Factory Mutual Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

7-95
November 1996 Revised September 1998 Page 1 of 14

COMPRESSORS

Table of Contents
Page 1.0 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................... 3 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Fire Protection ................................................................................................................................. 3 2.2 Compressor Safeguards .................................................................................................................. 5 2.3 Intercoolers ...................................................................................................................................... 5 2.4 Lubrication Systems ........................................................................................................................ 5 2.5 External Lubrication Systems .......................................................................................................... 5 2.6 Drivers .............................................................................................................................................. 6 2.6.1 General Safeguards .............................................................................................................. 6 2.6.2 Electric Motor ......................................................................................................................... 6 2.6.3 Internal Combustion Engines ................................................................................................ 6 2.6.4 Turbine Drivers ...................................................................................................................... 7 2.7 System Operation and Maintenance ............................................................................................... 7 2.8 Miscellaneous .................................................................................................................................. 7 2.9 Air Compressors .............................................................................................................................. 9 2.10 Oxygen Compressors .................................................................................................................... 9 2.11 Flammable Gas Compressors ....................................................................................................... 9 2.12 Natural Gas Compressor Stations ............................................................................................... 10 2.12.1 General .............................................................................................................................. 10 2.12.2 Equipment ......................................................................................................................... 10 2.12.3 Electric Power and Lighting .............................................................................................. 10 2.12.4 Fire Protection ................................................................................................................... 11 2.12.5 Industrial Heating. .............................................................................................................. 11 APPENDIX A ............................................................................................................................................... 11 A1.1 Scope ........................................................................................................................................... 11 A1.2 General Information ..................................................................................................................... 11 A1.3 Types of Compressors ................................................................................................................ 11 A1.3.1 Centrifugal Compressors ................................................................................................... 11 A1.3.2 Axial-Flow Compressors ................................................................................................... 11 A1.3.3 Reciprocating Compressors .............................................................................................. 12 A1.3.4 Rotary Compressors ......................................................................................................... 12 A1.4 Drivers ......................................................................................................................................... 12 A1.5 External Lubrication Systems ..................................................................................................... 12 A1.6 Air Compressors .......................................................................................................................... 12 A1.7 Oxygen Compressors ................................................................................................................. 13 A1.8 Flammable-Gas Compressors .................................................................................................... 14 A1.9 Natural Gas Compressor Stations .............................................................................................. 14

List of Figures
Fig. 1. Automatic Sprinkler Decision Tree. .................................................................................................... 4 Fig. 2. Combined lube-oil/seal-oil system. ................................................................................................... 13 Fig. 3. Natural Gas Compressor Station Arrangement. ............................................................................... 14

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List of Tables
Table Table Table Table Table Table 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Automatic Sprinkler Systems Design Specifications ....................................................................... 3 Recommended Compressor Interlocks ............................................................................................ 7 Recommended Intercooler Interlocks .............................................................................................. 8 Recommended Lubrication and Control-oil Interlocks ..................................................................... 8 Recommended Driver Interlocks ...................................................................................................... 8 Protective Devices for Internal Combustion Engines ...................................................................... 8

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Compressors
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1.0 SCOPE This data sheet provides recommendations to prevent or minimize the effects of fires and explosions involving compressor systems. This data sheet applies to internal and external fires and explosions involving positive-displacement compressors and external fires involving dynamic compressors. Guidelines for protecting internal fires and explosions involving dynamic compressors are provided in Factory Mutual Loss Prevention Data Sheet 7-100/13-16, Dynamic Compressors. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Fire Protection 2.1.1 Provide automatic sprinkler protection for compressors if any of the following conditions exist (see Fig. 1): a. Room or building construction is combustible; b. Adjacent occupancy is combustible, or; c. Compressor has an external lubrication system with a capacity greater than 100 gallons (378 lit) or a flowrate exceeding 25 gpm (95 lit/min). (If there are multiple compressors, the capacity should be considered the aggregate total for all compressors within 25 ft [8 m]). Exception: Where the probability of an oil fire is low due to the lack of any hot surface ignition source, the compressor installation, including lubrication system, may be protected by hose streams with spray nozzles if there is available personnel and good accessibility for manual fire fighting. In addition, all piping and connections should be metallic. If sprinkler protection is omitted, consideration should be given to providing heat actuated detectors interlocked to an automatic shutdown for high value units or areas. 2.1.2 Design automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Table 1.
Table 1. Automatic Sprinkler Systems Design Specifications1 Type of Sprinkler System
Wet

Wet

Dry

Dry
1

Sprinkler Temp. Rating F (C) High 286 (141) Ord. 160 (71.1) High 286 (141) Ord 160 (71.1)

Density gpm/sq ft (mm/min)

0.20 (8)

Area of Demand sq ft (sq m)

3000 (278.7)

0.20 (8)

4000 (371.6)

0.20 (8)

5000 (464.7)

Hose stream demand: 500 gpm (1900 cu dm/min). Duration of demand: 60 min.

