MANUAL VALVES CE MARKING 2

[Medeski]

Hello all,

I'm in the process of selecting pneumatic components for a project. The system pressure range is around 1 MPa (10 bar) and the fluid is air. I am a bit confused about which components require CE marking and which do not.

For example, I have an SMC solenoid valve selected that has CE marking option. Then, I have a SMC 3-way valve that has no CE marking option. I contacted the manufacturer and they replied that since it is a manual valve with no electronic components, it does not require CE marking. However, the maximum operating pressure for the valve is 1 MPa, and from what I've seen the exemption cut off for simple pressure vessels is 0.05 MPa (0.5 bar). Or is it exempt because the capacity is under 1 liter?

I've been contacting the companies regarding the marking and will finally confirm with our European branch, but do non-electric components such as manual valves, air regulators, filters, etc. not need CE marking? Below is a excerpt and link to SMC's FAQ's where they state they are exempt.

"Q 11. Which directive is relevant to SMC products? Which SMC products require CE marking?

A11 Directives relevant to SMC products are EMC, Low Voltage and Simple Pressure Vessels Directive. For pneumatic equipment comprising electric / electronic parts, either the EMC or Low Voltage Directive, or both directives are applied. In such cases, CE marking is required.
THEREFORE, PNEUMATIC EQUIPMENT WITHOUT ELECTRIC/ELECTRONIC PARTS IS NOT SUBJECTED TO CE MARKING.
The Simple Pressure Vessels Directive are applicable to SMC air tanks (series AT) and tanks for booster valves (series VBAT). However, excluding VBAT specials with CE certificationm neither of the products conform to these directives (are not CE marked) and, therefore, cannot be exported to Europe."

Does it have something to do with it being under 1 liter? Somebody give me the straight dope!

Referances-

http://www.smcworld.com/2002/english/docs/ec_us/ENGLISH/SYSTEM/K6.HTM

http://www.netinform.net/Vorschriften/DG/ped_en/3.htm

Best,
Medeski

 

[jbeckhou]

This doc may answer your question.

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/pressure-and-gas/files/scope_exclusions_all_en.pdf

I would recommend calling a Notified Body. They will talk to you for free and point you in the right direction.

Petrotrim Services

 

[Drexl]

Hi,

Your medium is air (below 350 degC) and your maximum allowed pressure in the system is 10 bar(g) and we are talking about valves (=pressure accessories).

This means your REQUIREMENTS are as following:
<=DN100 -> sound engineering practice
DN125-DN350 -> Category I
DN400-DN500 -> Category II
>DN500 -> Category III

Categories I-III REQUIRE CE-marking (though all elements in an pipe system might not specifically require individual marking, for valves i think you should require it)

Valves which are constructed using sound engineering practice only MUST NOT be CE-marked.

BUT, your valve manufacturer might construct his valve in accordance with one of the PED-modules, which then allows him to use CE-marking. This is of course allowed even if your REQUIREMENT is only sound engineering practice.

Conclusion: up to and including DN100 don't need CE-marking.

Please double check this before investing your money and hope it helps

 

[Medeski]

Thank you for your responses!

jbeckhou -> Thanks for that link. I've read through some of it, but I need to go through it again more carefully.

Drexl -> Thank you for your explanation. I think I understand what you are saying. Because my system pressure is air (group 2 fluid), at room temperature, at 10 bar, and assuming I am working with pressure accessories, according to Article 3 Sec. 1.3a CE marking isn't required up to 1000 bar x DS (or DS100 @ 10 bar).

I'll be sure to have our European branch double check, they will be more familiar.

Best,
Medeski