Hello everyone,

I am responsible for developing a set of Rotating Equipment standards for my company. The standards shall be suitable for use on all our onshore upstream oil & gas facilities (brownfield and greenfield). Currently we are operating a mix of both med/high speed short throw recips and low speed API618 units. From the reliability data that I have been able to find I cannot see much difference between the two types. Most of the failures we have suffered are related to the compressor valves and/or too much liquids being present in the gas (temp issues). However, I do recognize that the number of operating units we have is limited (5 x API618, 3 x ISO13631). I am aware that common perception is that API618 units are more reliable.

I would like to adopt API11P/ISO 13631 packaged compressors as the first choice for reciprocating compressor applications. The main reasons are;
o Significantly lower CAPEX - high speeds require smaller cylinders and smaller/cheaper motors
o Packaged units – simplified construction, no need to stick build at site, reducing installation time
o Cheaper OPEX – reduced maintenance requirement due to lack of cylinder cooling system, more readily available spares.
o Shorter delivery times
o It is also noted API11P/ISO13631 compressors have many references in sour/corrosive gas service (which we have).

I am struggling to come up with any application/scenario in the upstream business where a low speed API618 would be a better solution than a medium/high speed packaged unit designed to ISO13631.

I would appreciate feedback from the community on whether you think I am on the right lines in adopting ISO13631 compressors as our standard. Any advice/observations would be appreciated.

Thanks.