Standards
09/10/2012

[DSEAR] 2002 [3]

Gibson,

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 [4]

British

Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 [5]

Institution,
Sarah

Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland)

Gibson,

2004 [6]
Copy: Miss

Gas Act 1986, as amended [7]

Licensed
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Gibson, MissStandards
Licensed
British Sarah

ii
ii  ••  ©
© BSI
The2007
British Standards Institution 2013
 BS 8487:2007+A1:2013
BS 8487:2007

Introduction
This British Standard has been produced to address the growing use of
Licensed Copy: Miss Sarah Gibson, British Standards Institution, 09/10/2012 14:35, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2012

centrifugal boosters on gas-fired plant. The boosters normally supply

gas at pressures up to about 150 mbar, but almost identical units may
also be used for combustion air duties.
The standard has been produced to enhance the advice provided by
manufacturers with respect to the need for maintenance on gas boosters
by competent persons. The sections on maintenance and
commissioning within this standard will be of relevance to existing
units.

1 Scope
This British Standard specifies the construction and maintenance
requirements of indirectly and directly driven single-stage centrifugal
booster assemblies (hereafter referred to as machines), working on
first, second or third family gas, having an outlet pressure of not greater
than 150 mbar.
This standard is not applicable to positive displacement gas and slide
vane type compressors.
This standard is also applicable to machines with outlet pressures not
greater than 150 mbar used on landfill gases or biogases or gas/air
mixtures, provided that any additional design and safety issues have
been incorporated.
Though applicable to single-stage machines only, this standard can be
used as a basis for multi-stage machines where, in general, pressures
higher than 150 mbar are achieved.
NOTE All pressures are gauge pressures. All pressure tests are
performed with air under ambient conditions.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the
application of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
BS EN 953, Safety of machinery – Guards – General requirements
for the design and construction of fixed and movable guards
BS EN 1092 (all parts), Flanges and their joints – Circular flanges
for pipes, valves, fittings and accessories, PN designated
BS EN 1515-1, Flanges and their joints – Bolting –
Part 1: Selection of bolting
BS EN 10226-1, Pipe threads where pressure tight joins are made
on the threads – Taper external threads and parallel internal
threads – Part 1: Dimensions, tolerances and designation
BS EN 10255, Non-alloy steel tubes suitable for welding or
threading – Technical delivery conditions

© BSI2013
© The British Standards Institution • 1
2007  •  1
 BS 8487:2007
BS 8487:2007+A1:2013

BS EN 60529, Specification for degrees of protection provided by

enclosures (IP code)
BS EN 60730-1, Automatic electrical controls for household and
Licensed Copy: Miss Sarah Gibson, British Standards Institution, 09/10/2012 14:35, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2012

similar use – Part 1: General requirements

BS EN ISO 228 (both parts), Pipe threads where pressure-tight joints
are not made on the threads
BS EN ISO 10380:2003, Pipework – Corrugated metal hoses and
hose assemblies
BS ISO 1940-1, Mechanical vibration – Balance quality
requirements for rotors in a constant (rigid) state – Part 1:
Specification and verification of balance tolerances

3 Materials and components

3.1 General
All materials used in the construction of the machine shall be suitable
for their intended application and purpose, and shall not be liable to
deterioration likely to cause a hazard within the intended design life of
the machine.
All components shall be subject to defined quality control procedures;
all castings shall be of good quality with no inclusions or porosity
exceeding recognized good standards of engineering.

3.2 Design life

The machine shall be designed to have a life of at least 20 000 hours
running and at least 3 years elapsed time.
NOTE Maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
is permitted during this period.

3.3 Mechanical strength

The mechanical strength of the machine shall be:
a) capable of containing 150% of the machine’s maximum declared
outlet pressure;
b) suitable for the intended application;
c) such that, when tested in accordance with Annex A, the vibrations
in use do not lead to fatigue failure of the booster base plate or any
integral castings during their declared design life;
d) such that the casing remains gas-tight in the event of failure of the
rotating elements.
NOTE 1 This may be demonstrated by deliberately generating failure of
the impeller blades.
NOTE 2 A casing is that part of the machine forming a gasway and
which normally contains the impeller and its drive shaft, seals and
bearings. In a high-speed indirect drive machine it is typically of
aluminium or cast iron.
NOTE 3 Pressure tests are performed at 150% maximum working
pressure for 5 minutes on air, ensuring a maximum leakage rate
of 100 cm3/h.
The inlet and outlet connections shall conform to 12.2.

