EFRC guidelines for vibrations in reciprocating compressor systems

One of the disadvantages of a reciprocating compressor is that it generates pulsations and vibrations, which, without limitation and proper attention during design, manufacturing, installation and operation, can lead to fatigue failures, inefficiency, capacity limitations and unsafe situations. To judge the integrity of the compressor system, vibration levels are normally evaluated and for this purpose several international standards (API, ISO and VDI) have been developed the last decade. Besides international standards, there is a wide variety of internal guidelines, which have been developed and are being applied by compressor manufacturers, packagers, engineering offices and operators. Most of these internal guidelines have been derived from international standards. The lack in most of the international standards (and probably also the internal guidelines) is that they do not make a good distinction between recommended vibration levels for different parts of the compressor system, e.g. cylinder, crankcase, foundation, pulsation dampers, piping and/or different types/configurations of compressors e.g. horizontal/vertical, high/low speed, single/double distance piece, high/low power etc. Within the R&D group of the EFRC a project was started to develop an EFRC guideline which takes into account recommended vibration levels for different parts of the reciprocating compressor system. This paper will discuss the different international standards and the results of the EFRC project to develop EFRC Guidelines for vibrations in reciprocating compressor systems.