with the compliments of EPM solutions Ltd
factsheet ISSUE 12
The pressure equipment directive DIRECTIVE 97/23/EC, THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIRECTIVE, IS A EUROPEAN WIDE STANDARD THAT ENABLES MANUFACTURERS TO CONFORM TO A UNIVERSAL SET OF TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS ACROSS A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES. THIS FACTSHEET PROVIDES A USEFUL GUIDE TO THE SCOPE AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE DIRECTIVE.
Scope
The Pressure Equipment Directive (97/23/EC) became obligatory from May 2002 throughout the European Union. Its purpose is to harmonise national laws regarding the design, manufacture, testing and conformity assessment of pressure equipment and assemblies of pressure equipment with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar gauge (i.e. 1.5 bar absolute). The Directive concerns manufacturers of items such as pressurised storage containers, heat exchangers, steam generators, boilers, industrial piping, safety devices and pressure accessories.
Such pressure equipment is widely used in the process industries. These include oil & gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, plastics, rubber, food and beverage. Under the regime of the Directive, pressure equipment and assemblies above specified pressure and or volume thresholds must: - be safe; - meet essential safety requirements covering design, manufacture and testing; - satisfy appropriate conformity assessment procedures; and - carry the CE marking and other information. Pressure equipment and assemblies below the specified pressure or volume thresholds must: - be safe; - be designed and manufactured according to sound engineering practice; and - bear specified markings (but not the CE marking).
The pressure equipment directive Protection requirements
The Directive sets out a number of requirements. Particularly in relation to protection and performance the equipment must be: - Designed for adequate strength taking into account internal/ external pressures such as ambient and operational temperatures, static pressure, mass of contents in operating and test conditions, traffic, wind, earthquake loading, corrosion, - erosion and fatigue. Provided with the means to ensure safe handling and operation - as well as examination, draining and venting. Provided with protection against exceeding the allowable limits - of pressure. Where necessary, pressure equipment must be designed and fitted with suitable accessories to meet damage-limitation requirements in the event of external fire. In addition, non-destructive tests of permanent joints should be carried out by suitably qualified staff. For equipment in categories III and IV (unstable gases or fluids), the personnel must be approved. Suitable procedures must also be established to provide traceability of materials and components from supply to finished product.
Administration requirements
Manufacturers must provide suitable operating and safety instructions with the equipment that they supply. They should also complete a specified declaration of conformity and maintain a technical file of information stating how the equipment was designed and manufactured. Pressure equipment should be marked with at least: -
The identification of the manufacturer Unique identification of model and serial number The year of manufacture Maximum/minimum allowable pressure limits The CE logo
Generally, the requirements of the Directive are complicated and demanding. The requirements of the Directive will very much depend on the characteristics of the individual product concerned. Therefore, every piece of equipment should be assessed on an individual basis when considering the best way to ensure it complies with the Directive. Useful websites: www.hse.gov.uk www.ec.europa.eu www.berr.gov.uk If you would like further information or assistance on this subject or other compliance and regulatory issues please contact EPM on 0141 848 6609.
EPM Solutions Ltd., Abbey Mill, 1010-1012 Mile End, Seedhill, Paisley, PA1 1TJ. T. 0141 848 6609 F. 0141 848 7749 E. info@epmsolutions.co.uk www.epmsolutions.co.uk Š 2008 EPM Solutions Ltd. EPM Solutions endeavours to ensure that the information in this factsheet is up to date and accurate. However, where concerned you are advised to consult with the appropriate bodies for further details. Designed & published by the marketing cafe T. 0141 644 1777