ISO 12101 Type Testing of Stem Seals for Valves Approved for Publication

What is it?

The new standard ISO 12101 Measurement, test and qualification procedures for fugitive emissions - Classification system and qualification procedures for type testing of stem seals for valves has successfully completed the final ballot process and will be published by ISO in the next few weeks.

This standard is designed to complement the existing ISO 15848 series of fugitive emissions testing standards by specifying qualification requirements that can be undertaken by seal manufacturers. It specifies testing procedures for evaluation of external leakage of valve stem (or shaft) seals in isolating and control valves.

Why is it Important?

The purpose of ISO 12101 is to establish a uniform procedure for the evaluation of process valve stem packing using a standardised test fixture and helium or methane as the test medium. The testing approaches defined provide a method for evaluating sealing systems allowing valve manufacturers to evaluate the performance of their products against the requirements of ISO 15848-1.

It is likely that this standard will become the preferred global general purpose testing standard for evaluating stem/shaft sealing systems to minimise fugitive emissions in critical industries such as oil and gas, process and particularly for the developing hydrogen industry.

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Hot Spots are intended to alert members and provide a brief overview of new standards, activities or procedures that are being introduced in the industry. If there is key information missing that would be helpful, please let us know so that we can improve our future service.

Please Note: This Hotspot is for information purposes, and we invite comments from BVAA members only. Please also note that at time of publication ballots may be closed. For more information, please contact the Secretariat.

BVAA Members: Did you know we have a hotspot tab on the BVAA website? Head over to www.bvaa.org.uk/login-here.asp and log into the member only area. You then need to select ‘Hotspots’ for the latest. For information on how to access the member only area of the website please contact jane@bvaa.org.uk.  

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