Pressure Equipment Directive PED 2014/68/UE

Directive 2014/68/EU (PED): regulatory framework for pressure equipment | BOIXAC Technical blog › Regulations & certification Directive 2014/68/EU (PED):the regulatory framework for pressure equipment in the EU A technical guide to the scope of application, risk category classification and conformity assessment modules established by the Pressure Equipment Directive. BOIXAC Tech SL Updated: 2026 Reading time: ~8 min Note on the scope of this article This text is exclusively informational and educational in nature. It does not constitute legal, technical or engineering advice, and cannot under any circumstances replace the specific analysis carried out by a qualified professional on a particular piece of equipment. The correct application of Directive 2014/68/EU — including equipment classification, determination of the assessment module and obtaining CE marking — always requires the involvement of competent engineers and, for higher categories, a duly notified Notified Body. BOIXAC assumes no liability arising from decisions made based on the content of this article. Directive 2014/68/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 15 May 2014, on the harmonisation of the laws of Member States relating to the making available on the market of pressure equipment — commonly known as the Pressure Equipment Directive or PED — is the European regulatory instrument governing the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment intended for the internal market. For any manufacturer or industrial user of pressure equipment — heat exchangers, vessels, boilers, process pipework and fittings — understanding the scope and logic of this Directive is a prerequisite for operating safely and in legal compliance within the European Economic Area. 1. Background and regulatory context Directive 2014/68/EU repealed and recast the previous Directive 97/23/EC, which ceased to apply on 19 July 2016. The recast did not substantially modify the essential safety requirements or the conformity assessment tables, but aligned the legislation with the New Legislative Framework (NLF) of the European Union — in particular Regulation (EU) No 765/2008 and Decision 768/2008 — introducing explicit obligations for all economic operators in the supply chain: manufacturers, authorised representatives, importers and distributors. Key regulatory reference Directive 2014/68/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27 June 2014, pp. 164–259). Full entry into force: 19 July 2016. 2. Scope of application The Directive applies to the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure (PS) greater than 0.5 bar gauge. Element Description under the Directive Vessels Housings designed and built to contain fluids under pressure, including shell-and-tube heat exchangers. Piping Piping components intended for the transport of fluids, including pipes, piping systems, fittings, expansion joints and hoses. Safety accessories Devices protecting against the exceedance of allowable limits: safety valves, pressure relief devices, automatic control systems, etc. Pressure accessories Devices with an operational function subject to pressure: non-return valves, regulators, steam traps, filters, etc. Assemblies Several items of pressure equipment assembled by a manufacturer to constitute an integrated functional installation. Notable exclusions The Directive expressly excludes from its scope, among others: simple pressure vessels covered by Directive 2014/29/EU; aerosol generators; equipment intended for vehicle operation; certain water distribution networks; nuclear equipment; and well-control equipment for the extractive industry. 3. Fluid classification and its significance One of the Directive’s central pillars is the classification of the fluids contained in the equipment, which determines — together with the pressure and volume or nominal diameter parameters — the applicable risk category. Directive 2014/68/EU updated the classification relative to the previous legislation, aligning it with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. Group Fluids included (simplified criterion) Group 1 Fluids considered hazardous: explosive, extremely or highly flammable, toxic, very toxic, oxidising and corrosive under the CLP Regulation, as well as any fluid at a maximum allowable temperature (TS) above its flash point. Group 2 All fluids not included in Group 1, commonly referred to as “non-hazardous fluids”. Key technical consideration The Directive establishes that thermal oils are classified as Group 1 when the maximum allowable temperature of the equipment exceeds the flash point of the oil in question, regardless of its CLP classification. This specific criterion, set out in Commission Guideline B-41, has direct implications for the resulting category of the equipment. 4. Risk categories The Directive establishes four risk categories (I to IV) for pressure equipment. Category assignment is determined using the tables in Annex II, which cross-reference fluid parameters with equipment parameters (PS, volume V or nominal diameter DN). Category IMinimal risk Low-pressure or small-volume equipment. The manufacturer may self-certify via Module A (internal production control). Category IILow risk Requires involvement of a Notified Body in the production phase. Available modules: A2, D1, E1. Category IIIModerate risk Notified Body involvement in design and/or production. Modules: B+D, B+F, B+E, B1+D, G, H. Category IVHigh risk Maximum requirements. Notified Body required at all stages. Permitted modules: B+D, B+F, G, H1. 5. Conformity assessment modules Module Name NB required Summary A Internal production control No Manufacturer’s self-declaration. Applicable to Category I only. A2 Internal production control with supervised checks Yes The NB performs random inspections of the finished product. B EU-type examination (production type) Yes The NB examines a representative specimen. Must be combined with a production-phase module (D, E or F). B1 EU-type examination (design type) Yes The NB examines the design technical documentation without a physical prototype. D / D1 Production quality assurance Yes The NB approves and supervises the manufacturer’s quality system in the production phase. E / E1 Product quality assurance Yes The NB approves and supervises the quality system for final inspections and testing. F Product verification Yes The NB verifies each produced unit by examination and testing. G Unit verification Yes Individual assessment of each item by the NB, both in design and production. Common for one-off equipment. H / H1 Full quality assurance Yes The NB approves and supervises the complete quality management system. H1 adds design examination and special surveillance. 6. Economic operator obligations Manufacturer Ensure the equipment … Read more

