Overview
ISO 5872:2025 - Oil and gas industries including lower carbon energy - Pipeline transportation systems - Vocabulary is the first-edition international vocabulary for pipeline transportation systems. Published in 2025 by ISO/TC 67/SC 2, this standard establishes a consistent set of terms and definitions covering the life cycle of pipelines used to transport oil, gas and lower-carbon energy carriers. It supports clear communication across design, material selection, construction, testing, operation, maintenance and abandonment phases.
Scope highlights
- Defines basic and fundamental terminology for pipeline systems, components and stations
- Covers onshore and offshore pipelines, pipeline networks, stations, SCADA and corrosion protection systems
- Applies to design, construction, operation and maintenance of oil and gas pipelines
- Excludes process piping within refinery and chemical plant factory areas
Key topics and technical content
ISO 5872:2025 organizes vocabulary by technical area, including:
- General concepts: pipeline, pipeline system, station, terminal, threat, life cycle
- Materials and equipment: pipe materials, fittings, steel grades, manufacturing procedure specifications, mill tests, safety and material data sheets
- Design, construction and testing: pipeline design terms, installation, welding, non‑destructive testing, pre‑commissioning and commissioning terminology
- Operation and maintenance: in‑service pipeline, operation, maintenance, repair, emergency response, life extension and abandonment
- Corrosion control: coating, cathodic protection, stray current and related terms
- Instrumentation and control: SCADA and supervisory/control terminology
The document cross-references existing ISO definitions (e.g., ISO 20675, ISO 11960, ISO 4618, ISO 16923) to ensure coherence with related standards.
Practical applications
- Establishes a common language for standards writers, engineers, operators and regulators engaged in pipeline projects
- Supports preparation and interpretation of technical specifications, contracts and inspection reports
- Facilitates training and competency development by providing standardized terms for procedures (welding, inspection, commissioning, corrosion control)
- Improves interoperability across multinational projects, pipeline networks and regulatory frameworks
Who should use this standard
- Pipeline engineers and designers
- Construction and welding specialists
- Operations, maintenance and integrity management teams
- Project managers, procurement and quality assurance personnel
- Standards developers, regulators and auditors
Related standards
Using ISO 5872:2025 as a reference ensures consistent terminology across pipeline lifecycle activities, reducing ambiguity and improving safety, compliance and efficiency in oil, gas and lower‑carbon energy transportation projects.
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