CAGI BL300-2014

Simplified Acceptance Test of Electric Driven, Low Pressure Air

Blower Packages

Compressed Air & Gas Institute

Sponsor:

1300 Sumner Ave

Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2851
 CAGI BL300-2014

Simplified Acceptance Test

of Electric Driven, Low Pressure Air Blower Packages

Sponsor

i
A CAGI standard is intended as a guide to aid the
manufacturer, the consumer, and the general public. The
existence of a standard does not in any respect preclude
anyone, whether he has approved the standard or not,
from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing or using
products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the
standard. CAG standards are subject to periodic review
and users are cautioned to obtain the latest editions.

CAUTION NOTICE:
This standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time.
CAGI endeavors to review standards on a five year cycle
to determine whether standards should be reaffirmed,
revised, or withdrawn.

Sponsored and published by:

COMPRESSED AIR & GAS INSTITUTE
1300 Sumner Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115-2851
Phn: 216/241-7333
Fax: 216/241-0105
E-Mail: cagi@cagi.org
URL: www.cagi.org

Copyright © 2014 by Compressed Air & Gas Institute

All Rights Reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an

electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of the publisher.
Suggestions for improvement of this standard will be welcome.
They should be sent to the Compressed Air & Gas Institute.
Printed in the United States of America

ii
Foreword (This Foreword is not a part of the CAGI BL 300 standard, Simplified Acceptance Test
of Electric Driven, Low Pressure Air Blower Packages )

In 2010, CAGI members were approached by the Consortium for Energy

Efficiency (CEE) to address the need for test standards for centrifugal and
positive displacement blower packages among the CEE membership, which
comprises the electricity provider energy efficiency program administrators.
A working group within CAGI’s Blower Section formed soon after.

The working group embarked on a standard development project which

initially resulted in the release of the BL 5389 standard in 2013 as an
interim step. The BL 5389 standard was intended to eventually become an
annex to the ISO 5389 standard, which provides an extremely detailed,
complex procedure to test and rate turbocompressor blowers. The new BL
5389 standard provides an easily integrated, cost effective, yet highly
accurate "wire to air" approach to testing. It is applicable to all dynamic
blower packages in all industrial and municipal air applications. While the
standard is intended for use with all types of turbocompressor blower
packages, it will be particularly useful for machines that are manufactured
in batches or in continuous production quantities.

The working group continued to pursue its mandate of developing a

standard that addressed both dynamic and positive displacement blowers.
A section of material relevant specifically to positive displacement blowers
(primarily lobe and screw type blowers) was developed next. The addition
of another section of material that provided a means of comparing the
performance of the two broad types of blowers, dynamic and positive
displacement, followed shortly thereafter. All three sections were
combined to form the current BL 300 standard, which was approved as a
CAGI standard and was released in 2014.

Suggestions for improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be

sent to the Compressed Air and Gas Institute, 1300 Sumner Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio 44115. cagi@cagi.org.

iii
 Contents

Section Page

Foreword iii

Introduction and Scope 1

Section A, Simplified Acceptance Test of Electric Driven Turbocompressor

Low Pressure Air Blower Packages (CAGI BL 5389)

1. Section Scope 2

2. Normative References 2

3. Symbols and Definitions 2

4. Guarantees 3

5. Test Procedure 4

6. Computation of Test Results 6

7. Test Report 8

8. Figures / Data Sheets / Test Report Form 9

Section B, Simplified Acceptance Test of Electric Driven Positive Displacement

Low Pressure Air Blower Packages (CAGI BL 1217) 18

1. Section Scope 18

2. Normative References 18

3. Symbols and Definitions 18

4. Guarantees 18

5. Test Procedure 19

6. Data Sheets 21

Section C, Technical Method for Comparing Dynamic and Positive Displacement

Low Pressure Blower Package Performance 26

iv
 CAGI BL 300
Simplified Acceptance Test of
Electric Driven, Low Pressure Air Blower Packages

1. Introduction

This standard was developed by CAGI in response to needs expressed by the industry and by
users of industry products. The standard addresses all types of blowers for use in all
applications, including wastewater treatment, general industry, process, chemical, etc.

Existing international standards ISO 5389 and ISO 1217 provide detailed test procedures for
conducting type tests. ISO 1217 also includes simplified test methods for positive displacement
equipment. ISO 5389 lacks a simplified test method for dynamic (turbo) blowers, and neither
standard includes simplified test methods specifically applicable to low pressure blowers. This
standard provides simplified wire to air performance test methods that measure true package
performance of low pressure air blowers. The rigorous procedures included in the standards
result in highly accurate, true performance values that enable comparisons among
manufacturers and types of blowers.

The standard contains three sections: a simplified performance test method for dynamic
blowers based on ISO 5389, a simplified performance test method for positive displacement
blowers based on ISO 1217, and a means of marrying the two methods by comparing
performance between blowers regardless of the type of blower.

2. Scope

This standard applies to the following types of packaged, low pressure blowers handling
atmospheric air and producing discharge pressures between 0 psig and 30 psig:

• Turbocompressor blowers (dynamic, centrifugal) consisting of a single stage centrifugal

design or a multistage design without intercooling between stages. Packages are driven
by an electric motor. The coupling between the compressor and the motor is either
direct or geared. The drive can be via a conventional electric motor, with or without an
inverter, or by a high speed motor with an inverter. The inverter can be integrated into
the package or shipped loose.

• Positive displacement blowers, typically lobe or rotary screw type, driven by an electric
motor. Conventional motors and motors coupled with inverters are both covered.

1
 CAGI BL 300 Section A (CAGI BL 5389)
Simplified Acceptance Test of Electric Driven, Low Pressure
Turbocompressor Air Blower Packages

A1. Section Scope

This section provides a simplified, wire-to-air performance test code applicable to a

packaged, low pressure turbocompressor blower handling atmospheric air. The
turbocompressor blower package may consist of a single stage centrifugal design or a
multistage design without intercooling between stages. The package is driven by an electric
motor. The coupling between the compressor and the motor is either direct or geared. The
drive can be via a conventional electric motor, with or without an inverter, or by a high speed
motor with an inverter. The inverter can be integrated into the package or shipped loose.
Both the specified gas and the test gas are ambient air.

