Overview
ISO 12617:2015 - Road vehicles - Liquefied natural gas (LNG) refuelling connector - defines requirements for LNG nozzles and receptacles (connector and protective cap) used on road vehicles. The standard applies to devices constructed entirely of new parts and materials, intended for use with LNG as vehicle fuel and having standardized mating components. The published scope specifies devices designed for a maximum working pressure of 3.4 MPa (34 bar) (pressures are gauge unless noted). ISO 12617 covers the connector profile, mating dimensions and compatibility so certified nozzles and receptacles are functionally interchangeable.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & applicability: Only nozzles and receptacles (not full refuelling systems); new and unused components for road vehicle refuelling.
- Mating profile & dimensions: Standardized receptacle profile and nozzle probe geometry to ensure cross-manufacturer compatibility.
- Pressure ratings: Working pressure, maximum service pressure and hydrostatic test requirements (3.4 MPa / 34 bar as specified).
- Materials & corrosion protection: Material selection, body materials and corrosion-resistance expectations for cryogenic LNG service.
- Operational design: Hand operation, sealing changeability, venting/depressurization, internal check valves and protective caps.
- User interface & safety: Positive locking, safe disconnection, manual force limits at warm/cold conditions, impact resistance, and protective-cap performance.
- Performance testing: Leakage tests at room temperature, hydrostatic strength, durability/cycling (receptacles tested to 10 000 connect/disconnect cycles; Class A nozzles defined for high-frequency use at 100 000 cycles), abnormal-load tests, electrical conductivity and no-ignition evaluation.
- Marking & instructions: Manufacturer, standard information, date of manufacture, installation and user instructions, list of tools.
- Quality & certification: Test procedures and acceptance criteria to support examination, testing and certification of components.
Applications and who uses it
- LNG refuelling equipment manufacturers (nozzle and receptacle design and production)
- Vehicle manufacturers integrating receptacles on LNG-powered road vehicles
- Test laboratories and certification bodies conducting compatibility, durability and pressure testing
- Fleet operators, gas suppliers and station designers specifying safe, interoperable LNG refuelling interfaces
- Regulators and standards committees referencing connector safety and interoperability requirements
Keywords: ISO 12617:2015, LNG refuelling connector, LNG nozzle, LNG receptacle, 3.4 MPa, 34 bar, LNG vehicle refuelling standard, LNG connector compatibility, LNG fueling safety.
Related standards
Refer to work from ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 22/SC 25 (road vehicles using gaseous fuels) and other national/international regulations for gaseous-fuel vehicle refuelling systems and station safety.