September 2026 Updates: Key Standards for Fluid Systems and Components Released

The fluid systems sector has seen significant advancements with the publication of five major international standards in September 2026. Covering everything from industrial metallic butterfly valves to pneumatic cylinders and thermoplastics piping systems, these specifications bring new guidance for design, assessment, and safety. For professionals in fluid systems and components, understanding these updates is essential to ensure compliance, boost operational reliability, and meet evolving industry demands.

Overview / Introduction

Fluid systems and component technologies play a foundational role in industries ranging from chemical processing to water supply, manufacturing, and energy. Standards ensure that these systems operate efficiently, safely, and interoperably across different geographies and applications.

The September 2026 standards release introduces critical updates to five key specifications. In this article, we explore:

• Enhanced requirements for metallic butterfly valves
• Toughness guidelines for materials used in cryogenic vessels
• Modernized pressure-relief sizing and testing protocols
• Interchangeability for pneumatic cylinder components
• New test methods for thermoplastics fittings

Whether you’re an engineer, compliance officer, or procurement specialist, these changes impact how you select, install, and assess fluid system components.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN 593:2026 – Industrial Valves: Metallic Butterfly Valves

Industrial valves – Metallic butterfly valves

The revised EN 593:2026 standard sets comprehensive, harmonized requirements for metallic butterfly valves across industrial applications. It details essential aspects of valve design, assessment, marking, and documentation for butterfly valves with metallic bodies. These valves, vital for isolating, regulating, or controlling flow in pipelines, now benefit from a broader and clearer scope for both manufacturers and end-users.

The specification covers valves of various pipe end connections—wafer, lug, flange, butt welding, and threaded ends—spanning sizes from DN 20 to DN 4000 and pressure classes from PN 2.5 to PN 160 and Class 150 to Class 900. Notably, this revision aligns with European pressure equipment legislation, integrating key cross-references for applications in chemicals, gas distribution/transport, drinking water supply, and process control.

Key requirements include:

• Minimum requirements for valve design (body, obturator, seat, seals, shaft, materials)
• Final assessment procedures and performance testing
• Pressure/temperature ratings with traceability and material selection
• Updated marking, designation, and documentation standards
• Alignment with EU directives and related standards (e.g., EN 16668, EN 12569, EN 13774)

Who must comply:

• Valve manufacturers, process plant engineering teams, water utilities, natural gas and chemical processors using butterfly valves in regulated or safety-critical environments.

Practical impact: Compliance ensures valves are fit for use in high-integrity fluid systems and meet legislative requirements for pressure equipment. This mitigates risk, improves traceability, and supports process reliability across multiple industries.

Notable changes:

• Enhanced scope clarifying application across all industrial sectors
• New clauses addressing EU legislation (EN 16668:2025 integration)
• Additional documentation and updated marking requirements

Key highlights:

• Uniform design and testing for metallic butterfly valves
• Wider range of sizes and pressure classes
• Explicit linkage to essential sector-specific standards

Access the full standard:View EN 593:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 21028-1:2026 – Cryogenic Vessels Toughness at Cryogenic Temperatures

Cryogenic vessels — Toughness requirements for materials at cryogenic temperature — Part 1: Temperatures below ‒80 °C

The latest edition of ISO 21028-1:2026 addresses critical safety and performance requirements for metallic materials used in vessels operating below –80 °C. This standard is vital for industries dealing with liquefied gases, medical applications, hydrogen storage, and other ultra-low-temperature environments.

It defines how to assess material toughness (resistance to brittle fracture) in steels, aluminum and copper alloys—excluding unalloyed steels and cast materials—through laboratory testing at specified cryogenic temperatures. Acceptance criteria for impact energy and lateral expansion are specified, along with precise sampling and testing methods.

Key requirements include:

• Specification of acceptable metallic materials for cryogenic service
• Mandatory toughness testing for base metals and welds
• Test piece location, preparation, and assessment guidelines
• Defined acceptance criteria for material performance at low temperatures

Who must comply:

• Manufacturers of cryogenic vessels for industrial gases, energy systems, and scientific equipment, as well as engineers specifying or certifying such equipment for safety-critical applications.

