EU Simple Pressure Vessel Directive (SPVD)

Scope

For a vessel to fall into the scope of this Directive, it must meet all of the following categories:

• Unfired
• Cylindrical welded construction
• Constructed of certain grades of steel or aluminium
• Intended to contain nitrogen or air
• Gauge pressure greater than 0.5 bar
• Produced in series

The Directive's scope also has limits on the maximum working pressure and temperature as well as the types of end to the vessel. If these limits are exceeded, the vessel falls into the scope of the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED).

Exclusions

Pressure vessels with the following particular use are excluded:

• Nuclear use
• Use in the propulsion of ships and aircraft
• Fire extinguishers

Products are either in scope and must be CE marked or they are outside the scope and may not be CE marked. There is no legal means whereby an excluded product can be CE marked. HPiVS will confirm, on application, if your product is excluded.

Standards

The detailed technical characteristics of the design, materials, production and testing are not laid down in the Directive but in standards. Standards have been especially written to support the directive. These standards, which must be adopted by all member states, are known as harmonised standards.

Conformity with harmonised standards is required for this Directive. If they are not, the product is not "simple" and falls into the scope of the Pressure Equipment Directive.

Conformity Assessment Procedures

The directive has a limited range of Conformity Assessment Modules that define what documentation needs to be compiled and to what extent a Notified Body should be involved. HPiVS will advise on the options upon application.

Next Steps

Contact HPi Verification Services