API Standard 617 - Axial and Centrifugal and Expander-Compressors For Petroleum, Chemical and Gas Industry Services

API Standard 617 - Axial and Centrifugal and Expander-compressors for Petroleum,
Chemical and Gas Industry Services

Last update: November 23, 2010
Standard
617
Edition
7th - Jul.
2002
Section
Inquiry #
Question
Chapt. 1 & 2 617-I-02/03 With the 7th edition of API 617, the standard has been divided into
1.1.1
chapters, for a centrifugal compressor, is the intent that Chapter 2
applies, and Chapter 1 would apply only when referenced by Chapter 2?
Or does Chapter 1 apply, and Chapter 2 modifies Chapter 1 if paragraph
number is used in Chapter 2?
Reply
Please refer to Chapter 1, Clause 1.1.1, which states This chapter
contains information pertinent to all equipment covered by this
standard. It is to be used in conjunction with the following chapters
as applicable to the specific equipment covered.
Chapter 2 Centrifugal and Axial Compressors
Chapter 3 Integrally Geared Compressors
Chapter 4 Expander-compressors for the basic use of the
chapters.
For the Centrifugal Compressor example cited, BOTH Chapters 1
and Chapter 2 would apply. (i.e. Information in Chapters 2,3,and 4
are in addition to the common information contained in Chapter 1.)
617
617
7th - Jul.
2002
7th - Jul.
2002
Chapt. 1
2.1.2
Chapt. 1
2.5.3
617-I-03/05 Question 1: Clause 2.1 mentions that equipment shall be designed and
constructed for a minimum service life of 20 years and at least five years
of uninterrupted operation. What does API mean by five years of
uninterrupted operation?
Reply 1: It is the intent of API 611 to provide equipment (including

auxiliaries) that has been designed to provide five years of
uninterrupted operation without scheduled maintenance that would
require shutdown.
Question 2: How do you quantify this five-year requirement?
Reply 2: See Reply 1.
Question 3: The sixth edition required only three years of uninterrupted

operation. What does this change signify?
Reply 3: API does not does not provide the rationale behind
requirements in its standards. These requirements are based upon
consideration of technical data and the judgment and skill of
experienced engineering and technical personnel representing
both users and manufacturers who serve on the standards-writing
committees.
617-I-01/04 It appears that the electrical runout is lower for metric units than for the
US customary units in 2.5.3 of Chapter 1. Is this correct?
All technical meetings during which API requirements are

considered are open to the public. The API Subcommittee on
Mechanical Equipment meets twice per year at the Spring and Fall
Refining Meetings. Information on these meetings can be found
on the API website at www.api.org/events.
The allowable limits for electrical runout were established as a
percentage of allowable vibration in U.S. Customary Units. In this
case, 25% of 1 mil or 0.25 mil. Rounding during soft conversion to
metric units has introduced a significant difference. We agree that
a hard conversion should have been made in this instance. A
correction to 6.35 m in metric units will be considered for the next
edition.
Standard
617
Edition
7th - Jul.
2002
Section
Chapt. 1
1.5.4
2.6.1.2
2.6.2.10
Inquiry #
Question
Reply
617-I-02/05 Background: A compressor was sold under the specification of API 617. A separation margin is not required for a critical speed with an AF
less than 2.5.
No other requirements or exceptions have been defined. The analytical
rotordynamic study shows a critical speed within the operating speed
range. The amplification factor of this critical is calculated to be
AF=2.1 (clearly below 2.5, assuming the unbalance response verification
test is confirming an AF clearly below 2.5).
Question: What is the required separation margin for a critical speed
with an amplification factor (AF) of less than 2.5?
617
7th - Jul.
2002
Chapt. 1
2.6.2.11
617-I-01/06 Referring to 2.6.2.11, the correction factor calculated per Equation 1.2-5
shall have a value greater than 0.5. Is the 0.5 value meant to be the lower
correction factor to be used for calculating the unbalance response
amplitudes to assess the minimum design running clearances, or it is a
more stringent requirement to limit the vibration amplitude at probes
location?
This factor is used during the analytical calculation procedure.

