An API Task Group has been at work for more than six years developing the new API-11P 3rd Edition Specification for Packaged Reciprocating Compressors for Oil and Gas Production Services. This specification fills a two-decade void where the upstream natural gas compression sector has been without an adequate industry specification or standard for packaged high-speed reciprocating compressors. The API-11P 3rd Edition applies to packaged compressors that are horizontal, separable, balance-opposed reciprocating type and are direct-coupled to a gas engine or electric motor driver. Although much of the specification may be useful for other types of compressors, it focuses on this most common field gas compressor type.
The API-11P 3rd Edition requires the purchaser to communicate the more complete requirements for the compressor package. It also requires the packager to communicate what is proposed in its pre-order bid and then what is actually supplied with the order. Detailed pulsation, vibration, and torsional analyses are required, as these are key factors in the design of a reliable compressor package. The new specification encourages better planning, communication and interaction between the purchaser, packager, and other stake holders throughout the design and fabrication processes.
Specification sections 1 through 25, listed in Table 1, define the minimum requirements and normal options for packaged reciprocating compressors for upstream field gas applications, including oil and gas production. However, since some end users in the upstream space have limited knowledge of compression systems, they are dependent on the capability of packagers. Historically, packagers have come and gone. Some are very large, others are fairly small. Their engineering and fabrication capabilities and experience vary. Accordingly, an important new feature of the API-11P 3rd Edition is a substantial list of informative annexes that provide tutorial and/or best practice guidance on many subjects related to package design, fabrication, installation, and application. The bulk of the information in the Annexes is adapted from the GMRC Guideline for High-Speed Compressor Packages for Field Gas Applications, and it is informative for users, packagers, and other stake holders. A list of the Annexes is shown in Table 2.
The API-11P 3rd Edition Task Group, which includes a broad cross-section of experienced end users, packagers, equipment manufacturers, and engineering consultants, developed a new approach for the data sheets. A major change from previous specifications is that the 3rd Edition data sheets do not require a reiteration of the performance data, equipment ratings, etc. Most of today’s OEMs provide detailed technical reports with all the necessary data, so those reports can be supplied in the documentation without recopying information to a spreadsheet. In addition, piping and instrumentation diagrams, application drawings, and bills of material provide necessary package data that renders conventional data sheets obsolete. This eliminates a redundant and error prone step.
Bullet points are not utilized in the API-11P 3rd Edition. Instead, the data sheets are provided in a Microsoft Word document with a line item corresponding to each statement in the specification where the purchaser has to provide data needed for the package design, select an available option, or indicate a requirement that exceeds or cancels a minimum requirement. The data sheets are also used for the packager to include required data and provide comments or alternatives that are recommended in their proposal or included in the final package.
Public Comment
The Ballot Draft of the new API-11P 3rd Edition Specification for Packaged Reciprocating Compressors for Oil and Gas Production Services is available for “public” review and comment until November 1, 2024. ALL COMMENTS MUST BE ENTERED THROUGH THE API WEB-BASED BALLOTING SYSTEM. This can be accessed at https://ballots.api.org. Log in with Ballot ID Number 6474 and follow the instructions closely. (You will be logging in as a guest, so you will only need the ballot ID number).
You are invited to visit the API ballots website to review the proposed draft, including the data sheets, and make comments. When submitting comments, enter each one separately by section (including the section number). The system will save your comments, and you may re-visit the website as many times as you wish to add, edit, or delete comments. The comment period closes on November 1, 2024.
