Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 97/23/EC

Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 97/23/EC

The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 97/23/EC applies to the design, manufacturing and conformity evaluation process of Pressure Equipment, as well as Pressure Equipment Assemblies. For the requirements of the PED to apply the maximum applied pressure must be greater than 0.5 bar.

According to the directive, pressure equipment is defined as vessel, piping, safety and pressure accessories. The general term "Pressure Equipment" covers pressure vessels, steam boilers, heat exchangers, tubing (pipe) and safety 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 has been applicable since November 29, 1999, with a transitional period until May 29, 2002. Until May 29, 2002, manufacturers and the final users of pressure equipment could decide if the product should be dedsigned to 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). Since May 29, 2002 the requirements of the PED apply.

Products covered include:

• Pressure Vessels
• Heat Exchangers
• Pressure Gas Cylinders
• Steam Boilers
• Pipeline Equipment
• Storage Tanks
• Pressure Relief Devices
• Valves, Regulators, etc.
• and more

When pressure equipment meets the requirements imposed in the Pressure Equipment Directive (97/23/EEC), the CE Mark shall be affixed to such equipment. The "way" to the CE Marking is outlined in Article 10 and Annex III of the directive. This is called the Conformity Assessment.

For more details please see the DTI-UK Guidance Notes on PED