Overview
ISO 11086:1996 - "Gas turbines - Vocabulary" is an International Standard that defines terms and definitions used in the field of gas turbines. It covers terminology for open‑cycle, closed‑cycle, semiclosed‑cycle and combined‑cycle gas turbine systems and presents definitions grouped for ease of use. The document is bilingual (English/French) and includes informative annexes with pictorial examples of gas turbine systems and combined cycles.
Key topics
ISO 11086 organizes standardized vocabulary across the major technical areas of gas turbine technology:
- Kinds and types - single‑shaft, multi‑shaft, open/closed/semiclosed and combined cycles.
- Structure - terminology for core components and assemblies (turbines, compressors, combustors, heat exchangers).
- Auxiliaries and accessories - standardized names for ancillary systems and equipment.
- Performances and tests - terms related to test conditions, performance metrics and acceptance testing.
- Compressors, combustors and regenerative heat exchangers - specific vocabularies for these subsystems, including interstage cooling, reheating and regenerative cycles.
- Combined cycle and cogeneration - terminology for integration of gas turbine cycles with Rankine/steam cycles and cogeneration setups.
- Annexes A–C provide pictorial examples of systems, example combined cycles and a bibliography; these are for information only.
The standard also incorporates definitions from ISO 2314 and ISO 3977 for ease of reference and applies a uniform presentation format to improve clarity.
Practical applications
ISO 11086 is a reference tool that supports clear communication, documentation and specification across the gas turbine industry:
- Use in technical documentation (specifications, manuals, datasheets) to ensure consistent terminology.
- Supporting procurement and contract wording by providing unambiguous definitions for equipment and system types.
- Assisting design, manufacturing and testing teams to align on component/function names and test‑related vocabulary.
- Helping regulatory bodies, certification agencies and test laboratories maintain consistency in reports and standards conformity.
- Useful for training, education and standards committees as a canonical glossary.
Who should use it
- Gas turbine OEMs and component manufacturers
- Power plant and industrial plant operators and engineers
- Test houses, inspection and certification bodies
- Procurement specialists and technical authors
- Standards developers and educators
Related standards
ISO 11086:1996 is an essential vocabulary standard for anyone working with gas turbine technology who needs reliable, industry‑wide terminology for systems, components and testing.
