ISO 10439-2:2015

Overview

ISO 10439-2:2015 - "Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries - Axial and centrifugal compressors and expander‑compressors - Part 2" - specifies minimum requirements and recommendations for non‑integrally geared centrifugal and axial compressors used in the petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas sectors. It supplements the general requirements in ISO 10439‑1 and covers machines that do not have gears integral with their casing (external gearing is permitted). The standard is based on API 617 (7th edition) and is intended for special‑purpose process compressors and expander‑compressors that handle gas or process air.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 10439‑2:2015 addresses the principal engineering and procurement elements required for safe, reliable compressor equipment. Major topics include:

• Scope, terms and definitions: consistent compressor terminology and application limits.
• Design fundamentals: performance expectations, basic design responsibilities and statutory requirements.
• Materials and casings: selection, pressure‑containing casing design, repairs, material inspection and casing supports.
• Rotating elements: shaft design, impellers, axial rotor blading and thrust balancing.
• Dynamics and vibration: rotor dynamics, external forces and moments, and structural impacts.
• Bearings and housings: hydrodynamic radial and thrust bearing requirements and housing design.
• Seals and sealing systems: shaft end seals and associated piping and instrumentation.
• Accessories and auxiliaries: drivers, couplings, lubrication/sealing systems, controls, piping and guards.
• Inspection, testing and shipment: factory tests (including full‑load/full‑pressure/full‑speed tests), inspection procedures and preparation for transport.
• Supplier documentation: datasheets, vendor data and drawing requirements (VDDR), inspector checklists and typical materials (normative Annex A; informative Annexes B–G).

Practical applications and users

ISO 10439‑2 is used to specify and evaluate non‑integrally geared axial and centrifugal compressors in industrial process settings. Typical users include:

• Procurement and engineering teams in oil & gas, petrochemical and natural gas facilities specifying compressor performance and safety requirements.
• Manufacturers and vendors of process compressors and expander‑compressors preparing proposals, design data and test plans.
• Field and factory inspectors performing acceptance testing and verification against datasheets and Annex E checklists.
• Maintenance and reliability engineers ensuring compliance with bearing, seal and casing requirements for long‑term operation.
• Regulatory and compliance groups referencing internationally accepted compressor standards.

Related standards

• ISO 10439‑1:2015 - General requirements (mandatory companion standard).
• ISO 10439‑3:2015 - Integrally geared centrifugal compressors.
• ISO 10439‑4:2015 - Expander‑compressors.
• API 617 (7th edition) - source reference and technical heritage.

Keywords: ISO 10439-2:2015, non-integrally geared compressors, axial compressors, centrifugal compressors, petroleum industry compressor standard, compressor testing, API 617.