Standard Overview
FEA 602 is an industry standard issued by the European Aerosol Federation (FEA) that defines a rapid method for checking the tightness of:
- the valve mechanism, and
- the mounting cup–container closure
on filled aerosol packs with a 25.4 mm opening.
It is designed as a quick diagnostic test, allowing manufacturers to identify leakage sources without waiting for long-term storage results.
Position Within the FEA Test System
FEA 602 is intended to be used together with:
- FEA 603 – long-term tightness test of filled aerosol packs
Whenever possible, both methods should be applied. For in-depth studies and lifetime validation, preference is given to the long-term test, while FEA 602 supports rapid screening and process optimization.
Objective of the Method
The objective of FEA 602 is to measure, over a defined time period and at a controlled temperature, the volume of gas escaping from a filled aerosol pack.
A key feature of the method is that it allows the operator to distinguish between leakage originating from the valve mechanism and leakage originating from the mounting cup closure.
Principle of the Test
The filled aerosol pack is immersed in a thermostatically controlled water bath. Any gas escaping from the pack is captured in eudiometers filled with water.
As gas accumulates in the eudiometer, the liquid level drops. The displaced volume corresponds directly to the amount of gas leaked during the test period.
Test Apparatus
- Water bath with constant, controlled temperature
- Two eudiometers (or one double-barrelled eudiometer), graduated in cm³, allowing separate measurement of:
- gas escaping from the valve mechanism
- gas escaping from the mounting cup closure
Figure – Typical Test Setup
Working Procedure
- Set the thermostatically controlled water bath to the required test temperature.
- Fill the eudiometers with water, ensuring no air bubbles remain inside. Immerse the aerosol pack in the bath, also ensuring no air is trapped in the area to be covered by the eudiometers.
- Cover the valve with the two eudiometers, avoiding air introduction, and ensure the tubes remain vertical and stable.
- After the defined test duration, read the drop in liquid level. The gas volumes collected indicate leakage from the valve mechanism and from the mounting cup closure respectively.
Test Report Requirements
In addition to the measured gas volumes, the test report must record:
- Water bath temperature
- Test duration
- Age of the samples since filling
- Any deviations from the standard procedure
- Identified root cause of gas loss, if known
This information is critical for comparing results across batches and facilities.
Important Notes and Practical Considerations
Gas Solubilisation
Some propellants (e.g. dimethyl ether or carbon dioxide) can partially dissolve in the water of the eudiometer. This may influence the measured gas volume.
To limit this effect, the standard recommends using:
- a saline solution, or
- water pre-saturated with the propellant gas at atmospheric pressure
Stabilisation After Filling
The time between filling and testing must be recorded. Many aerosol packs exhibit an initial stabilisation period during which gas loss is relatively high, followed by a much lower steady leakage rate.
Relationship with Other Standards
- FEA 603 – long-term tightness test of filled aerosol packs
- EN 14850 – contact height measurement (clinch setup)
- EN 15010 – clinch-related tolerances
- FEA 216 – clinching jaw geometry
FEA 602 verifies, at product level, whether the upstream geometric and tooling controls are delivering the expected sealing performance.
Download the Standard PDF
This document provides FEA 602, describing a rapid test method to evaluate the tightness of valve mechanisms and mounting cup closures on filled aerosol packs with 25.4 mm openings. It uses a water bath and eudiometer to measure gas loss under controlled conditions.
FAQ – Engineering, QA & Production
No. It provides quantitative leakage data. Acceptance criteria must be defined separately based on product, propellant, and regulatory requirements.
No. It is a rapid screening tool. Long-term behavior must still be assessed using FEA 603 or equivalent ageing tests.
Two eudiometers allow separation of leakage sources. This distinction is essential for deciding whether to adjust valve design or clinching conditions.
It applies to filled aerosol packs with a 25.4 mm opening. Other opening sizes require different test arrangements or standards.
It is especially useful during line setup, valve selection, clinch optimization, and investigation of sudden leakage issues.
Hi, I’m Kelvin
I hold a Master’s degree and have 13+ years of experience in metal packaging, specializing in aerosol cans, aluminum bottles, product development, manufacturing, and sustainability. On Shining Packaging, I share practical insights to help engineers and buyers improve sealing stability.
