MannTek has finalised all tests for new ISO standard

We’ve done the job. And once again, MannTek is first. After 1.5 years of constant work and 70 000 connections and disconnections, we have finalised all the tests for ISO 21593, the international standard that regulates the technical requirements of all LNG couplings. This means that our DCC couplings are safe for use in all possible conditions and under any circumstances. Time saving, easy to handle, reliable – and compatible with all other manufacturers that fulfill the ISO 21593.

MannTek has always been very involved in the work with quality assurance in the industry. We´re often pioneers in finding the safest and best way of doing things and have played a major role in the development of ISO 21593.

Why ISO 21593?

With ISO 21593, users and manufacturers have defined the technical demand on a coupling to be compatible and safe for use in all possible conditions and under any circumstances. The purpose of the standard is to make sure the coupling is compatible with other manufacturers that fulfil the standard and that it is manufactured and tested according to the specific demands.

1,5 years of constant work

Another purpose of ISO 21593 is to proof that a coupling is designed to withstand numerous tests. It took us 1,5 years of constant work to complete all tests but now, first again, we´re done. All tests were performed inhouse at the MannTek testing facilities in Mariestad, Sweden and were witnessed by DNV. They were done continuously and uninterrupted without any intermediate service or change of the wear parts.

Custom built special testing equipment

In the tests two tanks of liquified Nitrogen was used which needed to be filled by trucks every week during the test period. The tests were made by computer controlled special made machines. And in order to be able to achieve all conditions mentioned, special testing equipment had to be custom built to fit the purpose.

70 000 connections and disconnections

The tested couplings range from 1” to 8”. All tests were performed in continuous cryogenic conditions with a constant flow of liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196 °C. In the endurance test (10 000 cycles), 50% of the test had to be performed in 100% humidity. This means 70 000 connections and disconnections.

13 mandatory tests and a fire type-test

To show that each coupling should withhold several drops from 1,5 m height without permanent deformation and still be in working condition, a drop test was performed. To make sure that the coupling can withstand a higher pressure in case of spike in pressure while bunkering, a high-pressure test was done. Furthermore, a bending test was done to verify that the coupling can withstand a certain level of external force and remain functioning. Besides the 13 mandatory tests of each type, a fire type-test was performed to include all sizes (SS-EN ISO 10497)