ISO 15750-2:2002

Overview

ISO 15750-2:2002 defines requirements for steel drums - non‑removable head (tight head) with minimum total capacities of 212 l, 216.5 l and 230 l. The standard specifies key characteristics and dimensions for interchangeability in international trade, methods for measuring total capacity and brimful capacity, and a draining test to quantify residual liquid. It is intended for manufacturers, packagers, testing laboratories and purchasers of large steel tight‑head drums.

Key topics

• Scope and capacities: Applies to tight‑head steel drums with nominal total capacities of 212, 216.5 and 230 litres.
• Materials and thickness: Body and ends from commercial quality steel (ISO 3573/ISO 3574); steel thickness between 0.6 mm and 1.6 mm (normal tolerances).
• Construction details:
  • Longitudinal body seam shall be welded.
  • Heads permanently fixed to body by round seaming (six or more layers) or equivalent joining.
  • Two rolling hoops (beads) located on the body; corrugations or alternative hoop constructions allowed.
  • Closures positioned on the top end and shall not protrude above the chime.
• Closures and sealing:
  • Closure thread sizes referenced to ISO 228-1 (threads G 3/4 and G 2).
  • Gaskets/washers or other sealing elements required unless fittings are inherently leakproof.
  • Closure materials: metal plugs and caps; plugs may be metal or plastic with appropriate gaskets.
• Capacity measurement:
  • Gravimetric method (weighing water) in Annex A with temperature correction table and required weighing accuracy.
  • Distinguishes total capacity (vented to remove trapped air) and brimful capacity (filled to overflow at normal filling position).
• Draining test:
  • Annex B defines Procedure A (drum top half) and Procedure B (complete drum) to measure residue after drainage.
  • Residual volume limit: not more than 100 ml for Procedure A (or as agreed for Procedure B).
• Designation: Example format - Tight head steel drum ISO 15750-2-216,5TC-A.

Applications and users

• Drum manufacturers - design and produce standardized tight‑head drums for global markets.
• Packagers and fillers - ensure compatibility with filling, handling and closure systems.
• Transport and logistics operators - verify drums meet dimensional stacking and transport requirements.
• Regulatory and compliance teams - align drum selection with dangerous goods transport rules (UN Model Regulations, ICAO, IMO/IMDG) and certification needs.
• Testing laboratories - perform capacity and drainability tests per the normative annexes.

Related standards

• ISO 15750-1 (open head drums)
• ISO 15750-3 (inserted flange‑type closure systems)
• ISO 228-1 (pipe thread dimensions - G 3/4, G 2)
• ISO 3573 / ISO 3574 (steel sheet specifications)

Keywords: ISO 15750-2, steel drums, tight head, non‑removable head drums, capacity measurement, brimful capacity, draining test, drum dimensions, drum sealing.