Practical impact: Following this standard assures the safe design of vessels storing volatile, liquefied gases, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure due to material brittleness at cryogenic temperatures.

Notable changes:

• Clarifies normative references and updates testing protocols from previous editions
• Expanded detail on sample locations, including welds and heat-affected zones

Key highlights:

• Mandatory toughness qualification for cryogenic vessel materials
• Prescribed impact test procedures
• Acceptance criteria for structural integrity at sub-zero temperatures

Access the full standard:View ISO 21028-1:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 21013-3:2026 – Cryogenic Vessels: Pressure-Relief Accessories – Sizing and Capacity

Cryogenic vessels — Pressure-relief accessories for cryogenic service — Part 3: Sizing and capacity determination

The third edition of ISO 21013-3:2026 introduces updated and precise calculation methods for sizing pressure relief devices on cryogenic vessels. These devices protect vessels from overpressure by properly venting fluids under fire, loss of vacuum, or operational upset conditions.

The standard offers in-depth formulae and guidance for:

• Calculating heat transfer and resulting mass flow rates for different vessel conditions (normal, fire, vacuum loss)
• Sizing relief valves and bursting discs with detailed step-by-step calculation approaches
• Accounting for piping design, pressure drops, back pressure, and heat transfer rates

Annex A provides recommendations for pressure relief on cryostats, ensuring comprehensive guidance for a wide variety of vessel types.

Key requirements include:

• Calculation methods for all major upset and emergency conditions
• Recommendations for pressure relief devices’ selection and installation
• Example scenarios and calculation workflows
• Sizing criteria integrating updated thermal and flow resistance data

Who must comply:

• Designers, safety engineers, and vessel manufacturers in chemical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and energy sectors handling liquefied gases.

Practical impact: Proper sizing is crucial for protecting assets, maintaining compliance, and safeguarding personnel and property from catastrophic failures.

Notable changes:

• Enhanced calculation precision for heat/flow parameters
• Updated discharge coefficients and vaporizer surface specifics
• Improved clarity on piping network assessments

Key highlights:

• Standardized sizing methods for relief devices on cryogenic vessels
• Coverage of both normal and extreme (fire, vacuum failure) conditions
• Usable by both equipment manufacturers and end users

Access the full standard:View ISO 21013-3:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 8139:2026 – Pneumatic Fluid Power Cylinders, Mounting Dimensions

Pneumatic fluid power — Cylinders, 1 000 kPa (10 bar) series — Mounting dimensions of rod-end spherical eyes

ISO 8139:2026 standardizes the mounting dimensions for rod-end spherical eyes used on pneumatic cylinders, specifically those operating at 1,000 kPa (10 bar), as manufactured per ISO 6432 and ISO 15552. These guidelines ensure interchangeability and compatibility of rod-end accessories across brands and cylinder types—critical for maintenance, procurement, and system integration.

It provides exact dimensions for the rod-end spherical eyes, application instructions, and guidance to maximize bearing life and performance. The standard allows manufacturers and users to confidently specify and source components, knowing they will be compatible regardless of supplier.

Key requirements include:

• Standardization of rod-end spherical eye mounting dimensions
• Specification for forces and tolerances linked to cylinder bore and pressure
• Application, installation, and lubrication recommendations
• Sample ordering and reference practices for users

Who must comply:

• Pneumatic actuator manufacturers, system integrators, maintenance teams working with factory automation and machinery.

Practical impact: Reduces downtime, streamlines spare parts procurement, and simplifies upgrades or system modifications by ensuring cross-brand compatibility.