Coil for temperature control in wine tank

COIL FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN WINE TANK OPTIMIZATION OF TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN CULTIVATION TANKS One of the largest sparkling wine producers has implemented a temperature control system for 23 cultivation tanks with a total capacity of 142,000 liters, aiming to ensure optimal fermentation and maintain the quality of the final product. This project has focused on processes taking place in the so-called yeast farms, two rooms where fermentation occurs over five days at a strict temperature range of 18 to 20 ºC. Composition and process conditions The fluid present in the tanks consists of wine solution, tirage liqueur (a sugar-rich syrup), and yeast. This combination is essential for fermentation, as the yeast converts the sugars in the liqueur into alcohol and carbon dioxide, producing the characteristic foam of sparkling wine. Maintaining the fluid temperature within the specified range is crucial for ensuring controlled, high-quality fermentation. Heat exchanger system with internal coils To achieve this thermal control, heat exchanger coils have been introduced inside the tanks. These coils, made of AISI 316 stainless steel with electropolishing, provide excellent corrosion resistance and ensure maximum hygiene, two essential factors in sparkling wine production. The coils are certified under the MOCA (Materials in Contact with Food) standard, ensuring the materials used meet food safety requirements. CLAMP no need All system components have been custom-designed to perfectly fit the tanks’ characteristics and the client’s needs. A design eliminating the need for CLAMP connections was chosen, reducing the risk of leaks and simplifying system cleaning and maintenance. This tailored approach has also maximized heat exchange efficiency and optimized temperature control throughout the fermentation process. Wine tank heat exchanger coil benefits Implementing this system has provided numerous operational advantages: Thermal Stability: Maintaining a constant temperature within the specified range has been key to ensuring homogeneous, high-quality fermentation. Energy Efficiency: Electropolished stainless steel coils offer optimal thermal conductivity, reducing the energy consumption needed to maintain the proper temperature. Food Safety: Compliance with MOCA standards ensures the quality and safety of the final product. Reduced Maintenance: The absence of CLAMP connections simplifies maintenance and minimizes potential technical issues. BOIXAC, HEAT EXCHANGE SOLUTIONS This project is an excellent example of innovation applied to the wine industry, where precise control of fermentation conditions makes a significant difference in the quality of the sparkling wine produced. Implementing custom systems and high-quality materials ensures not only process improvement but also greater efficiency and sustainability throughout the production chain. Contact us Heat exchange solutions for the food and beverage industry Water coil Water coil that is often used to condition the environment of greenhouses and breeding farms, improving animal welfare. Energy economizer Energy economizer or heat recovery system that allows the reuse of excess energy, for example, from biomass boilers. Finned heat exchanger Finned tube heat exchanger, a temperature control system that optimizes durability even in environments with certain contamination factors.

