Compressor Manual 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure

2100 SPECIFYING AND PURCHASING PROCEDURE

Abstract
This section outlines a suggested procedure for specifying and purchasing compressors. The detailed sequence of steps
is applicable to both large and small projects and can be used by engineers at all experience levels. This is a general
procedure that does not address local practices or administrative and approval requirements. It may be modified for
local preferences or used as is.

Contents Page

2110 Introduction 2100-2

2120 Procedure 2100-2

Checklist for Purchasing a 2100-8

Centrifugal Compressor

Checklist for Purchasing 2100-13

a Reciprocatng Compressor

December 1988 2100-1

 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure
2110 INTRODUCTION
This procedure is a guide to assist engineers in specify-
ing and purchasing compressors. Generally, this
procedure applies to small as well as large projects.
THIS PROCEDURE DOES NOT ADDRESS LO-
CAL ADM INISTRATIVE AND APPROVAL
REQUIREMENTS. ENGINEERS SHOULD DE-
T ERM INE T HE SE FROM THEIR OWN
ORGANIZATION.
Although many compressor purchases are straightfor-
ward, several aspects can be quite complex, and
involvement by a Company machinery specialist may be
beneficial. Consult a machinery specialist if:
•
You are unsure of any steps.
• You need a recommended Vendor list.
• A post-award design audit should be conducted.
•
Shop performance and mechanical tests are to be
witnessed.
The remainder of this section provides details pertaining
to the steps listed below, including a checklist for cen-
trifugal and reciprocating compressors to assist in the
selection and bid process. The recommended steps for
specifying and purchasing a compressor are listed below.
Explanations of each step follow the list.
1. List the user’s requirements and site conditions.
2. List maintenance considerations.
3. List physical and chemical properties of the gas.
4. Calculate and list the gas inlet and discharge condi-
tions, including sidestreams if applicable.
5. Select the compressor type (axial, centrifugal,
reciprocating, or rotary).
6. Select the driver type.
7. Complete the compressor data sheet.
8. Select and/or develop the purchase specification.
9. Prepare a recommended Vendor list.
10. Obtain quotations.
11. Evaluate quotations.
12. Conduct bid clarification meetings.
2100-2
Compressor Manual
13. Award the order.
14. Conduct design coordination, and Pre-Inspection
meetings in the Vendor’s plant.
15. Review rotor response reports and conduct a De-
sign Audit meeting.
16. Review Vendor drawings.
17. Coordinate a quality assurance surveillance pro-
gram in the Vendor’s plant (large projects only).
18. Witness mechanical and performance tests in the
Vendor’s plant.
19. Witness equipment shipping preparation and
loadout.
2120 PROCEDURE
1. List the User’s Requirements and Site
Conditions
Discuss the requirements and conditions with the
party who wants you to buy the compressor (oper-
ating managers, project managers, etc.). Based on
experience, they may have strong feelings towards
one type versus another, and may want special fea-
tures in the equipment train.
They may have additional requirements. For exam-
ple, safety and fire considerations, space limita-
tions, environmental factors or matching existing
machines could dictate the type of compressor to
buy. Finally, check with them to determine the reli-
ability of utilities available. For example, is reliable
cooling water readily available? If not, you may
have to specify air coolers. Is there adequate elec-
trical capacity? Are emission controls required?
2. List Maintenance Considerations
Maintenance considerations could influence:
• Compressor selection
• Manufacturer selected
• The type or Vendor for auxiliaries
For example, does maintenance stock spare parts,
or do they rely on the Vendor? If the quotations
were otherwise equal, this may be the deciding
factor.
December 1988
 Compressor Manual
The local maintenance group usually has some
preferences. These preferences should be consid-
ered. However, you should evaluate each to ensure
