The Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU in detail
Directive 2014/68/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014, known in German as the Druckgeräterichtlinie (DGRL) and in English as the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), lays down the requirements for manufacturers of pressure equipment and assemblies for their placing on the market within the European Economic Area (EEA).
The aim of this directive is to harmonise the laws of Member States relating to the making available of pressure equipment on the market in order to facilitate free trade and ensure high safety standards.
The directive was published in the Official Journal of the European Union L 189 on 27 June 2014 and, like all European directives, is addressed to the member states. They must therefore transpose the PED into national law.
In Germany, this is done by the Product Safety Act (ProdSG) and the Pressure Equipment Regulation (14. ProdSV) based on it. Prior to the 2014/68/EU Directive, Directive 97/23/EC had been binding on manufacturers throughout the European Union since 29 May 2002 with regard to the testing of pressure equipment.
The directive categorises pressure equipment according to pressure and volume or, in the case of pipes, according to the nominal diameter DN and based on the fluid group and the state of aggregation. Pressure equipment within the meaning of the Directive includes, among other things, IBCs, KEGs, unfired pressure vessels, steam boilers, piping, pressure-retaining equipment and equipment with safety functions with an internal pressure greater than 0.5 bar.
However, there are also exceptions. For example, pressure equipment with flexible enclosures such as pneumatic tyres, air cushions, play balls, inflatable boats and other similar pressure vessels are not covered by the Directive. This also includes products such as cylinders and cans for carbonated beverages for end use, radiators and pipes in hot water heating systems, or simple pressure vessels in accordance with Directive 2014/29/EU.
In order to meet the essential health and safety requirements, manufacturers can apply harmonised standards such as the EN 13445 series of standards for unfired pressure vessels or EN 12952 for water-tube boilers. The application of such standards is considered to be a presumption of conformity.
Manufacturers may also use other specifications if they can demonstrate that these also meet the essential requirements. This is verified by a notified body.
The PED only specifies quality requirements for the placing on the market of pressure equipment. The operating requirements for pressure-bearing systems are regulated in the Industrial Safety Regulation and the Technical Rules for Industrial Safety (TRBS).
What role does the 2014/68/EU Directive play for IBCs and KEGs?
Directive 2014/68/EU is relevant for the SLC (aseptic container) and KEG product ranges. Containers such as IBCs and KEGs are classified as pressure equipment if they exceed certain pressure limits. The directive specifies the safety and quality requirements for this pressure equipment to ensure that it can be used without risk and is therefore permitted to be placed on the market.
SLCs and KEGs, which almost always have an internal overpressure of more than 0.51 bar, must meet the requirements of the DGRL. It is the manufacturer's duty to subject them to basic tests for safety and health requirements. Only then will the products receive certification.
Compliance with the 2014/68/EU Directive ensures that such pressure vessels can be used safely and that they meet the harmonised market requirements within the European Economic Area (EEA). The need to comply with the DGRL ensures that SLCs and KEGs are of high quality, thereby guaranteeing the safety of users and the environment.
However, Directive 2010/35/EU also plays a role for SLCs and KEGs. It regulates the supply and monitoring of transportable pressure equipment within the EU. This directive also ensures that only compliant and safe products are placed on the market. Pressure vessels in use must be inspected regularly to ensure safety throughout their service life.