Notable changes:

• Technical update to reflect new series and harmonize with latest cylinder standards
• Clarity on maximum force and dimensional tolerances

Key highlights:

• Clear, universal dimensions for cylinder rod-end accessories
• Supports international cross-sourcing and system upgrades
• Direct linkage to pneumatic cylinder pressure standards

Access the full standard:View ISO 8139:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 9853:2026 – Thermoplastics Piping Systems: Crushing Test for Moulded Fittings

Thermoplastics piping systems — Crushing test for moulded fittings

With the new ISO 9853:2026, manufacturers and quality labs can assess whether moulded thermoplastics fittings will withstand compressive stress or fail during installation or service. It sets out a test for crushing mode failure, referencing maximum permissible deformation before a fitting is considered unacceptable.

Applicability spans a range of plastics, including PVC-U, PVC-HI, PVC-C, PE, PP, ABS, PVDF, PPSU, and PA-U—widely used in water, wastewater, and process piping. The standard includes method specifics, apparatus requirements, sample conditioning, and reporting deliverables, plus recommended deformation percentages for each material (see Annex A).

Key requirements include:

• Standardized crushing test protocol for thermoplastic fittings
• Applicability to a range of commonly used plastics (including new additions in this edition)
• Reporting requirements for test outcomes and sample traceability

Who must comply:

• Pipe and fitting manufacturers, third-party test labs, quality control engineers dealing with thermoplastics pipework for fluids handling.

Practical impact: Ensures fittings will perform reliably under compressive loading, helping prevent failures leading to leaks or system downtime.

Notable changes:

• Expanded list of applicable plastics
• Refined apparatus and sample preparation/detailing based on new material types

Key highlights:

• Universal method for assessing fitting internal stress via crushing
• Direct application for multiple material types
• Enhanced test reproducibility and reporting

Access the full standard:View ISO 9853:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The 2026 updates for fluid systems standards have a sweeping impact on design, procurement, and compliance:

• Mandatory requirements: Meeting these standards is often a legal obligation (especially under EU Pressure Equipment and other directives).
• Operational Gains: Aligning with new specifications improves reliability, reduces maintenance costs, and supports lifecycle management.
• Procurement & Interchangeability: Standardized dimensions and materials smooth the sourcing process and enable multi-vendor flexibility.
• Safety & Liability: Non-compliance can result in catastrophic equipment failure, environmental damage, lost production, or fines.
• Competitive Advantage: Early implementers of new standards can gain a market edge by offering certified, future-proofed products.

Compliance steps and timelines

1. Review the new requirements in each applicable standard.
2. Update technical documentation and purchasing specifications.
3. Engage with suppliers to ensure new or modified products meet updated standards.
4. Schedule staff training and product testing as necessary.
5. Plan internal and external audits for major projects using these components.

Technical Insights

Across these standards, several technical themes emerge:

• Material performance at extremes: Both metallic and thermoplastic components must demonstrate integrity under stress, pressure, and extreme temperatures.
• Interchangeability and compatibility: Mounting and interface standards ensure that system upgrades or repairs can occur rapidly and without risk of mismatch.
• Testing and certification: Emphasis on documented, repeatable tests—be it for valve pressure, material toughness, or compression resistance—fosters transparency and trust in component quality.
• Best practices:
  • Follow detailed guidance on sampling, test execution, and documentation
  • Adopt updated calculation and assessment methods for critical components like pressure-relief devices
  • Integrate standards requirements into supplier quality agreements
• Certification considerations:
  • External inspection and periodic audits may be required for regulated sectors
  • Third-party product conformity assessments may provide added assurance or be a compliance necessity

Conclusion / Next Steps

The September 2026 wave of standards for fluid systems and component technologies drives critical improvements in safety, reliability, and cross-market compatibility. Organizations must quickly assess gaps, adapt internal protocols, and leverage the benefits of superior product standards for competitive success.

Key actions:

• Explore each standard in detail via the iTeh Standards platform
• Review your organizational compliance with the new guidance
• Update specifications, supplier requirements, and testing processes to meet 2026 standards

Want to stay ahead? Browse all latest Fluid Systems and Components Standards on iTeh Standards

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our September 2026 coverage—detailing additional impactful standards in the fluid systems category.