2019/1/11 Fugitive Emissions: ISO 15848 vs.

TA-Luft – Taurus Double Block & Bleed Valve Series

By Tim-Frederik Kohler  Posted May 17, 2017  In Emissions Control

Tracking and limiting Fugitive Emissions has moved into the focus of many
countries around the world. Stringent legal requirements force the industry to
rethink and use emission-reducing equipment. This sounds very simple, but from
my experience there is still misconception when it comes to this subject.

Today, I would like to compare the German TA-Luft with the ISO 15848 Standard.

The Difference between ISO 15848 and TA-

Luft
ISO 15848 TA-Luft

In the framework of ISO 15848 the TA-Luft only deals with the sealing
entire industrial valve, including the system of the stem passage. A simple
body seals, will be subjected to type manufacturer declaration is sufficient for
testing verification.

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2019/1/11 Fugitive Emissions: ISO 15848 vs. TA-Luft – Taurus Double Block & Bleed Valve Series
The ISO type test classifies the
complete industrial valve into a
pressure, temperature, endurance
and tightness class.
The requirements of the ISO type test
are very specific and detailed and as a
result, the test duration for a complete
ISO 15848 type test takes 1 to 2 weeks.
ISO 15848 “Industrial valves –
Measurement, test and qualification
procedures for fugitive emissions”
consists of 2 part:
Part 1:
Classification system and qualification
procedures for type testing of
industrial valves:
A distinction is made here between 3
tightness classes: A, B and C. Class A
having the smallest environmental
leakage.
Part 2:
Production acceptance testing of
industrial valves: Only the products
that have successfully completed the
https://taurusdbbvalves.com/fugitive-emissions-iso-15848-vs-ta-luft/
The TA-Luft test qualifies only a “high-
quality sealing system”. TA-Luft is
considered to be complied with if metal
bellows with a safety packing or similar
sealing systems are used; whereby the
equivalence in the verification system
must be confirmed in accordance with
VDI 2440.
The requirements of TA-Luft are very
general. The test duration for a TA-Luft
test therefore normally does not take
longer than 1-2 days. There is no
requirement neither to the number of
mechanical cycles nor to the number of
thermal cycles.
For example, many seal manufacturers
like to advertise with “TA-Luft packings”.
Simply using “TA-Luft packings” of this
type does not guarantee long-term leak
tightness. Many other factors play a
significant role in a sealing system.
These include, for example, the stem
surface finish and the gap dimensions
between the gland and the stem.
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2019/1/11 Fugitive Emissions: ISO 15848 vs. TA-Luft – Taurus Double Block & Bleed Valve Series

first part of the test may be subjected

to this test. Leakage is tested at room
temperature without mechanical
effects utilising a helium leak
detection test.

How To Ensure You Buy The Best Product

Available?
In my opinion, the ISO 15848 Fugitive Emission Standard is the one to go for.

Having said that, pay attention of how the valves are tested and always compare
the manufacturer certificates. Some manufacturers conduct the tests at room
temperature or reduced temperature and low pressure only.

As a matter of fact, the stress on the valve packing and material is much higher at
real operating conditions with high temperature and pressure. Do also compare
the number of cycles the valve has gone through to pass the test under the test
temperature conditions.

It’s also noteworthy to mention that you should always go for quality when it
comes to choosing the right valves for your application. State of the art design and
manufacturing technique achieves the highest peak of seal integrity.

The Bottom Line

ISO 15848 approved valves are excellent and reliable at reducing fugitive
emissions.

This improves plant safety, reliability and protects the environment and
health.

(Image source: © Nes Jerry / Fotolia)

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