Overview
ISO 19037:2019 - Ships and marine technology - Gate valves for use in low temperature applications - Design and testing requirements - establishes design, manufacturing and test methods for cryogenic gate valves intended to deliver stable low-leakage performance in very low temperature environments (−50 °C to −196 °C). The standard targets marine and shipboard cryogenic systems where valve integrity and reliable operation at cryogenic temperatures are critical.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 19037:2019 covers technical elements needed for robust cryogenic gate valve design and verification, including:
- Scope and definitions relevant to valve sizing and pressure classes (DN, PN, NPS, class).
- Pressure–temperature rating and classification for different fluid types and working conditions.
- Design requirements for major components:
- Valve body types and manufacturing methods
- Extended bonnet design and materials (to isolate low-temperature parts)
- Wedge, stem and seat ring designs for cryogenic compatibility
- Bolts, nuts, driving system and operating devices
- Surface treatment and corrosion protection
- Materials and heat treatment: welding practice and post‑weld heat treatment requirements to ensure toughness and integrity at low temperatures.
- Testing and inspection procedures:
- Material tests, dimensional and visual inspections
- Non‑destructive testing (NDT) such as radiographic testing (RT), penetrant testing (PT) and ultrasonic testing (UT)
- Pressure testing, back‑seat and leak tests, including high‑pressure pneumatic shell test
- Cryogenic tests and fire safety tests specific to marine applications
- Marking and documentation expectations to ensure traceability and conformity.
- Annex examples and references to normative documents.
Applications and users
ISO 19037:2019 is intended for professionals and organizations involved in design, procurement, manufacture, testing, installation and maintenance of cryogenic valves, including:
- Valve manufacturers designing gate valves for LNG and cryogenic fluids
- Shipbuilders and naval architects specifying valves for LNG carriers, FPSOs and specialized marine vessels
- Offshore and onshore LNG terminal operators
- Classification societies, inspection bodies and QA/QC teams
- Maintenance and engineering teams responsible for valve selection and in‑service verification
Typical applications include LNG cargo systems, cryogenic piping on ships and terminals, cold‑storage systems and other marine low‑temperature fluid handling systems.
Related standards
ISO 19037:2019 references and aligns with several industry standards often used together, such as ISO 5208, ISO 28921-1, API 598 / API 600, and ASME/ASTM specifications (ASME B16.34, ASME Sec. V, ASTM A320/A350, etc.), helping integrate cryogenic gate valve requirements into broader marine and industrial valve practice.