Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC

More detailed information

This directive applies to the design, manufacturing and conformity evaluation process of Pressure Equipment, as well as Pressure Equipment Assemblies. The maximum allowable design pressure must be greater than 0.5 bar.

Covered under the general term "Pressure Equipment" are pressure vessels, steam boilers, exchangers, tubing (pipe) and pressure accessories, as well as devices under pressure. Also included are all parts and products that are attached to pressurized parts (i.e., flanges, nozzles, lifting parts, fast-connectors, etc.) According to Article 20, the PED will not be applicable before November 29, 1999. From then on, each European member state has the responsibility to implement and adopt the PED into national law. This transition must be completed by May 29, 2002. Until May 29, 2002, manufacturers and the final users of pressure equipment can decide if the product shall meet the PED-requirements or the national pressure vessel code requirements of the country, where the product will be put into service (e.g. German Pressure Vessel Code).