ISO 1998-4:1998

Overview

ISO 1998-4:1998 - Petroleum industry - Terminology - Part 4: Refining is an ISO bilingual (English/French) terminology standard that defines and harmonizes terms used in petroleum refining. Published in 1998 and prepared by ISO/TC 28/SC 1, this part of the ISO 1998 series provides equivalent English and French terms with corresponding definitions for refining operations and processes. The standard is designed to support clear communication across the petroleum value chain - from crude feedstock handling through refining processes to final products - while clarifying scope boundaries with related technical committees (e.g., equipment terminology falls under ISO/TC 67).

Key Topics

• Bilingual term list and definitions: English ↔ French equivalent terms with concise, authoritative definitions for refining practice.
• Classification and numbering system: Terms are coded using the x.yy.zzz format (x = part number; yy = subcategory; zzz = serial term number).
  • Part 4 subcategories: 10 operations, 20 processing without conversion, 30 processing with conversion, 40 petrochemical process, 50 equipment - utilities, 60 miscellaneous.
• Representative terms included: distillation concepts (reflux, reflux ratio, theoretical plate, tower top temperature, pressure drop, flooding), specific processes (atmospheric distillation, vacuum distillation, extractive distillation, redistillation), separations and treatments (depropanization, debutanization, depentanization, dewaxing, de‑asphalting, de‑oiling), and filtration/drying terminology.
• Normative linkage: Index and general material are referenced in ISO 1998‑99 (Part 99).

Applications

ISO 1998-4:1998 is useful wherever accurate and consistent refining terminology is required:

• Refinery operations and process engineering - standardizing language in process descriptions, operating procedures and safety documentation.
• Technical documentation and translations - producing bilingual manuals, specifications, data sheets and contracts.
• Standards development and regulatory compliance - harmonizing definitions across national and international regulations and industry standards.
• Training and education - providing an authoritative glossary for courses, competency frameworks and operator training.
• Procurement, testing and labs - clarifying test methods, product specifications and sample descriptions.

Typical users include refinery engineers, process chemists, technical writers, translators, standards committees, regulatory bodies and educators.

Related standards

• ISO 1998 (series): Parts 1–7 and Part 99 (General and index)
• ISO 1998‑99: General and index for the ISO 1998 terminology series
• Note: Equipment-specific terminology is covered by ISO/TC 67 (Materials, equipment and offshore structures for petroleum and natural gas industries)

Keywords: ISO 1998-4, petroleum terminology, refining glossary, refinery terminology, distillation terms, vacuum distillation, dewaxing, de-asphalting, bilingual standard.