Valve Standard Reference
EN 12516
EuropeanIndustrial Valves — Shell Design Strength
EN 12516 specifies the method for calculating the minimum required wall thickness of valve pressure-containing shells (body and bonnet) and sets the basis for European valve design strength calculations — serving the same function as ASME B16.
Overview — EN 12516
EN 12516 specifies the method for calculating the minimum required wall thickness of valve pressure-containing shells (body and bonnet) and sets the basis for European valve design strength calculations — serving the same function as ASME B16.34 pressure-temperature rating tables do in American practice. EN 12516 is the basis for PED (Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU) pressure rating calculations for CE-marked European industrial valves. It applies to ferrous and non-ferrous metallic valves in all DN sizes and PN classes.
Scope
Covers the minimum shell wall thickness calculation for valves manufactured to European standards — including gate, globe, ball, butterfly, plug, check, and diaphragm valves. Addresses four calculation methods: Part 1 (Tabulated method), Part 2 (Calculation method for steel valves), Part 3 (Experimental method), Part 4 (Non-metallic pressure containing parts).
Applicable Valve Types
Gate Valves — body and bonnet wall thickness
Globe Valves — body shell calculation
Ball Valves — body and end cap design
Butterfly Valves — body design for high-pressure applications
Check Valves — body shell design
Diaphragm Valves — body and bonnet
Applicable Pressure Classes
Key Requirements — EN 12516
Part 1 (EN 12516-1): Wall thickness tables for common valve materials (steel, stainless steel) vs pressure-temperature class
Part 2 (EN 12516-2): Analytical calculation method for non-standard geometries and materials
Design temperature range: typically −200°C to +700°C depending on material
Allowable stress values tabulated by material and temperature in EN 12516-1 Annex A
Corrosion allowance: min 0.5 mm for standard service, higher for corrosive service per specifier's request
Burst pressure requirements for non-standard designs verified by EN 12516-3 experimental method
Compliance with EN 12516 is a pre-requisite for CE marking under PED 2014/68/EU for Category II/III valves
Testing Requirements — EN 12516
Shell pressure test per EN 12266-1 (industrial valve testing standard): 1.5× rated pressure, 2 minutes minimum
Seat leakage test per EN 12266-1, leak rate class A/B/C/D per EN 1267
Prototype pressure test to burst (EN 12516-3) if calculation method not applied
Documentation Required for EN 12516 Compliance
Design calculation report per EN 12516-2 or wall thickness compliance table per EN 12516-1
Declaration of Conformity to EN 12516 and PED 2014/68/EU (for CE-marked valves)
EN 10204 3.1 material test certificates confirming actual Rm/Rp0.2 properties
CE Technical File including design calculations, test records, and quality documentation
Related Standards
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