An API 617 or API 672 centrifugal compressor is a heavy-duty compressor built to the American Petroleum Institute standards used in refineries, petrochemical plants and gas processing. Power Energy Gulf supplies these machines in Saudi Arabia and the GCC as the local partner of Aeromeccanica Stranich, an Italian manufacturer of industrial fans, blowers and compressors that has operated since 1928. This page explains what the two standards cover, the Stranich compressor range, and how to choose between a compressor and a multistage blower.
What are API 617 and API 672?
- API 617 is the standard for axial and centrifugal compressors and expander-compressors used in petroleum, chemical and gas industry services. It is the reference for large process compressors on critical duty.
- API 672 is the standard for packaged, integrally geared centrifugal air compressors used in the same industries, typically for plant and instrument air.
Projects usually name the standard in the data sheet, so the first question to answer is which one your specification calls for.
Stranich centrifugal compressors, API 672 and API 617
Stranich designs integrally geared centrifugal compressors. A 3D semi-open impeller is mounted overhung directly on the high-speed shaft of the gearbox. This gives a highly efficient solution with minimum mechanical losses for the petroleum, chemical and gas industries. The compressors can be driven by electric motors or steam turbines.
Stranich gives these design limits for the range:
- Flow rate up to 300,000 m3/h
- Static pressure up to 150 bar
- Pressure ratio up to 2.5
- Speed up to 30,000 rpm
Where they are used
Integrally geared centrifugal compressors are used in refineries, petrochemical and chemical plants, and along the natural gas supply chain, for process gas and air services. Stranich also supplies high-efficiency fans and blowers for the same plants, designed, manufactured and tested to API 560 and API 673.
Compressor or multistage centrifugal blower?
For lower flows at high pressure, a multistage centrifugal blower can be a good technical and commercial alternative to a compressor, and it is usually less expensive. Stranich states typical design conditions for its multistage blowers of up to 10,000 m3/h, static pressure up to 8,000 mmH2O and installed power up to 500 kW. Beyond that, or where the specification requires API 617 or API 672, a centrifugal compressor is the right choice. See our industrial fans and blowers page for the blower range.
What to tell us for a quotation
- The gas, its composition and molecular weight
- Inlet flow, inlet pressure and temperature, and required discharge pressure
- Driver: electric motor or steam turbine
- The standard called for: API 617, API 672, or both
- Site conditions, hazardous area classification and inspection requirements
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between API 617 and API 672?
API 617 covers axial and centrifugal compressors and expander-compressors for petroleum, chemical and gas industry services. API 672 covers packaged, integrally geared centrifugal air compressors for the same industries.
What is an integrally geared centrifugal compressor?
It is a compressor where the impellers are mounted directly on the high-speed shafts of a gearbox. The gearbox lets the impellers run at high speed while the driver runs at its own speed, which keeps mechanical losses low.
Who supplies API 617 centrifugal compressors in Saudi Arabia?
Power Energy Gulf supplies Aeromeccanica Stranich centrifugal compressors, API 672 and API 617, in Saudi Arabia and the GCC.
What flow and pressure can the Stranich compressors reach?
Stranich gives flow rates up to 300,000 m3/h, static pressure up to 150 bar, a pressure ratio up to 2.5 and speeds up to 30,000 rpm. The right selection depends on your gas and duty, so send us the data sheet.
To request a quotation, contact us with your data sheet or process conditions. We will confirm the selection with the manufacturer.