January 2026: Key Updates for Fluid Systems Standards in Industrial Applications

Advancements in fluid systems and components continue to transform how industrial sectors manage the safe, efficient conveyance and storage of fluids. With the release of two pivotal international standards in January 2026—ISO 7685:2026 and prEN ISO 21009-1—manufacturers, engineers, quality professionals, and procurement specialists have new benchmarks to guide design, testing, and safety requirements. These updates are set to impact a wide range of fluid handling industries, from chemical processing to cryogenics.

Overview / Introduction

Fluid systems play a foundational role in nearly every industrial sector, underpinning processes that range from water supply to the containment and transfer of hazardous or temperature-sensitive fluids. The adoption of rigorous international standards is vital for ensuring system safety, reliability, and interoperability across borders.

In January 2026, two key standards have been released to address the growing demands for quality and performance:

• ISO 7685:2026 focuses on initial ring stiffness measurement—a critical property for glass-reinforced thermosetting plastic (GRP) pipes used across water, waste, and industrial fluid networks.
• prEN ISO 21009-1 establishes global benchmarks for the design, fabrication, inspection, and testing of static vacuum-insulated cryogenic vessels, ensuring they meet stringent requirements for storing gases at ultra-low temperatures.

This article provides an in-depth look at each standard, offering the information industry professionals need to remain compliant, competitive, and up to date with best practices.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 7685:2026 – GRP Pipes: Determination of Initial Ring Stiffness

Glass-reinforced thermosetting plastics (GRP) pipes — Determination of initial ring stiffness

This third edition of ISO 7685 provides comprehensive methods for determining the initial ring stiffness of glass-reinforced thermosetting plastics (GRP) pipes—a core attribute influencing how pipes withstand external loads, soil pressure, and installation conditions. The new edition strengthens consistency in pipe performance assessment for both manufacturers and organizations relying on GRP piping in critical infrastructure.

Scope and Purpose

ISO 7685:2026 specifies two fundamental test methods: constant load and constant deflection, applicable across varying pipe diameters. These standardized procedures determine the resistance of a GRP pipe’s ring to circumferential deformation—crucial for applications involving buried pipes, water and sewage systems, and industrial process lines.

Key Requirements and Specifications

• Defines apparatus and test setup for both loading methods.
• Sets acceptable limits for deflection under test conditions.
• Details the calculation and reporting of ring stiffness results.
• Clarifies equivalence between test methods for specified deflection ranges.

Who Should Comply

• Pipe manufacturers of GRP products for water, wastewater, and chemical applications.
• Third-party testing laboratories and quality assurance bodies.
• Asset owners, consultants, and contractors responsible for the design and installation of GRP pipeline systems.

Practical Implications

Adhering to ISO 7685:2026 ensures:

• Reliable comparison of mechanical properties across suppliers and product series.
• Regulatory compliance in markets where third-party verification of pipe stiffness is required.
• Enhanced safety and service life through rigorous, repeatable performance testing.

Notable Changes from Previous Editions

• Inclusion of two valid, alternative test methods for broader applicability.
• Improved guidance on apparatus calibration and result interpretation.
• Spectrum of diameters explicitly covered, widening the standard’s relevance.

Key highlights:

• Dual-method approach: both constant load and constant deflection are recognized.
• Clarifies sample preparation, test procedure, and result expression for consistency.
• Supports harmonization for global supply chains in GRP piping.

Access the full standard: View ISO 7685:2026 on iTeh Standards

prEN ISO 21009-1 – Cryogenic Vessels: Design, Fabrication, Inspection, and Testing

Cryogenic vessels - Static vacuum-insulated vessels - Part 1: Design, fabrication, inspection and tests (ISO/DIS 21009-1:2024)

Released as the first part in a comprehensive series, prEN ISO 21009-1 sets out critical global requirements for static vacuum-insulated vessels used in the storage and handling of cryogenic fluids at pressures above 0.5 bar. These vessels—common in gas processing, energy, medical, research, and semiconductor sectors—demand rigorous quality and safety due to the hazards associated with cryogenics.

Scope and Applicability

This standard applies to:

• Static, vacuum-insulated cryogenic vessels designed for non-toxic fluids.
• Vessels with maximum allowable working pressures above 0.5 bar, with guidance extended for lower pressures.
• Design, fabrication, inspection, and proof testing to safeguard against leaks, structural failures, and thermal inefficiencies.

