ANSI API St 618-2008 (2016) PDF

Full title and description

API Std 618 — Reciprocating Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Industry Services. Fifth Edition (originally published Dec 1, 2007), includes errata and was reconfirmed (R2016). The standard establishes minimum requirements for low- to moderate-speed reciprocating compressors, their drivers and associated systems (lubrication, controls, instrumentation, intercoolers/aftercoolers, pulsation suppression and auxiliary equipment) used in petroleum, chemical and gas industry services.

Abstract

This document specifies minimum design, fabrication, testing and documentation requirements for reciprocating compressors used in petroleum, chemical and gas industry services. It covers lubricated and non‑lubricated cylinders, performance and mechanical integrity topics, and lists compressors and accessories that are excluded from its scope (for example integral gas‑engine driven units, trunk‑type single‑acting pistons that serve as crossheads, and plant/instrument air compressors discharging at ≤ 9 bar gauge).

General information

• Status: Reconfirmed (R2016); subsequently superseded by the 6th edition published in 2024 (API STD 618:2024) — consult the 2024 edition for the current normative text.
• Publication date: Fifth edition published Dec 1, 2007; reaffirmed 2016 (R2016).
• Publisher: American Petroleum Institute (API).
• ICS / categories: Compressors and pneumatic machines — ICS 23.140; related petroleum/petrochemical equipment classifications (e.g., reciprocating compressors in petroleum industry ICS groupings).
• Edition / version: 5th Edition, R2016 (commonly cited as API Std 618 (R2016)).
• Number of pages: Approximately 190–210 pages depending on the edition/packaging (the 2007/5th‑edition releases are commonly listed at ~190–210 pages).

Scope

The standard applies to low‑ to moderate‑speed reciprocating compressors and their drivers used for handling process air or gases in petroleum, chemical and gas industry services. It addresses mechanical design, materials, allowable speeds and temperatures, rod and gas loads, cylinders, valves, pistons and rings, pulsation control, lubrication systems, controls and instrumentation, and acceptance testing. It excludes certain packaged high‑speed separable compressors (covered by ISO 13631), integral gas‑engine driven units, single‑acting trunk‑type piston compressors that serve as crossheads, and plant/instrument air compressors discharging at ≤ 9 bar (125 psig).

Key topics and requirements

• Design and construction requirements for reciprocating compressor frames, cylinders, pistons and rods.
• Requirements for drivers, coupling, critical speed and allowable operating speeds.
• Pulsation and vibration control, including recommended pulsation suppression devices and piping considerations.
• Valve design, valve materials and unloaders; piston rings and sealing practice.
• Lubrication, shaft‑sealing and oil‑control system recommendations for lubricated compressors.
• Instrumentation, control and safety device requirements; documentation and testing (including factory acceptance tests and performance verification).
• Exclusions and cross‑references to related standards for high‑speed packaged units and specialized compressor types.

Typical use and users

Typical use: specifying, procuring, designing and verifying reciprocating compressors for refinery, petrochemical, natural gas, hydrogen and related process applications (process gas compression, injection, refrigeration cycles, lift and specialty services). Typical users: compressor manufacturers, rotating‑equipment engineers, project and procurement teams, plant operations and maintenance personnel, third‑party inspection and testing organizations.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and related documents include ISO 1217 (displacement compressors — acceptance tests), ISO 13631 (requirements for packaged high‑speed reciprocating compressors), API Std 614 (lubrication and oil‑control systems), API Std 617 (axial and centrifugal compressors), and various ISO/ASME standards for bearings, flanges and vibration monitoring. These documents are often used together with API Std 618 to define testing, auxiliary systems and component standards.

Keywords

reciprocating compressor, API 618, R2016, process gas compression, pulsation control, compressor valves, lubrication systems, acceptance testing, petrochemical, refinery, natural gas

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: API Std 618 is an industry standard from the American Petroleum Institute that sets minimum requirements for low‑ to moderate‑speed reciprocating compressors and their associated systems for petroleum, chemical and gas industry services.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers mechanical design, materials, cylinders, pistons and rods, valves and unloaders, critical speeds, allowable operating conditions, lubrication and shaft‑sealing systems, instrumentation and controls, pulsation and vibration control, and testing/acceptance criteria. It also lists compressor types and packages that are excluded from the standard.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Compressor manufacturers, rotating‑equipment and mechanical engineers, procurement teams specifying compressor packages, plant operations and maintenance staff, and inspection/test organizations use the standard when specifying, designing, installing and commissioning reciprocating compressor systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 5th edition (published Dec 1, 2007 and reconfirmed R2016) was the recognized edition for that cycle; however, it has been superseded by the 6th edition (API STD 618:2024, published May 2024). For current normative requirements you should refer to the 2024 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. API Std 618 belongs to API’s rotating‑equipment standards and is commonly used alongside related API standards (for example API Std 614 and API Std 617) and relevant ISO/ASME standards covering testing, components and auxiliary systems.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Reciprocating compressor, process gas, API 618, pulsation suppression, valves, lubrication, acceptance testing, petroleum, chemical, gas industry.