Within the criteria of ISO 5389, E.5.2.b for compressors with moderate pressure ratio (≤ 3)
and adherence to Table E.1 for ideal gas behavior, the compression process of the package
shall be considered isentropic (adiabatic and reversible). The compressibility factor (Z) of
the air in this range is equal to 1. In this simplified performance test code, the correction for
Reynolds number and Mach number will be considered negligible. For applications where
these corrections are not negligible, this standard does not apply.

A2. Normative references

• ISO 5167-1: Measurement of fluid flow by means of pressure differential devices

inserted in circular cross-section conduits running full – Part 1: General principles
and requirements
• ISO 9300: Measurement of gas flow by means of critical flow Venturi flow nozzles
• ISO 5389: Turbocompressors – Performance Test Code
• EN60051: Direct acting indicating analogue electrical measuring instruments and
their accessories
• EN60688: Electrical measuring transducers for converting ac electrical quantities to
analogue or digital signals

A3. Symbols and Definitions

A3.1 Symbols

Symbols in ISO 5389 section 3.1 apply and in addition:

Symbol Meaning Unit (English) Unit (Metric)

e Specific Power kW/100 CFM kW/m3/sec

2
A3.2 Definitions

In addition to definitions and terms in ISO 5389 section 3.2 and Annex E, the following
definitions apply:

A3.2.1 Pressure ratio (П):

Ratio of total outlet pressure measured at the package discharge point to total inlet pressure
measured at the package inlet point (i.e. ambient pressure)

П=p2/pamb

A3.2.2. Packaged compressor:

Compressor with driver system, variable frequency drive (as applicable), cooling /
lubrication system, inlet filter, inlet valve / guide vanes (as applicable), bearing power supply
(as applicable), fully piped and wired internally, including ancillary and auxiliary items of
equipment and all power devices that affect power consumption. All equipment that is
necessary for the proper functioning of the machine according to the preconditions of the
guarantee is included as part of the package

A3.2.3. Free air delivery (FAD):

Actual volume flow rate of air, compressed and delivered at the package discharge point,
referred to conditions of total temperature, total pressure, and composition (e.g. humidity)
prevailing at the ambient inlet of the compressor.

FAD = V̇amb = ṁ/ρamb

A3.2.4. Specific Power:
Packaged compressor power input per unit of compressor free air delivery

Specific Power = е = P/V̇amb

A3.2.5. Compressor discharge point (T2,p2):

Discharge point at the terminal outlet of the package

A3.2.6. Compressor inlet point (Tamb, pamb):

Inlet point is the point at which ambient air enters the package or, in the case of a non-
enclosed package, where air first enters the confines of the machine, probably the air inlet
filter

A3.2.7. Packaged compressor power input (P):

Sum of the electrical power inputs to the prime mover and any ancillaries and auxiliaries
driven from the compressor shaft or by a separate prime mover at rated supply conditions,
including the effect of all equipment included in the package (e.g. coolant / oil pumps,
cooling fan, variable frequency inverter, etc.)

3
A3.2.8. Isentropic Work (Уs):
Isentropic work (head) is the work required to isentropically compress a unit mass of gas
from the inlet total conditions (pressure and temperature) to the discharge total pressure.

A3.2.9. Steady state:

Steady state is defined as the condition in which changes in temperature rise within a five minute
interval is less than 0.9°F (0.5°C) and the fluctuation of shaft speed shall not exceed 0.15%.

A4. Guarantees

A4.1 General

Customers requiring performance verification per this standard shall specify acceptance per a
Class A or Class B test.

It is required that all equipment that is necessary for the proper functioning of the machine
according to the preconditions of the guarantee is included as part of the package (see 3.2.2).
If it is not practical to include required ancillary and auxiliary items of equipment in testing,
their influence on the values stated for the object of the guarantee shall be accurately
evaluated and included in the evaluation of acceptance. See Figure A1.

A4.2 Class A test (Data sheet performance verification)

When a Class A verification test is specified, the data sheet performance and as-tested
performance data shall be corrected to the reference preconditions of ambient / package inlet
pressure (pamb), inlet temperature (Tamb), and ambient relative humidity per Table 1 below.
Compressor guarantee performance shall be per attached data sheet (see Figure A2a, A2b,
and A2c). All data sheet performance points shall be verified. This test may be used for
compressors manufactured from a pre-designed set of components that comprise a standard
offering.

TABLE 1
Reference Conditions
Option 1 Option 2
pamb 14.7 psia 14.5 psia (100 kPa) (1 bar)
Tamb 68°F (20°C) 68°F (20°C)
RH 36% 0%

A4.3 Class B test (Client specified performance verification)

When a Class B verification test is specified, the contract-supplied compressor packages

shall be tested at all the contract-specified guarantee points with as-tested performance data
corrected to the contract-specified reference preconditions of package inlet (ambient)
conditions (pamb, Tamb, and RH).

4
A4.4 Object of the guarantee

At the operating points and reference preconditions the following three values are
guaranteed:
1. The discharge pressure at the outlet of the package. The discharge pressure must
be at least equal to the guarantee pressure with zero negative tolerance and a +4%
tolerance on work.
2. The measured volume flow rate at the outlet of the package and expressed as Free
Air Delivery. The Free Air Delivery must be at least equal to the guarantee flow
with zero negative tolerance and a +4% tolerance.
3. The total Specific Power of the package for the delivered flow at the guaranteed
discharge pressure. Specific Power requirements can vary by 4%, positive or
negative from guaranteed conditions.

Although it is recognized that measurement inaccuracy is a part of any test, no measurement

uncertainty tolerances are to be a part of this simplified test. All test data is to be considered
absolutely accurate.