a safe and cost-effective installation.
3. List the Physical and Chemical Properties
of the Gas
This includes site ambient conditions, unusual con-
ditions, a complete gas analysis for each compres-
sion stage, and gas analyses for alternate services.
Be sure to list ranges if physical or chemical prop-
erties vary. It is important to list trace substances in
the gas such as H2S because they may greatly effect
materials selection and complexity of auxiliary sys-
tems.
4. Calculate and List the Gas Inlet and
Discharge Conditions
This includes temperatures, pressures, mass flow
rate, etc., for inlet, sidestreams, final discharge, and
each stage or casing. Consider turndown or part
load operating conditions. The Compressor Profile
Worksheet, CMP-EF-876 can be used to log results
of these calculations. Refer to Sections 100, 200,
and 300 of this manual for detailed discussions.
Initially, these may only be estimates of the final
operating conditions. They may need continual re-
finement as the order progresses through the quota-
tion and design phases.
If it becomes evident that a small process design
change might save a considerable amount of
money, the change should be referred back to the
process designer. In some cases the process design
can be conservative allowing a substantial savings.
5. Select the Compressor Type
Refer to sub-section 150 of this manual, Applica-
tion and Selection Criteria, for assistance in com-
pressor selection (axial, centrifugal, reciprocating
or rotary). Refer to Sections 200 and 300 to help
confirm your choice for centrifugal and reciprocat-
ing compressors, respectively.
6. Select the Driver Type
In process plant environments, electric motors are
typically preferred because of lower initial cost and
higher reliability. Less costly and available utilities
or fuels such as steam or natural gas may dictate
selection of steam turbines, internal combustion
engines, or combustion gas turbines.
December 1988
2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure
Refer to the Driver Manual for additional informa-
tion. Consult a specialist if you have difficulty
selecting the driver.
Driver selection depends on:
a. The utility most readily available. For exam-
ple, a natural gas engine may be used in areas
where electricity is not available.
b. Sparing considerations. In process plants, an
electric motor driven compressor is sometimes
spared by a steam turbine driven spare to ac-
commodate a power failure.
c. Energy costs. Energy costs are a major factor
in evaluation of overall compression costs.
The cheapest utility may dictate the driver
type. However, the cheapest available utility
may actually cost more when all things are
considered. The driver could be less-efficient
than another type. The choice depends on a
net present-value economic evaluation.
d. Local preferences. Pick the appropriate
driver for your application. Complete the
driver data sheet (where applicable) and ob-
tain the appropriate specification for inclusion
in the bid package.
7. Complete the Compressor Data Sheet
The type of compressor selected dictates which
data sheet to use. For example, for a heavy-duty
reciprocating compressor, use the data sheet in-
cluded in API 618. This material is located in the
Specifications section of this manual. (Figure
2100-1 lists the specifications, data sheets, and In-
dustry Standards included in the Compressor man-
ual.)
8. Select and/or Develop the Purchase
Specification
A detailed purchase specification should be devel-
oped consistent with the complexity of the equip-
ment to be purchased. If the compressor type
selected falls into a category covered by the speci-
fications listed in Figure 2100-1, the task is easier.
If available, obtain a copy of the applicable specifi-
cation without comments (see sub-section 2010,
Specification Types and Uses). This copy can be
used whole, or in part by deleting sections that do
not apply to your unique application. Make sure the
“bulleted” (•) paragraphs of your tailor-made
2100-3
 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure Compressor Manual