Economizer for greenhouses

ECONOMIZER FOR GREENHOUSES GREENHOUSES AND FARMS An economizer for greenhouses or farms refers to the heat recovery system designed to improve efficiency in an environment where, among other things, crop performance is optimized by controlling temperature, ambient humidity, and CO₂. Within the wide range of implementations, we highlight three main areas: 1. The first block refers to water treatment for the hydroponic growth of tomatoes, lettuces, peppers, strawberries, etc. Hydroponic cultivation allows plants to grow faster and more vigorously thanks to direct access to nutrients. These nutrients are dissolved in a water flow that is distributed to the plants through channels. For proper nutrient absorption, it is important to maintain the water within certain temperature ranges, which is achieved thanks to our finned tubes. This heat exchange system can use spiral fins or continuous fins following the same direction as the tubes, maintaining a homogeneous temperature and optimizing both plant growth and quality. 2. The second block is air treatment through overhead ducts, where BOIXAC provides the finned heat exchangers that condition the air in the greenhouse or breeding farm. These exchangers can include various accessories such as fans, humidity controls, and temperature controls. 3. The third block refers to the technology that enriches the environment, thus increasing photosynthetic activity. We achieve this by reusing the excess energy from exhaust gases through the ECO, AIRY, or GASY heat recovery systems. These thermal exchange units are selected based on primary and secondary fluids; in addition, the materials are also chosen according to the specific needs of each installation. Custom solutions for energy optimization in greenhouses and farms. Heat recovery systems for greenhouses and farms Water coil Water coil that is often used to condition the environment of greenhouses and breeding farms, improving animal welfare. Energy economizer Energy economizer or heat recovery system that allows the reuse of excess energy, for example, from biomass boilers. Finned heat exchanger Finned tube heat exchanger, a temperature control system that optimizes durability even in environments with certain contamination factors.

