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ďƒ¨ Compressors
Setting the standard for
compressor installations Internationally recognised, the American Petroleum Institute’s standards set the bar for compressed air systems in the oil and gas sector. Amit Bhan, regional head of sales for the engineering project solutions business unit at Ingersoll Rand in the Middle East, discusses what the standards entail and the kind of considerations these cover for compressed air installations in oil and gas facilities.
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Compressors play an essential role in the oil and gas industry.
INCE 1924, THE American Petroleum Institute (API) has been the leading authority on establishing and maintaining standards for the worldwide oil and natural gas industry. These standards serve to enhance the safety of industry operations, assure quality, help keep costs down, reduce waste and minimise any confusion around recommended best practice. There are a range of API standards governing compressed air installations, adhered to by many offshore platforms around the world, including the Middle East. Internationally recognised, these standards include 618 for reciprocating compressors, 619 for rotary compressors, 681 for liquid ring compressors and 672 for centrifugal compressors. For large-scale engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects in the oil and gas sector, a thorough understanding of what these standards entail and the demands that compressors need to meet is key. Those working to these standards are able to offer clients guaranteed assurances, with equipment built to API specifications and operated according to API practices. In the case of some EPC contracts, these standards are legislative and regulatory requirements, because they are viewed as critical for helping to safeguard the health and safety of those using a facility. So what key assurances does compressor equipment that meets API standards offer EPC clients in the oil and gas sector?
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1. End-user safety Whether end users are onshore or offshore, guaranteeing the health and safety of site operatives should be a number one priority. Adhering to API standards demonstrates that the correct steps have been taken to safeguard the safety of a facility’s employees. Compressed air equipment has been designed and built to API specifications and best practice, mitigating any risks to the operator, or at least reducing these to an acceptable level.
2. Greater efficiencies Using API standards as a framework provides a clear structure for operating processes. Compressed air systems that are designed to these standards will be optimised for performance and managing any potential issues that might arise, so that these can be dealt with and resolved quickly.
3. Environmental and public safety Meeting sustainability goals is key for most modern businesses. Specifying equipment that meets API standards helps ensure any opportunities to lessen the environmental impact of operations or limit any risks to ecosystems will have been taken, while ensuring the safety of the general public too. The potential damage to brand reputation should an incident occur can be significant.