2
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© BSI
The2007
British Standards Institution 2013
 BS 8487:2007+A1:2013
BS 8487:2007

3.4 Gas soundness

When tested for external gas soundness with air by pressurizing the
machine to 150% of maximum working pressure, ensuring a maximum
Licensed Copy: Miss Sarah Gibson, British Standards Institution, 09/10/2012 14:35, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2012

leakage rate of 100 cm3/h when tested on air, the machine shall be
gas-tight.
Parts of the housing which directly or indirectly separate a gas-carrying
compartment from atmosphere shall either be made from metallic
materials, or shall be such that, on removal or fracture of non-metallic
parts other than O-rings, gaskets, seals and diaphragms, no more
than 30 dm3/h escapes at 150% maximum working pressure when
tested with air.
NOTE It may be permissible to ventilate any leakage within a bearing
housing to an external safe location if shown as part of the installation
instructions.

4 Impeller and drive train

All components shall be designed to withstand the forces likely to be
encountered in normal service, including cyclic loading which can cause
fatigue damage [see 3.3c)].
The security of any drive shaft shall be consistent with good engineering
practice to ensure that the machine is capable of operating under
intermittent or continuous use.
NOTE 1 The use of pinch bolts/grub screws on flat parts of shafts is not
an acceptable method of securing an impeller or pulley wheel, if fitted.
The impellers and drive spindles shall be balanced in accordance
with BS ISO 1940-1.
NOTE 2 For high speed indirectly driven machines, level G6.3 may be
appropriate.
The impeller housing, any drive shaft and any drive wheel shall be
matched in accordance with BS ISO 1940-1, taking account of
temperature changes during normal use and any effect these might have
on the tolerances.
Impeller shafts shall be designed to ensure that it is not possible to
locate the impeller assembly incorrectly during maintenance or
replacement. The impeller assembly, and drive pulley wheel if fitted,
shall be securely located on the shaft such that movement is not possible
from its correct location, e.g. by securing nuts and keyed fixings. When
the machine is operated in the range of 5% to 100% flow within its
design pressure lift envelope:
a) the machine shall have an outlet pressure that is stable within
±5% of the outlet pressure at its point of greatest instability;
NOTE The use of anti-surge loops is permissible if specified in the
installation instructions or included with the machine.
b) there shall be no noticeable audible surging;
c) any drillings, tappings or gasways within any casting shall not
cause potential positions of weakness that might lead to failure
(this includes fixing bolts and balancing methods);
d) fixings shall not become loose within the gasways leading to, and
in close proximity with, the impeller assembly such that they could
cause damage that might lead to failure of the assembly or the
pressure casings.
The output performance of the machine shall be of an anti-surging
design.

© BSI2013
© The British Standards Institution • 3
2007  •  3
 BS 8487:2007
BS 8487:2007+A1:2013

5 Shaft seals
The shaft seals selected for use in the machine shall:
Licensed Copy: Miss Sarah Gibson, British Standards Institution, 09/10/2012 14:35, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2012

a) be suitable for the applicable gas, the operating temperatures, the

pressures and the control of gas leakage;
b) have a design operating life of 20 000 hours;
c) when the machine is installed according to the manufacturers’
installation instructions and operated for two hours under no-flow
conditions in an ambient temperature of 20 ± 5 °C, be able to
operate continuously at a design temperature of not less
than 80 °C.
The shaft seal assembly shall be designed to limit the amount of gas
leakage into the space surrounding the booster. This shall be tested by
operating the machine under normal conditions for two hours and then
testing for external gas soundness with air by pressurizing the machine
to 150% of maximum working pressure ensuring a maximum leakage
rate of 100 cm3/h.

