Information on Simple Pressure Vessels Directive (SPVD)

CE Marking for simple pressure vessels

The Simple Pressure Vessels Directive (SPVD) is the Directive 2014/29/EU which harmonizes the laws and directives of all EU members, intending to create a single series of technical requirements for pressure vessel equipment throughout the entire EU market.

Simple pressure vessel directive applicable for vessels manufactured in series by welding, which are intended to contain air or nitrogen at a gauge pressure greater than 0.5 bar but less than or equal to 30 bar & product of pressure multiplied by volume less than 10000 bar-liter, and not intended to be exposed to heat.

Depending on the value pressure rating multiplied by volume and manufacturing standard used - manufacturers may select a procedure from a range of conformity modules available. 

The directive categories vessels according to their stored energy, expressed in terms of the product of maximum working pressure in the bar and its capacity in litres (PS X V).Different provision apply to each category of vessel.

Module B consists of vessels whose PS X V is more than 50 bars litres and manufacturer can choose in to 2 manners.

Module B Design Type: Assessment of the adequacy of the technical design of the vessel through examination of the technical documentation and supporting evidence without examination of a specimen (Applicable only when vessels manufactured according to harmonized standard)

Module B Production Type: Assessment of the adequacy of the technical design of the vessel through examination of the technical documentation and supporting evidence, plus examination of a prototype, representative of the production evidence of the complete vessel

One of the below Modules shall be used in addition to Module B for production control :

Module C, C1 and C2

1. where the product of PS × V exceeds 3 000 bar.L, to conformity to type (Module B) based on internal production control plus supervised vessel testing (Module C1)

2. where the product of PS × V does not exceed 3 000 bar.L but exceeds 200 bar.L, at the choice of the manufacturer, to either of the following:

   a. conformity to type based on internal production control plus supervised vessel testing (Module C1)

   b. conformity to type based on internal production control plus supervised vessel checks at random                 intervals (Module C2)

3. where the product of PS × V does not exceed 200 bar.L but exceeds 50 bar L, at the choice of the manufacturer, to either of the following:

   a. conformity to type based on internal production control plus supervised vessel testing (Module C1)

   b. conformity to type based on internal production control (Module C)

Materials: Steel and Aluminum can be used for pressure parts

Welding : The welding materials used to manufacture the welds on or of the vessel shall be appropriate to and compatible with the materials to be welded.

Welding Procedure qualification with ISO 15614-1 and welders as per ISO 9606-1

Accessories contributing to the strength of the vessel

These accessories (for example bolts and nuts) shall be made of a material steel, aluminium or an appropriate aluminium alloy compatible with materials used for the manufacture of pressurised parts.

The latter materials shall at minimum working temperature have an appropriate elongation after fracture and bending rupture energy.

Non-pressurised parts

All unpressurised parts of welded vessels shall be of materials which are compatible with that of the components to which they are welded.

Essential Safety Requirement :

The Essential Requirements cover the Design, manufacturing process and material requirements. However if the vessels are made in conformity with a harmonized European standards.

SPVD Standards

EN 286-1 : Simple pressure vessels designed to contain air or nitrogen part 1 design manufacture and testing

EN 286 -2 part 2 : Pressure vessels designed to contain compressed air for air braking and auxiliary systems for motors vehicle and their trailers.

EN 286 -3 part 3: Steel pressure vessels designed for air braking equipment and auxiliary pneumatic equipment for railway rolling stock.

EN 286 -4 part 4: Aluminium alloy pressure vessels designed for air braking equipment and auxiliary pneumatic equipment for railway rolling.       

Certification Period is valid for 10 Years from the date of certification subjected to satisfactory annual surveillance audits.

As a Notified Body for the Simple Pressure Vessel Directive, TUV Nord can help you gain the CE mark for your simple pressure vessel.