Overview
ISO 15750-1:2002 is an international packaging standard that defines the characteristics and dimensions of steel removable head (open head) drums with minimum total capacities of 208 l, 210 l and 216.5 l. The standard covers material, construction, closure arrangements and a gravimetric method (Annex A) for measuring both total capacity and brimful capacity. It is intended to promote interchangeability and consistent handling in international trade and transport.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Removable head (open head) steel drums manufactured from steel sheet with specified nominal capacities (208 l, 210 l, 216.5 l).
- Dimensions & construction: Specifies drum types (A–D) with prescribed internal/external diameters and heights to ensure stackability and container compatibility. Typical outside diameters and heights are in the range of about 566–596 mm and 878–890 mm respectively (type-dependent).
- Materials & thickness: Body and ends made from commercial-quality steel (CR1 or HR1 per ISO 3574 / ISO 3573). Steel thickness: 0.6 mm to 1.6 mm.
- Seams & joints: Longitudinal seam welded; bottom permanently fixed by round seaming (six or more layers) or equivalent joining methods.
- Hoops/beads: Two rolling hoops (beads) are preferred; third hoop or small corrugations permitted.
- Closures & sealing: Removable lid fitted with gasket and closing ring. Optional filling/vent closures follow ISO 228-1 thread dimensions (G 3/4, G 2) and guidance in ISO 15750-3. Closures must be fitted with appropriate gaskets/washers.
- Capacity measurement: Annex A describes a gravimetric method using a G2 closure, with weighing accuracy of at least 0.1%, temperature correction factors, venting procedures for total capacity, and overflow procedure for brimful capacity.
- Finish & compatibility: Internal/external finishes to be agreed between purchaser and manufacturer; protective coatings recommended when contents are incompatible with steel.
Applications and users
- Manufacturers and designers of steel drums for industrial packaging
- Packaging purchasers and specifiers who need standardized open head drums
- Logistics and warehousing teams ensuring container/stowage compatibility
- Test laboratories measuring brimful/total capacity and conformity
- Regulatory and compliance teams dealing with transport of hazardous goods (used alongside UN, ICAO and IMO/IMDG requirements for certification and marking)
Related standards
- ISO 15750-2 (tight head drums) and ISO 15750-3 (inserted flange closures)
- ISO 228-1 (pipe thread dimensions), ISO 3573 / ISO 3574 (steel sheet grades)
- Transport guidance: UN Model Regulations, ICAO Technical Instructions, IMO IMDG Code
Keywords: ISO 15750-1:2002, steel drums standard, removable head drums, open head drums, brimful capacity, total capacity, packaging standard, drum dimensions.