COMPRESSOR MANUAL SPECIFICATIONS, DATA SHEETS, AND INDUSTRY STANDARDS

Compressor Type Model Spec. Industry Standard Data Sheet

Centrifugal MS-1876 API 617 Included in API 617

DS-1876 (Supplements
API 617 Data Sheet)

Reciprocating

Heavy-Duty MS-1626 API 618 Included in API 618

Packaged High-Speed MS-4736 API 11P Included in API 11P

Integral Engine MS-4735 — DS-4735

Small Utility MS-4734 — DS-4734

Lube-, Seal-, and Control-Oil MS-4762 API 614 Included in API 614

Integral-Gear Centrifugal Air * API 672 Included in API 672

Process Fans and Blowers — API 673 Included in API 673

* Note: A Company EG specification exists for these compressors. Call ETD Support Services (415)
842-9457 for a copy.

Fig. 2100-1 Compressor Manual Specifications, Data Sheets, and Industry Standards

specification correspond correctly to the appropri-
ate paragraphs in the industry standard and to items
on the data sheet.
If the compressor type selected is not covered by a
model specification, a job-specific specification
will need to be developed. Consult a Company
machinery specialist for help if needed. The Me-
chanical and Electrical Systems Division, Engi-
neering Technology Department or other
Company engineering groups may have a speci-
fication on file for similar equipment used on a
previous project.
9. Prepare a Recommended Vendor List
This is an important step often overlooked. Extend-
ing a bid invitation to an unacceptable bidder can
lead to significant problems. Bids should only be
requested from those Vendors who are both techni-
cally and commercially qualified to supply the
equipment. You should not invite a Vendor to quote
on your equipment unless you are prepared to ac-
cept their bid. Keep in mind this list is only a
recommendation.
Purchasing is responsible for the selection of bid-
ders invited to quote. This includes consideration of
their commercial qualifications (financial condi-
tion, past delivery performance, etc.) and quality
assurance programs. However, you should recom-
mend bidders for inclusion (or exclusion) when
project, technical, quality or other considera-
tions make it advisable. In such instances, state
the reason for your recommendation on the requisi-
tion form or in a separate letter.
10. Obtain Quotations
Work through your local Purchasing Department to
obtain quotations. Discussions between engineers
and suppliers’ representatives should be limited to
technical matters, except that estimated prices and
deliveries may be obtained. No firm or contract
prices or deliveries would normally be discussed
except in the presence of a buyer from your Purchas-
ing Department.
Make sure the Vendor fills out the rest of the Com-
pany data sheet. Vendors often use their own data
sheets which may be confusing or omit valuable
information. Data sheets are important documents

