Overview
ISO 18760:2026 sets forth requirements for longitudinally welded high-manganese austenitic steel pipes intended for cryogenic temperature applications under pressure. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard addresses both pressure-retaining and certain non-pressure-retaining components, such as pipe supports welded directly to pressure components. The document is developed specifically for ships and marine technology sectors, ensuring suitable mechanical performance, quality, and safety for systems exposed to cryogenic conditions, including applications for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and, where agreed, liquefied hydrogen.
High-manganese austenitic steel offers excellent toughness and durability at extremely low temperatures, meeting stringent international marine regulations such as the International Gas Carrier (IGC) Code and International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).
Key Topics
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Scope & Applicability
- Delivery and acceptance conditions for welded pipes of circular cross-section made from high-manganese austenitic steel.
- Use for pressure-retaining components and pipe supports joined to pressure systems.
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Health, Safety, and Quality
- Mandatory compliance with occupational health and safety management principles.
- Requirements for risk mitigation during manufacturing and welding activities.
- Obligations for manufacturers to implement robust quality management systems (QMS) ensuring product traceability, personnel competence, and welder/operator qualifications.
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Welding Requirements
- Adherence to relevant welding quality standards (e.g., ISO 3834-2, ISO 14731).
- Strict criteria for welding procedure qualifications, operator certifications, and use of specified consumables.
- Provisions for welding under varying environmental conditions and for specific inspection and testing responsibilities.
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Material and Manufacturing Controls
- Guidelines on steelmaking, pipe forming, seam welding, and finishing processes.
- Chemical composition and mechanical property requirements aligned with international norms for cryogenic service.
- Testing protocols for tensile strength, impact resistance (Charpy test), and bend or flattening tests to ensure consistent quality.
Applications
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Marine and Offshore Engineering
- Critical for cargo and fuel piping systems in LNG carriers and vessels designed to operate with alternative low-temperature fuels such as hydrogen.
- Used in pressure-retaining pipework as well as integrated support structures welded directly to cryogenic piping.
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Shipbuilding and Ship Repair
- Material standardization streamlines procurement, fabrication, and inspection procedures for shipyards, material suppliers, and maintenance operations.
- Applicable to both new construction and retrofitting projects requiring resistance to extremely low temperatures.
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Safety and Regulatory Compliance
- Supports compliance with ISO, IMO, and classification society requirements for safety, quality, and reliability in cryogenic marine applications.
- Enhances documentation and traceability for approval by ship owners, regulators, and customers.
Related Standards
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Material Testing and Welding
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Manufacturing and Inspection
- ISO 10893 Series: Non-destructive testing of steel tubes
- ASME B31.3: Process Piping
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX: Welding procedures
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Occupational Health and Safety
- ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management
By establishing uniform specifications for high-manganese austenitic steel pipes, ISO 18760:2026 facilitates the design, construction, and maintenance of safe and high-performance cryogenic piping systems in marine environments. This standard is essential for engineering teams, procurement specialists, and safety managers involved in advanced shipbuilding and marine engineering projects worldwide.