What Are API 618 and API 619

API RP 618 and API RP 619: analysis of core differences

API RP 618 (Recommended Practice for Reciprocating Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Industries) and API RP 619 (Recommended Practice for Rotary Type Positive-Displacement Compressors for Petroleum, Refining, and Related Industries) all are American Petroleum Institute (API) the recommended practice standards issued provide technical guidance for the design, selection, installation and maintenance of reciprocating and rotary volume compressors respectively.

Key differences

• different applicable models: API RP 618 focuses on reciprocating compressor (such as piston type), emphasizing pulse control, piping vibration analysis and valve reliability;
• API RP 619facing rotary compressor (such as screw type, sliding plate type and Roots type), it focuses on rotor dynamics, bearing life, sealing system and lubrication management;
• both are not mandatory regulations, but are widely adopted as engineering benchmark by global oil and gas and chemical projects.

It is worth noting that, API RP 618 released Version 5 (RP 618-5) in 2023, while API RP 619 version 4 (RP 619-4) is still valid. The two together constitute API important pillar of compressor standard system.

Reciprocating Compressor
(API RP 618)

Rotary compressor
(API RP 619)