Industrial
pressure vessel testing and certification
A vessel or tank holding fluid under pressure.
pressure vessel — conformity scope
For a pressure vessel, the category derives from pressure, volume and fluid group and determines the conformity-assessment route. During manufacture there are material, welding and non-destructive testing records; during service there is a periodic inspection obligation.
The list below is the European Union framework. The same product falls under a different mark and approval regime in another market; Smart Service Finder shows that market's requirements when you select it.
Regulation
pressure vessel legislation that typically comes into play for
The following is the European Union framework and shows typical application. Which title actually applies depends on the class, intended use and components of the product; The scope is determined by examining the product.
The Pressure Equipment Directive. The category is determined by fluid group, pressure and volume; the notified body's role grows as the category rises.
A separate directive for series-produced simple pressure vessels; its scope must be distinguished from the PED.
The pi mark and periodic inspection regime for transportable pressure equipment.
Equipment and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres. The category and conformity route are determined by zone classification.
Standards
Standards typically referenced in the dossier
What is required?
Each item links to the relevant service page: the legislation entry to the certification scheme, the test family to the laboratory page, and the mark to the market page.
European Union — required mark
5- CE — European UnionThe umbrella for entering the EU market; all regulations applicable to the product are met.
- LVD — European UnionLow Voltage Directive — no notified body; the declaration is made by the manufacturer.
- EMC — European UnionElectromagnetic Compatibility Directive — emission and immunity requirements.
- PED — European UnionPressure Equipment Directive — the NB's role increases as the category rises.
- ATEX — European UnionExplosive atmosphere equipment — NB is mandatory for category 1 and electrical category 2.
Required legislation
4- Machinery Directive
- Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
- ATEXIf used in an explosive atmosphere
- EMC Directive
Required tests
4- Mechanical TestingStrength and fatigue
- Metals & Metallurgy TestingMaterials and welding
- Vibration & Shock
- Electrical Safety
What must be in the technical file
6- Technical file and risk assessment (ISO 12100)
- The EU declaration of conformity
- Instructions for use and maintenance manual
- Welding procedure qualification (WPS/WPQR)
- Material certificates (EN 10204 3.1/3.2)
- Details of the authorised representative or importer established in the EU
How does the process work?
The flow below is a general order independent of product type; timing and acceptance criteria are determined by the standard the product falls under.
1Defining the scope
It is determined which legislation the product falls under based on its technical characteristics and intended use.
2Testing and evaluation
Tests are planned for the applicable headings; results are evaluated according to the relevant standards.
3Technical file
Design, production and test records are compiled in the technical file, accompanied by a risk assessment.
4Declaration or certificate
Depending on the product group, the manufacturer's declaration is prepared or third-party certification is carried out.
pressure vessel which market is it going to?
Who bears the obligation, where the test will be performed, and what customs will require all vary by market.
What changes depending on the market?
Same product, different regimen
- European UnionThe category is determined by the fluid group and the product of pressure and volume; the notified body's role grows as the category rises. Welding procedures and welders are qualified under ISO 15614 / ISO 9606.
- United KingdomThe UKCA regime carries the same technical requirements into its own legislation; CE marking is recognised indefinitely for many product groups.
- United StatesThe U stamp and National Board registration under the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; inspection runs under API 510.
Products in the same group
pressure vessel — let's work out the scope together
Share the product's technical characteristics; let us tell you in writing which headings apply to your scope and which tests are required.
This result is a starting roadmap, not a conformity assessment. Which legislation a product falls under depends on its technical characteristics, intended use and user group; it is only finalised by examining the product. You may have an obligation not shown in the list, and an item shown here may not apply to your product.