This guide contains a summary of current industrial practices used in oxygen compressor installations and ap-
plies to oxygen compressors that compress oxygen gas with purities of 90% or greater. Oxygen with a water
content of 150 ppm or more can cause corrosion and condensate problems that have not been addressed in
this guide. Installations that have operating conditions beyond this scope should be jointly reviewed by the
equipment user, installer, and compressor supplier.
Some of the practices presented represent conservative compromise, and not all possible situations are de-
scribed. The designer is cautioned that this publication is not a design handbook and does not discard the need
for competent engineering judgment and interpretation. The user should review any special problems or con-
cerns with others who are knowledgeable in the design of oxygen compression systems such as suppliers of
oxygen compressors or major oxygen producers. European Industrial Gases Association's (EIGA) Doc 27/01,
Centrifugal compressors for oxygen service-Code of practice, is complementary to this publication.
Purpose
This guide is intended to serve the interests of anyone who may be associated or concerned with the compres-
sion of oxygen. It also acquaints persons not familiar with compressor application, installation, or operation with factors considered important to safety.