Overview
EN ISO 15848-1:2015/A1:2017 is an important international standard developed by CEN that focuses on industrial valves-specifically targeting the measurement, test, and qualification procedures for fugitive emissions. This amendment refines the classification system and type testing qualification procedures applicable to valve stem seals and body joints of isolating and control valves. These valves are commonly used in environments handling volatile air pollutants and hazardous fluids. It excludes considerations for end connection joints, vacuum applications, corrosion effects, and radiation.
This standard plays a critical role in ensuring valves meet strict environmental and safety regulations by defining how to quantitatively assess external leakage during valve operation, effectively reducing harmful fugitive emissions.
Key Topics
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Classification System for Valves
The standard provides a detailed classification system based on temperature ranges and performance criteria for fugitive emission control. It defines temperature classes from cryogenic levels (as low as -196 °C) to high ranges (up to 400 °C), ensuring valves are tested within relevant operational conditions.
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Qualification Procedures for Type Testing
Rigorous test procedures are outlined to qualify valve designs. This includes tests at multiple temperatures and pressure ratings to validate valve integrity under different application scenarios. For instance, testing at 100 °C qualifies a valve operating range within ambient temperature classes.
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Temperature Class Guidelines
Amendment 1 clarifies how to select the target test temperature class with rules for handling temperature deviations. Tests above or below the standard thresholds require appropriate class adjustments, and detailed documentation of test temperature is mandatory in reports.
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Marking and Reporting Requirements
The standard specifies how to correctly mark valves post-testing, including performance class codes, temperature classes (with adjusted temperatures in brackets if necessary), and pressure ratings (e.g., PN16). This ensures traceability and compliance during procurement and usage.
Applications
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Environmental Compliance
EN ISO 15848-1:2015/A1:2017 supports manufacturers and users in minimizing fugitive emissions from industrial valves, helping meet stringent environmental regulations focused on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous fluid containment.
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Industrial Process Control
This standard is widely applied within chemical, petrochemical, and oil & gas industries where reliable valve sealing performance is mandatory to avoid leaks that can lead to safety hazards or process inefficiency.
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Valve Design and Quality Assurance
Valve manufacturers use this standard to verify and demonstrate product reliability through standardized testing. It guides design optimization to improve emission control performance during the product development lifecycle.
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Procurement and Supplier Evaluation
Buyers and facility operators leverage qualification test reports compliant with this standard to select valves that meet their fugitive emission requirements, ensuring long-term operational reliability and regulatory adherence.
Related Standards
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ISO 15848-2 – Covers field testing of installed valves for fugitive emissions, complementing the factory type-testing procedures outlined in part 1.
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ISO 9001 – Quality management systems for continuous improvement in valve manufacturing and testing processes.
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ISO 14001 – Environmental management standards benefiting from stringent control of industrial fugitive emissions.
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API Standards – Such as API 622, which also addresses valve packing and fugitive emission testing, useful for cross-referencing industry-specific requirements.
By adhering to EN ISO 15848-1:2015/A1:2017, industries can enhance valve performance, reduce environmental impact, and maintain compliance with global fugitive emission regulations, ensuring safer and more sustainable industrial operations.