December 2025: New Standards Boost Safety for Petroleum and Energy Technologies

December 2025 marks a significant evolution for professionals invested in Petroleum and Energy Technologies. With four new international standards released, the energy landscape is set for higher safety, quality, and compliance in fuel handling, engine operation, testing, and laboratory analysis. This in-depth review—Part 3 in our coverage of this month's updates—guides industry leaders through the new requirements, methodologies, and business implications, ensuring your teams maintain best-in-class operational excellence.

Overview / Introduction

The petroleum and energy sector underpins global transportation, power generation, and manufacturing. As fuels diversify—introducing biomethane, hydrogen admixtures, and synthetic blends—precision in testing, quality assurance, and engine compatibility has never been more vital. International standards provide the technical backbone, reducing operational risk, safeguarding environment and workforce, and paving the way for global market access.

In this article:

• Get a concise overview of four essential new and revised standards.
• Understand the scope, core requirements, and target audience for each specification.
• Acquire actionable insights into integrating these standards into your compliance and quality management systems.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 17507-1:2025 – Calculation of Methane Number for Gaseous Fuels (MNc Method)

Natural gas - Calculation of methane number of gaseous fuels for reciprocating internal combustion engines - Part 1: MNc method

The new ISO 17507-1:2025 introduces the MNc (Methane Number calculated) method—a standardized algorithm for determining the methane number (MN) of gaseous fuels. This standard is critical for engine manufacturers, natural gas suppliers, and energy engineers responsible for ensuring safe and efficient operation of reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE). Methane number is analogous to octane rating for gasoline, reflecting a fuel’s resistance to engine knock, a key operational and safety parameter.

The MNc method leverages only the composition of the gas (volume fraction) as input, enabling accurate, repeatable calculation across a wide range of fuels, including:

• Natural gas
• Biomethane
• Hydrogen admixtures

Key Requirements & Specifications:

• Applies to all gas compositions used in RICE, accommodating diversity from biomethane or hydrogen blending.
• Considers hydrocarbons and inert components; prescribes normalization for oxygen/argon/helium traces.
• Structured methodology: simplifies fuel composition, forms partial ternary mixtures, iteratively calculates the methane number.
• Provides boundary composition ranges for each gas analyzed.

Who Needs to Comply:

• Engine OEMs specifying fuel requirements
• Gas grid operators and distributors
• Regulatory compliance officers in fuel quality
• Facility and energy managers integrating alternative gaseous fuels

Practical Implications:

• Precise selection and adjustment of engine parameters and warranty conditions.
• Quality assurance in gas supply (including for hydrogen-enriched mixes).
• Facilitates comparable data for global trade and regulatory reporting.

Notable Changes:

• Establishes MNc as an international reference in alignment with current technological advancements and alternative fuels.
• Contains annexes for software validation, implementation tools, and uncertainty estimation.

Key highlights:

• Covers diverse gaseous fuels beyond traditional natural gas
• Algorithmic, software-validated methodology
• Supports compatibility with hydrogen and renewable gas blends

Access the full standard: View ISO 17507-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 17507-2:2025 – Calculation of Methane Number for Gaseous Fuels (PKI Method)

Natural gas - Calculation of methane number of gaseous fuels for reciprocating internal combustion engines - Part 2: PKI method

Complementing Part 1, ISO 17507-2:2025 details the PKI (Propane Knock Index) method—a robust, experimentally validated technique for calculating methane number. Developed in partnership with global engine OEMs and natural gas suppliers, this method brings alternative validation and computational reliability, ensuring coverage for more complex gas blends and next-generation engine designs.

Scope & Methodology:

• Focuses on mole fraction analysis for a broad range of hydrocarbon and inert components.
• Ideal for stakeholders needing harmonization with European (DNV) and global engine knock methodologies.
• Uses two polynomial formulas: one for the PKI index, the second to convert PKI to a methane number result.

