Understanding the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU is a European directive that governs the design, manufacture and marketing of pressure equipment. Coming into force on July 19, 2016, it aims to guarantee a high level of safety for users and operating personnel while facilitating the free circulation of compliant products within the single market.
Scope of the PED directive
The PED Directive applies to all pressure equipment with a maximum allowable pressure (MAP) exceeding 0.5 bar. In particular, it covers tanks, boilers and fluid accumulators. Also covered are piping networkssubject to internal pressure, as well as safety devices such asvalves and expanders. The directive covers pressure equipment assemblies made up of several interdependent components. To be subject to PED, such equipment must have a minimum internal volume: greater than 1 L for gases and 2 L for liquids, thus precisely framing the range of equipment concerned.
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Team categories and risk levels
The PED directive classifies equipment into five categories (I to IV) according to the product of the maximum allowable pressure (PS) times the internal volume (V) and the type of fluid conveyed.
Category I equipment, corresponding to the lowest PS-V values, can be self-certified by the manufacturer (module A). In contrast, Category IV equipment, for which the PS-V is highest, requires an EC type-examination (Module B) followed by continuous factory production control (Module H1) before CE marking can be obtained.
Category I equipment, corresponding to the lowest PS-V values, can be self-certified by the manufacturer (Module A).
Essential safety requirements (EES)
To ensure the reliability and safety of equipment, the directive defines six Essential Safety Requirements (ESR):
- Mechanical strength and stability, via design calculations and testing (destructive or non-destructive).
- Design and manufacture according to the rules of the art, using traceable materials.
- Selection of appropriate materials based on mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
- Protection against excessive pressure thanks to integrated safety devices.
- Clear instructions for installation, maintenance and periodic inspections.
- Complete technical documentation (drawings, test reports, user manual).
Conformity assessment procedures
Procedures vary according to the category of equipment:
- Category I : module A (self-certification and internal technical file).
- Category II