A5. Test Procedure

A5.1 Test conditions

Prevailing factory ambient conditions will determine test inlet pressure, temperature, and
relative humidity and are to be taken as is. Test results will be corrected for these departures
from the reference (specified/guaranteed) conditions.

Note: When the test ambient inlet temperature is much higher (approx. 50oF / 28oC) than
the specified/guaranteed ambient inlet temperature, the Machine Mach number departure
between test and specified conditions may exceed allowable departure per Table 2 below.
Any test modifications to reduce the Machine Mach number departure to within Table 2
limits shall be mutually agreed upon between manufacturer and customer or customer’s
representative. Figure A3 provides example Machine Mach number values at various air
inlet temperatures and impeller tip speeds.

Table 2, Allowable Machine Mach Number Departure

Machine Mach # specified (Mmsp) Allowable Departure (Mmt –Mmsp)
0.85 – 1.5 -0.04 to +0.07
0.80 -0.06 to +0.08
0.70 -0.085 to +0.11
0.60 -0.11 to +0.13
0.50 -0.14 to +0.16

A5.2. Compressor package test

In packages where the compressor is enclosed in a sound attenuating enclosure, all doors and
openings shall be positioned as required for field operation in the entirety of the performance

5
data collection process. This ensures that all flow paths, pump and fan losses, and electrical
and thermal heating are preserved and represent the actual field running condition.

In packages that include an inlet throttling valve or internal guide vanes, the compressor shall
operate with the required valve or vane position to develop the operating condition as
specified in the data sheet / contract documents. The test shall be conducted with the ‘as-
supplied’ motor / VFD drive system and throttling valve or guide vanes.

The operating condition of the compressor for performance verification testing shall be at the
same or greater work and flow as defined and specified by the information in the data sheet /
contract documents. This can be expanded to:

Уs,te ≥ уs,g

Or:

𝑘𝑘 𝑘𝑘
(Ramb,te) (Tamb,te)(Пte(k-1/k)-1) ≥ (Ramb,g) (Tamb,g)(Пg(k-1/k)-1)
𝑘𝑘 − 1 𝑘𝑘 − 1
The right side of the equation is known from the information of the data sheet / contract
documents. The left side of the equation is determined by the test conditions. The
combination of rotational speed (or throttle vane / guide vane position) and pressure ratio
(Пte) with prevailing ambient temperature and gas constant is to be chosen such that the
equation is satisfied.

During the test, no adjustments other than those required to maintain the test conditions and those
required for normal operation of the package as given in the instruction manual shall be made.

Before readings are taken, the package shall be run long enough to insure that steady state
conditions are achieved.

Note: It is recognized that adjustment of the test piping discharge valve (which
establishes where the compressor operates on its flow / work characteristic curve) has
variation. Ensure steady state conditions are achieved following adjustment.

Since power guarantee is specific power, compressor operation within the +4% positive
tolerance on flow does not overstate the power consumption. Compressor operation
within the +4% positive tolerance on work directly impacts specific power; therefore,
when correcting specific power to specified guarantee conditions, corrections for excess
work (у s,te) shall be made.

1. Compressor rotational speed

2. Package inlet air temperature
3. Package inlet air pressure. Corrections may be required for a dirty inlet filter as required
by the contract specification or agreement between parties.
4. Package inlet air humidity
5. Package outlet air pressure
6. Compressor package power input

6
 7. Volume flow rate at the outlet of the package measured per the recommendations of ISO
5167-1.
8. Inlet guide vane / throttle valve position as applicable

Pressure and temperature measuring instruments shall be located as shown in Figure A1.

Power measurement (Pte) must include the main drive system input power to the VFD (if
applicable) and all auxiliary devices that support the package (see Figure A1). It is preferred to
measure power at a single point, ahead of all power devices needed to support the package. If
the machine package receives multiple power feeds, this is the sum of all powers measured
individually. Machinery that is tested directly with all needed operating components included
and following the prescribed practice of this test is a Type A test. Machinery that is tested where
estimates of power consumption are accounted for in other ways is a Type B test. (Note this is
different from the Class A and Class B test differentiation in Section 4.)

Where power for the auxiliary devices may be shipped directly to the project site or for other
reasons it is not practical to include those components during the test measurements, the
manufacturer must account for those devices. The package power will be calculated from the
main driver power and all other power consumers.

Pte = Pdriver + Paux

The following methods are prescribed for accurate accounting of the power consumed by each
component of the package:

1. Main drive motor or VFD

a. For variable frequency drives, power shall be measured at the input leads to the
variable frequency drive.
b. For constant speed drives, power shall be measured at the input leads to the
motor.
c. Where a harmonic filter is used and tested with the package, power shall be
measured upstream of the harmonic filter.

2. Components used for cooling / lubrication of oil, water, and air.

a. Motor nameplate (HP or kW) rating of any separate fan, pump, or other required
auxiliary device that is required for a functional package.

3. Motor bearing controller

a. Calculated or measured power losses.

4. Local control panel

a. Measured power loss.

A6. Computation of test results

A6.1. General

7
Test conditions are rarely consistent with the specified conditions; therefore, before test results
and guarantee performance values are compared, corrections shall be applied to the measured
values of discharge pressure and the package specific power requirement.

All performance calculations shall be based on the total conditions of the test at the compressor
package inlet and package outlet locations.

A6.2. Verification of work and correction of package discharge pressure

The compressor is to be run at the specified work (уs) as indicated in the data sheets / contract
documents to verify discharge pressure guarantee. Thus it needs to be verified that

Уs,te ≥ уs,g

This is

𝑘𝑘 𝑘𝑘
(Ramb,te) (Tamb,te)(Пte(k-1/k)-1) ≥ (Ramb,g) (Tamb,g)(Пg(k-1/k)-1)
𝑘𝑘 − 1 𝑘𝑘 − 1
If this condition is not achieved, the discharge pressure guarantee is not met.

Compressor work performed shall be reported in terms of discharge pressure corrected to the
specified conditions.

