ISO 18139:2017

Overview

ISO 18139:2017 - Ships and marine technology - Globe valves for use in low temperature applications - Design and testing requirements - specifies design, manufacture and test requirements for cryogenic globe valves intended to operate in very low temperature environments (−50 °C to −196 °C). The standard targets valves used in marine and shipboard cryogenic systems where leakage stability and reliable operation at cryogenic temperatures are critical.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 18139 defines requirements across valve design, materials and testing. Major topics covered include:

• Pressure–temperature rating and classification for different fluid types suitable for cryogenic service.
• Valve structure and components: body types and materials, extended bonnet design and materials, plug types, stems, seat rings, bolts and nuts.
• Stem sealing and seat design optimized for low-temperature leakage stability.
• Driving and operating systems: manual and driven operation, gearboxes, sealing class, installation direction and open/closed direction.
• Manufacturing processes: welding, heat treatment and surface treatment requirements.
• Material and non‑destructive inspection (NDT): mandatory material tests and NDT methods including radiographic testing (RT), penetrant testing (PT), ultrasonic testing (UT) and retest/submission rules.
• Testing and inspection regime: dimensional/visual inspection, operating tests, pressure tests, back seat and leak tests, fire safety testing and specific cryogenic testing procedures and result submission.
• Documentation and marking requirements tied to valve identification and test evidence.

The standard also references multiple normative documents (e.g., ISO 5209, ISO 28921‑1, ASME, ASTM, API and MSS specifications) to ensure cross‑compatibility with established valve and flange standards.

Practical applications

ISO 18139 is applied wherever globe valves must reliably control fluids at very low temperatures in marine contexts, including:

• LNG carrier piping and transfer systems
• Onboard cryogenic storage and handling systems on ships and offshore platforms
• Shipboard process systems requiring tight shut‑off at cryogenic conditions
• Retrofit and newbuild marine valve procurement for low‑temperature service

Adherence to ISO 18139 helps ensure valve performance, leakage stability and compliance with marine safety and classification requirements.

Who should use this standard

• Valve manufacturers designing and testing cryogenic globe valves
• Marine and naval architects specifying low‑temperature valve hardware
• Shipyards, offshore operators and procurement engineers
• Classification societies and surveyors assessing cryogenic valve installations
• QA/QC and testing laboratories performing cryogenic and NDT inspections

Related standards

• ISO 28921‑1 (low‑temperature isolating valves)
• ISO 5209 (valve marking)
• ASME B16.x, ASTM Axxx, API 598, MSS‑SP‑55 and other referenced flange, valve and material standards

Keywords: ISO 18139, cryogenic globe valves, low temperature valves, marine valves, valve testing, cryogenic testing, pressure-temperature rating, valve materials.