This publication applies to conventional ringed and labyrinth compressors having a crosshead and distance piece. Most operating experience exists in compressors above 17 700 ft³/hr (500 Nm³/hr) at pressures up to 1233 psi (8500 kPa) with oxygen purity of 90% or greater and with maximum 10 ppm water (volume basis).¹ Additionally experience suggests that at a discharge pressure below 29 psi (200 kPa) the likelihood of ignition is low and the consequence of ignition slight since the trapped inventory is small and fire is difficult to sustain at low pressures. This working group believes this publication can be applied to 1450 psi (10 000 kPa)without further special precaution.

The safe and reliable compression of oxygen using reciprocating compressors can only be achieved by the successful combination of many factors. This publication identifies and addresses the following factors.

Design of the compressor system (Sections 3 and 4)

– Robust and well proven compressor design

– Safe materials in critical areas

– Comprehensive instrumentation

– Safety shutdown system

Cleaning, preservation, and inspection (Section 5)

– Correct and properly enforced procedures and well trained personnel

Erection, testing, and commissioning (Section 6)

– Skilled and well trained erection personnel

– Comprehensive testing program to verify the design

Operation (Section 7)

– Well trained and experienced personnel

– Correct procedures

Planned maintenance (Section 8)

– Condition monitoring

– Planned preventive maintenance

– Well trained and experienced person

– Personnel protection (Section 2)

– Identification of the hazard

– Safety barriers

– Location of the compressor

– Emergency procedures

¹ kPa shall indicate gauge pressure unless otherwise noted as (kPa, abs) for absolute pressure or (kPa, differential) for differential pressure. All kPa values are rounded off per CGA P-11, Metric Practice Guide for the Compressed Gas Industry [2].