P2,co = pamb,g x Пco

With the corrected pressure ratio from the following formula:

𝑘𝑘
𝑘𝑘−1
ys,te
П𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = ��� � (Пg(k-1/k)-1)� + 1�
ys,g

A6.3. Correction of the FAD

Since the compressor is to be run at the specified work, the compressor rotational speed during
factory test will be the same as the specified compressor rotational speed (or, if the speed is not
specified, the speed required based on the specified site conditions to meet the specified
compressor performance) (Nte = Ng). Therefore, no correction of FAD is required.

V̇amb,co = V̇amb,te

A6.4. Correction of Specific Power

In this simplified method, the complete package is considered to behave according to the
similarity laws where the drive train efficiency remains the same from test conditions to
8
specified conditions. Since the compressor is tested at the same rotational speed as specified
conditions, package power is corrected by the ratio of inlet densities and any excess work
produced (see Note in section 5.2).

ρg ys,g
Pco = Pte ( )� �
ρte ys,te

еco = Pco / V̇amb,co

A6.5. Comparison with guaranteed values

The corrected discharge pressure (P2,co), FAD (V̇amb,co), and Specific Power (еco) are to be
compared to the guaranteed values. If the values are within the limits as defined in section A4.4,
the compressor package passes the test. Otherwise, the compressor fails the test.

A7. Test report

At a minimum, the test report shall include the following:

1. Test Summary Page per Figure A4.
2. Test piping arrangement indicating pipe sizes and lengths, pressure and
temperature measurement locations, flow measurement arrangement, and valve
location(s) and verifying compliance with ISO measurement standards referenced
in section 2.
3. Original test logs including all recorded data required for calculations.
4. Detailed sample calculation for one test point.
5. Instrument calibration certificates.

9
 Figure A1, Package / Test Boundary Flow measurement
per ISO 5167-1
• Static Discharge Pressure: Minimum 2 measuring
stations 180° apart located 2 pipe diameters
downstream package flange.
• Discharge Temperature: Minimum 2 measuring
stations 180° apart, 90° from static pressure.
• Minimum 3 pipe diameters of straight pipe before
elbow. If no elbow, minimum 5 pipe diameters of
straight pipe before valve elbow.

• Inlet Pressure:
(by barometer)
• Relative
Humidity
• Inlet Air Intake System
Temperature: including the following
Minimum 2 as applicable: Air filter,
measuring inlet guide vanes, inlet
stations 180° throttle valve, inlet
apart. cooling coils.

Main Drive System

Main Drive System including the following as
Input Electrical applicable: Main Drive
Power (kW) = Pdriver Motor, Gearbox, VFD,
EMC filter, Harmonics Core
filter Compressor

Auxiliary System
Input Electrical Package Auxiliary Devices
Power (kW) = Paux Package Auxiliary
including Devices
the following as
including theEnclosure
applicable: following as
applicable: Fan,
Ventilation Enclosure
Lubrication
Ventilation
System, Fan, Lubrication
Bearing Controller,
System, Bearing
Main Drive Motor Controller,
Cooling
Main Drive Motor Cooling
System
System

10
 Figure A2a, Compressor Data Sheet
Centrifugal Air Blower Package
MODEL DATA -Option 1 Standard Conditions
1 Manufacturer Date:
Model Number:
Main Drive Motor Driver Cooling System
Gearbox
VFD Lubrication System
2 Harmonic Filter Inlet Air Filter
Inlet Guide Vanes
Inlet Throttle Valve

VALUE UNITS
3 Rated Capacity (FAD) at Rated Operating Pressure cfm
4 Rated Operating Pressure - p2 psig
5 Drive Motor Nameplate Rating HP
6 Compressor Rated Speed RPM

a
Performance Table (Based on reference inlet conditions of pamb=14.7 psia, Tamb=68oF, RH=36%)
Delivered Air Flow - FAD (cfm)
Lowest
Discharge Pressure p2 (psig)b Turned
100% Down
FAD FAD2C FAD3C FAD4C FAD
FAD
d
14 psig (example) Specific Power
RPM
7 FAD
d
12 psig Specific Power
RPM
FAD
d
10 psig Specific Power
RPM
FAD
d
8 psig Specific Power
RPM
NOTES:
a. See CAGI BL 5389 standard for definition of terms and performance guarantees. No negative
tolerance for discharge pressure and + 4% tolerance for delivered air flow values.
b. Discharge pressure shall be in -2 psig increments starting at max. rated operating pressure. 4 discharge pressures shall be shown
c. c. Intermediate data points (FAD 2, 3, and 4) are nominal equal spacing between 100% and Min. Flow (Lowest Turned Down FAD)
d. Specific Power (kW/100 cfm) (Note: This is a sample datasheet.)

11
 Package Performance Chart
5
Spec Power, (kW/100 CFM FAD)

4.5

3.5

2.5

2
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Capacity, FAD

Plot from data on datasheet

12
 Figure A2b, Compressor Data Sheet
Centrifugal Air Blower Package
MODEL DATA -Option 2 Standard Conditions
1 Manufacturer Date:
Model Number:
Main Drive Motor Driver Cooling System
2 Gearbox
VFD Lubrication System
Harmonic Filter Inlet Air Filter
Inlet Guide Vanes
Inlet Throttle Valve
VALUE UNITS
3 Rated Capacity (FAD) at Rated Operating Pressure m3/sec
4 Rated Operating Pressure - p2 bar abs
5 Drive Motor Nameplate Rating kW
6 Compressor Rated Speed RPM

b
Performance Table (Based on reference inlet conditions of pamb=1 bar abs, Tamb=20oC, RH=0%)
Delivered Air Flow - FAD (m3/sec)
Discharge Pressure p2 (bar gauge)b Lowest
100% Turned
FAD FAD2C FAD3C FAD4C Down FAD
FAD
d
1 barg (example) Specific Power
RPM
7 FAD
d
0.9 barg Specific Power
RPM
FAD
d
0.8 barg Specific Power
RPM
FAD
d
0.7 barg Specific Power
RPM
NOTES:
a. See CAGI BL 5389 standard for definition of terms and performance guarantees. No negative
tolerance for discharge pressure and + 4% tolerance for delivered air flow values.
b. Discharge pressure shall be in -0.1 barg increments starting at max. rated operating pressure. 4 discharge pressures shall be shown..
c. Intermediate data points (FAD 2, 3, and 4) are nominal equal spacing between 100% and Min. Flow (Lowest Turned Down FAD)
d. Specific Power (kW/100 m3/sec) (Note: This is a sample datasheet.)

