Overview
EN ISO 16138:2006/A1:2019 is an international amendment developed by CEN and ISO, establishing requirements for the design, materials, testing, and operational characteristics of industrial diaphragm valves made from thermoplastic materials. This amendment, which updates the original EN ISO 16138:2006 standard, aims to ensure product quality, safety, and conformity with the essential requirements of the EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU.
Diaphragm valves of thermoplastics are widely implemented in industrial process control, particularly where chemical resistance and clean operation are needed. This amendment refines technical references, definitions, and performance criteria to reflect the latest industry practices and harmonized European legislation.
Key Topics
- Normative Reference Updates: The amendment revises and introduces up-to-date references for technical standards governing materials and valve testing, including ISO and EN standards relating to plastic pipes, fitting systems, actuator attachments, flow resistance tests, and pressure tests.
- Material Requirements: Specifies use of thermoplastic materials such as ABS, PE, PP, PVC-U, PVC-C, and PVDF, ensuring compatibility and safety for a range of industrial environments.
- Design and Testing Modifications:
- Clarifies definitions such as "maximum allowable pressure (PMA)".
- Sets minimum rating factors for various thermoplastic materials relative to operating temperature and service life.
- Provides revised face-to-face dimension guidance referencing EN 558.
- Details test methods for design strength, leaktightness, and long-term durability per updated ISO methods.
- Conformance with EU Legislation: Explicitly supports compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU, granting presumption of conformity when the standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union.
- Manually Operated Valves: Sets limits for permissible manual operating forces, referencing EN 12570 to safeguard operator safety and ensure valve integrity.
Applications
Industrial Use Cases
- Chemical and Process Industries: Ideal where corrosion resistance and clean fluid control are crucial, such as in chemical manufacturing and water treatment facilities.
- Pharmaceutical and Food Industries: Applicable for sanitary processes requiring non-metallic valves.
- Utility and Infrastructure Projects: Used in fluid distribution networks where lightweight, corrosion-resistant solutions are preferred.
Practical Value
- Enhanced Quality Assurance: Manufacturers applying this amendment align with strict testing and documentation protocols, boosting confidence in valve performance and durability.
- Regulatory Compliance: Helps organizations meet the essential requirements of the EU PED, reducing administrative overhead for placing products on the European market.
- Up-to-date Technical References: Industry practitioners can rely on current, globally recognized test methods and terminology for procurement, design, and quality control.
Related Standards
- ISO 15493 / ISO 15494: Specifications for thermoplastic piping systems for industrial applications.
- ISO 1167-1: Resistance to internal pressure testing for thermoplastics pipes and fittings.
- EN 558: Face-to-face and centre-to-face dimensions of metal valves for use in flanged pipe systems.
- EN 12266-1: Pressure tests for metallic valves - procedures and acceptance criteria.
- ISO 5210: Attachments for multi-turn valve actuators.
- EN 736-3: Terminology for industrial valves.
- EU Directive 2014/68/EU (PED): European regulation on pressure equipment conformity for safe market placement.
By implementing the guidelines of EN ISO 16138:2006/A1:2019, manufacturers, engineers, and compliance teams can ensure the reliability and legal acceptance of industrial diaphragm valves constructed from thermoplastics across Europe and internationally. This promotes safety, process efficiency, and market access for industrial valve products.