6 Bearings
Bearings selected for use in the machine shall:
a) be suitable for the applicable gas, the operating temperatures, the
pressures and the control of gas leakage;
b) have a design operating life of 20 000 hours;
c) when the machine is installed according to the manufacturers’
installation instructions and operated for two hours under no-flow
conditions in an ambient temperature of 20 ± 5 °C, be able to
operate continuously at a design temperature of not less
than 80 °C.

7 Temperature limitations
When the machine is installed according to the manufacturers’
installation instructions and operated for two hours under no-flow
conditions in an ambient temperature of 20 ± 5 °C:
a) the temperature of the bearings and shaft seals shall not exceed
their manufacturers’ recommendations; and
b) the temperature of the casings immediately adjacent to the
bearings and shaft seals shall not exceed 80% of their design
maximum temperature expressed in °C, unless a suitable device is
fitted to cause the machine to proceed to non-volatile lockout at a
casing temperature of not more than 80% of the maximum
temperature expressed in °C.
NOTE Non-volatile lock-out is the safety shut-down of the system, such
that a re-start can only be accomplished by a manual reset of the system
and by no other means.

8 Guarding
The machine shall be suitably guarded in accordance with BS EN 953.

4
4  ••  ©
© BSI
The2007
British Standards Institution 2013
 BS 8487:2007+A1:2013
BS 8487:2007
BS 8487:2007

9 Controls
9 The
Controls
machine shall be
be fitted
fitted with
withaalow-pressure
low-pressureswitch
switchto
beorinstalled on
2012

its
The inlet,
machine
pressure and wired
shall be
transducer such
 that
fitted
to non-volatile
with
be on lockout
a low-pressure
installed occurs
switch
its inlet, oninstalled
andtowired
be failure
such on
2012

under
that a low inlet
non‑volatile pressure
lockout condition,
occurs on or the
failure installation
under a low instructions
inlet
its inlet, and wired such that non-volatile lockout occurs on failure pressure
Institution

shall
under specify
condition, that
a loworinlet such a switch
the installation
pressure be installed
instructions
condition, [see
shall
or the Clausethat
specify
installation 14b)].
such a
instructions
Institution

switchspecify
shall or that
pressure
such transducer
a switch be
 be installed
installed [see [see Clause
Clause 14b)].14b)].
The machine shall incorporate a visual means of indicating operation,
e.g.
The amachine
runningshall
lampincorporate
on a local control
a visualdevice/panel.
means of indicating operation,
Standards

e.g. a running lamp on a local control device/panel.

Standards

10 Electrical circuit
10 The
Electrical circuit
British

electrical circuit and components of the machine shall conform

to
TheBSelectrical
EN 60730-1.
British

circuit and components of the machine shall conform

to
AllBS EN 60730-1.
TheThe

metallic parts of the machine shall be electrically continuous.

An
All earth bond
metallic connection
parts shall beshall
of the machine provided for bonding
be electrically to earth or the
continuous.
(c) (c)

adjacent
An earth pipework.
bond connection shall be provided for bonding to earth or the
Copy,

adjacent pipework.
The electrical earth circuit shall not depend upon the flexible gas
Copy,

connections.
The electrical earth circuit shall not depend upon the flexible gas
Uncontrolled

connections.
Uncontrolled

11 Motor drive
11 The
Motor drive
design of the drive shall be such that the design loadings of the
14:35,

bearings
The design andofthe
theseal assemblies
drive are not
shall be such thatexceeded.
the designThe machine
loadings shall
of the
14:35,

satisfy
bearingsitsand
design
the performance curve
seal assemblies are at
notdeclared voltage
exceeded. ±5%. It shall
The machine shall
09/10/2012

continue
satisfy itsto operate
design safely withcurve
performance a voltage of +10%
at declared and –15%
voltage ±5%.ofItits
shall
09/10/2012

declared
continue voltage range.
to operate safely with a voltage of +10% and –15% of its
declared voltage range.
The degree of protection shall at least meet IP54 of BS EN 60529.
The
Wheredegree of protection
an indirect drive isshall
used,atmeans
least meet
shallIP54 of BS EN
be provided to60529.
facilitate
Institution,

adjustment of belt drive

Where an indirect tension. Access
is used, to such
means means
shall shall require
be provided the use
to facilitate
Institution,

of commonly
adjustment of available toolsAccess
belt tension. (see also Notemeans
to such 2 to Clause 16). the use
shall require
of commonly
Motor available
assemblies shall tools (see also
be aligned Note
to the 2 to Clause
impeller drive 16).
shaft assembly
Standards

and
Motorchecked after shall
assemblies assembly to ensure
be aligned they
to the are true
impeller within
drive specified
shaft assembly
Standards

tolerances.
and checked after assembly to ensure they are true within specified
tolerances.
British

