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I S S U E 1 2

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.

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:

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Pressure equipment and assemblies below the specified pressure or volume thresholds must:

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ScopeThe 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.

be safe;be designed and manufactured according to sound engineering practice; andbear specified markings (but not the CE marking).

be safe;meet essential safety requirements covering design, manufacture and testing;satisfy appropriate conformity assessment procedures; andcarry the CE marking and other information.

The pressure equipment directive

© 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

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

The pressure equipment directiveProtection requirementsThe Directive sets out a number of requirements. Particularly in relation to protection and performance the equipment must be:

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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 requirementsManufacturers 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.euwww.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.

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.