EN 417 Non-refillable Metallic Gas Cartridges for Liquefied Petroleum Gases, with or without Valves

The European standard “EN 417 Non-refillable metallic gas cartridges for liquefied petroleum gases, with or without valves, for use with portable appliances - Construction, inspection, testing and marking” describes the material, construction, inspection and marking requirements for non-refillable metallic gas cartridges, with or without valves, for use with portable appliances that comply with the requirements of the standard “EN 521 Technical specification for specific liquefied petroleum gas appliances - Portable vapour pressure liquefied petroleum gas appliances”.

Non-refillable metallic gas cartridges are single-use, sealed containers made of metal (usually steel or aluminum) designed to hold liquefied petroleum gases such as butane, propane, or isobutane.

This standard applies to cartridges designed to contain coked liquefied petroleum gas or stabilized mixtures of liquefied petroleum gas with propadiene or methyl acetylene or dimethyl ether or equivalent, with a total capacity of between 50 ml and 1,000 ml, provided that the pressure developed by the contents of the cartridge at 50°C does not exceed 13,2 bar. However, coking of these gases is optional for cartridges with a total capacity not exceeding 150 ml.

This standard does not apply to aerosol dispensers manufactured, filled, tested and marked in accordance with Directive 2008/47/EEC. It also does not apply to devices with an integral non-replaceable gas container or to the cartridges used to fill such containers (e.g. lighters).

The gas cartridge body and valve cup, if present, must be made of metal, excluding the sealing material. The composition and mechanical properties of the metal for the cartridge body must be detailed in a document provided by the material manufacturer.

The materials used for the container, valve, any internal lining, external coatings, internal leak restrictors, and seals must be compatible with the gases to be held by the cartridge and must withstand reasonably foreseeable mechanical, thermal, and chemical conditions likely to occur during use and storage. Gas cartridges designed to contain mixtures of liquefied petroleum gas and methylacetylene must not be manufactured from materials containing more than 70 percent copper.

In this standard, design and construction requirements are described as follows:

• Gas cartridges must be made of one or more parts joined by welding, soldering, crimping, etc.
• Gas cartridges with an outer diameter of 40 mm and above must be equipped with a concave base.
• Gas cartridges must be designed and constructed so that they will not leak or show visible permanent deformation when subjected to an internal pressure equal to the test pressure.
• Gas cartridges must be designed and constructed so that they will not leak or burst until 1,2 times the test pressure is reached or exceeded.
• The concave shape of the base of gas cartridges with an outer diameter of 40 mm or larger must change shape before any leakage or rupture will occur. However, for three-piece cartridges with valves with an outer diameter of 40 mm or larger, the concave shape of the base must reverse or the domed top must extend permanently before any leakage or rupture will occur.
• Gas cartridges must be designed and manufactured to be leak-proof at temperatures between minus 20 degrees and plus 70 degrees.
• The dimensions of the cartridge must be such that it is compatible with the devices indicated on the cartridge.
• The internal leak limiter should not prevent the cartridge or device from functioning properly.

Pierceable cartridges, on the other hand, must not be equipped with valve caps. Pierceable cartridges must be equipped with an internal leak limiter. For Type 200 cartridges (86 mm internal diameter, containing approximately 190 g of gas), the dimensions specified in the standard must be maintained. Other pierceable cartridge capacities, sizes, and shapes are permitted, provided they cannot be inserted into, and are not pierced by, devices designed for Type 200 cartridges.

The EN 417 standard is a European standard that specifies the requirements and test methods for non-refillable metallic gas cartridges used with portable devices such as camping stoves, lanterns, and heaters. It covers the construction, materials, design, safety, and testing of disposable (non-refillable) gas cartridges. It is generally applicable to cartridges filled with gases such as butane, propane, or isobutane. The aim is to ensure that the cartridges are safe to use, withstand pressure, and are properly sealed to prevent leaks. This standard is particularly relevant to gas cartridge manufacturers, safety and quality inspectors, and manufacturers and users of outdoor equipment that rely on portable gas fuel.

The main test methods specified in this standard for non-refillable metallic gas cartridges are:

• Visual inspection: Cartridges are visually checked for defects such as cracks, dents, improper sealing, or surface irregularities before any other testing.
• Leak test: This test is performed to ensure that no gas escapes from the cartridge under pressure. During the test, the cartridge is pressurized (usually with an inert gas such as nitrogen). It is then immersed in a liquid or exposed to soapy water. Any bubbles indicate a leak.
• Bursting pressure testing (overpressure testing): This test is performed to verify that the cartridge can withstand pressures significantly above its normal operating pressure without bursting. During the test, the cartridge is pressurized until it bursts or reaches a defined test pressure above the maximum filling pressure (usually 2 to 3 times the operating pressure). It must not rupture or deform below the test pressure. If it bursts, it must burst safely without hazardous rupture.
• Drop test: This test is used to simulate an accidental drop during handling or transportation. During the test, the cartridge is dropped from a specified height onto a hard surface (typically 1,5 meters). After the drop, it is subjected to a leak test again. There should be no leaks or hazardous damage.
• Temperature resistance testing: This test is performed to verify safety when exposed to extreme temperatures. During the test, the cartridge is subjected to both high and low temperature cycles (e.g., cold shock at -20 degrees Celsius and heat exposure at +50 degrees Celsius). It is then inspected and leak tested. It must not leak or deform that would affect safety.
• Valve function test: This test is performed to verify that the valve or punctured seal opens properly and does not leak when closed. During this test, the valve is operated repeatedly. The cartridge is leak tested before and after use. It must function properly and not leak.
• Fill quantity and pressure verification: This test is performed to verify that the cartridge is filled with the correct gas mass and pressure, and is suitable for labeling. These tests ensure the safety of the cartridges during production, transport, storage, and use.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, boasts a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the standard "EN 417 Non-refillable metallic gas cartridges for liquefied petroleum gases, with or without valves, for use with portable devices - Construction, inspection, testing, and marking."