Analytically, amplitude should have a linear relationship to
unbalance weight. Rather than requiring the designer to re-run the
program with a different unbalance weight in order to match
required vibration amplitude, the API standard allows linear
interpolation to be used. The only purpose of the correction factor
is to limit the amount of linear interpolation to reasonable levels.
This factor is then used in paragraph 2.6.2.12 to confirm analytical
conformance to the minimum design diametrical clearance criteria.
617
7th - Jul.
2002
Chapt. 1
4.3.3.1
617-I-01/05 Background: The definition and requirement of the speeds is sometimes

subject to discussion with vendor and/or client when performance test
result requires the increased speed because interpretation of the
requirement is different. When the maximum continuous speed (MCS) is
set at 105% to comply with the minimum requirement defined by 1.4.10
(Chapter 1, Clause 1.5.18), and the impeller overspeed test has been
done at 115% of MCS to comply with minimum requirement specified in
4.3.3 (Chapter 1, 4.3.3.1), if increased speed adjustment is required as a
result of the performance test tolerances, the speed of impeller
overspeed test will no longer comply with the speed requirement of
Chapter 1, Clause 4.3.3.
Clause 4.3.3.1 of Chapter 1 requires an overspeed at no less than

115% of maximum continuous speed. If maximum continuous
speed is adjusted as a result of a performance test, this criteria still
applies.
Question: If increased speed adjustment is required as a result of the

performance test tolerance, does the standard still require the spin
speed margin of 115% during overspeed testing?
617
7th - Jul.
2002
Chapt. 1
4.3.6.2.3
617-I-03/07 Referring to Chapter 1, Section 4.3.6.2.3, should a compressor

mechanical test be re-run after correction of a mechanical deficiency
with the assembly?
Yes, the requirement to re-run the final shop tests includes

modifications to the assembly to correct nonconformances.
Standard
617
Edition
7th - Jul.
2002
Section
Chapt. 2
Inquiry #
Question
617-I-01/03 Question 1: Is the intention of Chapter 2 to cover compressors with

overhung impellers (with or without external gear unit) or is it only
restricted to beam type rotors? Our interpretation is that it only applies
to beam type rotors, since the typical construction drawing at Annexure
2C does not show a typical compressor with overhung impeller type
construction. Advise whether or not our interpretation is correct.
Question 2: If overhung impeller construction (with or without external
gear unit) is not covered by Chapter 2, can this be considered a sub-set
of Chapter 3?
Question 3: If overhung impeller construction (with or without external
gear unit) is a sub set of Chapter 3, we consider that such service can
not be applied to pipeline compression service - since 1.1 of Chapter 3
does not list such a service. Advise whether or not our interpretation is
correct.
Reply
Reply 1: Chapter 2 Centrifugal and Axial Compressors covers
overhung impeller centrifugal compressors (with or without
external gears) in the text of the document. The illustration was
inadvertently omitted.
Reply 2: See Reply 1.
Reply 3: Since the overhung impeller compressor is covered by

Chapter 2, pipeline service is included.
617
7th - Jul.
2002
Chapt. 2
2.5.3.2
617-I-02/06 Chapter 2, Clause 2.5.3.2, requires stub-shafts to meet all quality and
Yes.
heat treatment criteria for shaft forgings when modular (through-bolt)
rotors are provided. Does this clause apply to centrifugal compressors?
617
7th - Jul.
2002
Chapt. 2
Section 5
617-I-03/03 Please provide a clarification of Page 1 of the Centrifugal and Axial