12 Pipe connections and tappings

British

12 Pipe connections and tappings

Gibson,

12.1 General
Gibson,

12.1 General
All main inlet and outlet connections shall be of a flanged design to meet
Sarah

the appropriate
All main inlet andpart of BS
outlet EN 1092. shall
connections The minimum ratingdesign
be of a flanged shall be
to PN6.
meet
Sarah

the appropriate part of BS EN 1092. The minimum rating shall be PN6.

Pressure test points shall be incorporated to measure the inlet pressure
Miss

and the outlet

Pressure pressure.
test points shall be incorporated to measure the inlet pressure
Miss

and the outlet pressure.

Copy:

Any tappings within gas containing parts of the machine body shall have
Copy:

aAny
minimum
tappingsmaterial thickness
within gas equal
containing to the
parts outside
of the diameter
machine body of thehave
shall
Licensed

tapping. All threads in castings forming gas-containing parts

a minimum material thickness equal to the outside diameter of the of the
machine shall be of parallel flat-faced type, using an appropriate seal,
Licensed

tapping. All threads in castings forming gas-containing parts of the

or shall seal
machine onbemachined
shall metal-to-metal
of parallel faces.
flat-faced type, Threads
using on gas fittings
an appropriate seal,
not in castings
or shall seal on shall conform
machined to BS EN 10226-1.
metal-to-metal faces. Threads on gas fittings
not in castings shall conform to BS EN 10226-1.

© BSI2013
© The British Standards Institution • 5
2007  •  5
© BSI 2007 • 5
 BS 8487:2007
BS 8487:2007+A1:2013

BS 8487:2007 When the machine is tested in accordance with Annex A, any holes
within any casting shall not lead to failure.
Flexible
When theconnections
machine is provided with the machine
tested in accordance shall conform
with Annex to
A, any holes
2012 2012

BS EN any
within ISO casting
10380:2003, Type
shall not 1. to
lead Flexible
failure.connections shall contain a
means to prevent the application of torque during assembly, e.g. union
Institution

Flexible connections provided with the machine shall conform to

or slip ring type flanges.
BS EN ISO 10380:2003, Type 1. Flexible connections shall contain a
means to prevent the application
up to R2 mayof betorque during assembly, e.g. union
Institution

NOTE  Connections threaded in accordance with

12.2 Torsion
or
BS slip and
ring type
EN 10226-1. bending
flanges.
British Standards

Machines shall be constructed in such a way that, when tested in

12.2 Torsion andAnnex
accordance with bendingA, they have adequate strength to withstand
The Standards

likely mechanical stress to which they might be subjected during

Machines shall be constructed in such a way that, when tested in
installation and service.
accordance with Annex A, they have adequate strength to withstand
When tested in accordance
likely mechanical with Annex
stress to which A: be subjected during
they might
British

installation andbe
a) there shall service.
no permanent deformation of the machine which
The(c)

might
When lead
tested in to subsequent
accordance mechanical
with Annex A: failure or gas leakage during
Copy,

normal operation, as determined by measurement;

a) there shall be no permanent deformation of the machine which
Copy, (c)

b) might
the external
lead toleakage rate shall
subsequent not exceed
mechanical 100
failure orcm
gas3/hleakage
when tested
during
14:35, Uncontrolled

with air operation,

normal by pressurizing the machine
as determined to 150% of maximum
by measurement;
working pressure.
b) the external leakage rate shall not exceed 100 cm3/h when tested
14:35, Uncontrolled

with air by pressurizing the machine to 150% of maximum

working pressure.
13 Marking and data plates
A data plate shall be permanently affixed to the machine, clearly
13 detailing
Marking the typeand data plates
09/10/2012

and model.
The data
A data plate
plate shall
shall bealso include the
permanently maximum
affixed to theinlet pressure,
machine, the
clearly
09/10/2012

maximum operating
detailing the type andambient
model. temperature, the year of manufacture and
the serial number for the machine. The data plate shall make reference
The data plate shall also include the maximum inlet pressure, the
Institution,

to the manufacturer’s instructions for gas types and specifications. This

maximum operating ambient temperature, the year of manufacture and
may be by the use of a symbol on the data plate.
the serial number for the machine. The data plate shall make reference
Institution,

