GE OIL & GAS GE Oil & Gas, Inc.

1333 West Loop North, Suite 800

Houston, Texas 77027 U.S.A.

compressor
Subject: “Rupture Discs” Group: Frames
Number: 05-003 Sub Group: Lubrication
Date : 23 June, 05 Series: All__________
Operating Manuals for high-speed reciprocating compressors are being modified to include the following
information.

Cylinder Lubricator System - Over Pressure Protection

A thorough understanding of the cylinder and packing lubrication system can improve compressor reliability,
and prevent damage to components.

The Basic System:

Figure #1 represents a typical cylinder (and piston rod packing) lubrication system. Oil is pressurized by a
lubricator pump, then fed through stainless steel tubing to a divider block assembly that meters the oil to the
cylinder bore(s) and pressure packing. A typical system includes:
• Check valves, to prevent oil from traveling in reverse direction
• Overpressure indicator (rupture disk) to prevent damage to the system by high pressure.
• A no flow switch, (DNFT or Kenco are our current standards) to trip the compressor in situations when
flow is inadequate.
• Cycle pin indicator to provide visual confirmation of system cycles.

Arrangements will vary depending on the compressor configuration, and with the operating system’s conditions
of service. Contact the Technical Services hot line with specific questions about your system.

System Function:
If a blockage occurs in the divider blocks, lube lines, check valves or injection points, the system will increase
pressure to overcome the blockage. Excessive system pressure is limited by the use of an over pressure
protection device (rupture disk), located between the pump discharge and the distribution blocks. When the oil
pressure exceeds the rating of the rupture disk, a charge of lubricating oil is released. Without oil flow, the
lubrication “no flow” switch will activate, normally shutting the unit down.

Figure #1: Typical Cylinder Lubrication System Schematic

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GE OIL & GAS GE Oil & Gas, Inc.
1333 West Loop North, Suite 800
Houston, Texas 77027 U.S.A.

compressor
Important:
It is necessary to have a properly sized and working atmospheric rupture assembly installed in all lubricating
divider block systems. Never remove, modify, or plug an atmospheric rupture assembly since equipment
damage can result. The exclusive use of genuine OEM components is recommended (see Table 1).

Trouble Shooting:
Typical causes of Lubrication blockage in divider block systems are:
1. Crushed or pinched oil tubing lines
2. Contamination blockage - dirt or foreign material affecting system components
3. Air or gas in the system - can cause system lockup, inadequate lubrication, or intermittent (phantom)
lubrication shutdowns
4. Blocked oil injection point(s)
5. Improperly drilled oil passage
6. Incorrect magnetic housing assembly installation, causing divider block piston(s) to over travel and jam.

Details:
Atmospheric rupture assemblies contain an aluminum disc, which is sized and designed to rupture at a
designated pressure, venting lubricating oil to the atmosphere. The pressure at which the disk ruptures is a
function of the aluminum disc’s thickness and corresponding fitting cap hole diameter. The different discs are
color coded to indicate the relieving pressures. Rupture disc pressure ratings are selected based upon the gas
operating conditions and MAWP of the cylinder (and packing case) being lubricated. Table 1 lists rupture disc
assemblies for both 1/8” and ¼” cap holes, along with replacement discs by color that can fit either assembly.

Medium Pressure Assemblies

Medium pressure (less than 3500 psi) rupture assemblies typically use a 1/4” (0.250 inches, 6.4 mm) cap hole, see
Figure #2.

High Pressure Assemblies

High pressure (greater than 3500 psi) rupture assemblies typically use a 1/8” (0.125 inches, 3.2 mm) cap hole, see
Figure #2.

Rupture Disk Cap

NOTE:
Torque Cap to no more
Color Coded Rupture Disks
than 3 ft-lbs (36 in-lbs).

Figure #2: Rupture Assembly, with either a ¼” medium pressure or 1/8” high pressure cap.

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GE OIL & GAS GE Oil & Gas, Inc.
1333 West Loop North, Suite 800
Houston, Texas 77027 U.S.A.

compressor
¼” Medium Pressure 1/8” High Pressure Replacement Rupture Discs
Rupture Disc Assembly Rupture Disc Assembly
Part # Rating, Part # Rating, Part # Color Thickness
PSI PSI Inches
1-PS-5804 900 N/A 51-PS-5804 Black 0.006”
2-PS-5804 1150 N/A 52-PS-5804 Green 0.008”
3-PS-5804 1450 12-PS-5804 3700 53-PS-5804 Yellow 0.010”
4-PS-5804 1750 13-PS-5804 4600 54-PS-5804 Red 0.012”
5-PS-5804 2050 14-PS-5804 5500 55-PS-5804 Orange 0.014”
6-PS-5804 2350 15-PS-5804 6400 56-PS-5804 Aluminum 0.016”
8-PS-5804 2950 16-PS-5804 7300 58-PS-5804 Blue 0.020”
9-PS-5804 3250 17-PS-5804 8400 59-PS-5804 Purple 0.022”

Table 1: Part Numbers for Atmospheric Rupture Assemblies supplied by Lincoln St. Louis

Cautions:
1. To effectively seal the fitting without damage to the disc, the rupture assembly cap must be torqued to no
more than 3 ft-lbs (36 in-lbs). Over tightening of this cap can cut into the aluminum disc and reduce the
fitting’s rupture pressure rating for that disc thickness.
2. The same aluminum disc thickness can be used with both 1/8” and ¼” hole caps. However, the rupture
assembly’s pressure rating will be significantly different due to the change in disc’s exposed surface area.
Example: A yellow (0.010” thick) disc will rupture at 1450 psi in the ¼” hole cap, but 3700 psi in the 1/8” hole
cap.

Individual arrangements can vary depending on the conditions of service, and specific compressor
arrangement. Contact GE Oil & Gas customer service with any specific questions regarding your compressors.

If you have any questions concerning this procedure, please contact GE’s Technical Hotline

24 Hour Assistance Phone Numbers:

Parts: 832-978-6233
Technical Service: 832-978-9780

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