ISO 16010:2019

Overview

ISO 16010:2019 specifies material requirements for elastomeric seals used in pipes, fittings, ancillaries and valves that convey gaseous fuels (manufactured, natural and LPG in the gaseous phase) and hydrocarbon fluids. It covers typical operating temperatures from −5 °C to 50 °C (and in special cases −15 °C to 50 °C), defines classification and hardness ranges, and gives general requirements for finished joint seals. The standard is applicable to seals for all pipeline materials (iron, steel, copper, plastics) and is intended to be used alongside product standards that define joint performance.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Material classification and hardness: five hardness classes (50, 60, 70, 80, 90) with specified IRHD ranges.
• Service categories:
  • Type G (general): gaseous fuels and hydrocarbons with aromatic content up to 30% (by volume).
  • Type H (special): suitable for gases with condensates and hydrocarbons of unrestricted aromatic content.
• Mechanical and physical properties: mandatory limits for tensile strength, elongation at break, compression set, and stress relaxation; hardness variation limits (max 4 IRHD difference per seal).
• Ageing and chemical resistance: requirements after accelerated ageing (70 °C, 7 days) and volume change tests in hydrocarbon liquids (ISO 1817).
• Low-temperature performance: compression set testing at −5 °C (and special provisions for −15 °C cases).
• Stress relaxation testing: measured at ambient temperature with 7‑day and 90‑day criteria; regression correlation coefficients required (≥ 0.93 for 7‑day, ≥ 0.83 for 90‑day). The 90‑day test is considered a type-approval test.
• Finished-seal quality: dimensional tolerances (ISO 3302-1), surface and internal defect classifications (ISO 9691), and exclusion of cellular materials, seals with enclosed voids, flame/thermal‑resistant seals, and spliced pre‑vulcanized profiles.
• Composite seals: additional requirements apply only to elastomeric parts that contact the fluid.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 16010:2019 is used by:

• Seal and gasket manufacturers designing and qualifying pipe joint seals for gas distribution and liquid hydrocarbon systems.
• Pipeline and fittings manufacturers selecting compatible elastomers for gas utilities, LPG systems, and fuel installations.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing mechanical, ageing and chemical resistance tests to verify material compliance.
• Engineers and specifiers ensuring long-term sealing performance and regulatory compliance in gas and hydrocarbon conveyance.

Related standards

ISO 16010 references and is intended to be applied with other test and product standards, e.g., ISO 37, ISO 48-2, ISO 188, ISO 815-1/2, ISO 1817, ISO 3384-1 and ISO 9691 for specific test methods and workmanship guidance. Use ISO 16010:2019 when specifying elastomeric seal materials for reliable, safe pipeline joints.