2.1.3 Outdoor compressors needing sprinkler protection, according to Figure 1, should be protected with either a deluge or water spray system. 2.1.4 Ceiling sprinklers should extend 20 ft (6 m) beyond the compressor and any part of the oil system. 2.1.5 Provide 112-in. (3.8 cm) small hose stations on maximum 100 ft (33 m) spacing in compressor buildings or areas.

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Fig. 1. Automatic Sprinkler Decision Tree.

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Train and drill employees on all shifts in incipient fire fighting methods. 2.2 Compressor Safeguards 2.2.1 Equip compressors with the protective devices listed in Table 2. Additional interlocks are recommended in applicable sections of this data sheet. Exception: Protective devices are optional for compressors below 100 hp (75 kW). 2.2.2 Provide pressure-relief devices on the discharge line between the compressor and any shutoff valves, between stages of compressors having two or more stages, on all pressure containers, air compressors and positive-displacement compressors. Set the relief valves to open at slightly above normal operating conditions. Test valves annually. Exception: These devices may be omitted if the maximum pressure obtainable by any element in the system cannot exceed 110 percent of its maximum allowable working pressure. Pressure relieving devices should be provided between positive displacement compressor discharge and block valves without exception. 2.2.3 Pressure-relief devices should discharge to a safe location if flammable gas may be released. On new installations, the relief valve should preferably discharge to a safe location without manifolding. 2.2.4 Provide a check valve on the discharge connection of the compressor system. 2.2.5 Provide at least one remote station in an accessible location for stopping the compressor and shutting the supply line in an emergency. 2.2.6 Filters a. Activated charcoal filters are subject to spontaneous heating if contaminated by oily residues and should not be used as suction filters with air compressors that require oil lubrication. b. Use filters of activated alumina, glass fiber or stainless steel or monel-metal wool for oil-lubricated compressors. Clean such filters periodically to prevent oil accumulations (the frequency of cleaning should be at least as often as recommended by the manufacturer). c. Ordinary steel wool is subject to spontaneous heating caused by oil residues and should not be used. 2.3 Intercoolers 2.3.1 On air compressors, provide intercoolers between stages and an aftercooler following the last stage. Intercooler water supply should be adequate and reliable. 2.3.2 Equip intercoolers with the protective devices listed in Table 3. 2.3.3 Provide an open drain or other visible water discharge for water jackets, intercoolers, and aftercoolers. 2.4 Lubrication Systems Use the correct quantity and quality of lubricating oil as recommended by the compressor manufacturer and as confirmed by satisfactory performance. Carbon formation may occur in compressors designed to operate at unusually high discharge temperatures, even if chemically stable oils are used. Special oils, which form a soft fluffy carbon that will not adhere strongly to metal surfaces, should be used. Such oils should also have high film strength and high adhesive properties to resist the washing action of moisture. 2.5 External Lubrication Systems 2.5.1 Provide protection as specified below for external lubrication systems with a capacity exceeding 100 gallons (378 lit) or with a flowrate greater than 25 gpm (95 lit/min). 2.5.2 Provide the protective devices listed in Table 4.

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2.5.3 Concrete or concrete-on-protected-steel should be used for a compressor system supporting structure exposed by an oil fire hazard or any adjacent process equipment handling combustible materials. Exposed steel construction is acceptable if protected by standard automatic or deluge-system sprinklers. 2.5.4 Provide means of confining lubricating oil in event of a pipe break or other accident at the oil reclaiming equipment in the compressor building. Relief valves on the oil pump should discharge to a safe location. Oil lines under pressure should preferably be installed inside drain or return lines or inside separate enclosures designed to return any oil leakage to the reservoir. High- pressure steel-welded pipes and fittings are preferable. Lines and gauges should be substantially supported and braced, and guarded against mechanical damage (new installations). 2.5.5 Provide hinged covers for oil tanks associated with hydrogen seal oil equipment to minimize damage from an internal hydrogen-air explosion. Provide vents on the hydrogen seal oil system, hydrogen detraining tanks, with pipes venting to outdoors. 2.5.6 For steam-turbine drives, oil and steam lines should be separated from each other as far as practicable by distance or by noncombustible baffles to prevent escaping oil from contacting the hot pipe surfaces. Wherever possible, locate the oil piping below steam lines (new installations). 2.5.7 Surfaces with temperatures approaching the auto-ignition temperature of the lubricating oil should be insulated to prevent ignition of escaping oil. The insulation should be covered with sheet metal or be impervious to oil. 2.5.8 Provide a reliable emergency source of power for oil pumping equipment. 2.5.9 Provide a means, in a safe location, for remotely stopping the oil pumping equipment in an emergency. 2.5.10 Provide containment for any floor area where an oil spill, leak or overflow could occur so that oil cannot flow to other areas. 2.5.11 Limit the amount of oil storage to a practical minimum consistent with efficient operation of the compressor system. 2.6 Drivers

