The BS-EN standard for valves: a guide

Brief introduction to the UK standard for industrial valves

In a recent article we have seen closely the requirements determined by one of the most used and known construction standards in the industrial valve sector: the American MSS standard. This is one of the most well-known and used standards but, as we have seen, it is not the only one.

 

Another very common standard for the construction of industrial valves is the BS-EN standard. Known as the British Standard (BS), the British standard represents a set of technical and quality standards established in the United Kingdom.

 

In this short guide we find out how the standards for industrial valves work and, in particular, what the BS-EN standard is about.

 

The importance of standards

 

The BS-EN standard is established by the British Standards Institute. This is the UK national standardisation body responsible for facilitating, drafting, publishing and marketing the British Standards and other guidelines. The BSI provides the UK industry and other stakeholders with the main access to standardisation, both within Europe (with CEN, CENELEC and ETSI) and internationally (with the well-known ISO and IEC).

 

But what are standards for? First of all, we recall that industrial sectors and production processes require precise and effective valves, which are often found to operate even in heavy environments or mission critical situations. For this, several entities establish specific standards to be respected in the construction of these valves, so that they ensure a recognized "standard" level of quality. 

 

As the BSI itself points out, "a standard is a repeatable and shared way of doing something. Complying with a standard means first of all saving time and resources, eliminating redundant and duplicate processes and increasing efficiency. Compliance with the reference standards allows you to maintain the compliance of the entire management system in different areas of application and make a change aimed at improvement over time. Monitoring and control of the management system also helps to identify unexpected events, accidents, deviations and non-conformities and respond promptly."

 

These standards are used to ensure that valves meet certain safety, efficiency and interoperability requirements. In the context of industrial valves and fittings, the UK standard BS ensures that these elements are designed and manufactured to precise specifications, thus ensuring their reliability and durability.

 

Indeed, when engineers have to specify valves for use in a new production plant or when they have to order replacements and spare parts, they are faced with a complex panorama of codes and standards. Not all industrial valves are the same: they differ not only in materials and types, but also in the standards to which they meet. The difference in units of measurement between the European system and the Anglo-Saxon system is sufficient.

 

The BS-EN standard

As we have seen, the BSI offers a wide range of standards for different sectors and production processes. For industrial valves, the main system is BS-EN, identified by the standard number and year of introduction. For example, BS 5154:1991.

 

In addition to setting standards and construction requirements, another important difference between British Standard fittings and those based on the metric system is the measurement units and terminology used. If the metric system is based on units such as millimetres and centimetres, the British standard often uses inches. A difference which may seem minimal; on the contrary, it has a major impact on the compatibility and interchangeability of components.

 

These differences should be well known when purchasing or installing industrial valves: the use of incompatible elements can lead to leaks or malfunctions. 

 

The BSI standards for industrial valves are very numerous and cover a wide range of specific requirements for materials, valve types, processes, tests, applications. A very comprehensive list is available, but we want to give you an example: 

• BS 5154:1991 - Specifications for copper alloy globe, shut-off and check valves, check valves and gate valves
• BS 5158:1989 - Specifications for cast iron gate valves
• BS 5160:1989 - Specifications for steel globe valves, globe stop and check valves and lift type check valves.
• BS 4062-1:1982 - Valves for hydraulic power systems. Methods for determining differential pressure/flow characteristics
• BS 5351:1990 - Steel ball valves for the petroleum, petrochemical and related industries

 

But the BS-EN standards are still varied and numerous, covering many aspects of industrial valve production and use.

ECI valves: quality and efficiency, for BS-EN standards 

 

ECI is a company specializing in the production of industrial pipes, fittings and valves for oil, water and gas. 

 

These systems ensure high performance and versatility in any operational context. They are designed and built with resistant materials suitable for even heavy use, such as brass, bronze and cast iron, to ensure a great resistance to corrosion, pressure and high temperatures - in compliance with several international standards, including MSS standards.

 

There is a very wide range of valves, which can be used in sectors such as heating systems, ventilation and air conditioning, Oil & Gas. The company produces both bronze and cast iron valves in two types of standards, the American standard "MSS-SP" and the British "BS-EN".

 

As a manufacturer of valves for various industrial sectors, ECI offers various types of components, made according to the MSS standards.  These include: 

• Bronze globe valve BR 432, conforms to BS 5154
• Cast iron globe valve G 403, conforming to BS EN 13789:2010
• Bronze balancing valve BR 825, compliant with BS 7350
• Check valve in cast iron type G 303, conforming to BS EN 12334:2001

 

And many other valves made according to BS-EN standards, both cast iron and bronze.

 

Managing the many different standards for industrial valves can seem complicated even to experienced engineers or plant managers. If you need help, don’t worry: consult ECI’s team of industrial valve experts to interpret the specifications in line with your system requirements. 

 

With extensive experience in the design and manufacture of industrial valves and a thorough knowledge of standardisation systems, the ECI team is always ready to guide you in choosing the right valve. Contact our application engineers today to determine the right valves for your next project.

 

For more information on BS-EN standard valves from ECI or to get advice on the right product for your production needs, do not hesitate to contact us!