13
 Package Performance Chart
5
Spec Power, (kW/100 m3/sec FAD)

4.5

3.5

2.5

2
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Capacity, FAD

14
 Figure A2c, Example Data Sheet
Centrifugal Air Blower Package
MODEL DATA -Option 1 Standard Conditions
1 Manufacturer Date:
Model Number:
Main Drive Motor Driver Cooling System
Gearbox
VFD Lubrication System
2 Harmonic Filter Inlet Air Filter
Inlet Guide Vanes
Inlet Throttle Valve

VALUE UNITS
3 Rated Capacity (FAD) at Rated Operating Pressure cfm
4 Rated Operating Pressure - p2 psig
5 Drive Motor Nameplate Rating HP
6 Compressor Rated Speed RPM

a
Performance Table (Based on reference inlet conditions of pamb=14.7 psia, Tamb=68oF, RH=36%)
Delivered Air Flow - FAD (cfm)
Lowest
Discharge Pressure p2 (psig)b Turned
100% Down
FAD FAD2C FAD3C FAD4C FAD
FAD 2597 2415 2232 2050 1867
d
14 psig (example) Specific Power 4.41 4.4 4.41 4.44 4.51
RPM 28460 28080 27748 27454 27208
7 FAD 3034 2701 2368 2035 1702
d
12 psig Specific Power 3.96 3.85 3.78 3.77 3.86
RPM 28474 27401 26509 25819 25310
FAD 3256 2822 2388 1954 1520
d
10 psig Specific Power 3.65 3.35 3.17 3.12 3.26
RPM 28486 26492 24937 23861 23162
FAD 3389 2870 2352 1833 1315
d
8 psig Specific Power 3.35 2.87 2.56 2.51 2.69
RPM 28495 25422 23076 21598 20671
NOTES:
a. See CAGI BL 5389 standard for definition of terms and performance guarantees. No negative
tolerance for discharge pressure and + 4% tolerance for delivered air flow values.
b. Discharge pressure in -2 psig increments starting at max. rated operating pressure. A total of 4 discharge pressures shall be shown
c. Intermediate data points (FAD 2, 3, and 4) are nominal equal spacing between 100% and Minimum FAD
d. Specific Power (kW/100 cfm) (Note: This is a SAMPLE datasheet)

15
 Package Performance Chart Example
5
Specific Power, (kW/100 CFM FAD)

4.5

3.5

2.5

2
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
Capacity, FAD

16
Figure A3, Machine Mach Number Example

Temp
a U2 Mm U2 Mm U2 Mm
F
20 1072 900 0.840 1000 0.933 1100 1.026
40 1094 900 0.823 1000 0.914 1100 1.006
60 1116 900 0.807 1000 0.896 1100 0.986
80 1137 900 0.792 1000 0.880 1100 0.968
100 1158 900 0.777 1000 0.864 1100 0.950

a= speed of sound, ft/sec

U2 = impeller tip speed,
ft/sec
Mm = Machine Mach # =
U2/a

17
 Figure A4, Test Summary Report
Ref
Symbol Unit (English) Unit (Metric) Numerical Values
Section
AS TESTED VALUES
Test Number 1 2 3 4 5
Test Period start/end Mins. Mins.
Compressor Speed N,te RPM RPM
Amb. Gas Constant Ramb,te ft-lbf/lbm-R J/(kmol-K) 3.2
Ratio of Spec. Heats k,te None None 3.2
Ambient / Pack.
Tamb,te deg F deg C 3.2.6
Inlet Temp.
Ambient / Pack.
pamb,te psia bar abs 3.2.6
Inlet Pressure
Pack. Disch. Press. p2,te psia bar abs 3.2.5
Pack. Disch. Temp. T2,te deg F deg C 3.2.5
Isentropic Work y,te ft-lbf/lbm 5.2
Free Air Delivered V̇amb,te cfm m3/s 3.2.3
Driver System Input
Pdriver kW kW 5.2
Power -Type B test
Aux. Powers (calc.)
Paux kW kW 5.2
- Type B test
Total Input Power P,te kW kW 5.2
Specific Power e,te kW/cfm kW/m3/sec 3.2.4
SPECIFIED / GUARANTEED CONDITIONS
Compressor Speed N,g RPM RPM
Amb. Gas Constant Ramb,g ft-lbf/lbm-R J/(kmol-K) 3.2
Ratio of Spec. Heats k,g None None 3.2
Ambient / Pack.
Tamb,g deg F deg C 3.2.6
Inlet Temp.
Amb. / Pack. Inlet
pamb,g psia bar abs 3.2.6
Pressure
Pack. Disch. Press. p2,g psia bar abs 3.2.5
Isentropic Work y,g ft-lbf/lbm 5.2
Free Air Delivered V̇amb,g cfm 3
m /s 3.2.3
Pack. Input Power P,g kW kW 3.2.7
Specific Power e,g kW/cfm kW/m3/sec 3.2.4
CORRECTED TO SPECIFIED CONDITIONS
Free Air Delivered V̇amb,co cfm m3/s 6.3
Pack. Disch. Press. p2,co psia bar abs 6.2
Pack. Input Power P,co kW kW 6.4
Specific Power e,co kW/cfm kW/m3/sec 6.4
COMPARISON TO GUARANTEE
Free Air Delivered V̇amb cfm m3/s 4.4 Pass/Fail Pass/Fail Pass/Fail Pass/Fail Pass/Fail
Pack. Disch. Press. p2 psia bar abs 4.4 Pass/Fail Pass/Fail Pass/Fail Pass/Fail Pass/Fail
Specific Power e kW/cfm kW/m3/sec 4.4 Pass/Fail Pass/Fail Pass/Fail Pass/Fail Pass/Fail
 CAGI BL 300 Section B (CAGI BL 1217)
Simplified Acceptance Test of Electric Driven, Low Pressure
Positive Displacement Air Blower Packages

B1. Section Scope

This section provides a simplified, wire-to-air performance test code applicable to a

packaged, low pressure (up to 28" Hg (94.8 mb) inlet vacuum pump or up to 30 psig (2.07
barg) discharge pressure) positive displacement blower handling atmospheric air. The
blower package is driven by an electric motor. The drive can be via a conventional electric
motor, with or without an inverter. Both the specified gas and the test gas are ambient air.

