ISO 15848-1:2015

Overview

ISO 15848-1:2015 - "Industrial valves - Measurement, test and qualification procedures for fugitive emissions - Part 1" defines a classification system and type‑testing procedures to evaluate external leakage from valve stem (shaft) seals and body joints of isolating and control valves. The standard targets valves used with volatile air pollutants and hazardous fluids and is focused on reducing fugitive emissions through repeatable test and qualification methods. End connection joints, vacuum applications, corrosion and radiation effects are explicitly excluded.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Type test scope: Procedures for evaluating leakage from stem seals and body seals of fully assembled valves selected from standard production. Valves shall be previously pressure‑tested per applicable standards (e.g., ISO 5208).
• Test conditions and preparation: Specification of test fluid, test pressure, test temperature, temperature measurement inside the valve, and stem (shaft) seal adjustment (SSA).
• Leakage measurement methods: Includes total leak rate measurement (Annex A), sniffing/local leakage detection (Annex B), and helium leak‑rate conversions (Annex C). The accumulation/suck‑through method is used for helium measurement.
• Performance classification: Defines tightness classes, endurance (mechanical‑cycle) classes for isolating and control valves, and temperature classes. Classes permit objective comparison of valve designs for fugitive emissions.
• Test procedures and safety: Guidance on test equipment, safety rules for testing with flammable or inert gases, and reporting requirements. Also covers marking, reporting of test results, and extension of qualification to untested valves with justified similarity.
• Normative references: ISO 5208 (pressure testing of metallic valves) and EN 13185 (tracer gas leak testing) are referenced for test context and methods.

Practical applications and users

• Valve manufacturers use ISO 15848-1 for type qualification during product development and to demonstrate compliance with fugitive emissions performance classes.
• Independent test laboratories adopt the standard’s methods (helium sniffing, accumulation, methane sniffing) to produce repeatable, certifiable leak measurements.
• Plant operators and end‑users in oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical and environmental compliance roles specify ISO 15848‑1 performance classes in procurement and asset integrity programs to reduce workplace and environmental emissions.
• Regulators and environmental auditors reference the classification system to assess equipment risk and compliance with emission control requirements.

Related standards

• ISO 15848-2 - Production acceptance test of valves (companion part)
• ISO 5208 - Pressure testing of metallic valves
• EN 13185 - Tracer gas leak testing

Using ISO 15848-1 helps organizations improve valve selection, reduce fugitive emissions, and standardize qualification and reporting for environmental and safety compliance.