PED 2014/68/EU

Pressure Equipment

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

PED requires that you as the manufacturer classify, design, and CE mark your pressure equipment according to established risk categories.

Educational Overview - Basics of PED

1. What is covered by the directive?

PED applies to:

• Pressure vessels (tanks, boilers, accumulators)

• Pipelines and piping systems

• Safety equipment (valves, sensors, safety devices)

• Components subjected to pressure (flanges, couplings, pipe parts)

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 PED.

2. Classification - how the risk level is determined

PED classifies equipment into categories I-IV depending on:

• Pressure (PS)

• Volume (V)

• Medium (gas, liquid, steam)

• Hazard level (class A, B)

Noex tips: The category dictates everything - from design method to documentation.

3. CE marking according to PED

To CE mark according to PED, the following is required:

1. Product classification (category I-IV)

2. Choice of assessment module (A-H)

3. Conducted risk analysis

4. Inspection and testing

5. Establishment of technical documentation

6. Declaration of conformity

7. Marking with CE and applicable information

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

4. Documentation Requirements

Technical file according to Annex III must contain:

• Drawings and material specifications

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

• Test and inspection protocols

• Risk assessment (explosion, failure, corrosion)

• Manufacturing control and quality plan

Technical Overview - PED for Industry Professionals

Article 4: Definition and application

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

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

For pipelines, specific tables in Annex II determine category based on DN (diameter), PS, and medium type.

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

Annex I - Essential Safety Requirements

Annex I specifies 18 areas of requirements. Some key examples:

• 1.1 General: Equipment must be safe during the intended lifespan.

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

• 3.1 Test pressure: 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 approval + quality control).

The manufacturer must:

• Carry out design calculations according to EN 14359

• Perform proof pressure testing and leak testing

• Label with CE and relevant info:

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

• Archive test protocols 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 control

• Welding procedures (WPQR/WPS)

• Non-destructive testing (NDT)

• Traceability

• 
  

Consequences of Non-Compliance with PED

• Sales bans and recalls

• Leak or explosion risks

• Criminal liability in case of an accident

• Sanctions from market surveillance authorities

• Revoked certificates

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

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Lack of material certificates

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

• Inadequate proof testing or missing documentation

• Confusion between PED and 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 devices operating with pressure over 0.5 bar, regardless of whether it is gas, liquid, or steam.

   
   

2. Must each component be CE marked?
   Answer: No, only those that are "pressure-bearing units". However, the whole (assembly) must be CE marked once it is ready for use.

   
   

3. Which standard applies to pressure vessels?
   Answer: EN 13445 (unstructured 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 placed on the market.