Overview
ISO 1217:2009 - Displacement compressors - Acceptance tests - is the fourth-edition ISO standard that specifies accepted methods for performing acceptance and full-performance tests on displacement compressors. The standard defines how to measure and correct volume rate of flow, power requirements, and related parameters, and it includes specific provisions for liquid‑ring compressors and packaged units. It also defines operating and testing conditions, calibration and reporting requirements, and guidance on measurement uncertainty.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope and definitions: Clear terminology for displacement compressors, rotary and reciprocating types, clearance volume, swept displacement, and standard discharge conditions.
- Measurement procedures: Methods for measuring flow rate, pressure, temperature, humidity, rotational speed, power and energy, plus calibration requirements for measuring equipment.
- Test procedures and corrections: Procedures for conducting full performance tests, evaluation of readings, computation of results, and correction of measured flow and power to specified/reference conditions.
- Acceptance test variants: Normative annexes provide alternative or simplified tests:
- Annex A - Acceptance test for liquid-ring compressors
- Annex B–D - Simplified tests for bare, electrically driven packaged, and engine-driven packaged compressors (useful for batch production)
- Annex E - Tests for variable speed drive compressors (VFD, DC, switched reluctance)
- Uncertainty and tolerances: Annex G addresses uncertainty of measurement; the standard specifies methods to determine tolerances for flow, power and specific power. Contractual agreement between manufacturer and purchaser defines the tolerances applied.
- Test reporting: Required content for formal test reports and comparison of measured performance to guaranteed values.
Practical Applications
- Acceptance testing during factory or site commissioning to verify guaranteed performance (flow and power).
- Quality control for batch-manufactured compressors and packaged units.
- Contractual acceptance criteria between manufacturers and purchasers.
- Test-lab procedures when certifying compressor performance or troubleshooting operational issues.
- Evaluation of variable-speed and liquid-injected compressor technologies.
Who Should Use This Standard
- Compressor manufacturers and OEMs
- Procurement and QA teams in industrial facilities
- Test laboratories and commissioning engineers
- Service organizations performing performance verification
- Specifiers writing contracts and acceptance criteria
Related Standards
ISO 1217:2009 references complementary documents used in testing and instrumentation, for example:
Keywords: ISO 1217:2009, displacement compressors, acceptance tests, flow rate measurement, power requirements, liquid-ring compressors, packaged compressors, variable speed drive, test procedures, measurement uncertainty.
