ISO 17879:2017

Overview

ISO 17879:2017 - Gas cylinders - Self-closing cylinder valves - Specification and type testing - defines the requirements for the design, type testing, marking and manufacturing tests for self-closing cylinder valves fitted to refillable transportable gas cylinders conveying compressed, liquefied or dissolved gases. The standard covers the valve’s function as a closure and is commonly applied in the calibration gas and beverage industries. It does not apply to valves for cryogenic equipment, portable fire extinguishers or LPG.

Key Topics and Requirements

ISO 17879:2017 focuses on safety, reliability and conformity through clear technical requirements and testing protocols:

• Design and materials
  • Requirements for valve bodies, operating mechanisms, inlet/outlet connections and compatible materials (metallic and non‑metallic).
• Mechanical strength
  • Tests for resistance to hydraulic burst pressure and resistance to mechanical damage (impact/strength).
• Leak tightness
  • Internal and external leak tightness tests to verify closure integrity under pressure.
• Operational performance
  • Endurance (life‑cycle) testing of the valve operating mechanism and sealing system.
• Hazard resistance
  • Tests for resistance to ignition and specific acetylene flashback tests where applicable.
• Special tests
  • Oxygen pressure surge tests and other gas‑specific evaluations.
• Manufacturing tests and examination
  • Factory inspection and acceptance tests to ensure each production valve meets specification.
• Type testing and documentation
  • Requirements for test samples, test gases, test pressures and test reports; definition of terms such as valve working pressure, valve test pressure and valve burst test pressure.
• Marking
  • Required markings for traceability and safe use.

Applications and Who Uses ISO 17879:2017

ISO 17879:2017 is intended for stakeholders needing validated, safe self‑closing valves for gas cylinders:

• Valve manufacturers - design and certify self‑closing valves to market standards.
• Cylinder manufacturers and assemblers - ensure valve selection and fitting meet safety and performance requirements.
• Testing laboratories - perform type testing, burst, leak and endurance tests per the standard.
• Gas suppliers (calibration, beverage, specialty gases) - procurement and quality control of cylinder valves.
• Regulatory and safety engineers - conformity assessment, risk management and incident prevention.

Adoption helps reduce leakage, ignition risk and mechanical failure while improving regulatory compliance and product traceability.

Related Standards

• ISO 10297 (standard cylinder valves)
• ISO 17871 (quick‑release cylinder valves)
• ISO 11114‑1 / ISO 11114‑2 (material compatibility)
• ISO 13341, ISO 14246, ISO 22435, ISO 21011, ISO 14245
• Regional references: EN 1626, EN 3 series

Keywords: ISO 17879:2017, self-closing cylinder valves, gas cylinders, type testing, leak tightness, burst test, endurance test, calibration gas, beverage industry.