2100-4 December 1988

 Compressor Manual
for both bid evaluation and as a permanent record
of the machine. This permanent record is very im-
portant to technical and maintenance personnel.
Besides filling out the data sheet, the Vendor will
provide prices, delivery, and usually a list of excep-
tions to your specification.
The equipment guarantee is usually a part of the
specification attached to the QR. In cases where the
specification does not include a guarantee clause,
or where there is no specification, and Engineering
does not furnish a guarantee clause, Purchasing
will attach a standard guarantee form.
11. Evaluate Quotations
A “committee approach” to compressor quotation
request review is often useful. The committee may
consist of the purchasing engineer, operating repre-
sentative, machinery specialist, QA engineer, and
others, as appropriate. The goal of the bid review is
to achieve a thorough understanding of the Ven-
dor’s proposal. In particular, concentrate on techni-
cal aspects such as:
• Materials of construction
• Operating requirements and restrictions
• Energy efficiency
• Critical speeds
• Exceptions to specifications
• Testing and inspection
Also, due to the high cost of energy, particular atten-
tion should be paid to operating costs.
It is easy to lose sight of the drive train, resulting in
design deficiencies and cost additions after placing the
order. Therefore, a thorough review of the entire train
(drive train and driven equipment) must be made. Op-
tional features for the equipment train must be selected
based on Vendor’s quoted cost extras.
Before placing the order, be sure that all process condi-
tions originally specified in the quotation request are still
correct. In many cases, process designs mature consider-
ably during the bidding and bid evaluation stages. Also
confirm that startup, shutdown, and power-outage effects
on process conditions are correctly shown on the data
sheets.
December 1988
2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure
12. Conduct Bid Clarification Meetings
Prior to the award of the purchase order, bid clarifi-
cation meeting(s) are necessary for almost all large
or critical equipment trains. The purpose of the
meeting is to:
• Review engineering details of what the Vendor
has proposed.
• Discuss all exceptions to specifications.
• Obtain appropriate price adjustments to comply
with specifications.
• Discuss how the Vendor proposes to coordinate
the job if awarded.
• Agree to a schedule for the Vendor’s work (in-
cluding drawing approval).
• Understand the detailed experience the Vendor
can demonstrate on similar equipment in similar
applications.
Generally, each equipment Vendor is invited to the engi-
neering office to clarify a proposal. Also present may be
project, design engineering, purchasing, operating, in-
spection and specialist personnel with equally
responsible Vendor representatives. The meetings usu-
ally last one-half to two days, depending on the
complexity of the equipment train, the number of differ-
ent services involved, etc. Use the checklists at the end of
this section as a guide to cover items in a bid clarification
meeting. These checklists may also serve as a guide
during bid reviews.
13. Award the Order
The engineer responsible needs to prepare a com-
plete requisition package (all applicable drawings,
list sheets, specifications, etc.) and forward it to the
Material Control Section or local Purchasing of-
fice. Consult a Purchasing representative for any
needed assistance.
Instructions to Vendors should normally be in writ-
ing. Engineers should avoid oral instructions to
suppliers’ representatives which change the provi-
sions of the order, or which might affect the con-
tract price or delivery date. If oral instructions are
absolutely necessary, they must be made in the
presence of a Purchasing representative and
promptly confirmed by a revision to the requisition,
and supplement to the Purchase Order.
2100-5
 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure
It’s a good idea to keep a written log of all commu-
nications (written or oral) with Vendors, in case of
future disputes.
Contact with suppliers’ representatives concerning
equipment quotation requests or purchase orders is
arranged through the Purchasing Department.
14. Conduct Design Coordination and Pre-Inspec-
tion Meetings (complex or critical trains only)
Design coordination meetings ensure the Vendor’s
factory personnel thoroughly understand specifica-
tion and Company requirements. They are nor-
mally held at the responsible Vendor’s office within
four to eight weeks after placement of orders for
special purpose, critical and large equipment. The
responsible Vendor should arrange for any major
equipment Sub-Vendor(s) to be present. Company
representatives should be similar to those partici-
pating in the bid clarification meeting.
Prior to this meeting, communication with the Ven-
dor will have been made through their marketing
representatives. Engineering capabilities of the
equipment may have been misunderstood or possi-
bly mis-represented.
For some large, complicated or critical equipment
trains, more than one coordination meeting may be
needed. The first coordination meeting includes a
detailed line-by-line review of all data sheets for
the equipment train, including auxiliary systems. In
addition, significant time is spent reviewing equip-
ment outline drawings, discussing proposed testing
methods, discussing detailed inspection and quality
control requirements, and reviewing preliminary
P&ID’s of auxiliary systems. For equipment trains
involving critical auxiliary systems (such as API
614 type lube- and seal-oil systems), a second coor-
dination meeting is held within approximately
eight to 16 weeks of order placement. This meeting
covers a detailed review of final system P&ID’s,
auxiliary equipment layout, access, etc.
It is usually convenient for the QA inspector to
conduct a Pre-Inspection meeting at the time of the
first (or only) Design Coordination meeting. In this
meeting the inspector establishes all hold points
and observation points for both the prime and Sub-
Vendor equipment items.
2100-6
Compressor Manual
15. Review Rotor Response Reports and Conduct
Design Audit Meeting (complex, or critical
trains only)
A Design Audit, usually conducted by a mechanical
equipment specialist, is held in addition to Design
Coordination meeting(s) for large or critical equip-
ment. To resolve questions more efficiently, Design
Audits are almost always held at each equipment
Vendor’s engineering/manufacturing facility when
all engineering is essentially complete, (i.e., rotor
response reports are complete, Campbell and
Goodman diagrams are finalized for steam tur-
bines, transient and steady torsional analyses have
been performed, and all engineering design details
of bearings, seals, rotors, impellers, etc., are final-
ized).
To minimize changes to equipment delivery sched-
ules, hold Design Audit meetings within six to 10
weeks after order placement. Also as an incentive
to complete engineering design in a timely manner,
establish specific engineering milestones with ap-
propriate payment schedules. Otherwise, Vendors
may attempt to delay the timing of a Design Audit
to freeze the design, insisting that changes will
cause delivery delays.
If specific areas need further clarification, advise
the Vendor in advance that detailed discussions will
be held at the time of the Design Audit. Therefore,
prior to conducting a Design Audit, thoroughly re-
view required rotor-dynamic (lateral and torsional)
reports, Campbell and Goodman diagrams, and cal-
culations. In cases requiring transient analyses
(such as for synchronous-motor-driven equip-
ment), the entire equipment train should be closely
analyzed. A careful understanding of the assump-
tions made, data used, and sensitivity of results is
strongly recommended.
16. Review of Vendor Drawings
Remember that the equipment is not isolated; it
must be integrated into the rest of the plant or
installation. Be alert to interfaces between Vendor
supplied equipment and Company supplied equip-
ment. To avoid Vendor claims of missed delivery
because of slow turnaround on drawings, keep a
log of the drawings indicating the date received and
date returned.
December 1988
 Compressor Manual 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure

17. Coordinate a Quality Assurance Surveillance One disadvantage of a Vendor shop test is the in-
Program (complex or critical trains only) ability to simulate all field operating conditions. In
addition, shop tests are usually conducted for rela-
A quality assurance surveillance program is differ- tively short periods of time (one to six hours de-
ent (and separate) from the inspection of the equip- pending on equipment involved). This short time
ment, and can only be justified on large projects. period is sufficient only to identify major mechani-
The purpose of the program is to ensure that the cal problems.
machinery system is fabricated from the correct
materials, within the specified fits and finishes, At least two months before the start of the shop
properly assembled, balanced, piped and wired. tests, specific test agendas (procedures) should be
obtained from the equipment Vendor and carefully
Selection of the right Quality Surveillance people reviewed. All pertinent test conditions, procedures
for this job is extremely important. They must be and acceptance criteria should be reviewed for ac-
located at the Vendor’s plant to follow the job ceptability and conformance to the purchase order
through the factory, to get a good machine shipped and pertinent test codes. It is critical that all aspects
on schedule, avoiding any hang ups in the factory. of the test be mutually agreed upon in writing in the
They must be available so that no advance notice form of a final test agenda. This final test agenda
on the part of the Vendor is necessary, and produc- must be completed prior to the start of any testing
tion does not stop. They must understand mechani- program. Failure to resolve any aspects will lead to
cal equipment assembly and problem diagnosis, disagreement and conflict on the test stand.
machining and balancing, and also be capable of
writing informative, periodic status reports. A good 19. Witnessed Equipment Shipping Preparation
working relationship with the Vendor’s personnel is and Loadout
also important to avoid antagonism.
A Company representative should witness the
Chevron has had good luck using people from its preparation of the equipment for shipment to en-
refinery and chemical plant machine shops. Also, sure all spare parts, small instruments, piping open-
retired machine shop supervisors, and experienced ings, etc., are properly packaged, labeled and
consultants in machinery manufacturing and serv- protected. The physical placement of the equip-
icing have worked out well. Contact Mechanical ment on a railcar or truck should be watched to
and Electrical Systems Division (MESD) or IMI ensure it will remain safe and clean in transport.
(CUSA Mfg) for recommendations, if desired. The shipping route should be checked for large
equipment. Shipping delays can be very costly to
18. Witnessed Mechanical and Performance Tests the construction schedule on large projects.
Equipment testing, together with in-plant inspec-
tion, has proven to be one of the most effective
methods of minimizing field startup problems. A
machinery specialist generally participates in shop
performance and mechanical testing of large and
critical equipment items. Vendor shop testing is
about the only feasible method of uncovering ma-
jor operational and design problems. Primarily, the
advantage is to minimize the possibility of transfer-
ring major problems to the field, which result in
much higher costs, startup delays, unscheduled
shutdowns, and the need for costly field repairs and
retrofitting. Another advantage is the high degree
of attention the equipment gets from Vendor man-
agement, and availability to Vendor technical ex-
pertise. These advantages are lost almost entirely
when a major problem occurs in the field. Once a
piece of equipment is paid for and shipped, Vendor
interest decreases dramatically.

December 1988 2100-7

 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure Compressor Manual

CHECKLIST FOR PURCHASING A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR

1. Plant Layout and Site Conditions

Nozzle Orientation _____________________________________________________

Arrangement and Location of Auxiliaries ____________________________________
Area Classification _____________________________________________________
Tropicalizing/Weather Protection __________________________________________
Drains ______________________________________________________________
Utility Conditions ______________________________________________________
Steam ___________________________________________________________
Electricity _________________________________________________________
Water____________________________________________________________
2. Compressor Selection

Place of Manufacture ___________________________________________________

Component Selection __________________________________________________
Casing ___________________________________________________________
Impellers _________________________________________________________
Guide vanes ______________________________________________________
Diaphragms _______________________________________________________
Bearings _________________________________________________________
Seals ____________________________________________________________
Couplings ________________________________________________________
Safety Mechanisms _________________________________________________
Controls __________________________________________________________
Impeller Stage Layout in Comp Case ______________________________________
Alternate Offers _______________________________________________________
3. Indicate details of components or assembly which do not have at least two years
satisfactory operating experience in similar service.

