Overview
EN ISO 16135:2006 (ISO 16135:2006) - "Industrial valves - Ball valves of thermoplastics materials" specifies requirements for the design, functional characteristics, manufacture and testing of thermoplastic ball valves. It covers valves intended for isolating, control and divert/mixing services in industrial pipe systems, for a service lifetime of 25 years, and a temperature range of −40 °C to +120 °C. The standard applies to hand- or power-operated valves across common nominal sizes (DN 8–DN 150) and pressure ratings (PN 6, 10, 16, 25; Class 150 and Class 300).
Key Topics
- Scope and applicability: Industrial pipe systems (including water supply, drainage and sewerage); note that special rules may apply for water for human consumption.
- Design requirements: Valve geometry, materials selection, trim (wetted parts) and mechanical integrity to meet intended service.
- Materials: Guidance on thermoplastics for bodies, seats and trims with reference to material classification and compatibility.
- Pressure/temperature rating: Tables and rating factors for PMA (allowable maximum operating pressure) across the specified temperature range.
- Dimensions and connections: End-connection compatibility with PN- and Class-designated piping (flanges, threads).
- Operation and functional characteristics: Actuation interfaces, torque and fatigue considerations for hand- and power-operation.
- Manufacture and traceability: Production controls, marking, documentation and traceability requirements.
- Testing: Initial type tests, pressure and leakage tests, torque and fatigue tests (test procedures and documentation of results).
- Marking, storage and transport: Requirements for labelling and preservation prior to installation.
Applications
EN ISO 16135 is used to specify and validate thermoplastic ball valves in a wide range of industrial applications where chemical resistance, corrosion resistance and low weight are beneficial. Typical uses include:
- Industrial piping systems handling aqueous and many chemical fluids
- Water supply, drainage and sewerage systems
- Systems requiring hand- or powered actuation with defined pressure/temperature ratings
Users of the standard include valve manufacturers, product designers, plant engineers, specification writers, procurement teams, testing laboratories and compliance officers ensuring conformity to pressure equipment rules.
Related Standards (examples)
Standards commonly referenced with EN ISO 16135:
Compliance with EN ISO 16135 also supports conformity with EU Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC (PED) within the standard’s scope.
