FEA 621: Internal Pressure Resistance of Empty Aerosol Containers

Standard Overview

FEA 621 is an industry standard issued by the European Aerosol Federation (FEA) that defines a hydraulic pressure test method for measuring the internal pressure resistance of empty aerosol containers without valves.

The method is required by multiple regulatory frameworks, including Directive 75/324/EEC and transport regulations (ADR / RID), to verify that aerosol containers meet minimum safety margins before filling.

Key Regulatory Definitions

Test Pressure

Test pressure is the pressure that an unfilled aerosol container must withstand for 25 seconds without leakage or unacceptable permanent deformation.

A slight, symmetrical deformation of the base or upper profile may be acceptable, provided the container subsequently passes the burst test.

Bursting Pressure

Bursting pressure is the minimum internal pressure that causes the container to rupture or leak.

It is important to distinguish between:

• The calculated burst test pressure derived from regulations
• The actual bursting pressure observed during testing

Actual Distortion Pressure

Actual distortion pressure is the lowest pressure that causes a visible and permanent deformation of the container.

Objective of the Test

FEA 621 describes a method to:

• Verify that containers withstand the required test pressure
• Measure the actual distortion pressure
• Verify compliance with the calculated burst pressure
• Measure the actual bursting pressure

All assessments are performed sequentially on the same container.

Test Apparatus

The test setup consists of:

• Hydraulic pump tightly fitted to the container aperture
• Pressure gauge with 0.1 bar resolution and maximum pressure indicator
• Reference gauge or calibration device
• Protective safety screen for operator protection

Test Method – Engineering Interpretation

The empty container is completely filled with water at 20 ± 5 °C and connected to the hydraulic pump.

During testing:

• The container must remain unrestrained, suspended only by the connection
• Pressure increase must be controlled at a maximum rate of 1 bar per second

Step 1 – Verification of Test Pressure

Pressure is raised to the prescribed test pressure and held for 25 seconds.

The container passes if no leakage or unacceptable deformation is observed.

Step 2 – Measurement of Actual Distortion Pressure

From the test pressure, pressure is further increased until visible permanent deformation occurs.

The distortion pressure is read from the maximum pressure indicator, together with the location and nature of the deformation.

Step 3 – Verification of Calculated Burst Pressure

Pressure is increased further until the calculated burst pressure is reached.

Any leakage observed during this phase is classified as a burst failure.

Step 4 – Measurement of Actual Burst Pressure

Pressure is maintained at the controlled rate until rupture or leakage occurs.

The maximum pressure reached is recorded as the actual burst pressure.

Reporting Requirements

The test report must include:

• Container details (type, material, dimensions)
• Sample size
• Confirmation of test pressure compliance
• Actual distortion pressure with description
• Confirmation of calculated burst pressure compliance
• Actual burst pressure with failure description
• Any non-standard test conditions

Engineering Significance

FEA 621 provides the fundamental verification that an aerosol container has sufficient mechanical strength before valve assembly and filling.

It separates:

• Structural container integrity (FEA 621)
• Filled pack pressure behaviour (FEA 606)

Relationship with Other Standards

• Directive 75/324/EEC – Aerosol Dispensers Directive
• ADR / RID – Transport of dangerous goods
• FEA 606 – Water bath testing of filled aerosol packs

FAQ – Engineering & Compliance