Compressor Data Sheet, Lines 31 and 32. Line 31 calls for 'TRAIN BHP
REQUIRED'. Since the train includes everything, I assume that this is
the BHP required at the driver coupling. But Line 32 calls for 'BHP
REQUIRED AT THE DRIVER INCLUDING EXTERNAL LOSSES (GEAR
ETC.)'. Then Line 32 appears to be the same as Line 31, unless Line 32
calls for the driver BHP which has to be greater than the train BHP.
Line 31 calls for Train BHP, which is the compressor train gas
horsepower (GHP) listed on Line 30 plus the compressor
mechanical losses, such as from bearings and seals. Line 32 calls
for the driver BHP which is the same as the value listed on Line
31, if the driver is directly connected to the compressor train, that
is, there is no other piece of equipment, like a gear located
between the driver and compressor train. If there is a gear or
other equipment between the driver and compressor train, then the
entry on Line 32 is larger than the entry on Line 31 by the value of
the gear loss or loss from the other equipment.
Standard
617
Edition
7th - Jul.
2002
Section
Chapt. 2
Section 5
Inquiry #
Question
Reply
617-I-04/03 The Chapter 2 datasheet references Note 1 in a few places. What is Note Note 1 appears on the first page of the datasheets for Chapter 2
on Lines 21 and 22, it also appears on Lines 28 and 29 of the
1 and where can I find it in API 617? (I can only presume there is also
Chapter 3 datasheets. The Note explanation was inadvertently
Note 2, and so on.)
omitted and has been corrected on the current Chapter 2
datasheets, and appears in the errata issued on June 1, 2003. The
note reads as follows: Note 1: If gas analysis is given,
manufacturer shall supply data, otherwise data shall be supplied
by user. The addition to the Chapter 3 datasheet will appear in the
Remarks section (Lines 48 or 49) and errata will be issued. There
are no other notes on the data sheets.
Please refer to
http://committees.api.org/standards/cre/errata/errata.html for a
copy of the errata.
617
7th - Jul.
2002
Chapt. 3
1.1
617-I-04/03 Does API 617, Chapter 3, apply to integrally geared steam turbines?
617
7th - Jul.
2002
Chapt. 3
2.9.3.11
617-I-02/07 Referring to Chapter 3, Section 2.9.3.11, can the statement Gearboxes

Yes. Also see Chapter 1, Section, 2.1.2, that states, Equipment
shall be designed for at least five years of uninterrupted operation.
shall not require a break-in period be interpreted to mean that
gearboxes shall not require any kind of stop (due to maintenance or any
other reason) to continue their operation?
617
API 617, 7th

Edition
2.6.8.8
617-2010-1 The mechanical running test of the point 2.6.8.8 of API 617 seventh
edition, must be performed at full load, 100% of rated power, at no load
0% rated power or to another fraction of the rated load?
No, integrally geared steam turbines are not covered in API

standards.
There is no requirement during the mechanical running test to run

at any specific load.

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API Standard 617 - Axial and Centrifugal and Expander-compressors for Petroleum,

Chemical and Gas Industry Services

Reply 1: It is the intent of API 611 to provide equipment (including

Question 2: How do you quantify this five-year requirement?

Reply 2: See Reply 1.

Question 3: The sixth edition required only three years of uninterrupted

All technical meetings during which API requirements are

This factor is used during the analytical calculation procedure.

617-I-01/05 Background: The definition and requirement of the speeds is sometimes

Clause 4.3.3.1 of Chapter 1 requires an overspeed at no less than

Question: If increased speed adjustment is required as a result of the

617-I-03/07 Referring to Chapter 1, Section 4.3.6.2.3, should a compressor

Yes, the requirement to re-run the final shop tests includes

617-I-01/03 Question 1: Is the intention of Chapter 2 to cover compressors with

Reply 2: See Reply 1.

Reply 3: Since the overhung impeller compressor is covered by

617-I-03/03 Please provide a clarification of Page 1 of the Centrifugal and Axial

617-I-02/07 Referring to Chapter 3, Section 2.9.3.11, can the statement Gearboxes

API 617, 7th

No, integrally geared steam turbines are not covered in API

There is no requirement during the mechanical running test to run

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