4. Compressor Performance

Final Process Conditions ________________________________________________

Performance Curves ___________________________________________________
Selection Curves ___________________________________________________
Overall Curves_____________________________________________________
Air Operation ______________________________________________________
Pressure Rise to Surge ______________________________________________
Constant Pressure Stability ___________________________________________

2100-8 December 1988

 Compressor Manual 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure

CHECKLIST FOR PURCHASING A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR (CON’T)

Curve Shape Guarantees ____________________________________________

ICFM & Z Values ___________________________________________________
Sideload Pressure Level Guarantee ____________________________________
Speed Tolerance to Meet Specification__________________________________
Max Surge Pressure and Case Ratings ____________________________________
Horsepower Guarantees and Steam Rates__________________________________
Alternate Offers _______________________________________________________
Run-in On Nitrogen ____________________________________________________
Low Temperature Operation _____________________________________________
5. Compressor Construction

Internal Layout - Gas Path - Space for Sidestream Flow _______________________

Impeller Stress Levels __________________________________________________
Critical Speeds________________________________________________________
Thrust Bearings and Loads ______________________________________________
Journal Bearings and Loads _____________________________________________
Coupling_____________________________________________________________
Manufacturer ______________________________________________________
Type ____________________________________________________________
Hydraulic Fit ______________________________________________________
Coupling Guards ______________________________________________________
Thrust Disc___________________________________________________________
Shaft Sleeves_________________________________________________________
Materials ____________________________________________________________
Allowable Flange Forces and Moments_____________________________________
Flange Ratings and Facings _____________________________________________
X-Ray Quality Castings _________________________________________________
Vibration_____________________________________________________________
Noise Levels _________________________________________________________
Dry Air Purge and Vents to Bearing Housings________________________________
Alternate Offers _______________________________________________________
Flanged Casing Drains _________________________________________________

December 1988 2100-9

 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure Compressor Manual

CHECKLIST FOR PURCHASING A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR (CON’T)

6. Lube- and Seal-Oil Systems

Vendor Schematics ____________________________________________________

Major Equipment - Sub-Vendor List________________________________________
Compliance with API 614________________________________________________
Separate or Integral Lube/Seal Oil System __________________________________
Driver Lube and Control Oil Requirements __________________________________
Subcontracting of Consoles ______________________________________________
Welding Standards ____________________________________________________
Piping Standards ______________________________________________________
Stainless Piping Downstream of Filters _____________________________________
Seal Type: Contact, Labyrinth, Cone, etc. ___________________________________
Seal System Design Pressure ____________________________________________
Seal System Overhead Tanks ____________________________________________
Seal System Expected and Guaranteed Inner Seal Leakage ____________________
Seal System Inner Seal Leakage Balance __________________________________
Heating Coils _________________________________________________________
Buffer Gas Arrangements _______________________________________________
Oil Cooler Materials ____________________________________________________
Oil Centrifuge or Connections for Centrifuge _________________________________
Console Shop Tests (if no string test) ______________________________________
Console Flushing and Clean Up __________________________________________
Low Point Drains ______________________________________________________
Emergency Rundown Tanks _____________________________________________
Filling Spare Filters and Coolers from Active Equipment Accumulators ____________
Filter Design ∆P _______________________________________________________
Reservoir Alarm Level __________________________________________________
7. Instrumentation

Scope_______________________________________________________________
Site Requirements _____________________________________________________
Panels ______________________________________________________________
Local Gage Boards ____________________________________________________
Instrumentation Standardization __________________________________________
Sub-Vendor List _______________________________________________________
On Stream Testing of Protective Devices ___________________________________