2.6.1 General Safeguards

Provide the protective devices listed in Table 5 on all drivers. Additional protective devices for specific drivers may be recommended in applicable sections. Exception: Protective devices are optional for drivers below 100 hp (75 kW).

2.6.2 Electric Motor

Provide overload protection on the compressor drive motor. Arrange and protect synchronous motors in accordance with applicable Data Sheet 5-13/14-14, Synchronous Motors. Inspect drive belts regularly and take necessary corrective measures.

2.6.3 Internal Combustion Engines

2.6.3.1 Provide the protective devices listed in Table 6. Exception: Protective devices are optional on units below 100 hp (75 kW). 2.6.3.2 Provide Factory Mutual Research-Approved (FMRC-Approved) explosion vents on the crankcase of internal combustion engines that have a cylinder bore of 8 in. (200 mm) or greater, or a crankcase volume of 21 cu ft (0.6 cu m). The vents should provide a minimum vent ratio of 1.5 sq in./cu ft (345 sq cm/cu m). 2.6.3.3 Vent gas-engine crankcases to outdoors.

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2.6.3.4 Provide a three-way cock on the fuel-gas line supply line to gas engines. Vent the piping on the engine side to atmosphere to prevent gas from entering the air-intake system while the engine is shut down. 2.6.3.5 Supply combustion air for gas engines from outdoors. Provide explosion vents on air-intake manifolds and air filters to prevent damage in event of an explosion caused by gas leakage into the air-intake system while the engine is shut down. 2.6.3.6 Provide a purging period for the intake systems on gas engines by turning the engine over a specified number of times before ignition is turned on. The number of turnovers depends upon the manufacturers instructions and the volume of the intake system.

2.6.4 Turbine Drivers

Provide the protective devices listed in Table 5. Exception: Protective devices are optional on units below 100 hp (75 kW). Refer to Data Sheets 7-79, Gas Turbines, and 7-101, Steam Turbines, for additional protection recommendations for large, valuable turbines. Provide complete fuel burner safety controls for gas-fired turbines as specified in Data Sheet 7-79, Gas Turbines. 2.7 System Operation and Maintenance Post detailed operating and maintenance instructions, including emergency procedures, at compressor buildings or areas. Establish and maintain high standards of housekeeping in the compressor area. Unnecessary combustibles, flammable gases or liquids should not be stored in the area. Establish an inspection and cleaning program to keep safety devices, valves and other compressor components in good condition and prevent formation of excessive deposits in the compressor system. This inspection and cleaning program must include cylinders, discharge valves, air piping, water jackets, receivers, intercoolers and aftercoolers, and air filters. This program should also include the following actions: a. Replace worn or broken parts, install new shaft packing and conduct maintenance work promptly when needed. b. Blow out piping receivers and aftercoolers low points regularly to remove oil residues and sludge. Periodic introduction of a suitable cleaning solvent or solution into the lubrication system as recommended by the manufacturer can remove oily residues and help prevent carbon formation. Kerosene or other flammable solvents should not be used for this purpose. 2.8 Miscellaneous 2.8.1 Install electrical equipment in accordance with the National Electrical Code (or equivalent in non-US locations).
Table 2. Recommended Compressor Interlocks Condition Compressor or Stage Discharge Line:
high pressure high temperature

Alarm
X X

Trip
X

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Table 3. Recommended Intercooler Interlocks Condition

Intercoolers: high water temperature or water supply valve X X X X

Alarm

Trip

Table 4. Recommended Lubrication and Control-oil Interlocks Condition

Lube Oil: low pressure low reservoir level high temperature Seal Oil: low pressure low reservoir level X X X X X X X X X X