Key Requirements:

• Comprehensive coverage of isomeric hydrocarbons (n-butane, i-butane, n-pentane, etc.).
• Robust data normalization for oxygen, water vapor, argon, and helium.
• Designed for automated calculation, software or laboratory implementation.
• Prescribes boundary ranges for component concentrations for validity.

Target Stakeholders:

• Engine manufacturers and power solutions integrators
• Industrial users and utilities with diverse or imported gas supply
• Researchers and testing laboratories
• Software and instrumentation providers designing gas analyzers

Implementation Benefits:

• Reduces the risk of engine knock or failure via more precise fuel characterization
• Facilitates warranty, performance, and regulatory conformity for gas engines
• Supports accountability and data consistency for global stakeholders

Notable Features:

• Algorithmic, polynomial-based approach for precision
• Cross-references with ISO 23306 and harmonized European methods
• Tool annexes provided for ease of technical integration

Key highlights:

• Experimentally validated for emerging gas compositions
• Enables direct and repeatable calculation for compliance
• Enhances harmonization with European regulatory requirements

Access the full standard: View ISO 17507-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN ISO 2719:2025 – Flash Point Determination (Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Method)

Determination of flash point - Pensky-Martens closed cup method (ISO 2719:2025)

The newly revised EN ISO 2719:2025 sets the international benchmark for determining the flash point—the lowest temperature at which vapors of a sample ignite. The flash point is central to safety, storage, shipping, and classification of petroleum products and related liquids.

Scope:

• Specifies three rigorous test procedures (A, B, C) using the Pensky-Martens closed cup method.
• Applies to a vast array of liquids: distillate fuels (diesel, heating oil), lubricating oils, paints, varnishes, FAME biodiesel, cutback residuals, and other specialty fuels within 40 °C to 370 °C.
• Not applicable to water-borne paints/varnishes (see ISO 3679 for those).

Key Requirements:

• Procedure A: For homogeneous liquids (fuels, fresh/used oils, paints, varnishes)
• Procedure B: For residual fuels, mixtures with suspended solids/film-forming liquids
• Procedure C: For fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), as in advanced biofuels standards (EN 14214, ASTM D6751)
• Strict apparatus calibration, proper sample handling, and repeatability/safety measures
• Correction for barometric pressure, precision control, and documentation protocols

Who Needs to Comply:

• Refineries and fuel manufacturers
• QA/QC labs and safety managers
• HSE professionals and logistics providers
• Regulatory bodies and import/export authorities

Practical Implications:

• Minimizes fire/explosion risk in transport and storage
• Facilitates compliance with global hazardous material regulations
• Essential for chemical classification, labeling, and MSDS compilation

Enhancements Over Prior Editions:

• Refined procedures for newer fuel classes
• Improved apparatus specifications and safety
• Increased precision and reproducibility

Key highlights:

• Critical for safe handling and labeling of fuels and chemicals
• Coverage includes advanced biofuel components
• Simplifies integration with laboratory and certification protocols

Access the full standard: View EN ISO 2719:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 37306:2025 – Distillation Characteristics at Atmospheric Pressure (Micro-Distillation)

Liquid petroleum products - Determination of distillation characteristics at atmospheric pressure - Micro-distillation

ISO 37306:2025 establishes a cutting-edge laboratory method for analyzing the distillation characteristics (volatility/boiling range) of light and middle distillates. The ability to quickly and accurately assess volatility is vital for product quality, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, especially as product portfolios include more synthetic, bio-derived, or blended fuels.

