VALVE MAGAZINE Fall 2024

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING CASE STUDY

CASE STUDY Additive Manufacturing

of Pressure Equipment

How manufacturers can design and produce PED-compliant equipment using additive manufacturing.

BY: Holger Eckholz & Domagoj Vnucec, SAMSON AG; Jörg Keller & Martin Boche, TÜV SÜD INDUSTRIE SERVICE GMBH

Process automation products are regularly re-engineered and redeveloped as digitalization, flow simulation, design and control engineering are constantly studied and improved. Technological innovations, such as those now available with additive manufacturing, open many new opportunities beyond traditional subtractive manufacturing methods. In this case study, SAMSON will help shine a light on the challenges that companies face when developing pressure equipment product lines manu factured with additive technology. European Pressure Equipment Directive Similar to vessels, piping or unfired pressure vessels, valves and final control elements are classified as “pressure equipment” if they are subject to a maximum allowable pressure greater than 7.25 psi (0.5 bar). Pressure equipment manufacturers must ensure the safety of their products, while also guaranteeing fair competition on the European Union market.[i] Like the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) in the U.S., European pressure vessel manufacturers must adhere to European Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/ EU (PED), which stipulates the relevant manufacturing requirements for EU manufacturers. Specific product requirements are found in Harmonized Product Standards, such as EN 16668 for industrial valves, EN 13480 for metallic industrial piping or EN 13445 for unfired pressure vessels. These standards often reference other supporting

harmonized standards when applicable. The standard requirements apply to both the material properties and the manufacturing procedures. Regular reviews and audits are prescribed for these manufacturing procedures. Products of certain hazard classifications (PED categories I to IV) must additionally be certified by the applicable additional organizations, called Notified Body organizations, and bear a CE marking to be placed on the EU market (similar to a UL certification in the U.S.). Top: Three-layer print of medium-sized plug heads (150 pieces). Bottom: High-load valve trim parts, such as flow dividers. Source: SAMSON

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VALVE MAGAZINE

FALL 2024