Industrial economizer

Industrial economiser: operation, applications and selection criteria | BOIXAC Technical guide › Energy recovery Industrial economiser: operating principle, applications and selection criteria The economiser is the component that converts the residual heat from boiler exhaust gases into a measurable reduction in fuel consumption. This guide analyses its operation, constructive types, main industrial applications and the technical parameters that determine its selection. BOIXAC Tech SLGuia tècnica industrialLectura: ~9 min Table of contents 1. Definition and function of the industrial economiser 2. Operating principle in an industrial boiler 2.1 Energy flow and positioning 2.2 Heated fluids: water, steam and thermal oil 3. Constructive types of economisers 4. Quantified energy and economic benefits 5. Main industrial applications 6. Selection and design parameters In an industrial boiler, between 10% and 20% of the fuel energy burned is lost as sensible heat in the exhaust gases discharged to atmosphere. The economiser is the device that recovers this energy and transfers it to the boiler feedwater, reducing fuel consumption without modifying the main process. 1. Definition and function of the industrial economiser An industrial economiser is a gas-liquid heat exchanger installed at the outlet of combustion gases from an industrial boiler or furnace. Its function is to transfer the residual enthalpy of these gases to the boiler feedwater, preheating it before it enters the boiler body. The term economiser derives directly from its function: to save fuel. By preheating the feedwater, the energy the boiler must supply to reach the vaporisation or working temperature is reduced, translating directly into lower natural gas, diesel or biomass consumption. 10–20%Energy lost in flue gases without economiser3–8%Typical fuel consumption reduction~1%Saving per 6 °C feedwater temperature rise1–3 yearsTypical payback period 2. Operating principle in an industrial boiler 2.1 Energy flow and positioning In a conventional industrial boiler, gases leave the boiler at temperatures typically between 200 °C and 450 °C. The economiser is installed precisely at this point — at the boiler gas outlet and before the stack — to extract residual enthalpy from these gases and transfer it to the feedwater. Gas inlet200–450 °C→EconomiserGas → liquid heat transfer→Gas outlet120–200 °C↕Water inlet40–80 °C→Preheated water130–220 °C to boiler Lower limit: acid dew point temperature The gas temperature at economiser outlet cannot be reduced indefinitely. In sulphur-containing fuels (diesel, heavy fuel oil, some industrial gases), the minimum temperature is set by the acid dew point temperature (typically 120–150 °C), below which condensed sulphurous acid attacks the metal surfaces of the economiser. For clean natural gas, this limit falls to approximately 55–65 °C. 2.2 Heated fluids: water, steam and thermal oil Although the classic function of the economiser is feedwater preheating, in industrial environments the recovered heat can be transferred to other process fluids: Boiler feedwaterClassic application. Water is preheated from the 40–80 °C typical at deaerator outlet to 130–220 °C, reducing the energy the boiler must supply to generate steam.High-pressure superheated waterIn high-temperature circuits for industrial heating processes, the economiser preheats the high-pressure circuit return water.Thermal oilIn thermal fluid boilers (Therminol, Dowtherm, Marlotherm), the economiser preheats the circuit return oil, reducing consumption by 5–12%.Combustion air (APH)In air pre-heater configuration, exhaust gases heat the combustion air before the burner, improving combustion efficiency and reducing NOₓ emissions. Industrial boiler economiser. Gas-liquid heat exchanger with helical finned tubes, designed to operate in combustion flue gases with inlet temperatures of 250–420 °C. 3. Constructive types of economisers The internal construction of the economiser determines its behaviour against combustion gases and its suitability for each application. Main typeHelical finned tubes Each tube carries a sheet metal fin wound helically. The helical geometry provides greater mechanical robustness and resistance to vibrations induced by combustion gas pulsations. The pitch between turns can be adjusted to accommodate particle-laden gases (fly ash, soot). Preferred application: natural gas, diesel, heavy fuel oil, biomass and industrial waste boilers. Environments with suspended particles in the gases. Compact alternativeContinuous finned tubes Flat perforated sheets through which tubes pass perpendicularly. Allow a higher surface density per unit volume, resulting in more compact equipment for the same recovery duty. Require gases without significant particle content to prevent inter-fin blockage. Preferred application: natural gas boilers in clean environments or with prior gas filtration. Installations where dimensional constraints are critical. BOIXAC gas-liquid heat exchangersCustom-designed and manufactured heat recuperators and economisers for industrial boilers, furnaces and combustion processes. View heat recuperators → 4. Quantified energy and economic benefits Installing a correctly sized economiser in an industrial boiler produces measurable and verifiable improvements in the overall performance of the installation. ⚡Reduction in fuel consumption The standard industry rule of thumb states that for every 6 °C rise in feedwater temperature, boiler fuel consumption decreases by approximately 1%. An economiser that raises the temperature by 60 °C can represent savings of 8–10% of fuel costs. 🌿Reduction in CO₂ emissions Lower fuel consumption translates directly into fewer CO₂ and NOₓ emissions per unit of useful energy produced. In facilities subject to emissions trading (EU ETS), the economiser is one of the interventions with the best investment ratio per tonne of CO₂ saved. 🔩Reduced thermal stress on the boiler Preheated feedwater reduces thermal shock at the boiler inlet, decreasing temperature gradients across the shell and tubes. Contributes to extending boiler service life and reducing preventive maintenance frequency. 💶Typical payback of 1 to 3 years In continuously operated industrial boiler installations (>4,000 h/year), return on investment is typically achieved within 12 to 36 months, depending on fuel price, boiler output and the recoverable temperature differential. 5. Main industrial applications The industrial economiser finds application in any process where a boiler or furnace generates residual combustion gases at a temperature sufficient to make heat recovery economically viable. Food and beverage industrySteam boilers for cooking, sterilisation, pasteurisation and drying processes. The economiser preheats the boiler feedwater, reducing energy consumption in the production process.Chemical and pharmaceutical industryThermal fluid boilers for reactors, distillers and dryers. The economiser preheats the circuit return oil, improving cycle efficiency and reducing natural gas consumption.Paper and textile industryLarge steam boilers for continuous drying processes. … Read more