Chemical industry
Standard Year Description EN 1555-4 2021 Valves ( PE , steel etc )
EN 331 2015 Manually operated ball valves and closed bottom taper plug valves for gas installations for buildings
EN 1983 2013 Industrial valves - steel ball valves
EN 12266-1 2012 Industrial valves - testing of metallic valves / shell tightness and seat tightness
EN 13774 |
2013 |
Valves for gas distribution systems with maximum operating pressures less than or equal to 16 bar - Performance |
|
|
requirements |
EN 14141 2013 Valves for natural gas transportation in pipelines - performance requirements and tests
EN 13942 2009 Pipeline transportation systems - pipeline valves
EN 1704 1997 Plastic piping systems - Thermoplastic valves
ISO 4437-4 2022 Plastic piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels - Polytehylene - Valves
ISO 15848-1 2015 Industrial valves - measurement , test and qualifications procedures for fugitive emissions
ISO 17778 2015 Plastic piping systems - Fittings , valves and ancillaries - Determination of gaseaous flow rate / pressure drop relationships
Table 1 . Overview standards for testing valves
“ A Kiwa standard could also be used as a basis for an international standard ,” Leendert says . “ Some countries are already in the process of evaluating whether they will be implementing the AR214 standard for hydrogen applications .” Kiwa is one of the first to put forward a standard for valves for hydrogen applications , acknowledging the lack of existing regulations in this rapidly evolving sector . Amongst others , there lies the strength of the Gastec QA approval .
Testing & certification
A critical aspect of Kiwa ’ s certification process revolves around understanding hydrogen ’ s unique properties , particularly its lower density and viscosity compared to natural gas . This results in significant differences in leakage rates through valves , necessitating rigorous testing and certification to ensure safety and functionality . Theoretically a leakage
Valve type Ball valve EN 1983
Gate valve EN 1984 , EN 1171 , EN 12288
Globe valve EN 13709 , EN 13789
Butterfly valve EN 593
Table 2 . European standards for valves as covered by EN 13774
rate will increase in a range between 1.3 ( purely laminar flow ) to 3.0 ( turbulent flow ). In practice this value depends on leak opening and pressure . Material compatibility with hydrogen is a primary criterion for valve suitability . Kiwa ’ s certification ensures that the materials used in valves are not only durable but also resistant to any potential hydrogen chemical interaction . The certification process places significant emphasis on leakage standards . Acceptance criteria vary , with some standards demanding zero leakage , while others set specific maximum values . With approximately 50-60 clients already certified by Kiwa , the impact of their certification extends globally . Their rigorous standards and testing methodologies ensure that valves used in hydrogen applications meet the highest safety and quality standards , providing
European standard confidence to manufacturers , distributors , and end-users . Kiwa ’ s approach to certification is meticulous . It begins with compliance to existing European and international standards for natural gas valves , followed by additional requirements specific to hydrogen . This involves a comprehensive process including factory inspections , testing of sample valves , and ongoing production surveillance . The certification is not a one-time event but involves biannual factory inspections and annual sample testing to ensure continuous compliance . When the scope of European standards are extended for the use with hydrogen these new standards will be applied by Kiwa . The updates of European standards may take a few years .
Conclusion
Kiwa stands out in the certification realm by offering a unique blend of services – testing , inspection , and certification – all under one roof . This integrated approach , coupled with their involvement in various industries and participation in international standard committees , allows Kiwa to offer a holistic and highly competent certification process . Additionally , Kiwa extends its expertise in consultancy , aiding distribution system operators ( DSOs ) in assessing and adapting their existing infrastructure and products ( including valves ) for hydrogen compatibility . www . valve-world . net Valve World February 2024
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