Where belt tension is provided

to the manufacturer’s by for
instructions the gas
inherent
types weight of a motor, it
and specifications. is
This
British Standards

essential
may be bythat
theany
usemotor changeon
of a symbol is on
theadata
like-for-like
plate. basis. In such cases,
warning instructions shall be displayed on the machine.
Where belt tension is provided by the inherent weight of a motor, it is
British Standards

essential that any motor change is on a like-for-like basis. In such cases,

warning instructions shall be displayed on the machine.
14 Installation instructions
The manufacturer’s installation instructions shall be provided with the
14 machine.
Installation instructions
Sarah Gibson,

Advice shall be provided

The manufacturer’s on compliance
installation withshall
instructions the Gas Act [7] or
be provided thethe
with
Miss Gibson,

Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (GSIUR) [5 and 6]

machine.
with respect to giving at least 14 days’ notice in writing to the
Advice shall be provided on compliance with the Gas Act [7] or the
Gas Transporter of the intention to install the machine to operate with
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (GSIUR) [5 and 6]
Sarah

piped supplies of natural gas or LPG.

with respect to giving at least 14 days’ notice in writing to the
Copy:

Gas Transporter of the intention to install the machine to operate with

Copy: Miss

piped supplies of natural gas or LPG.

Licensed
Licensed

6
6  ••  ©
© BSI
The2007
British Standards Institution 2013
 BS 8487:2007+A1:2013
BS 8487:2007

The manufacturer’s installation instructions shall:

a) detail the maximum inlet pressure and the gas pressure v flow
characteristics of the machine; the type of gases that the machine
Licensed Copy: Miss Sarah Gibson, British Standards Institution, 09/10/2012 14:35, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2012

is suitable for, the maximum ambient temperatures, the rated

voltage, single- or three-phase, the running and starting currents,
the drive ratio if applicable, the electrical drawing number, and
appropriate approval data if applicable;
NOTE Landfill gases and biogases can be wet, dirty and corrosive,
so materials of construction for machines have to be selected
specifically for the composition of the gases. Particular attention
should be paid to any hydrogen sulfide (H2S) content, which can be
highly corrosive.
b) detail the requirements for low pressure inlet protection to satisfy
GSIUR [5 and 6] (see Clause 9);
c) include a graph of the performance [pressure lift v flow] of the
machine based on air and/or the gas being handled;
d) state that the machine shall be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions and the requirements of IGE/UP/2,
paying particular attention to rigid pipe supports adjacent to the
inlet and outlet flexible connections to the machine and the need
for suitable fresh and cooling air for ventilation in the area/housing
where the machine is installed;
e) provide information on noise levels together with advice regarding
the use of personal protective equipment, e.g. hearing protection;
NOTE Reference should be made to HSE L108 [8] and INDG 362 [9].
f) detail any requirements for the use of anti-vibration mountings
(AVMs) or resilient mountings;
g) state that the inlet and outlet connections of the machine are to be
made using flexible connections (supplied by either the
manufacturer or the installer) and specify the limits of position and
orientation;
h) specify the correct design and length of flexible pipe at the
inlet/outlet connections;
i) provide advice on the provision and use of an interlock with the
downstream combustion equipment to prevent the machine from
overheating when there is no demand for gas flow;
NOTE Cooling loops may be an acceptable alternative or additional
means of control for low-flow and no-flow conditions to limit
temperature rise.
j) indicate that there has to be provision for accessibility for
maintenance and routine inspections and specify that, where the
machine is installed in a remote location, suitable access has to be
provided without the need for special access equipment;
k) indicate that ventilation has to be provided in the booster area and
recommend that the ventilation provisions specified by the
manufacturer are followed;
l) recommend that the machine is serviced by a competent person at
the intervals recommended by the machine manufacturer or his
agent;
m) include information on the sizing of anti-surge loops;