Scope & Target Products:

• Light/middle distillates (gasoline, diesel, naphtha, kerosene, aviation/turbine fuels)
• Automotive fuels including bioethanol blends (up to 20% ethanol)
• FAME (B100), FAME diesel blends (up to 30%), special petroleum spirits
• Marine burner fuels and narrow-boiling-range solvents
• Not for products with significant residual material

Testing Method:

• Automatic micro-distillation apparatus for controlled, precise heating and pressure measurement
• Data recording and digital analysis for repeatable distillation curves
• Sample handling, apparatus calibration, and validation procedures specified
• Ensures data traceability, error minimization, and standardization

Compliance Audience:

• Fuel and lubricant manufacturers
• Product development and R&D teams
• Laboratory analysts and QA/QC chemists
• Process engineers and regulatory auditors

Benefits in Practice:

• Rapid quality control screening (small sample volumes, fast cycle)
• Accurate boiling range for contract, regulatory, and process parameters
• Supports process optimization in refineries and storage terminals
• Enhances assurance in field-based, portable testing environments

Technical Advancements:

• Alignment with ASTM D7345 methodology
• Appends precision data, reference materials, and apparatus validation protocols
• Emphasizes automation and error reduction

Key highlights:

• Automated, high-throughput laboratory procedure
• Suitable for new fuel types and advanced blends
• Standardizes data reporting and traceability

Access the full standard: View ISO 37306:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Business Implications

The adoption of these standards ensures:

• Consistent fuel quality across global supply chains
• Enhanced engine safety and operational reliability
• Reduced risk of fire, explosion, or catastrophic engine failure
• Facilitation of regulatory permitting and market access for alternative fuels
• Harmonization with EU and global requirements through normative cross-references

Compliance Considerations & Timelines

• Early integration is recommended for all new fuel procurement, QA/QC, and facility upgrade projects.
• Laboratories and refineries should update protocols, calibrate equipment, and train staff for new methods.
• Regulatory and contractual compliance will increasingly refer to these updated standards in 2026 and beyond.

Benefits of Proactive Adoption

• Minimizes liability and insurance risk
• Demonstrates commitment to industry best practices and sustainability
• Improves customer and partner confidence, supporting certifications and market claims

Risks of Non-Compliance

• Potential for product recalls, supply chain disruption, or regulator intervention
• Increased liability in the event of safety incidents or engine failures
• Market exclusion due to out-of-date analytical or procedural methods

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements & Themes

• Algorithmic, composition-based calculation—Both methane number standards (ISO 17507-1, -2) use rigorous mathematical methods for reliable, reproducible results, emphasizing automation and software validation.
• Apparatus calibration & competence—EN ISO 2719 and ISO 37306 require strict apparatus calibration, quality control materials, and adherence to sample handling and safety protocols.
• Traceability and repeatability—Meticulous data recording, validation, and reporting underpin all procedures, supporting laboratory accreditation (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025).

Implementation Best Practices

1. Audit current test and calibration protocols to identify gaps with new standard requirements.
2. Update training materials for laboratory staff, quality managers, and compliance teams on new methodologies.
3. Evaluate and upgrade laboratory instrumentation as needed for closed cup flash point determination and micro-distillation.
4. Integrate calculation tools or software compliant with the latest methane number algorithms; validate implementation with sample data from the standards' annexes.
5. Document procedural changes in quality management systems.

Testing and Certification Considerations

• Ensure all test results are traceable to certified reference materials and documented procedures.
• Participate in proficiency testing or interlaboratory comparisons to benchmark data accuracy.
• Remain alert to amendments, as standards sometimes undergo frequent technical updates to reflect new fuels and regulatory criteria.

Conclusion / Next Steps

Key Takeaways:

• December 2025's new and revised standards for Petroleum and Energy Technologies usher in enhanced safety, precision, and consistency.
• Methane number calculation is now robustly standardized, supporting the growing role of renewable gases and hydrogen.
• Laboratory testing and fuel classification see streamlined, globally harmonized methods.

Recommendations:

• Review each standard in detail and update your internal procedures accordingly.
• Invest in training, software/hardware upgrades, and cross-functional compliance strategies.
• Engage with iTeh Standards to access authoritative documents, implementation guides, and future update notifications.

Stay at the forefront of energy innovation and risk management—explore these standards and more at iTeh Standards. Ensuring compliance is not just a technical requirement—it's a strategic advantage for your organization.