Overview
ISO/TS 21985:2022 - Light gauge metal containers - Non‑refillable LPG cartridges - General requirements - defines minimum construction, design, material, performance, test methods and marking for non‑refillable liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cartridges. It applies to small, single‑use cartridges (UN 2037) predominantly filled with butane (iso/normal), with a nominal capacity of up to 250 g, and designed to deliver LPG in the vapour state whether used upright or horizontally (e.g., with portable gas cookers).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Gas composition and capacity
- Butane (C4H10) ≥ 95% mass fraction; other hydrocarbons ≤ 5%.
- Nominal LPG capacity up to 250 g; odour detectable at 1/1 000 LPG:air by volume.
- Construction & design
- Cartridges must remain gas‑tight and pressure‑resistant under reasonable transportation and service vibration/impact.
- Must allow gaseous discharge in normal service, and include means to prevent discharge when removed and to protect the valve.
- Defined cartridge and valve dimensions (examples): total height ~185.0 +1.5 mm, outer diameter 65.7 ±0.5 mm, boss diameter 10.65 ±0.1 mm; stem height 5.6 ±0.5 mm, stem diameter 4.0 +0.05 mm.
- Valve stroke
- Compressive (stroke) dimension: 1.7 to 2.8 mm.
- Initial injection stroke: 0.2 to 0.9 mm.
- Materials
- Cartridge body materials referenced to ISO 11949 / ISO 11951 (tinplate/blackplate); alternative metals require salt‑spray corrosion testing (ISO 9227).
- Stem material: melting point above 500 °C and corrosion‑resistant.
- Performance & test methods
- Comprehensive test suite including vibration, drop, gas resistance, ozone resistance (ISO 1431‑1), gas tightness, pressure resistance, stem functioning load, repeated use, LPG composition, filled mass, valve flow rate, flange strength and more.
- Safety features
- Accepts various burst prevention device types: countersink release (CRV), rim vent release (RVR), resealing valve, and temperature sensing valve.
Applications and who uses this standard
ISO/TS 21985:2022 is essential for:
- Manufacturers of non‑refillable LPG cartridges and cartridge valves to meet safety, dimensional and material requirements.
- Appliance designers (portable gas cookers, camping stoves) to ensure cartridge compatibility and safe interfacing.
- Testing laboratories and conformity assessors performing vibration, drop, pressure and gas composition tests.
- Regulators and transport authorities, since cartridges are classified as UN 2037 for dangerous goods transport.
- Quality and safety engineers addressing consumer safety, transport compliance and product marking.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO/TS 21985:2022, non‑refillable LPG cartridges, butane cartridges, cartridge valve, test methods, UN 2037, portable gas cooker safety, light gauge metal containers.
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