Overview
ISO 21507:2010 specifies the performance requirements for non-metallic fuel tanks used in earth-moving machinery as defined by ISO 6165. This international standard ensures the safety, durability, and reliability of fuel tanks fabricated from non-metallic materials, which are increasingly utilized in heavy construction equipment. It covers important aspects such as mechanical strength, resistance to corrosion, protection from external impacts, and compatibility with operational environments.
The standard is crucial for manufacturers, safety inspectors, and operators of earth-moving machinery to ensure compliance with global safety regulations and enhance fuel system integrity under demanding conditions.
Key Topics
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Scope & Definitions
Defines relevant terms including "non-metallic fuel tank," "driver's cab," and "flammable temperature zones" within earth-moving machines.
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Protection Requirements
Fuel tanks must be shielded from contact with obstacles by chassis structures or protective elements. Unshielded areas must pass rigorous impact testing. Piping and tubing connected to tanks require protective coverings or strategic positioning.
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Corrosion Resistance
Design and manufacturing must prevent internal and external corrosion, with possible additional protective coatings or reinforcements.
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Installation Guidelines
Tanks must be robustly secured and accommodate machine torsion, flexion, and vibrations while preventing fuel accumulation in low spots. Placement must avoid proximity to hot surfaces above 200°C unless protected.
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Location Restrictions
Tanks cannot form part of the operator’s cabin structure, and tank openings must be accessible outside the operator’s workspace keeping safety top priority.
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Performance Criteria
Design ensures that in case of leaks during refueling, fuel cannot contact ignition risk zones, thereby enhancing operational safety.
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Testing Protocols
Includes extensive tests such as:
- Pressure and mechanical resistance at elevated temperatures.
- Overturn (rollover) simulations with leakage limits.
- Vacuum resistance if no pressure relief valve is present.
- Impact resistance tests on exposed tank segments.
- Fuel permeability assessments to prevent volatile emissions.
- Fire resistance as per ISO 3795 combustion speed limits or UNECE R 34 regulations.
- High temperature endurance testing simulating ambient conditions up to 95°C.
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Marking Requirements
Tanks must be marked following ISO 11469 plastics identification guidelines for traceability and compliance.
Applications
ISO 21507:2010 is essential for:
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Manufacturers of Earth-moving Machinery
Ensuring fuel tanks meet global performance and safety standards, which is key for international market acceptance.
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Equipment Safety Certification
Providing a benchmark for performance testing laboratories evaluating non-metallic fuel tanks under realistic operating conditions.
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Design and Engineering Teams
Guiding optimal material selection, structural design, and installation methods that mitigate risks associated with fuel storage in heavy machinery.
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Maintenance and Inspection Professionals
Establishing criteria for assessing tank integrity over service life, including corrosion resistance and mechanical durability under field conditions.
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Regulatory and Compliance Bodies
Supporting enforcement of fuel system safety, preventing fire hazards or environmental contamination during operation or accidents.
Related Standards
- ISO 6165 – Classification and terminology for earth-moving machinery, providing foundational definitions used in ISO 21507.
- ISO 3411 – Defines operator dimensions and workspace envelopes relevant for positioning fuel tanks away from operator zones.
- ISO 3795 – Specifies combustion characteristics testing of interior materials, adopted for assessing fire resistance of tank materials.
- ISO 11469 – Covers generic identification and marking of plastic products, applied for fuel tank labeling.
- UNECE R 34:2003 – United Nations regulation on fire prevention applicable to vehicle fuel systems, referenced for fire safety compliance.
Keywords: ISO 21507, earth-moving machinery, non-metallic fuel tanks, performance requirements, fuel tank testing, mechanical resistance, corrosion resistance, fuel permeability, fire safety, earthmoving equipment standards.