ISO 12614-13:2021

Overview

ISO 12614-13:2021 specifies tests and requirements for the tank pressure control regulator used in liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel systems for road vehicles (as defined in ISO 3833). It forms part of the ISO 12614 series addressing LNG fuel system components and focuses on safety, durability and performance of the regulator under cryogenic and routine operating conditions. All pressures in the standard are gauge pressures unless otherwise stated.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and exclusions: Applies to tank pressure control regulators for motor vehicles; not applicable to fuel containers, stationary gas engines, container mounting hardware, electronic fuel management or refuelling receptacles.
• Marking: Component must be traceable - manufacturer name/trademark, model/part number, working pressure or pressure/temperature range, serial number or date code. Additional recommended markings include flow direction, fuel type, electrical ratings, certification symbol and reference to ISO 12614-13.
• Construction and conformity: Regulators must comply with the general requirements in ISO 12614‑1 and test methods in ISO 12614‑2.
• Test program (selected highlights):
  • Hydrostatic strength: test pressure = 2.5 × working pressure (WP).
  • External leakage: leakage tests at prescribed temperature/pressure combinations:
    • Cryogenic (< −162 °C): 1.0 × WP and 0.25 × WP.
    • Room temperature (20 °C): 0.25 × WP and 1.5 × WP.
    • Elevated temperature (85 °C or 120 °C): 0.25 × WP.
  • Continued operation (durability): 7 000 cycles required. Cycles split 50% at room temperature and WP, 50% at < −162 °C and 100% WP. Each cycle: flow until stabilized outlet pressure, then shut off within 1 s, with stabilized defined as set pressure ±15% for ≥5 s. Lock‑up pressure after cycling must not exceed manufacturer’s specified lock‑up pressure.
• Pressure basis: Standard uses a base WP of 1.6 MPa (16 bar) for natural gas; test pressures can be scaled by ratio for other system WPs (e.g., multiply by 1.25 for 2.0 MPa systems).

Applications and users

• Who uses it: LNG vehicle OEMs, component manufacturers, test laboratories, certification bodies, fleet operators and safety/compliance engineers working with LNG-powered road vehicles.
• Practical value: Ensures regulator reliability under cryogenic and elevated temperatures, reduces leakage risk, provides durability criteria for long-term operation, and supports conformity assessment and type approval of LNG fuel system components.

Related standards

• ISO 12614-1 - General requirements and definitions for LNG fuel system components
• ISO 12614-2 - Performance and general test methods for LNG system components
• ISO 3833 - Road vehicles - Types - Terms and definitions

Keywords: ISO 12614-13, tank pressure control regulator, LNG fuel system, liquefied natural gas, road vehicles, hydrostatic strength, leakage testing, continued operation, working pressure.