ISO 20816-8-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Mechanical vibration — Measurement and evaluation of machine vibration — Part 8: Reciprocating compressor systems. This International Standard provides measurement procedures, evaluation criteria and guideline values for vibration of reciprocating compressor systems mounted on rigid foundations; it is aimed at classifying vibration levels and avoiding fatigue problems in foundations, compressors, piping, dampers and auxiliary equipment.

Abstract

This document establishes procedures and guidelines for measuring and classifying mechanical vibration of reciprocating compressor systems (horizontal, vertical, V-, W- and L-type, constant or variable speed) with typical rotational speeds in the range 120 r/min to 1 800 r/min. Shaft vibration is not considered; the standard focuses on vibration of the compressor system and items mounted on it and is not intended for condition monitoring or noise assessment.

General information

• Status: Published. Confirmed at five-year review (remains current).
• Publication date: August 2018 (Edition 1, published 2018-08—issued 10 August 2018 in ISO catalogue entries).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 17.160 (Mechanical vibration and shock).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (ISO 20816-8:2018).
• Number of pages: 34 (ISO bibliographic record).

Key bibliographic and lifecycle data above are taken from the ISO bibliographic record for ISO 20816-8:2018.

Scope

The standard applies to reciprocating compressors mounted on rigid foundations with nominal rotational-speed ratings roughly between 120 r/min and 1 800 r/min. It gives general evaluation criteria for operational measurements aimed at preventing fatigue issues in foundations, compressor assemblies, pulsation dampers, small-bore connection piping and other equipment mounted on the compressor system. The document does not apply to hyper-compressors, does not cover shaft vibration, and excludes noise and condition-monitoring-specific diagnostic techniques.

Key topics and requirements

• Recommended measurement positions on compressor systems (bearing housings and other non-rotating parts) and measurement methods.
• Evaluation criteria and guideline vibration values for classification of machine vibration to avoid fatigue of foundations and mounted equipment.
• Operational measurement procedures and data handling practices tailored to reciprocating compressors.
• Limitations and exclusions (shaft vibration, noise, and detailed diagnostic techniques for internal components such as valves and piston rings).
• Annex material addressing vibration of small-bore connection (SBC) piping and specific practical guidance for piping and mounted items.

These topics reflect the standard’s intent to provide practical, machine-level evaluation criteria rather than in-depth condition-monitoring diagnostics.

Typical use and users

Used by rotating-equipment engineers, vibration analysts, reliability and maintenance teams, commissioning engineers, third‑party vibration test providers and standards offices responsible for machinery installation and acceptance testing. Typical applications include acceptance testing after installation or repair, vibration classification during commissioning, and verification that compressor vibration levels will not cause fatigue damage to foundations, piping or ancillary equipment. Note: for driver (motor/turbine) evaluation, the appropriate driver-focused parts of ISO 20816 / ISO 10816 or other standards should be used.

Related standards

ISO 20816 is a multi-part series (and evolved from the earlier ISO 10816 family). Related documents include other parts of ISO 20816 covering different machine families and the legacy ISO 10816 parts (which were superseded or restructured into the ISO 20816 series). Specific driver or bearing-shaft vibration guidance is covered in the related ISO/IEC documents referenced in ISO 20816 series parts.

Keywords

reciprocating compressor, mechanical vibration, vibration measurement, vibration evaluation, piping vibration, foundation fatigue, pulsation damper, SBC piping, ISO 20816, ISO 10816.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 20816-8:2018 is part 8 of the ISO 20816 series and provides measurement and evaluation guidelines specifically for reciprocating compressor systems to classify vibration and avoid fatigue problems in foundations, compressor assemblies and mounted equipment.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedures, measurement positions and evaluation criteria for vibration on non-rotating parts of reciprocating compressor systems (typical speeds 120–1 800 r/min), including guidance relevant to small-bore connection piping; it excludes shaft vibration, noise and specialised diagnostic techniques.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Reliability, rotating‑equipment and maintenance engineers, vibration analysts, commissioning teams and test houses use it for acceptance testing, installation verification and to ensure vibration will not cause fatigue damage to compressor systems and attached equipment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 20816-8:2018 is the current published version (Edition 1, published August 2018). It replaced the earlier ISO 10816-8 edition; the ISO bibliographic record shows the 2018 edition and indicates the document was reviewed/confirmed in 2024 and remains current.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 20816 is a multi-part series addressing measurement and evaluation of machine vibration for different machine categories (the series reorganized content previously found in the ISO 10816 family). Part 8 specifically addresses reciprocating compressors.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Reciprocating compressor, vibration measurement, vibration evaluation, foundation fatigue, piping vibration, pulsation damper, SBC piping, ISO 20816, ISO 10816.