Jeremy Douglas, Specification Director of Brymec, explains how specifiers can find the advice they need when it comes to selecting products that comply with the very latest Standards.
With a range of new legislation and standards arriving on what seems like a monthly basis, it can be a challenge to stay up to speed. For specifiers, this is a particularly important consideration when ordering for projects. Ensuring that products such as pipework meet all the current requirements can be a headache.
One example is BS EN10217-2 for steel tube, which was updated in 2021. This British and European Standard specifies the technical delivery conditions in two test categories for welded steel tubes. It provides details on steel grades, manufacturing process, inspection, sampling and test methods.
The Standard is a significant safety mechanism for tubes that are applied in high-pressure or potentially corrosive environments. Under the standard, welded steel tubes must be treated using a specific method to ensure safety at a pressure above 0.5 bar and temperatures over 50oC.
It’s a highly technical area, but the updated 2021 Standard was introduced to comply with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and means that certain Grades (TR1) are no longer acceptable for use. The British Standards Institute (BSI) describes the PED as applying to: “The design manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar gauge including vessels, piping, safety accessories, and pressure accessories.”
And although that’s not the most straightforward description, it is important for users to understand the implications of BS EN 10217 as it will impact the type of steel tube selected depending on the temperatures and pressures required in a project. Technical Quality Designations will indicate the characteristics of a tube, so it is crucial to check these.
At Brymec, we have a team of in-house experts managing our product development, manufacturing, and ordering. This means that our customers can relax, knowing that we have everything in hand.
One of the reasons Brymec has developed its own range of products is to ensure that we can offer our customers the reassurance that they are specifying to regulations and standards. By working closely with our own manufacturers, we can be certain that what we offer our customers meets the highest standards, giving peace of mind to Brymec customers.
It also means that we have a good view of our supply chains and what’s coming down the line. We develop our products in good time to be compliant, ensuring that we’re not left with a non-compliant kit that might find its way into projects.
So now could be a good time to take a look at your specification processes and consider working with a supplier who can support you through upcoming changes in regulations and standards – so that you can select with confidence. Our expert team is only a phone call away, and happy to answer any questions about our products, including standards compliance.