Alarm

Trip

Table 5. Recommended Driver Interlocks Condition

overspeed excessive vibration high cooling water temperature excessive axial thrust (turbine) exhaust temp. (gas turbine)

Alarm X X
X X X

Trip X X
X X X

Table 6. Protective Devices for Internal Combustion Engines Condition high cooling water jacket temperature low oil pressure high oil temperature (2500 hp [1865 kW]) high vibration amplitude (1000 hp [745 kW]) Engine Running indicator (emergency generators and all emergency engines that start automatically) engine overspeed actuator high exhaust gas temperature (1000 hp [745 kW]) auxiliary oil pump (2500 hp [1865 kw]) Alarm X X X X
X X

Trip X X X X
X X

1. Protective devices should have separate alarm and trip settings and not the time-delay type. Also, all engines greater than or equal to 2500 hp (1865 kW) should have both air shutoff valves and fuel shutoff valves, to provide redundant protection and to prevent engines from continuing to run when there are volatile fumes in the air. 2. All engine protective systems should be designed to shut the engine off in the event that there is either an electrical short, or an opening of the circuit in the shutdown system (i.e. all protective devices should be fail-safe). 3. All protective devices should transmit to monitors at a permanently attended station if the engine operates unattended. 4. The following protective devices are available and may be designed to initiate an alarm and/or trip. Installation of these devices is optional, though strongly advised if the loss potential is large enough to warrant the cost of their installation. Oil metal detector Oil mist detector High crankcase pressure High exhaust gas temperature (1000 hp [745 kW]) Low coolant level High bearing temperature Auxiliary oil pump (2500 hp [1865 kw]) Low coolant flow High oil pressure

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2.8.2 Install piping, preferably aboveground, without low spots, where moisture or condensate can collect. Provide access openings in air piping for inspection and cleaning. Provide means of preventing liquid carryover. 2.8.3 Locate and arrange liquid-fuel storage facilities in accordance with Data Sheet 7-88, Storage Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids. 2.8.4. Locate and arrange fuel equipment and piping in accordance with applicable FMRC standards. 2.9 Air Compressors 2.9.1 Preferably locate air compressors in noncombustible buildings or cutoff rooms. 2.9.2 Install a pressure-relief valve on the air receiver set to open at slightly above normal operating pressure and below the maximum allowable working pressure as stamped on the receiver. 2.9.3 Rotary-screw compressor air-receiver vents should discharge to a safe location because the vented air/ oil mixture may be flammable. 2.9.4 Remove interior deposits before performing cutting or welding operations on the system. 2.9.5 Use air receivers fabricated in accordance with the latest revisions of Section VIII rules for construction of unfired pressure vessels of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. 2.9.6 Locate air intakes away from sources of flammable vapors, gas, steam, dust, or other contaminants. Provide intake-air filters to remove suspended solids. 2.9.7 Contaminants cause excessive wear and erosion and contribute to the formation of hazardous deposits. Inspect and clean air filters regularly to prevent clogging and reduction of air flow. 2.10 Oxygen Compressors 2.10.1 Locate oxygen compressors outdoors or in dedicated noncombustible buildings. Flammable-gas compressors should not be located in the same area or building with oxygen compressors. 2.10.2 If there is a possibility that combustible gases could be introduced into the oxygen compressor, provide a FMRC-Approved continuous combustible gas-analyzer arranged to sound an alarm and shut down the compressor upon detection of combustible gases. 2.11 Flammable Gas Compressors 2.11.1 Locate flammable-gas compressors outdoors or in lightweight, noncombustible detached buildings of damage-limiting construction, well separated from other process equipment or occupancies. 2.11.2 If a leak of flammable gas could expose important buildings or equipment, provide a combustiblegas detection system. The system should alarm upon detection of 10 percent lower flammable limit (LFL) and shut down the compressor upon detection of 25 percent LFL. 2.11.3 Provide separation between compressors to prevent interexposure. Approximately 40 ft (12 m) should provide adequate separation. 2.11.4 Provide FMRC-Approved explosion vents on reciprocating compressor crankcases. 2.11.5 If a potential process upset may introduce oxygen or air into the flammable gas feed stream, provide a continuous gas analyzer to simultaneously sound an alarm and shut down the compressor system in the event of unsafe operating conditions. Arrange the system to be automatically vented and purged upon shutdown. 2.11.6 Provide a low pressure interlock on the suction line to shut down the compressor if a negative pressure is developed. 2.11.7 Pipe relief valve outlets to the compressor suction side or to a safe location.