2100-10 December 1988

 Compressor Manual 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure

CHECKLIST FOR PURCHASING A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR (CONT’D)

Thermowells _________________________________________________________
Thrust Bearing Temperature Measurement__________________________________
Outer Seal Oil Flow Temperature Measurement ______________________________
Vibration Probes Per API 670 ____________________________________________
Instrument Lagging ____________________________________________________
Surge Control Involvement ______________________________________________
Tropicalizing/Weather Protection __________________________________________
Terminal Boxes for Wiring _______________________________________________
8. Shop Tests

Hydrotests
Division Plate______________________________________________________
Pressure _________________________________________________________
Test Fluid_________________________________________________________
API Mechanical Test ___________________________________________________
ASME Performance Test ________________________________________________
Procedure ________________________________________________________
Re-number Correction_______________________________________________
Curves Before Unit Leaves Stand ______________________________________
Critical Speed Survey __________________________________________________
Seal Oil Flow and Leakage Rates _________________________________________
Internal Inspection After Test _____________________________________________
Spare Rotor Testing____________________________________________________
Rotor Response Tests __________________________________________________
Noise Level on Test ____________________________________________________
Impeller Shaker Tests __________________________________________________
“String” Tests _________________________________________________________
9. Applicable Specifications and Vendor Comments

API 617 _____________________________________________________________

API 614 _____________________________________________________________
Vendor’s Standard Specifications _________________________________________
Specifications not Yet Commented on______________________________________

December 1988 2100-11

 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure Compressor Manual

CHECKLIST FOR PURCHASING A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR (CON’T)

10. Manufacturing and Inspection

Radiograph Quality Castings _____________________________________________

Repair of Castings
Compressors ______________________________________________________
Turbines _________________________________________________________
Piping Materials _______________________________________________________
Welding Requirements _________________________________________________
Head Welds __________________________________________________________
Impeller Welding ______________________________________________________
Impeller Cover Thickness Variation ________________________________________
Shop Balance ________________________________________________________
Plating of Shafts_______________________________________________________
11. Miscellaneous

Tools and Maintenance Equipment ________________________________________

Cradles for V.S. Comp. Internals __________________________________________
Sound Enclosures _____________________________________________________
Site Storage and Export Boxing___________________________________________
Spare Rotor Containers. Five Years Storage ________________________________
Companion Flanges____________________________________________________
Preparation for Shipment ________________________________________________
Alignment Provisions ___________________________________________________
Compressors ______________________________________________________
Turbines _________________________________________________________
Electrical Grounding of Baseplates ________________________________________
Painting _____________________________________________________________
Contract Maintenance __________________________________________________
On-site Balancing _____________________________________________________

2100-12 December 1988

 Compressor Manual 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure

CHECKLIST FOR PURCHASING A RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR

1. Plant Layout and Site Conditions

Nozzle Orientation _____________________________________________________

Arrangement and Location of Auxiliaries ____________________________________
Area Classification _____________________________________________________
Tropicalization/Weather Protection ________________________________________
Drains ______________________________________________________________
Utility Conditions
Steam ___________________________________________________________
Electricity _________________________________________________________
Water____________________________________________________________
2. Scope Major Components

Place of Manufacture ___________________________________________________

Compressor __________________________________________________________
Motor Drivers _________________________________________________________
Acoustical Simulation Study (Pulsations)____________________________________
Instrument Panels _____________________________________________________
Capacity Controls _____________________________________________________
Packing Cooling _______________________________________________________
Cylinder Jacket Cooling System __________________________________________
Lube-Oil Consoles _____________________________________________________
3. Compressor Performance

Review of Final Engineering Figures _______________________________________

Verify Forces and Moments ______________________________________________
Capacity and HP Data __________________________________________________
Motor Data:
a. Compressor, Breakway Torque and Torque-Effort Diagram________________
b. Frequency of Starts after Trip-out ___________________________________
c. Speed and Torque Curve __________________________________________
Special Considerations for Start-up and Shutdown ____________________________
Capacity Control (Unloaders) ____________________________________________
Clearances with and without Clearance Pockets______________________________
Guarantees - Valve Life and After Sales Service _____________________________