© BSI2013
© The British Standards Institution • 7
2007  •  7
 BS 8487:2007
BS 8487:2007+A1:2013
BS 8487:2007

n) include recommendations on the external wiring system;

n) specifically,
include recommendations on the
that the electrical external be
installation wiring system; with
in accordance
specifically,
BS 7671, and that the electrical
additional installation
instructions on: be in accordance with
2012

BS 7671,
i) the useand additional
of, and wiringinstructions
diagrams for, on:
low-pressure cut-off
2012

i) the use of,

switches,
switches and
andwiring diagrams
pressure for, low-pressure
transducers; cut-off
Institution

 
switches,
Institution

ii) the application of overheat protection systems, where required,;

ii) the application of overheat protection systems, where required,
iii) the application of, and wiring diagrams for, “appliance running”
Standards

iii) interlocks,
the application
; of, and wiring diagrams for, “appliance running”
Standards

interlocks,
iv) the application and limitations of variable speed drives, where
iv) appropriate;
the application and limitations of variable speed drives, where
appropriate;
British

o) provide advice on compliance with with DSEAR

DSEAR [3]
[3] 
andand
conducting
a boostera
British

o) provide
risk
machine advice
assessment on
forcompliance
the user
risk assessment for to
thewith DSEAR
incorporate
user [3]
in aand
siteconducting
to incorporate risk a
in a site risk
risk assessment
assessment;
assessment. and for the
Further user to incorporate
information on DSEAR in a site risk is given
compliance
TheThe

p) assessment;
in IGEM/UP/16; and
specify the type of any in-service lubricant required for bearings
(c) (c)

p) specify
and the the type of and
frequency any method
in-service
of lubricant required
application for bearings
(see Clause 6).
Copy,

and the frequency and method of application (see Clause 6).

Copy,

15 Commissioning instructions
Uncontrolled

15 Commissioning
Commissioning instructions
Uncontrolled

instructions shall be provided by the manufacturer,

Commissioning
indicating instructions
that, after shall abecompetent
installation, provided by the manufacturer,
person shall perform
indicating that, of
commissioning after
theinstallation,
machine and a competent person
that the final shall perform
inspections shall
14:35,

commissioning
include at least:of the machine and that the final inspections shall
14:35,

include at least:
a) correct matching with the pressure and flow rate demands, if
09/10/2012

a) correct matching with the pressure and flow rate demands, if

practicable;
09/10/2012

practicable;
b) mechanical damage;
b) mechanical
c) the damage;
manner in which the machine has been installed and controlled
Institution,

c) the manner in which

in accordance themanufacturer’s
with the machine has been installed and controlled
instructions;
Institution,

in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions;

d) the gas soundness of the unit and the complete assembly;
d)
e) the gas soundness
correct operation ofofthe
thesafety
unit and the complete
devices assembly;
and systems;
Standards

e)
f) correct
belt operation
tension, whereoffitted;
the safety
and devices and systems;
Standards

f) belt tension,
g) adequate where fitted; and
ventilation.
g) adequate ventilation.
Copy:
Licensed
Licensed Miss
Miss
Copy: Gibson,
Sarah
Sarah British
British
Gibson,

8
8  ••  ©
© BSI
The2007
British Standards Institution 2013
8 • © BSI 2007
 BS 8487:2007+A1:2013
BS 8487:2007
BS 8487:2007

16 Servicing and maintenance

16 Servicing
Servicing and maintenance
and maintenance instructions shall be provided by the
2012

Servicing and maintenance

manufacturer, detailing: instructions shall be provided by the
2012

manufacturer, detailing:
a) the maximum recommended service interval;
Institution

a) the maximum
methods ofrecommended service interval;
Institution

b) the parts;
replacing parts , including any special advice
b)
c) the methods
for work of replacing
on parts parts;
displaying an Ex marking;
which parts should be replaced in pairs, i.e. only in conjunction
Standards

c) which parts should

with another be replaced
particular in pairs, i.e. only in conjunction
new part;
Standards

with another particular new part;

d) which parts should be replaced after a specified running period,
d) which partsofshould
regardless be replaced after a specified running period,
condition;
regardless of condition;
British

