UTG supports you in the review of the documentation of pressure equipment.
The distributor (manufacturer, producer, supplier, installation company) of pressure equipment (i. e. pressure vessels, steam boilers, heat exchangers, tubing and safety and pressure accessories, as well as devices under pressure) is obliged to provide documented proof that such equipment meets the minimum requirements specified in the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 97/23/EC and the Austrian DGVO BGBL 426/1999. (= EU conformity)Such documented proof requires the examination of the documentation with regard to its fulfilment of the minimum requirements which include in particular the following:
- Qualification of the welding personnel
- Qualification of the welding procedures
- Basic materials and filler materials
- Traceability of materials
- Heat treatment certificates
- Qualification of the personnel for non-destructive tests
- Executed non-destructive tests
- Calibration of measurement and test facilities
- Execution of visual inspections
- Examination of the dimensions essential for safety
- Marking of pipes and valves
- Repairs and deviations
- Availability, form and contents of operating manuals
- Draft of conformity declarations
- Documentation and marking of pipes
- Safety concept for package units
- Deviations of the pre-inspection specification from the as built specification
- Correctness of classification according the Austrian DGVO
Assessment whether a Pipe needs Monitoring
Pursuant to the Austrian DGÜW-V BGBL 420/2004, the recurrent inspection of a piece of pressure equipment is dependent on its hazard potential and its need for monitoring. If required, this piece of equipment is to be assigned to a proper inspection schedule. The temporary arrangements of the DGÜW-V specify that pipes which have been in operation for more than 10 years before November 4, 2004 (old installations) must be assessed by the end of 2009. Assessment of newer installations must have been carried out by 2014.
Determination of the Technical Location of a Pipe
The pipes which need monitoring are listed, numbered, divided into piping sections and marked with a unique technical location number.
Technical Documentation of Pipes requiring Monitoring
For every pipe which is subject to monitoring, a documentation set in both paper and electronic form must be prepared.
A documentation set for a pipe with a technical location number consists of certificates regarding:
- Technical data
- Monitoring actions
- Functional test
- Pressure and leak tests
- Final inspection
- Pre-Inspection
- Picture documentation
Most companies use an ERP system (e.g. SAP) for their plant administration and maintenance planning. For assigning a plant component to a proper monitoring schedule, the relevant safety data must before entered into this ERP system. This is usually done by gathering the data in an Excel table which is then fed into the ERP system by the data administrator.
Knowledge of the Required Standards
The knowledge of the relevant legal and technical requirements and directives is a precondition in order to deal with critical questions, evaluate specific situations and determine legally compliant procedures. The relevant standards and directives include the Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC, the EC Machinery Directive 98/38, and various other European or national regulations and directives.