This guide contains a summary of current industrial practices used in oxygen compressor installations and applies to oxygen compressors that compress oxygen gas with purities of 90% or greater. Oxygen with a water content of 10 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 described. 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 concerns with others who are knowledgeable in the design of oxygen compression systems such as suppliers of oxygen compressors or major oxygen producers.

For more information, see CGA G-4.11, Reciprocating Compressors for Oxygen Service and CGA G-4.13, Centrifugal Compressors for Oxygen Service.