B2. Normative References

• ISO 1217, Displacement compressors-Acceptance tests

B3. Symbols and Definitions

Refer to the ISO 1217 standard for symbols and terminology.

B4. Guarantees

B4.1 General

Customers requiring performance verification per this standard shall specify acceptance per a
Class A or Class B test.

It is required that all equipment that is necessary for the proper functioning of the machine
according to the preconditions of the guarantee is included as part of the package. If it is not
practical to include required ancillary and auxiliary items of equipment in testing, their
influence on the values stated for the object of the guarantee shall be accurately evaluated
and included in the evaluation of acceptance.

B4.2 Class A test (Data sheet performance verification)

When a Class A verification test is specified, the data sheet performance and as-tested
performance data shall be corrected to the reference preconditions of ambient / package inlet
pressure (pamb), inlet temperature (Tamb), and ambient relative humidity per Table 1 below.
Compressor guarantee performance shall be per attached data sheet (see Figure B1, B2, B3,
B4, and B5). All data sheet performance points shall be verified. This test may be used for
compressors manufactured from a pre-designed set of components that comprise a standard
offering.

18
 TABLE B1
Reference Conditions
Option 1 Option 2
pamb 14.7 psia 14.5 psia (100 kPa) (1 bar)
Tamb 68°F (20°C) 68°F (20°C)
RH 36% 0%

B4.3 Class B test (Client specified performance verification)

When a Class B verification test is specified, the contract-supplied compressor packages

shall be tested at all the contract-specified guarantee points with as-tested performance data
corrected to the contract-specified reference preconditions of package inlet (ambient)
conditions (pamb, Tamb, and RH).

B4.4 Object of the guarantee

At the operating points and reference preconditions the following three values are
guaranteed:
1. The discharge pressure at the outlet of the package. The discharge pressure must
be at least equal to the guarantee pressure with zero negative tolerance and a +4%
tolerance on work.
2. The measured volume flow rate at the outlet of the package and expressed as Free
Air Delivery. The Free Air Delivery must be at least equal to the guarantee flow
with zero negative tolerance and a + 4% tolerance for VSD blowers and + /- 4%
for fixed speed positive displacement blowers per ISO 1217 C.2.
3. The total Specific Power of the package for the delivered flow at the guaranteed
discharge pressure. Specific Power requirements can vary by 4%, positive or
negative from guaranteed conditions.

Although it is recognized that measurement inaccuracy is a part of any test, no measurement

uncertainty tolerances are to be a part of this simplified test. All test data is to be considered
absolutely accurate.

B 5. Test Procedures

Procedures for conducting tests of low pressure positive displacement blowers are contained
in ISO 1217. For fixed speed positive displacement blowers, follow the procedures
contained in Annex C of ISO 1217. For variable speed positive displacement blowers,
follow the procedures contained in Annex E of ISO 1217.

B.6. Test report

At a minimum, the test report shall include the following:

1. Test Summary per ISO 1217.
2. Test piping arrangement indicating pipe sizes and lengths, pressure and
temperature measurement locations, flow measurement arrangement, and valve

19
 location(s) and verifying compliance with ISO measurement standards referenced
in section 2.
3. Original test logs including all recorded data required for calculations.
4. Detailed sample calculation for one test point.
5. Instrument calibration certificates.

20
 Figure B1, Positive Displacement Air Blower Package Data Sheet
Fixed Speed Blower

MODEL DATA -Option 1 Standard Conditions

1 Manufacturer: Date:

Model Number:
Driver Cooling Inlet Air
Main Drive Motor System Filter
Gearbox Lubrication System
2 Starters Control Cubicle

Drive Group ID (if applicable):

VALUE UNITS
3 Rated Capacity (FAD) at Rated Operating Pressure CFM
4 Rated Operating Pressure - p2 PSIG
5 Drive Motor Nameplate Rating HP
6 Compressor Rated Speed RPM
a
Performance Table

7 Discharge Pressure VALUE UNITS

Delivered Air Flow - FAD CFM
b
10 psig Specific Power kW/100 cfm
Speed RPM
NOTES:
a. Based on reference inlet conditions of pamb=14.7 psia, Tamb=68°F, RH=36%. See CAGI BL 300
b. Specific Power (kW/100 cfm).
Note: No negative tolerance for discharge pressure and +/- 4% tolerance for delivered air flow values. See CAGI BL 300
Member

(Note: This is a sample datasheet. Manufacturers will enter appropriate pressure and other data)

21
 Figure B2, Positive Displacement Air Blower Package Data Sheet
Fixed Speed Blower

MODEL DATA -Option 2 Standard Conditions

1 Manufacturer: Date:
Model Number:
Driver Cooling
Main Drive Motor System Inlet Air Filter
Gearbox Lubrication System
Starters Control Cubicle
2
Drive Group ID (if applicable):

VALUE UNITS
3
3 Rated Capacity (FAD) at Rated Operating Pressure m /sec
4 Rated Operating Pressure - p2 barg
5 Drive Motor Nameplate Rating kW
6 Compressor Rated Speed RPM
a
Performance Table

