The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED — 2014/68/EU) establishes the essential framework for the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure vessels, piping and related equipment in Europe. All equipment within the scope of the Directive must undergo CE marking.
PED is one of the most critical directives for the welded fabrication sector, because welding processes are directly determinative of the reliability of structures under pressure.
PED Categories (I–IV)
| Category | Risk Level | Conformity Assessment | Notified Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Low risk | Internal production control (module A) | Not required |
| II | Medium risk | Internal production control + periodic surveillance | Required (surveillance) |
| III | High risk | EC type examination + production quality assurance | Mandatory (full) |
| IV | Very high risk | EC type examination + product verification | Mandatory (full, each unit) |
Category classification is determined by pressure (PS), volume (V), temperature (TS) and fluid group (hazardous/non-hazardous) using the charts in the Directive annex.
Welding Requirements
Key requirements for welding in pressure equipment under PED:
- Welding Procedure Approval: An approved WPQR under EN ISO 15614-1/2 is mandatory for all welding processes.
- Welder Qualification: Certified welders under EN ISO 9606-1 (steel) or EN ISO 9606-2 (aluminium).
- NDT: Volumetric inspection by RT or UT on critical welds for Category II and above; personnel must hold EN ISO 9712 Level 2 certification.
- Materials: PED-compliant material (e.g. P265GH, P355NH from EN 10028 series) and EN 10204 3.1/3.2 certification.
Category II and above: The Notified Body conducts periodic surveillance audits and final inspection of major components. At ArmaWeld this process is coordinated with the NB before production planning begins.
Technical Documentation Requirements
Technical file that the manufacturer must prepare under PED:
- Design calculations (EN 13445 or ASME VIII — Div. 1)
- Material certificates (EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2)
- WPS and WPQR documents
- Welder certification records
- NDT reports (VT, PT/MT, RT/UT)
- Hydrostatic test or pneumatic test protocol
- EC Declaration of Conformity
ArmaWeld PED Capability
ArmaWeld has active experience in the fabrication of pressure vessels and process tanks under PED Category I and II. Material groups used: P265GH, P355NH (carbon steel) and 304L, 316L (stainless steel). For every project, procedure approval, NDT plan and technical file are prepared; for Category II projects, work is coordinated with an accredited Notified Body (NB). The delivery package includes the CE declaration, all test reports and the material traceability chain.
Pressure Vessel and PED Projects
Share your design conditions (pressure, temperature, volume, fluid); we will prepare a quote with PED category determination and welding procedure recommendation.
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