Monthly Roundup: Key Petroleum and Energy Technologies Standards from October 2025

Looking back at October 2025, the Petroleum and Energy Technologies sector experienced significant standardization developments, with five pivotal standards published. These documents address vital processes in solid recovered fuels, refrigerated hydrocarbon liquids, and upstream natural gas operations—demonstrating the industry’s continued evolution toward efficiency, sustainability, and global alignment.

With an ongoing focus on operational best practices, environmental responsibility, and robust measurement protocols, October’s standards deliver actionable frameworks for fuel quality management, accurate measurements, and fluid control for unconventional reservoirs. For professionals and organizations aiming to maintain a competitive edge, this overview collates the month’s essential publications and distills their implications for compliance, technical operations, and future strategic planning.

Monthly Overview: October 2025

October 2025 marked a month of technical precision and consolidation for the Petroleum and Energy Technologies field. The recently published standards present refined methodologies for solid recovered fuel (SRF) analysis, including moisture content determination and bulk density measurement, as well as new requirements for managing refrigeration and energy calculations in hydrocarbon liquids. Notably, upstream natural gas operations saw a major update with the introduction of performance-based criteria for slick water used in hydraulic fracturing.

A distinctive feature this month was the dual release of ISO 18708:2025 and its harmonized European companion, EN ISO 18708:2025, reflecting cross-continental regulatory integration and strengthening mutual recognition of SRF measurement techniques. Additionally, technical updates in ISO 6578:2025 for refrigerated hydrocarbon liquids bring calculation methodologies up-to-date, ensuring industry-wide consistency in critical custody transfer and inventory management scenarios.

Compared to previous patterns, October 2025’s publications highlight a well-balanced focus: continuous improvement in SRF practices, advances in liquid hydrocarbon logistics, and attention to the environmental and functional effectiveness of fracturing fluids. These efforts mirror broader industry trends related to energy transition, global market expansion, and streamlined supply chain operations.

Standards Published This Month

ISO 21660-2:2025 - Simplified Total Moisture Determination for Solid Recovered Fuels

Solid recovered fuels — Determination of moisture content using the oven dry method — Part 2: Determination of total moisture by a simplified method

This standard presents a practical oven drying approach for determining total moisture in solid recovered fuels (SRF), primarily designed for routine, on-site production control when high-precision isn’t mandatory. By targeting all SRFs, the method guides users through best practices for drying test portions—advising temperature reductions for samples with high oil fractions and incorporating alternative analysis via Karl-Fischer titration when necessary.

Crucially, ISO 21660-2:2025 clarifies that total moisture isn’t an absolute value, and the standardization of test conditions is vital for comparability. The scope includes comprehensive guidance on sample preparation (aligned with ISO 21637, ISO 21645, ISO 21646) and emphasizes the need to consider the presence of volatile compounds that may affect results. Targeted at SRF producers, energy utilities, laboratories, and regulatory bodies, this standard fits seamlessly into the SRF analytics suite, supporting synchronization with broader quality and environmental reporting frameworks.

Key highlights:

• Designed for on-site, routine SRF moisture determination
• Recommends oven and alternative methodologies depending on sample composition
• Supports standardized data for trade, regulation, and quality assurance

Access the full standard:View ISO 21660-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN ISO 18708:2025 - European Standard for Bulk Density in Solid Recovered Fuels

Solid recovered fuels — Determination of bulk density (ISO 18708:2025)

This harmonized European/ISO standard offers a structured approach to measuring the bulk density of SRFs using standardized containers, focusing on samples with nominal particle sizes of less than one-third the container diameter. EN ISO 18708:2025 upholds the importance of bulk density as a core quality parameter—intertwined with transport logistics, storage planning, sampling volume calculations, and energy density estimations.

The methodology entails specific container geometries (large, medium, and small), protocols for filling and shock exposure, and precise repeatability and reproducibility criteria. It is applicable to waste management firms, SRF producers, utility operators, and laboratories throughout Europe, supporting both daily quality checks and the fulfillment of regulatory documentation. Importantly, this EN ISO version marks progress in cross-border recognition and simplifies compliance for organizations engaged in multi-national SRF trade.

Key highlights:

• Standardizes measurement and reporting of SRF bulk density across Europe
• Details apparatus, sample preparation, and shock exposure for uniform density data
• Facilitates accurate logistics and energy content assessments

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 18708:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 6578:2025 - Static Measurement and Calculation Procedure for Refrigerated Hydrocarbon Liquids

Refrigerated hydrocarbon liquids — Static measurement — Calculation procedure

ISO 6578:2025 sets forth precise calculation procedures for converting the measured volume of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG)—taken under storage or transfer conditions—to standardized volumes, equivalent mass, or energy content. The standard covers both LNG and LPG operations in marine and land-based storage, focusing on static measurement scenarios, and references the latest ISO petroleum measurement tables for all corrections and conversions.

Key changes in this third edition include updated compatibility with ISO 6976:2016 and reorganized calculation exemplars. The document details data acquisition, calculation of liquid/vapour phase mass, calorific value determination, and critical inter-conversion formulas, enhancing consistency for custody transfer, inventory management, and energy trading. The standard addresses the needs of terminal operators, shipping professionals, traders, and regulatory compliance personnel, ensuring harmonization with evolving best practices for liquid hydrocarbon handling.