NOTE 1 Stainless steel flexible connections might require

British

replacement on a 5-yearly
NOTE 1 Stainless basis.connections might require
steel flexible
e) replacement on a 5-yearly basis.
which operations, if any, the manufacturer or his agent should
TheThe

e) which operations,
perform off-site; if any, the manufacturer or his agent should
(c) (c)

f) perform off-site;parts references for items such as bearing

manufacturer’s
Copy,

f) manufacturer’s parts
assemblies, shaft references
seals, formotors
drive belts, items such
and as bearing
electrical
Copy,

assemblies,which
equipment shaft seals,
might drive belts, motors
be required as partand electrical
of regular
Uncontrolled

equipment which might be required as part of regular

maintenance.
Uncontrolled

maintenance.
NOTE 2 Where belt tension is provided by the inherent weight of a motor,
it is essential
NOTE 2 Where thatbelt
any motorischange
tension is on
provided byathe
like-for-like basis. of
inherent weight Inasuch
motor,
cases, warning
it is essential instructions
that any motorneed to be
change is displayed on the machine.
on a like-for-like basis. In such
14:35,

cases, warning instructions need to be displayed on the machine.

Copy:
Licensed
Licensed Miss
Copy: Sarah
Sarah
Miss Gibson,
Gibson, Standards
British
British Institution,
Standards 09/10/2012
Institution, 14:35,
09/10/2012

© BSI2013
© The British Standards Institution • 9
2007  •  9
© BSI 2007 • 9
 BS 8487:2007
BS 8487:2007+A1:2013

Annex A (normative) Test method for mechanical strength

(see 3.3) and torsion and bending
Licensed Copy: Miss Sarah Gibson, British Standards Institution, 09/10/2012 14:35, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2012

(see 12.2)
A.1 Install the machine to a rigid base plate.
A.2 Fix to the machine pipes conforming to BS EN 10255, medium
series, with a length of at least 300 mm (as shown in Figure A.1),
applying the appropriate tightening torque to flange bolts associated
with any flanged sections (used for the inlet or outlet machine
connections) to BS EN 1515-1 from the values in Table A.1. The ends
of these pipes shall be left free but shall be sealed in such a way as to
allow pressurization of the machine.

Table A.1 Tightening torque for flange bolts

Nominal 6 8 10 15 20 25 32 40 50 65 80 100 125 W150
size DN
Torque 20 20 30 30 30 30 50 50 50 50 50 80 160 160
N·m

A.3 Before testing, determine by measurement the base-line as fitted

dimensions that might be required for comparison during subsequent
deformation/bending tests; e.g. inlet and outlet gas connections, shaft
locations
A.4 Operate the machine for two hours under no-flow conditions in an
ambient temperature of 20 ± 5 °C. Disable any low inlet gas pressure
switch necessary to allow the machine to run as specified for this
Annex.
A.5 With the machine operating at 150% of its maximum design
pressure, apply to the pipes (see A.2) the force for the required
bending moment given in Table A.2 for 900 s and at least 300 mm from
the inlet and outlet flanged connections.

Table A.2 Bending moments

Inlet or outlet connection nominal size Bending moment at connection face F
DN Nm
> 15 40
20 50
25 80
32 130
40 175
50 260
65 315
80 390
100 475
125 500
< 150 550

10 • ©
10  •  © BSI
The2007
British Standards Institution 2013
 BS 8487:2007+A1:2013
BS 8487:2007

A.6 With the machine not operating and the force still applied, test for
external gas soundness with air by pressurizing the machine to 150%
of maximum working pressure and verifying that the external leakage
Licensed Copy: Miss Sarah Gibson, British Standards Institution, 09/10/2012 14:35, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2012

rate does not exceed 100 cm3/h.

A.7 On completion of the testing, determine by measurement whether
there is any permanent deformation of the machine which might lead
to subsequent mechanical failure or gas leakage during normal
operation.

