Overview
EN ISO 10438-3:2007 (ISO 10438-3:2007) specifies requirements for general-purpose oil systems used in the petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries. Used together with ISO 10438-1, this part covers oil systems that supply lubrication oil (but not seal oil) to equipment such as compressors, gears, pumps and drivers. The document was developed jointly with API 614 (5th ed.) and was adopted by CEN as a European Standard.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and integration: Applies only to general-purpose oil systems; intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 10438‑1 (general requirements) and, where relevant, ISO 10438‑2 (special-purpose systems).
- System classification and coding: Defines classes (e.g., Class I, II, III) and a coding system that specify the minimum component set and reliability targets for an equipment train.
- Major components addressed:
- Pumps and pump drivers (shaft-driven main pumps, auxiliary pumps)
- Reservoirs (integral and external options, heater provisions)
- Coolers and heat exchangers
- Filters and filtration performance (multi-pass testing referenced)
- Piping (oil, instrument and water piping requirements)
- Instrumentation and electrical systems
- Design and layout: Guidance on baseplates, reservoir design, transfer valves, and lube-oil rundown tanks.
- Quality assurance: Inspection, testing and preparation for shipment requirements; vendor data and proposal contents required from suppliers.
- Annexes for implementation:
- Annex A: Typical datasheets
- Annex B: Sample piping and instrument diagrams (P&IDs)
- Annex C: Inspector’s checklist
- Annex D: Guidance on system reliability
- Purchaser responsibilities: The standard requires purchasers to specify certain items. A bullet (•) in clauses identifies where purchaser decisions or data are required.
Applications and who uses it
- Primary users: OEMs, system vendors, rotating-equipment designers, procurement engineers, maintenance and reliability engineers in the petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas sectors.
- Typical applications: Design, specification, procurement and inspection of lubrication systems for compressors, gearbox trains, pumps and prime movers in onshore and offshore facilities.
- Practical value: Ensures consistent minimum requirements, supports equipment reliability targets, provides standardized datasheets and checklists for procurement and inspection, and helps align vendor proposals with industry expectations.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 10438-3, EN ISO 10438-3, general-purpose oil systems, lubrication systems, petroleum industry, API 614, oil system design, compressor lubrication, gear lubrication, equipment reliability.