Discharge Pressure VALUE UNITS

7 3
Delivered Air Flow - FAD m /sec
0.7 barg kW/100
b 3
Specific Power m /sec
Speed RPM
NOTES:
a. Based on reference inlet conditions of pamb=1 bar abs, Tamb=20°C, RH=0%. See CAGI Bl 300 Standard
b. Specific Power (kW/100 m3/sec).
Note: No negative tolerance for discharge pressure and +/- 4% tolerance for delivered air flow values. See CAGI BL 300
Member

(Note: This is a sample datasheet. Manufacturers will enter appropriate pressure and other data)

22
 Figure B3, Positive Displacement Air Blower Package Data Sheet
Variable Speed Blower
MODEL DATA -Option 1 Standard Conditions
1 Manufacturer Date:
Model Number:
Driver Cooling
Main Drive Motor System
Gearbox
VFD Lubrication System
2 Harmonic Filter Inlet Air Filter
Inlet Guide Vanes
Inlet Throttle Valve

VALUE UNITS
3 Rated Capacity (FAD) at Rated Operating Pressure cfm
4 Rated Operating Pressure - p2 psig
5 Drive Motor Nameplate Rating HP
6 Compressor Rated Speed RPM

a
Performance Table (Based on reference inlet conditions of pamb=14.7 psia, Tamb=68oF, RH=36%)
Delivered Air Flow - FAD (cfm)C
b
Discharge Pressure p2 (psig) 100%
FAD FAD2 FAD3 FAD4 Min. FAD
FAD
12 psig (example) Specific Powerd
RPM
FAD
7
10 psig Specific Powerd
RPM
FAD
8 psig Specific Powerd
RPM
FAD
6 psig Specific Powerd
RPM
NOTES:
a. See CAGI BL 300 standard for definition of terms and performance guarantees. No negative
tolerance for discharge pressure and + 4% tolerance for delivered air flow values.
b. Discharge pressure in -2 psig increments starting at max. rated operating pressure. A total of 4 pressures shall be shown.
c. Intermediate data points (FAD 2, 3, and 4) are nominal equal spacing between 100% and Minimum FAD
d. Specific Power (kW/100 cfm)
Member (Note: This is a sample datasheet.)

23
 Figure B4, Positive Displacement Air Blower Package Data Sheet
Variable Speed Blower
MODEL DATA -Option 1 Standard Conditions
1 Manufacturer Date:
Model Number:
Driver Cooling
Main Drive Motor System
Gearbox
VFD Lubrication System
2 Harmonic Filter Inlet Air Filter
Inlet Guide Vanes
Inlet Throttle Valve

VALUE UNITS
3 Rated Capacity (FAD) at Rated Operating Pressure 3643 cfm
4 Rated Operating Pressure - p2 10 psig
5 Drive Motor Nameplate Rating 200 HP
6 Compressor Rated Speed 30000 RPM

a
Performance Table (Based on reference inlet conditions of pamb=14.7 psia, Tamb=68oF, RH=36%)
Delivered Air Flow - FAD (cfm)C
b
Discharge Pressure p2 (psig) 100%
FAD FAD2 FAD3 FAD4 Min. FAD
FAD 3297 2930 2563 2195 1828
d
12 psig (example) Specific Power 4.44 4.39 4.34 4.30 4.35
RPM 29985 29018 28100 27289 26615
FAD 3481 3027 2574 2120 1665
7 d
10 psig Specific Power 4.11 3.92 3.75 3.64 3.64
RPM 29989 28256 26742 25532 24585
FAD 3578 3052 2526 2000 1475
d
8 psig Specific Power 3.83 3.47 3.14 2.99 3.05
RPM 29998 27334 25065 23432 22233
FAD 3645 3050 2454 1859 1264
d
6 psig Specific Power 3.53 2.99 2.53 2.35 2.38
RPM 30000 26269 23144 21032 19434
NOTES:
a. See CAGI BL 300 standard for definition of terms and performance guarantees. No negative
tolerance for discharge pressure and + 4% tolerance for delivered air flow values.
b. Discharge pressure shall be in -2 psig increments starting at max. rated operating pressure. A total of 4 pressures shall be shown.
c. Intermediate data points (FAD 2, 3, and 4) are nominal equal spacing between 100% and Minimum FAD
d. Specific Power (kW/100 cfm)
Member
(Note: This is a sample datasheet with example data.)

24
 4.5
Package Performance
12 psig (example)

10 psig
4
8 psig
Specific Power, (HP/100 FAD)

6 psig
3.5

2.5

2
0 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500 3750 4000
Capacity, FAD

25
 CAGI BL 300 Section C
Explanation and Comparison of Performance Data: Dynamic and
Positive Displacement Blowers

C1. Introduction

Standard blower packages are more commonly being offered by manufacturers of blower
elements. This is in response to the market request to puchase blowers as a package, fitted with
all of the ancillary devices required for proper operation.

A standardized test procedure and method of reporting the flow and power of the blower
package was needed in order to provide an end user a ‘wire-to-air’ performance of centrifugal
and/or positive displacement packages.

In sections A and B of the CAGI BL 300 standard, existing, well accepted package compressor
test codes for dynamic and positive displacement compressor packages (ISO 5389 and ISO
1217, respectively) have been adapted. The new test codes apply to blowers with no
intercooling or stage cooling and moderate pressure ratios (≤ 3) (up to 28" Hg (94.8 mb) inlet
vacuum or up to 30 psig (2.07 barg) discharge pressure). The existing codes were simplified to
provide wire to air performance test methods that measure true package performance of low
pressure air blowers. The rigorous procedures included in the new codes result in highly
accurate, true performance values that enable comparisons among manufacturers and types of
blowers. The new procedures were developed to be annexes to the exisitng ISO test codes.

CAGI also developed standardized means of reporting performance. These data sheets for
packaged blowers with both fixed speed and variable speed drivers are incorporated into the BL
300 standard.

It is the intention of this section of BL 300 to explain the modifications made in the relevant
compressor base test codes and to explain the performance data sheets of both types.

