ISO 20602:2019/Amd 1:2021

Overview

ISO 20602:2019/Amd 1:2021 is an important amendment to the international standard governing check valves used in low temperature applications within ships and marine technology. Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 8 (Ships and marine technology), Subcommittee SC 3 (Piping and machinery), this amendment refines the design and testing requirements to ensure optimal valve performance under demanding maritime conditions. The standard aims to enhance safety, reliability, and compliance for marine vessels operating in cold environments, where check valve functionality is critical for system integrity.

Key Topics

This amendment to ISO 20602:2019 introduces crucial updates focused on:

• High Pressure Closure Testing
  The acceptance criteria for high pressure closure tests have been revised from "No leakage" to conform with API 598 standards, reflecting industry-recognized testing procedures that balance safety and practicability.

• Leakage Rate Measurements
  Modifications to units and measured values for acceptable leakage rates are clarified, ensuring consistency and accuracy in testing protocols:

  • Changed leakage rate units to cm³/(min·mm) for better standardization.
  • Updated leakage values for different check valve types, including lift, swing, and dual plate designs.

• Acceptable Leakage Rates by Valve Type
  Specific leakage limits are now defined as:

  • Lift check valves: 0 cm³/(min·mm) – demanding a completely tight seal.
  • Swing check valves: 0.787 cm³/(min·mm) – tolerating minimal leakage appropriate for functionality.
  • Dual plate check valves: 11.811 cm³/(min·mm) – recognizing their operational characteristics.

These precise metrics support manufacturers and marine engineers in validating valve integrity and ensuring compliance with low temperature operational parameters.

Applications

ISO 20602:2019/Amd 1:2021 serves critical roles in sectors including:

• Marine Vessel Design and Construction
  Ensuring check valves meet stringent low temperature performance criteria helps maintain safety and system reliability in ships navigating cold waters or polar conditions.

• Marine Machinery Maintenance and Inspection
  Standardized testing procedures for leakage and closure strength facilitate routine maintenance checks, reducing risk of valve failure or operational downtime.

• Offshore Platforms and Subsea Installations
  Marine infrastructure exposed to sub-zero temperatures benefits from valves designed and tested under this standard, ensuring operational continuity and environmental protection.

• Piping Systems in Maritime Environments
  Applies to essential piping components where reverse flow prevention and fluid containment at low temperatures are critical for process stability and crew safety.

Related Standards

To complement ISO 20602:2019/Amd 1:2021, professionals should consider:

• API 598 – Valve Inspection and Testing
  Recognized by this amendment for setting leakage test acceptance criteria, API 598 is a widely accepted standard in the oil and gas and marine industries.

• ISO 15085 – Shell Marine Valves
  Addresses general requirements for various marine valve designs including low temperature suitability.

• ISO 13709 (API 610) – Centrifugal Pumps for Petroleum, Petrochemical and Natural Gas Industries
  Relevant for systems incorporating check valves under low temperature conditions.

• ISO/IEC Directives Part 1 and Part 2
  Governing the development and editorial guidelines of ISO standards, ensuring consistency and clarity in international documentation.

ISO 20602:2019/Amd 1:2021 is a key resource for manufacturers, marine engineers, and regulatory bodies focused on marine check valve design, testing, and certification, supporting enhanced safety and performance in cold temperature maritime applications. Adherence to this amendment helps drive global harmonization and technical excellence in ships and marine technology.