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2.11.8 Provide natural-draft ventilation in all buildings containing gas piping by installing continuous-ridge or amply sized unit ventilators in the roof and louvers at the floor level. Provide positive ventilation of 0.5 cfm/sq ft (0.15 cu m/min/sq m) of ceiling area at unventilated belowgrade areas, such as those in the compressor building. 2.11.9 Provide ventilation for pipe trenches by grating tops and for tunnels by installing grating over 50 percent of the area or by installing continuously operated fans having a capacity of 1 cfm/sq ft (0.30 cu m/min/sq m) of ceiling area. 2.11.10 Install electrical equipment in compressor buildings or areas as specified in the National Electrical Code (or equivalent in non-US locations) for Class I, Division 2 locations. 2.11.11 Vent piston-rod housing on positive-displacement compressors and the seals on centrifugal compressors to a safe location. 2.11.12 Purge all piping to a safe location with inert gas after completing any work on piping that may have admitted air. 2.11.13 For refrigerants and refrigerating systems, follow guidelines as outlined in Data Sheet 7-13, Mechanical Refrigeration. 2.12 Natural Gas Compressor Stations

2.12.1 General
2.12.1.1 Provide protection as recommended in the previous section 2.11, of this data sheet. In addition, provide protection as recommended in the following sections. 2.12.1.2 Eliminate all unventilated basement areas in plant buildings. 2.12.1.3 Locate auxiliary buildings such as warehouses, construction buildings, boiler houses, garages and repair shops at least 50 ft (15 m) from the compressor building. Locate general offices farther away if space and operating conditions permit.

2.12.2 Equipment
2.12.2.1 Provide two or more isolated stations to shut down the compressors, close all inlet and discharge gas lines and to open the station-piping blowdown valve. The emergency controls should operate independent of the line pressure. Test controls and valves monthly. 2.12.2.2 Provide means of releasing the gas pressure in the compressor suction and discharge lines between the shutoff valves and compressor to a safe location when the compressor is not operating. 2.12.2.3 Locate high-pressure gas piping in or near the compressor building aboveground and arrange it in accordance with American National Standard B31.8, Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems. 2.12.2.4 Protect buried piping against corrosion by coating with protective material and/or by cathodic protection. 2.12.2.5 Provide relief valves on the discharge side of the pressure regulators for the gas-service supply for the plant. These valves should have ample capacity to prevent excessive pressures in the piping if the valve opens as the result of regulator diaphragm failure.

2.12.3 Electric Power and Lighting

Ground all buildings and equipment. Provide emergency power-generation equipment to supply power in event of a power supply failure.

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2.12.4 Fire Protection

2.12.4.1 Provide a FMRC-Approved combustible-gas detection system interlocked to sound an alarm upon detection of a methane concentration of 10 percent of the LFL and shut down the system upon detection of 25 percent of the LFL. The shutdown should include closing all inlet and discharge gas lines and opening all blowdown valves in the compressor building. 2.12.4.2 Provide a FMRC-Approved heat detection system interlocked to shut down the compressor system upon actuation. The shutdown should include closing all inlet and discharge gas lines and opening all blowdown valves in the compressor building. The heat-detection system may be omitted if automatic sprinkler protection is provided and interlocked to shutdown the compressor system as indicated. 2.12.4.3 Provide yard hydrants if a water supply is available.

2.12.5 Industrial Heating.

Provide protection for industrial heating equipment, such as boilers and heaters on dehydrating equipment, in accordance with Data Sheet 6-0, Elements of Combustion Controls and Safeguards in Industrial Heating Equipment. APPENDIX A A1.1 Scope This appendix discusses compressors, compressor uses and lubrication systems. A1.2 General Information Compressors are used for a variety of purposes or services such as process air or gas, process refrigeration, gas transmission and storage, gas separation processes and general plant service air. They are used to transport compressible fluids such as air, natural gas, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, ammonia synthesis gas, propane, ethylene, hydrogen and hydrocarbon mixtures. A1.3 Types of Compressors Compressors are classified as either positive-displacement or dynamic machines. Positive-displacement machines compress gases by physically reducing the initial volume of gas in a closed chamber to the terminal volume. Reciprocating and rotary compressors are positive-displacement machines. Dynamic compressors compress gases by changing gas velocity. Centrifugal and axial-flow compressors are dynamic machines.