Key Requirements and Specifications

• Stringent requirements for materials, mechanical integrity, and insulation performance.
• Reference to best practices in vessel welding, joint design, and surface preparation.
• Detailed inspection and testing protocols, including pressure tests and vacuum performance.
• Criteria for documentation, labeling, and traceability throughout the vessel's lifecycle.
• Guidance on quality control, fabrication tolerances, and manufacturer responsibilities.

Who Should Comply

• Cryogenic equipment designers and manufacturers.
• Fabricators and welding shops specializing in vacuum-insulated systems.
• End-users and asset managers in gas production, healthcare, and scientific research sectors.
• Regulatory bodies overseeing pressure equipment and industrial safety.

Practical Implications

Implementing prEN ISO 21009-1 enables:

• Improved vessel safety, reducing risks of catastrophic failure or hazardous leaks.
• Market access in regions relying on ISO/CEN harmonization for compliance.
• Demonstrable quality and adherence in procurement and supply chain processes.

Notable Changes and Modernization

• Updated design and welding requirements reflecting new materials and technologies.
• Enhanced safety margins for insulation and secondary containment.
• Expanded guidance for vessels operating at lower pressures, supporting a broader range of applications.

Key highlights:

• Mandatory pressure, vacuum, and leak inspections before commissioning.
• Harmonized requirements for traceability and documentation.
• Emphasis on insulation efficacy and energy loss minimization.

Access the full standard: View prEN ISO 21009-1 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Fluid systems are mission-critical components in energy, utilities, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and process industries. These new standards introduce essential updates—enhancing both operational safety and business competitiveness:

• Adoption Timeline: Manufacturers and importers will need to update design and test protocols immediately for new production batches. Facility managers must require proof of compliance in infrastructure upgrades and procurement from Q1 2026 onwards.
• Compliance Benefits:
  • Elevated confidence in product quality for buyers and operators.
  • Smoother regulatory approvals in markets enforcing or acknowledging international standards.
  • Reduced liability through proven adherence to the industry’s best available practices.
• Risks of Non-Compliance:
  • Loss of market access and damaged client trust.
  • Increased risk of accidents, costly failures, and insurance complications.
  • Challenges in third-party certification or government tender participation.

In summary, organizations who act promptly on these new requirements will see not only safer, more reliable systems, but also a competitive edge in winning new business and contracts.

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements:

• Rigorous Testing: Both ISO 7685:2026 and prEN ISO 21009-1 emphasize systematic, repeatable testing. For GRP pipes, testing initial ring stiffness is crucial for long-term performance. For cryogenic vessels, pressure, vacuum, and insulation tests verify integrity and energy efficiency.
• Documentation & Traceability: Detailed recordkeeping throughout material sourcing, fabrication, and testing phases is a recurring best practice.
• Quality Assurance Integration: Both standards expect organizations to integrate these requirements within their broader quality management frameworks (such as ISO 9001).

Implementation Best Practices:

1. Conduct a gap analysis comparing current practices vs. new requirements.
2. Retrain technical and QA staff on updated test methods and fabrication controls.
3. Review and update supplier qualification processes to reflect new international expectations.
4. Invest in calibrated testing equipment for pipe and vessel assessment.
5. Working with accredited third-party labs or certification bodies for impartial compliance verification.

Testing & Certification Considerations:

• Routine sampling and batch testing ensure ongoing compliance, not just at type approval.
• Independent certification supports access to regulated markets and high-value tenders.
• Documentation of all inspection, testing, and maintenance activities is vital for audits and regulatory reviews.

Conclusion / Next Steps

With the publication of ISO 7685:2026 and prEN ISO 21009-1 in January 2026, the fluid systems sector gains updated, globally recognized recipes for product quality, durability, and safety. Key takeaways for professionals include the adoption of dual test methods for GRP pipe ring stiffness, and heightened scrutiny over design and fabrication for cryogenic vessels.

Recommendations:

• Review the full standards on iTeh Standards to understand all technical and compliance requirements.
• Update organizational existing procedures and specifications in line with the new documents.
• Engage with suppliers and partners to confirm timelines for transition and third-party certification where needed.
• Stay abreast of future publications and revisions in this dynamic, high-impact sector.

For detailed access, implementation guidance, and continuous updates, visit the authoritative iTeh Standards portal:

• Explore ISO 7685:2026 Glass-reinforced thermosetting plastics (GRP) pipes — Determination of initial ring stiffness
• Explore prEN ISO 21009-1 Cryogenic vessels - Static vacuum-insulated vessels - Part 1: Design, fabrication, inspection and tests

Stay ahead of industry trends with iTeh Standards—your source for trusted, up-to-date international guidelines.