Compliance with European regulations for the safety of pressure equipment

Overview of UNI EN 13455 standard and PED 2014/68/EU Directive

The UNI EN 13455 standard is the technical reference for the design, manufacture, and testing of unfired pressure vessels, such as tanks, reactors, and autoclaves used in the industrial, energy, pharmaceutical, and food sectors.
This standard applies to containers subject to internal or external pressure greater than 0.5 bar and is harmonized with the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU, mandatory for CE marking of pressure equipment placed on the European market.

UNI EN 13455 establishes advanced design criteria to ensure the mechanical strength, structural integrity, and long-term safety of equipment, taking into account the effects of cyclic pressures, thermal variations, corrosion, and fatigue. Requirements are defined for:

  • Materials and component certifications;

  • Calculation methods and structural verifications;

  • Welding and non-destructive testing;

  • Safety devices and pressure relief valves;

  • Hydraulic, pneumatic, and final tests.

In combination with the PED Directive, the standard guides the manufacturer in choosing the most suitable conformity assessment module (A, B, C, G, H, etc.), based on volume, pressure, physical state of the fluid, and risk category (I – IV).
The entire lifecycle of the tank—from design to construction to commissioning—is subject to assessment by a Notified Body, with the issuance of technical documentation, CE Declaration of Conformity, and mandatory product marking.

Upon customer request, and in compliance with the PED Directive, pressure vessels can also be designed and manufactured according to internationally recognized alternative codes such as ASME VIII Div. 1, AD 2000 Code, or other sector standards, provided they include a conformity assessment compatible with the essential requirements of the directive.

Building tanks according to EN 13455 and the PED Directive—optionally integrated with alternative codes—means ensuring certified quality, compliance with European regulations, and protection of the safety of operators and facilities, in all sectors where managing pressurized fluids is a critical safety factor.

En 14015 3

Pressure Safety (UNI EN 13455 + PED)

EN 13455, harmonized with the PED Directive, defines the requirements for pressure vessels, mandating the use of certified materials, qualified welds, and non-destructive testing to ensure the safety of pressurized containment.

Leak Prevention System

All cited standards include specific measures to prevent accidental leaks, such as the use of multiple walls, safety devices, automated controls, and inspection plans.

Monitoring and Testing System

Functional and structural verifications are mandatory, including leak tests, pressure tests, and final inspections, to ensure the suitability of the tank before commissioning.

Periodic Inspections and Maintenance

The regulations require tanks to undergo regular inspections by qualified technicians or notified bodies, with frequency varying according to the type of service and risk category.

Technical Documentation and Traceability

Each tank must be accompanied by complete documentation certifying the materials used, welding processes, inspections performed, and maintenance plan, ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance.

Proven Expertise – UNI EN 13455 + PED Directive

Steeltech specializes in the construction of pressure vessels and equipment designed in accordance with UNI EN 13455 and compliant with the PED 2014/68/EU Directive.
The company manages the entire process of design, production, and CE certification, collaborating with Notified Bodies to ensure compliance with essential safety and reliability requirements.
Upon specific request, Steeltech can also apply alternative international codes (such as ASME VIII Div.1 or AD 2000), always in compliance with PED, demonstrating regulatory flexibility and delivering customized, compliant solutions for every market.

Steeltech: your partner for tank construction in the national and European industrial markets

Thanks to its consolidated experience in the design and construction of stainless steel and carbon steel tanks, Steeltech, based in Corato, is recognized as a reliable partner in both the Italian and European industrial markets.
The company operates in full compliance with the main reference standards:

  • UNI EN 14015 for welded atmospheric steel tanks;

  • API 650 for welded tanks for industrial fluid storage;

  • UNI EN 13455 with PED certification for pressure equipment;

  • NTC 2018 and Eurocodes for structural and seismic calculations.

The integrated approach adopted by Steeltech ensures that each project is customized, certifiable, and compliant with the standards required by the client, respecting environmental, technical, and safety regulations.

Why choose Steeltech for your certified tanks

In every project, Steeltech applies deep regulatory knowledge and a certified working methodology, supported by a qualified technical staff, licensed welders, non-destructive inspections, and complete technical documentation.

The tanks manufactured by Steeltech are designed to guarantee:

  • Long-term structural reliability;

  • Compliance with Italian, European, and international standards;

  • Adaptability to various industrial sectors (chemical, food, pharmaceutical, environmental, energy, water treatment);

  • Full project management, from design to final testing.