Some guidance for the comparison of data sheets between the two technologies is also provided.
Note that this test standard is not an application guidance document.

26
C2. Dynamic Blowers

Dynamic compression involves air drawn between the blades of a rapidly rotating impeller.
The air is accelerated to a high velocity. Air speed is translated to pressure energy via a diffuser
and into a volute or collector.

Dynamic blowers and compressors are of a radial flow design, with the following typical
examples: single-stage centrifugal blowers, multi-stage centrifugal blowers without
intercooling, and high speed "turbo" blowers.

Applicable Test Code: ISO 5389, Turbocompressors - Performance test code, Second edition,
2005. CAGI: BL5389, - Simplified Acceptance Test of Electric Driven, Low Pressure
Turbocompressor Air Blower Package, which is Section A of CAGI BL 300, is intended as an
Annex to ISO 5389. In CAGI BL 5389, the existing ISO 5389 code was simplified to account
for the lack of interstage cooling. New definitions of scope are made, and a report included that
captures the scope of supply and performance guarantees in terms of delivered air flow,
discharge pressure, and package specific power consumption.

Flow performance measurement is made with no negative and up to 4% positive tolerance on

tabulated values. Specific Power Requirements can vary by 4%, positive or negative, from the
tabulated values. This is done to assure no under-reporting of package power can be made.

Either a Class A test (Data sheet performance verification) or a Class B test (Client specified
performance verification) can be chosen.

C3. Positive Displacement Blowers

Positive displacement low pressure blowers and compressors work on the principle of trapping
a volume of air and reducing its volume, internally or externally. Two basic types are typical,
as follows:

• Rotary Screw positive displacement compressor: Air is drawn into a compression

chamber formed by intermeshing rotors. As the rotors turn, the cavity between the
rotors becomes smaller, reducing the volume of the trapped air. When the pressure has
reached the designed built in pressure ratio, the rotors uncover the outlet port and the air
is discharged into the customer’s piping.

• Rotary Lobe positive displacement blower: Air is drawn into the case and is trapped
between the rotor and the case wall. These pockets are progressively moved to the
outlet port. At the outlet, some air from the piping comes back into the blower,
compressing the air.

Applicable Test Code: ISO 1217:2009, Simplified acceptance test for electrically driven
packaged displacement compressors, Annex C for blowers with fixed speed drives and Annex E
for blowers with variable speed drives. The existing code has complete applicability for
blowers and compressors. No adjustments to the method are needed. Provisions for adapting
the test results to gaurantee results are also well defined. No new code development was
needed. The only deviation taken from this code when applied to blowers is applying a -0%
flow acceptance tolerance on variable speed drive blower packages.
27
See CAGI BL 300 Section B for more details regarding test procedures for positive
displacement low pressure blowers. A report that captures the scope of supply, delivered air
flow, and specific package power is defined.

28
C.4 Data Sheets

C4.1. Example: 200 HP High Speed Centrifugal Blower Package with Integrated Variable Speed
Drive.

29
C4.2. Example: 200 HP Positive Displacement Rotary Screw Blower Package with Integrated
Variable Speed Drive.

30
C5. Comparing Positive Displacement and Dynamic Compressor Performance Data Sheets.

Explanation of the examples: The example data sheets used here are of two packaged blowers, one
of centrigual design, the second of a positive displacement design. Both are fitted with a variable
speed drive and are of similar scope. The two data sheets are representative of the data sheets
manufacturers would report.

Both are Class A tests, which would represent the performance of the manufacturer’s standard
package. As the basis of flow and power recording are taken back to the same ISO methods of flow
and power measurement, they can be compared directly.

C5.1 Flow

Both test codes measure volume of air delivered by the blower package, expressed to the same
standard site conditions. The term to unify reporting is ‘Free Air Delivered’ (FAD). Standard
conditions for countries using ANSI terms: (14.7 PSIA, 68°F and 36% rh). Standard conditions for
countries using the SI units system: (1 BAR, 20°C , 0% rh). This is a volumetric flow indication
and should not be confused with mass flow.

C5.1.1 Volumetric Flow

At a constant speed, the fundamental ‘curves’ (head/flow) of the

two technologies are very different. The chart at right depicts the
two technologies together.

The positive displacement compressor will deliver nearly the

same capacity regardless of pressure change. The volume
change is nominaly capacity losses from internal leakage.

The dynamic compressor’s capacity changes as the pressure

changes. On rising pressure, the capacity reduces appreciably.

C5.1.2 Mass Flow

The weight of the air brought into the machine (its density) affects the two technologies differently.
Colder air weighs more. The work that the two technologies need to do varies dramatically.

C5.2 Variables affecting work

C5.2.1 Variables influencing work of positive

displacement compression:

P1 : Inlet pressure

V1 : Volume flow (not mass flow)

P2/P1 : Pressure ratio

31
Inlet pressure, volume flow, and pressure ratio are the only variables which influence the power
consumption in postive displacement compressors. Inlet air temperature and mass flow (density)
have no appreciable effect on power.

C 5.2.2 Variables influencing work of dynamic compression:

H : Isentropic Head

R : Real Gas Constant

T1 : Inlet Temperature

K : Specific heat ratio cp/cv

P2/P1 : Pressure ratio

Inlet temperature and the mass flow (density) have a direct effect on power of dynamic
compressors. The diagram below shows the effect of inlet temperature on the performance of a
dynamic compressor.

Speed:

The speed of the wheel in a dynamic compressor has a marked effect on the flow and head
performance of the machine. It is for this reason that the data sheet provides the defined speed of
the wheel. Effects of Reynolds and Mach numbers are then incorporated into the performance data
as reported. A full discussion of this topic is contained with Section A of the CAGI BL 300
standard and is not repeated here.

For positive displacement packages, speed also has an influence on the flow and power needed.
Packages may be of a gear, belt, or direct drive design. To ensure all losses of the drive system are
incorporated, speed of the main driver is reported, rather than the compression or blower element.

32