Quality in industrial thermal exchange solutions

At BOIXAC, we understand quality as a key factor in the development of thermal exchange solutions for demanding industrial applications.

The heat exchangers we design are built to ensure:

  • Operational reliability
  • Durability in industrial environments
  • Adaptation to the real conditions of the process

Each project is analyzed individually to ensure that the equipment complies with applicable technical and regulatory standards, as well as the operational requirements of each installation.

What ensures the quality of an industrial heat exchanger

The quality of a heat exchanger depends on several technical factors:

  • Compliance with international standards
  • Control of welding procedures
  • Material traceability
  • Possibility of inspection and maintenance
  • Adaptation to specific process conditions

At BOIXAC, we integrate these criteria into the selection and design of equipment to ensure reliable and long-lasting solutions in demanding industrial environments.

1. Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU (PED)

For applications that require it, heat exchangers can be manufactured in accordance with the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU (PED). This classification allows adapting the level of control, inspection, and technical documentation to the real needs of each industrial installation.

Depending on the characteristics of each project, it is possible to work with:

Category Max PS (bar) TS (°C) Fluid group Inspection type Required documentation
Art. 4.3 (exempt) Low pressure Limited Mainly group 2 Manufacturer self-control No CE marking, application of good engineering practice
Category I Low to moderate Moderate Group 1 or 2 Internal manufacturing control CE declaration of conformity
Category II Moderate Moderate to high Group 1 or 2 Notified body (partial involvement) Technical dossier + manufacturing control
Category III >200 bar for group 1 fluids >300°C Group 1 Mandatory notified body Technical dossier + material certificates + welding procedures
Category IV Very high pressure Very high temperature Group 1 Full control by notified body Full dossier + total inspection + full traceability

Indicative classification according to Directive 2014/68/EU (PED). Final category depends on PS, volume and fluid type.

2. International certifications and standards

According to the technical requirements of the project, equipment can be manufactured in accordance with various international standards used in pressure equipment and industrial installations.

Key available options include:

  • ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (ASME BPVC)
  • Welding procedure qualifications (WPS / WPQR)
  • Welder qualifications
  • Material certification and traceability
  • Quality dossiers and technical documentation

The availability of these certifications depends on the technical specifications defined by the project or client.

3. Welding control

For particularly demanding applications, equipment can be manufactured with qualified welding procedures and specific certifications.

Commonly available standards include:

  • EN ISO 3834-2 – Quality requirements for fusion welding
  • ISO 14731 – Welding coordination

These certifications help guarantee the structural quality and operational reliability of the equipment.

4. Inspection system

Some heat exchanger designs include inspection openings or access panels to facilitate periodic checks and technical verifications.

These systems allow:

  • Performing visual inspections
  • Facilitating preventive maintenance operations
  • Improving operational safety

without complex disassembly.

5. Extraction system

Certain economizers and heat recovery units can integrate extraction systems or sliding rails.

These systems allow:

  • Removing the equipment from inside the ducts
  • Facilitating cleaning and maintenance operations
  • Reducing downtime of the installation

while keeping the duct structure intact.

6. Hygiene and cleaning systems

In applications with high fouling or particle presence, heat exchangers can incorporate automatic cleaning systems.

These systems allow:

  • Maintaining thermal efficiency
  • Reducing manual maintenance interventions
  • Improving process operational continuity

7. Accessories and equipment configuration

The heat exchangers and heat recovery units we offer can adapt to different operational environments through multiple configurations.

Key available accessories include:

  • Droplet separators
  • Condensate trays
  • Manual or motorized bypass systems
  • Cleaning systems
  • Thermal insulation
  • Other project-specific solutions

This flexibility allows optimizing equipment performance and facilitating integration into existing or new industrial installations.

Technical support for thermal exchange projects

Each industrial project presents specific conditions:

  • Type of fluids
  • Temperatures and pressures
  • Corrosive environments
  • Levels of fouling

At BOIXAC, we analyze each application to propose the most suitable heat exchanger configuration, considering regulatory and operational requirements of the process.

If you are developing a project or need to replace an existing unit, our technical team can advise you on selecting the most appropriate solution.

Contact us to analyze your application.

FAQs industrial quality in heat exchangers

When is CE marking mandatory for a heat exchanger?

When the equipment exceeds the pressure and volume thresholds of the PED Directive, CE marking is mandatory; when it falls below those thresholds, equipment must not carry CE marking under Directive PED 2014/68/EU.
 
Under Directive PED 2014/68/EU, heat exchangers that exceed the limits defined by fluid group (1 or 2), maximum allowable pressure (PS) and volume (V) or nominal diameter (DN) must be categorised into categories I to IV and carry CE marking. Heat exchangers below those thresholds are manufactured in accordance with Article 4.3 —sound engineering practice— and the Directive expressly prohibits placing CE marking on them. BOIXAC determines during the technical specification phase which of the two routes applies.
 

What is the difference between WPS and WPQR in heat exchanger manufacturing?

The WPS describes how each weld must be executed; the WPQR demonstrates that the procedure has been validated through testing.
 
The WPS and WPQR are documents relating to permanent joints that affect pressure integrity in heat exchangers subject to the PED Directive. The WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) defines the execution parameters; the WPQR (Welding Procedure Qualification Record) certifies that the procedure was tested and approved. BOIXAC provides qualified procedures for the materials and welding positions commonly used in industrial heat exchangers. 
 

What does EN ISO 3834-2 compliance mean for a heat exchanger?

It means the manufacturer has implemented a comprehensive welding quality management system with full documentary traceability and personnel qualification.
 
Conformity with EN ISO 3834-2 —comprehensive requirements level— ensures that the manufacturer not only executes welds correctly, but also has the management processes needed to guarantee reproducibility and traceability in series production. This covers review of technical requirements, production planning, qualification of personnel and procedures, and inspection and testing. For industrial customers it provides a high level of assurance in welding quality. 
 

Can a heat exchanger be manufactured under ASME code for markets outside Europe?

Yes. For equipment destined for markets outside the European Economic Area, the PED Directive does not apply and BOIXAC can propose solutions under ASME code or other local standards.
 
The ASME BPVC (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code) is the reference regulatory framework in North America and many international markets. It is important to define the applicable standard at the quotation stage, as it determines the materials, welding procedures and documentation required. For commercialisation within the EU, the equipment must additionally comply with the PED Directive, regardless of whether it has been designed to ASME code.