December 1988 2100-13

 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure Compressor Manual

CHECKLIST FOR PURCHASING A RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR (CON’T)

4. Lube Oil System

Vendor’s Schematics ___________________________________________________

Equipment Items–Description and Make (Cooler, PSV’s, Filters and Pumps) _______
Auxiliary Pump Start-up _________________________________________________
Lubricator (Type, Number of Feeds) & Location ______________________________
Corrosion Protection (Pickling or Stainless Steel) _____________________________
Motor Lubrication ______________________________________________________
5. Cylinder Jacket Cooling System

Vendor Schematics ____________________________________________________

Equipment Items—Description and Make ___________________________________
Cooling Required when Cylinder Unloaded __________________________________
6. Packing Cooling

Vendor’s Schematics ___________________________________________________

Equipment Items—Description and Make ___________________________________
Type of Coolant _______________________________________________________
Type of Packing _______________________________________________________
7. Instrumentation and Electrical

Panel Requirement ____________________________________________________

Protection Systems ____________________________________________________
8. Piping

Extent of Fabrication ___________________________________________________

Extent of Stainless Steel Piping and Tubing _________________________________
Piping Materials _______________________________________________________
9. Shop Tests

Cylinder Clearance Test ________________________________________________

Witnessed Tests per Data Sheet __________________________________________
Helium Leak Tests (Cylinder and Valves) ___________________________________
Bar-Over Test and Acceptance Criteria _____________________________________
Lube System _________________________________________________________
Cylinder-to-Distance Piece-to-Crosshead-to-Frame Alignment___________________
Crank Shaft Web Deflection _____________________________________________
Field Performance Test _________________________________________________
Piston To Head Clearance Both Ends ______________________________________
Rod Run Out _________________________________________________________

2100-14 December 1988

 Compressor Manual 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure

CHECKLIST FOR PURCHASING A RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR (CON’T)

10. Pulsation Dampers

Pulsation Effects on Valve Performance ____________________________________

Assumed Pressure Drop per Performance Calculations ________________________
Simulation Study Coordination____________________________________________
Sizing Guidelines for Preliminary Quotes ___________________________________
11. Operation on Nitrogen or Alternate Gases

Rod Loads ___________________________________________________________

Valve Failure and Reversal ______________________________________________
B.H.P. ______________________________________________________________
Valve Performance (Different Valves Required?) _____________________________
12. Nodular Iron Construction

Describe Where NI is Being Used _________________________________________

Has Credit Been Taken for Increased Strength of NI Over CI Reducing Material Thick-
nesses? Describe in Detail. ______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
13. Rod Coating Requirements

What Type of Coating? _________________________________________________

Coordination _________________________________________________________
What Part of Rod is Being Coated?________________________________________
Inspection ___________________________________________________________
14. Discharge Temperature

Adiabatic vs. Actual ____________________________________________________

Maximum Suction Temperature___________________________________________
Cylinder Maximum Allowance Temperature _________________________________
15. Valve Design

Analysis Capability (Impact Velocities, Flutter, Pressure, Drop) __________________

16. Miscellaneous

Distance Piece ________________________________________________________

Shaking Forces _______________________________________________________
Installation and Start-up Supervision—Field Tests ____________________________
Complete Frame to Foundation Mounting ___________________________________

December 1988 2100-15

 2100 Specifying and Purchasing Procedure Compressor Manual

CHECKLIST FOR PURCHASING A RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR (CON’T)

17 Indicate details of Component or assembly which do not have at least two years
satisfactory operating experience in similar service.

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
18. Rod Loads

Rod-load reversal calculation showing adequate reversal on valve failures should be

presented for all operating conditions including unload condition. This is required for all
cylinders including those with more than one valve per corner. Also include partial
valve failure to show sensitivity of non reversal to valve failure. Weak link in reciprocat-
ing assembly. _________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

19. Noise Level Guarantee

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
20. The Exceptions to API and Chevron Specifications

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
21. Torsional Analysis

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
22. Motor Bearing Cantilever Design

Bearing Loading_______________________________________________________
Shaft Alternating Stress Levels ___________________________________________
Overhung Weight and Deflection __________________________________________

2100-16 December 1988