Key highlights:

• Defines conversion and correction procedures for LNG/LPG under static storage
• Enables standard-compliant mass and energy calculations for custody transfer and trade
• Fully aligned with the latest international measurement tables and compositional methods

Access the full standard:View ISO 6578:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 18708:2025 - Determination of Bulk Density in Solid Recovered Fuels

Solid recovered fuels — Determination of bulk density

This ISO standard is the core international reference for the bulk density determination of SRFs—entirely harmonized with its EN ISO counterpart. ISO 18708:2025 provides the same robust framework for measuring, calculating, and reporting the bulk density of various SRF types, using standardized equipment and protocols. It reinforces the necessity of condition-controlled determination to ensure the comparability of energy content and logistical needs.

With practical instructions for apparatus configuration, sampling, container handling, levelling, and measurement calculations, this standard is critical for SRF manufacturers, quality control laboratories, logistics professionals, and energy plant operators engaged in non-European or global markets. Its strong ties to supporting SRF standards strengthen international alignment and facilitate consistent market practices.

Key highlights:

• Establishes a universal procedure for bulk density measurement in SRFs
• Enables cross-comparability for trade, energy content calculation, and logistics
• Supports integration into global as well as regional regulatory environments

Access the full standard:View ISO 18708:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 23333:2025 - Slick Water Requirements and Testing in Upstream Natural Gas

Natural gas — Upstream area — Requirements and testing of slick water

Addressing the crucial component of hydraulic fracturing in shale gas reservoirs, ISO 23333:2025 delivers a comprehensive set of requirements for slick water—including detailed sampling, testing, pH, compatibility, residue content, drag reduction, dissolution time, and kinematic viscosity. This standard is particularly timely given the expansion of unconventional gas developments globally, as it advances harmonized, performance-based specifications for fracturing fluids.

ISO 23333:2025 applies to all organizations involved in the formulation, selection, laboratory analysis, and on-site usage of slick water as a fracturing medium. It details procedures for field and laboratory sampling, outlines acceptance and inspection processes, and specifies mandatory documentation to accompany all slick water batches. For producers, service providers, users, and regulators, the implementation of this standard supports operational efficiency, regulatory transparency, market expansion, and dispute resolution in the context of global shale gas production.

Key highlights:

• Defines physical, chemical, and performance requirements for slick water
• Establishes rigorous sampling, testing, and reporting procedures
• Promotes cross-border consistency and operational safety in hydraulic fracturing

Access the full standard:View ISO 23333:2025 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

A holistic analysis of October 2025’s standards for Petroleum and Energy Technologies reveals several key industry themes:

• Standardization of Measurement and Analysis: Entries such as ISO 21660-2:2025 and both versions of ISO 18708:2025 emphasize the need for consistent, harmonized methodologies in the characterization of fuels. This supports cleaner markets, minimizes disputes, and strengthens supply chain management—especially as SRF becomes a mainstream energy source.

• Focus on Energy Transition and Sustainability: The rigor in SRF handling, along with functional testing of fracturing fluids (ISO 23333:2025), demonstrates growing commitment to renewable and unconventional resources. The standards encourage higher efficiency and environmental stewardship across global markets.

• Bridging Global and Regional Practices: The dual publication and harmonization of ISO/EN standards reflect both regulatory convergence and market globalization. Organizations operating internationally benefit from integrated compliance pathways, laying foundations for broader adoption of advanced technologies and cross-border trade.

• Precision in Hydrocarbon Management: With updates to ISO 6578:2025, the accuracy of LNG/LPG volume, mass, and energy calculations is reinforced at a time when hydrocarbon logistics and trade are poised for transformation by digitalization and automation.

These trends align with industry challenges such as market transparency, reducing operational variability, satisfying stricter regulatory regimes, and responding to economic and environmental pressures.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

For organizations impacted by these standards, proactive planning and integration are essential:

1. Gap Assessment and Training: Review current laboratory, field, and operational protocols against new or revised requirements. Conduct staff training to ensure correct application of updated methodologies (e.g., container handling for SRF density, oven-dry protocols, slick water testing).

2. Cross-Standard Harmonization: Where international and regional standards now align (e.g., ISO 18708:2025 and EN ISO 18708:2025), update documentation and quality systems to streamline audit and reporting requirements. This is particularly critical for companies trading across multiple regulatory environments.

3. Timely Transition and Recordkeeping: Note official publication and adoption timelines. Organizations should schedule procedural changes in laboratory methods, measurement protocols, or field operations accordingly. Maintain full test reports and documentation as required under each standard.

4. Supplier and Contractor Coordination: Communicate new requirements to suppliers, service providers, and third-party laboratories to ensure a consistent approach and minimize non-compliance risk throughout the value chain.

5. Resource Optimization: Leverage annexes, examples, environmental checklists, and normative references provided in the standards for implementation guidance. Where applicable, utilize public resources and work closely with national standardization bodies or industry associations.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from October 2025

The Petroleum and Energy Technologies sector’s October 2025 standardization saw marked improvements in fuel quality assurance, hydrocarbon measurement, and fluid control in unconventional gas production. The newly published standards establish benchmarks that not only respond to current regulatory and operational demands, but also position organizations to thrive amid ongoing transitions in the energy sector.

Recommendations for professionals:

• Review each standard in detail for technical and compliance implications within your operations.
• Align organizational practices with international best practices for greater operational certainty and reduced compliance risks.
• Adopt a forward-looking posture—anticipating the integration of these standards into emerging secondary legislation, market certification schemes, or contractual frameworks.

Staying current with these foundational practices is essential for competitiveness, reputation, and sustainability in the fast-evolving Petroleum and Energy Technologies landscape. To explore the full details and official documents, professionals can directly access each standard via iTeh Standards for comprehensive support and resources.