ISO 23826:2021

Overview

ISO 23826:2021 - Gas cylinders - Ball valves - Specification and testing defines design, type testing, marking, manufacturing tests and examination requirements for ball valves used as closures and main valves on refillable transportable gas cylinders, pressure drums, tubes, cylinder bundles and cargo transport units (e.g. trailers, battery vehicles, MEGCs). The standard covers valves for compressed, liquefied and dissolved gases but explicitly excludes certain applications (oxidizing gases, specified toxic gases, acetylene for single cylinders, LPG, cryogenic equipment, portable fire extinguishers and breathing apparatus cylinders).

ISO 23826:2021 is written for practical use in industry and is suitable to be referenced in the UN Model Regulations. The document uses the unit bar for pressure values.

Key Topics

• Scope and exclusions - clear definition of intended valve applications and gases excluded due to specific safety risks (oxidizing gases, certain toxic gases, acetylene for single cylinders).
• Valve description and terminology - definitions for ball valve components, operating mechanism, operating device, stop mechanism, and valve working pressure.
• Design and materials - requirements for materials compatibility and suitability with gas contents; reference to metallic and non‑metallic material guidance.
• Mechanical strength and safety tests:
  • Hydraulic burst pressure (valve burst pressure)
  • Resistance to mechanical impact
  • Flame impingement testing
  • Excessive torque testing
• Leak tightness - internal and external leak tightness requirements and test methods.
• Endurance testing and inspections - endurance test regimes, visual examination and manufacturing tests/examinations.
• Type testing and documentation - test sample rules, test reports, test temperatures/pressures, test gases and schedules.
• Marking and operating instructions - mandatory marking elements and user guidance for safe operation.

Applications / Who should use this standard

• Valve manufacturers designing and certifying cylinder ball valves
• Gas cylinder and pressure vessel manufacturers specifying closures and main valves
• Testing and certification laboratories performing type testing, leak and burst tests
• Transport operators and MEGC/battery vehicle integrators specifying compliant valves
• Safety, compliance and regulatory professionals referencing standards for conformity assessment

Related standards

• ISO 10156 (oxidizing gases) - referenced for exclusions
• ISO 10298 (toxic gases) - gas listing/exclusion criteria
• ISO 21011 (cryogenic valve requirements)
• ISO 16003 (quick‑release valves for fixed fire‑fighting systems)
• ISO 14246, ISO 11114‑1 / ISO 11114‑2, ISO 22435 - related valve/cylinder material, manufacturing and regulator standards

Keywords: ISO 23826:2021, gas cylinders, ball valves, specification, testing, valve burst pressure, leak tightness, type testing, valve design.