A1.3.1 Centrifugal Compressors

Centrifugal compressors are variable-capacity and constant-pressure-ratio machines. Centrifugal compressors are either horizontally (axially) or vertically (radially) split. Centrifugal compressors are driven mainly by a steam turbine, gas turbine or electric motor. A common arrangement is the centrifugal compressor train (more than one centrifugal compressor driven by one or more drivers, all connected in series). Multiple driver arrangements are used where economics demand low utility consumption and flexibility in operation. Otherwise, optimum performance efficiencies are obtained with speed-changing gears.

A1.3.2 Axial-Flow Compressors

Axial-flow compressors were developed for gas turbines. They have found wide use in blast furnace, gas booster and wind tunnel applications.

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A1.3.3 Reciprocating Compressors

Reciprocating compressors are constant-capacity and variable-pressure-ratio machines. They are capable of transporting gases to pressures as high as 50,000 psi (3500 bar). Reciprocating compressors are driven mainly by an internal-combustion engine, steam engine or electric motor. Some reciprocating compressors are turbine driven.

A1.3.4 Rotary Compressors

Rotary compressors are medium-volume and low-pressure machines. The most common type of rotary compressor, a rotary-screw compressor can transfer up to 20,000 cfm (6,000 cu m/min/sq m) of gas to pressures as high as 300 psi (21 bar). Rotary compressors are adaptable to motor drive, turbine drive and internalcombustion engine drive. A1.4 Drivers Compressors are driven by electric motor, internal-combustion engine, and by turbines (gas or steam). Gas turbines may be either combustion-gas turbines or hot-gas expander turbines. The driver is connected directly or through speed-changing gears with the compressor or compressors depending upon the effective operating speed of the driver and compressor(s), respectively. Many large compressors are high-speed, turbine-driven multistage centrifugal compressor trains with external lubrication systems (Fig. 2). These compressor systems may be used in single-line processes with a high business interruption loss potential and represent a large capital investment. A1.5 External Lubrication Systems Lubrication-oil systems include an oil reservoir, pumps, coolers, filters, regulators and supply and drainage piping between the oil reservoir and the compressor system. Lube-oil systems serve two main functions: lubrication of the compressor and driver bearings and gears where used, and; operation of the turbine governor. Oil pressures up to 250 psi (17 bar) are used for the turbine controls and pressures of 15-25 psi (1-2 bar) for the various components of the turbine and compressor. Lubrication-oil systems are either integral to the compressor subbase or are a separate console. Oil reservoirs for large indoor installations are frequently located below the operating floor. Pumps, regulators, oil coolers and most of the other associated equipment are usually located at the oil reservoir. Many centrifugal compressor systems have a seal-oil system (Fig. 2) that is frequently incorporated into the lubrication system. The seal-oil system takes suction from the lubrication oil pump and further pressurizes the oil (normally keyed to the inlet pressure of the process gas). The pressurized seal oil is fed to an overhead seal-oil tank to maintain a sufficient quantity of oil with a 5 psi (0.3 bar) pressure differential across the oil seal. The oil seal is used to prevent the escape of gas from the compressor, particularly at higher pressures where a mechanical seal alone is not practical. A1.6 Air Compressors Air compressors provide process air and plant-service air. Plant-service air may be as vital as electricity, gas or water. Activated charcoal filters are commonly used in fermentation and pharmaceutical air compressors to purify air from lubricants. Oils suitable for air compressor service are those which are of high quality, well refined, and possess high chemical stability to resist oxidation and formation of gum and carbon deposits. They also have carefully controlled viscosities to assure effective distribution, adequate film strength, anti-rust properties and waterseparating ability to prevent emulsions.

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Fig. 2. Combined lube-oil/seal-oil system.

A1.7 Oxygen Compressors Oxygen compressors are used extensively in air separation plants and at facilities using oxygen as a process gas.

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Fig. 3. Natural Gas Compressor Station Arrangement.

A1.8 Flammable-Gas Compressors Flammable-gas compressors are used for many applications such as cylinder filling, gas storage, process refrigeration, chemical processes and gas transmission. A1.9 Natural Gas Compressor Stations Gas compressor stations are used: a. to collect natural gas from wells or nearby refineries, compress it to approximately 1,800 psi (124 bar), and discharge it into transmission piping; b. as a pressure-booster or relay station in a cross-country gas-transmission system, and; c. to pump gas back into underground storage areas at depleted gas fields as a reserve supply. A typical compressor station arrangement is shown in Figure 3.

FM Engr. Comm July 1990 1997 Factory Mutual Engineering Corp. All rights reserved.