Figure A.1 Bending moment test

2
Fout
300 mm

300 mm

Fin

Key
1 Connection face of flanges
2 Outlet machine pipe
3 Inlet machine pipe
4 Booster

© BSI2013
© The British Standards Institution • 11
2007  •  11
 BS 8487:2007
BS 8487:2007+A1:2013

BS 8487:2007 Bibliography
2012

Standards
Bibliography
BS 848-5, 1999, Fans for general purposes – Part 5: Guide for
Institution Institution

mechanical and electrical safety (guarding)

2012

Standards
BS 7671, Requirements for electrical installations – IEE Wiring
BS 848-5, 1999, Fans for general purposes – Part 5: Guide for
Regulations
British Standards

mechanical andAutomatic
BS EN 60730-1, electrical electrical
safety (guarding)
controls for household and
BS 7671,use
similar Requirements for electrical
– Part 1: General installations – IEE Wiring
requirements
Regulations
Standards

IGE/UP/2, Gas installation pipework, boosters and compressors on

BS EN 60730-1,
industrial Automatic electrical
and commercial premisescontrols for household and
similar use – Part 1: General requirements
IGEM/UP/16, Design for Natural Gas installations on industrial
(c) The

Other publications
IGE/UP/2, Gas installation
and commercial pipework,
premises with respect boosters and compressors
to hazardous area on
British

industrial
[1] GREAT and
classification commercial
BRITAIN.
and premises
Supply of
preparation Machinery Regulations
of risk assessments 1992, No. 3073,
Copy,

as amended. London: The Stationery Office.

Copy, (c) The

Other publications
[2] GREAT BRITAIN. Provision and Use of Equipment at Work
14:35, Uncontrolled

[1] Regulations
GREAT BRITAIN.
1992,Supply of Machinery
No. 2932. Regulations
London: The 1992,
Stationery No. 3073,
Office.
as amended. London: The Stationery Office.
[3] GREAT BRITAIN. Dangerous Substances and Explosive
[2] Atmospheres
GREAT BRITAIN. Provision
Regulations and No.
2002, Use 2776.
of Equipment
London:at Work
The Stationery
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Regulations 1992, No. 2932. London: The Stationery Office.

Office.
[3] GREAT BRITAIN. Electricity
[4] Dangerous atSubstances and Explosive
Work Regulations 1989, No. 635.
Atmospheres
London: Regulations
The Stationery 2002, No. 2776. London: The Stationery
Office.
09/10/2012

[5] Office.
GREAT BRITAIN. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations
[4] 1998,
GREATNo.
BRITAIN. Electricity
2451. London: TheatStationery
Work Regulations
Office. 1989, No. 635.
London: The Stationery Office.
[6] GREAT BRITAIN. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations
09/10/2012

[5] (Northern
GREAT BRITAIN.
Ireland)Gas Safety
2004, No. (Installation and Stationery
63. Belfast: The Use) Regulations
Office.
Institution,Institution,

[7] 1998,
GREATNo. 2451. London:
BRITAIN. Gas ActThe Stationery
1986, Office.
as amended. London: The
[6] Stationery
GREAT BRITAIN.
Office. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations
(Northern Ireland)
[8] HSE L108 Reducing 2004, No.
noise at 63. Belfast:
work: Theto
A guide Stationery
the NoiseOffice.
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British Standards

[7] Regulations
GREAT BRITAIN.
1989.Gas Act 1986, as amended. London: The
Stationery Office.
[9] HSE INDG 362 Noise at Work.
[8] HSE L108 Reducing noise at work: A guide to the Noise at Work
Standards

Regulations 1989.
[9] HSE INDG 362 Noise at Work.
Miss
Licensed
Licensed Copy: Sarah
Copy: Gibson,
Miss Gibson,
SarahBritish

12 • ©
12  •  © BSI
The2007
British Standards Institution 2013
 Licensed Copy: Miss Sarah Gibson, British Standards Institution, 09/10/2012 14:35, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2012

ThisThis
pagepage
deliberately
deliberatelyleft
BS 8487:2007

leftblank
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 8487:2007+A1:2013
BS 8487:2007

BSI – British Standards Institution

Licensed Copy: Miss Sarah Gibson, British Standards Institution, 09/10/2012 14:35, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2012

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