EN ISO 23208:2019
(Main)Cryogenic vessels - Cleanliness for cryogenic service (ISO 23208:2017)
General Information
- Abstract
ISO 23208:2017 specifies the minimum requirements for the cleanliness of all surfaces of cryogenic vessels and associated accessories that are in contact with the cryogenic fluid at any expected operating conditions.
ISO 23208:2017 defines the acceptable level of surface and particle contamination to minimize the risk of malfunction of equipment and ensure safety against ignition when in contact with oxygen or oxidizing fluids (see ISO 10156).
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 26-Mar-2019
- Withdrawal Date
- 26-Sep-2019
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 268 - Cryogenic vessels
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 268/WG 2 - Compatibility, insulation, accessories
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 27-Mar-2019
- Due Date
- 05-Oct-2020
- Completion Date
- 27-Mar-2019
Overview
EN ISO 23208:2019 (identical to ISO 23208:2017) specifies minimum cleanliness requirements for cryogenic vessels and associated accessories that contact cryogenic fluids at any expected operating condition. The standard defines acceptable levels of surface and particle contamination to reduce equipment malfunction risk and to ensure safety against ignition when components contact oxygen or oxidizing fluids.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Applies to all surfaces in contact with cryogenic fluids (refrigerated gases, evaporated liquids, supercritical fluids).
- Contamination limits: Particles visible to the naked eye under daylight/white light are unacceptable. For oxygen/oxidizing service, the maximum recommended hydrocarbon contamination is 500 mg/m² (guidance from CGA G‑4.1); lower limits may be required for specific applications.
- Prohibited residues: Chips, oxide scale, weld spatter, free water and detectable hydrocarbons, paints, adhesives or incompatible coatings are not acceptable for oxygen service unless demonstrated oxygen-compatible (see ISO 21010).
- Welding practice: Root passes of pipe welds must be protected (e.g., with forming gas) to avoid gross porosity.
- Cleaning procedures: Any method is acceptable provided the cleanliness requirements are met. Solvents/agents must be compatible with all materials (including plastics) and removed completely when cleaning for oxygen service.
- Inspection and evaluation: Select inspection/sampling methods that complement the cleaning technique. Annex A lists practical inspection methods such as direct visual (white light), UV fluorescence, wipe/solvent flush and solvent immersion/drain techniques. Inspection methods must not introduce contamination.
- Post‑cleaning protection & packaging: Cleaned items must be protected (sealed, purged, or packaged) to prevent recontamination. Protective gases must be dry, oil‑free and dust‑free; packaging must be removable without leaving residues.
- Identification & documentation: Conformity must be evidenced by a certificate or label: “ISO 23208 – cleaned oxygen” for oxygen/oxidizing fluids or “ISO 23208” for other cryogenic fluids. Protective gas type and pressure should be indicated if used.
Applications and users
- Who uses it: Cryogenic vessel manufacturers, industrial gas suppliers, LNG and hydrogen system integrators, OEMs, commissioning and maintenance teams, QA/QC inspectors, and cleaning service providers.
- Typical applications: Storage and transport tanks, transfer piping, valve bodies and accessories used with oxygen, nitrogen, LNG, hydrogen and other cryogenic fluids where contamination control is critical to performance and safety.
Related standards
- ISO 21010 - Cryogenic vessels: gas/materials compatibility
- ISO 10156 - Oxygen/oxidizer properties and combustibility guidance
- Referenced guidance: CGA G‑4.1 and EIGA documents (for hydrocarbon guidance and contamination migration)
Keywords: EN ISO 23208:2019, ISO 23208:2017, cryogenic vessels, cleanliness, oxygen service, oxidizing fluids, inspection methods, hydrocarbon contamination, post‑cleaning protection.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 03-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 25-Apr-2018
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN ISO 23208:2019 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Cryogenic vessels - Cleanliness for cryogenic service (ISO 23208:2017)". This standard covers: ISO 23208:2017 specifies the minimum requirements for the cleanliness of all surfaces of cryogenic vessels and associated accessories that are in contact with the cryogenic fluid at any expected operating conditions. ISO 23208:2017 defines the acceptable level of surface and particle contamination to minimize the risk of malfunction of equipment and ensure safety against ignition when in contact with oxygen or oxidizing fluids (see ISO 10156).
ISO 23208:2017 specifies the minimum requirements for the cleanliness of all surfaces of cryogenic vessels and associated accessories that are in contact with the cryogenic fluid at any expected operating conditions. ISO 23208:2017 defines the acceptable level of surface and particle contamination to minimize the risk of malfunction of equipment and ensure safety against ignition when in contact with oxygen or oxidizing fluids (see ISO 10156).
EN ISO 23208:2019 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 23.020.40 - Cryogenic vessels. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN ISO 23208:2019 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12300:1998/A1:2006, EN 12300:1998, ISO 21010:2014, EN 13458-2:2002, EN 14197-3:2004, EN 13648-1:2008, EN ISO 19115-3:2023, EN 14398-3:2003, EN 13530-1:2002, EN 13458-1:2002, EN 1251-1:2000, EN 13458-3:2003, EN 13530-3:2002, EN 1251-3:2000, EN 1251-2:2000. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN ISO 23208:2019 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2008/68/EC; Standardization Mandates: M/086. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
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