Overview
SIST EN ISO 13631:2004 specifies international requirements and recommendations for packaged reciprocating gas compressors used within the petroleum and natural gas industries. By addressing the design, materials, fabrication, inspection, testing, and shipment of skid-mounted, lubricated-cylinder compressors and their prime movers, this standard ensures safety and efficiency in hydrocarbon gas compression. It also covers auxiliary equipment-including coolers, silencers, filtration systems, emission control, control panels, and piping-necessary for creating fully operable compressor packages with minimal field assembly.
This standard is applicable to separable and integral reciprocating compressors intended for hydrocarbon gas compression but explicitly excludes certain compressor types and driving systems such as non-lubricated units, column-mounted types, automotive-type pistons, low-pressure utility air compressors, compressors driven by diesel engines, gas turbines, or steam turbines.
Key Topics
ISO 13631:2002 establishes clear requirements and recommendations for multiple aspects of packaged reciprocating gas compressors, including:
- Design and Materials: Guidance for selecting appropriate materials, component design, and general construction best practices to enhance reliability and compliance.
- Fabrication and Assembly: Fabrication processes and assembly methods geared toward standardized, high-quality equipment production.
- Inspection and Testing: Procedures for consistent inspection and thorough testing before deployment, including mechanical running tests and pressure integrity checks.
- Auxiliary Equipment: Requirements for associated systems such as:
- Water and gas coolers
- Silencers and emission control devices
- Oil separators, filters, and control panels
- Skid-mounted piping and related fittings
- Safety and Performance: Criteria for sound pressure levels, area classification (hazardous zones), torsional analysis, and overall package performance.
- Shipment and Documentation: Proper preparation and protection for transportation, including marking, crating, and user manuals.
Applications
SIST EN ISO 13631:2004 is indispensable for entities involved in the specification, engineering, and procurement of reciprocating compressor packages for the petroleum and natural gas sectors. Typical applications include:
- Natural Gas Processing: Compression in gas treatment plants and transmission pipelines.
- Upstream Petroleum Operations: Gas gathering stations and field compression units for enhancing production throughput.
- Refining and Petrochemical: Hydrocarbon gas compression where reliability and efficiency are critical.
- Onshore and Offshore Platforms: Skid-mounted compressor packages optimized to minimize on-site construction and facilitate rapid installation in remote or challenging environments.
- Maintenance and Reliability: Establishing baseline inspection, testing, and maintenance practices to lengthen equipment life and reduce downtime.
Adhering to this standard helps streamline procurement, ensures safety through recognized best practices, and promotes operational reliability across compression systems.
Related Standards
For holistic compliance and optimal integration in broader systems, the following standards are closely related to ISO 13631:2002:
- ISO 13707: Addresses reciprocating compressors not covered by ISO 13631, offering specialized requirements.
- ISO 10441 & ISO 14691: For flexible couplings used in mechanical power transmission.
- ISO 15649: Piping design and materials for petroleum and natural gas industries.
- IEC 60034 & IEC 60079: Cover rotating electrical machines and standards for explosive gas atmospheres relevant to compressor installations.
- NACE MR 0175: Guides material selection for resistance to sulfide stress cracking, essential for sour gas environments.
By applying SIST EN ISO 13631:2004 in conjunction with these related standards, organizations bolster system interoperability, safety, and reliability in all facets of compressor package design and operation within the petroleum and natural gas industries.
