The primary goal of API 688 is to provide the minimum requirements for controlling pulsation and vibration in positive displacement (PD) systems. These systems, if not properly designed, can suffer from fatigue, structural damage, and catastrophic failure due to the cyclical pressure pulses generated by reciprocating motion. Key areas covered by the standard include:
Reciprocating compressors and pumps generate pressure waves due to their cyclic nature. Without proper design, these pulsations can synchronize with the natural frequency of the piping system—a phenomenon known as resonance. This leads to high-cycle fatigue, which is a leading cause of piping failures, leaks, and catastrophic equipment breakdowns in high-pressure environments. api 688 pdf patched
API 688 is a standard published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) that provides guidelines for the design, manufacture, testing, and documentation of industrial process surveillance instruments. The standard specifically focuses on "Process Surveillance Instruments" used in the petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries. The primary goal of API 688 is to