Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU

Pressure-Containing Equipment

The PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) 2014/68/EU applies to all products operating under a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar - from steam boilers and hydraulic systems to pipelines, valves, and tanks. The objective is to prevent explosions, material failures, and emissions that could cause serious accidents.

The PED requires manufacturers to classify, design, and CE mark their pressure-containing equipment according to established risk categories.

Educational Overview - Basics of PED

1. What does the directive cover?

The PED applies to:

• Pressure vessels (tanks, boilers, accumulators)

• Pipelines and piping systems

• Safety equipment (valves, sensors, safety devices)

• Components exposed to pressure (flanges, couplings, pipe fittings)

Exceptions: fire extinguishers, vehicle components, aerosol containers, and certain heat exchangers.

Think of it this way: If something "contains" gas, liquid, or steam under pressure, it is likely covered by the PED.

2. Classification - Determining the Risk Level

The PED classifies equipment into categories I-IV based on:

• Pressure (PS)

• Volume (V)

• Medium (gas, liquid, steam)

• Danger level (class A, B)

Noex tip: The category determines everything - from design method to documentation.

3. CE Marking in Accordance with the PED

To achieve CE marking according to the PED, it is necessary to:

1. Classify the product (categories I-IV)

2. Select the assessment module (A-H)

3. Carry out a risk analysis

4. Conduct inspection and testing

5. Prepare the technical documentation

6. Declaration of conformity

7. Marking with CE and applicable information

Example: "CE 0123" indicates that the product is certified according to the PED by a notified body (0123 = TÜV SÜD)

4. Documentation Requirements

The technical file according to Annex III must include:

• Drawings and material specifications

• Calculation bases (e.g., EN 13445 for pressure vessels)

• Test and inspection reports

• Risk assessments (explosion, fracture, corrosion)

• Manufacturing controls and quality plan

Technical Review - PED for Industry Professionals

Article 4: Delimitation and Application

The PED applies to pressure containment equipment and assembled systems ("assemblies").

Pressure is defined as: "The maximum allowable pressure (PS) determined by the manufacturer, expressed in bar."

Specific tables in Annex II apply to pipelines, determining the category based on DN (diameter), PS, and medium type.

Example: A piping system with DN100, PS = 15 bar, gas - category III according to table 6.

Annex I - Essential Safety Requirements

Annex I specifies 18 requirement areas. Some central examples:

• 1.1 General: Equipment must be safe throughout its intended lifecycle.

• 2.2 Material: Only approved materials with certificates (EN 10204-3.1).

• 3.1 Pressure testing: Equipment must be pressure tested to at least 1.43 x PS.

• 4.2 Safety valves: Must be verified against the system's maximum pressure.

• 5.2 Marking: CE, PS, TS (temperature), manufacturer ID, and year.

Example - Hydraulic Accumulator (Category II)

Scenario: A gas-filled accumulator in a hydraulic system (PS = 250 bar, V = 2 liters).
- Classification: Category II, gas under pressure.
- Module: B + D (type control + quality assurance).

The manufacturer must:

• Perform design calculations according to EN 14359

• Carry out pressure testing and leak testing

• Mark with CE and relevant information:

  • CE 0477 250 bar / 2L / PED II / Exempt fluid group 2

• Archive test reports for at least 10 years

Quality Requirements

For categories III-IV, a quality system according to ISO 9001 or equivalent, reviewed by a notified body, is required.

This includes:

• Material inspection

• Welding procedures (WPQR/WPS)

• Non-destructive testing (NDT)

• Traceability

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Consequences of Non-Compliance with the PED

• Sales ban and recalls

• Emission or explosion risks

• Criminal liability in the event of an accident

• Sanctions from the market surveillance authority

• Revoked certificates

Example: In 2023, several compressors in Germany were recalled because their welded containers lacked an approved material certificate according to EN 10204.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect pressure classification - especially with small volumes at high pressure

• Lack of material certificates

• No reference to the correct standard (e.g., EN 13445, EN 13480, EN 13486)

• Insufficient pressure testing or missing documentation

• Confusion between the PED and the Simple Pressure Vessels Directive (SPVD)

Remember: A single missing test report can invalidate the entire CE marking.

FAQ PED 2014/68/EU

1. When does the PED directive apply?
   Answer: For all equipment operating above 0.5 bar, whether it's gas, liquid, or steam.

   
   

2. Does every component need to be CE marked?
   Answer: No, only those considered "pressure-containing units." However, the assembly must be CE marked if ready for use.

   
   

3. Which standard applies to pressure vessels?
   Answer: EN 13445 (unfired pressure vessels) is the most commonly used harmonized standard.

   
   

4. How long must documentation be retained?
   Answer: At least 10 years after the product has been launched on the market.