Becetel is pleased to share an important update regarding recent developments in plastics valve standards and their associated testing protocols.
Evolutions in Product Standards
Significant updates have been introduced to PE valve product standards including EN 1555-4, EN 12201-4, and ISO 4437-4. A noteworthy addition is the requirement for actuation mechanism resistance to be tested at 1.2 times the maximum valve range torque. The leaktightness testing protocol in annex was improved and the tensile test description and evaluation was introduced in a normative annex.
In response to market demands, the PE 100-RC requirements and hydrogen compatibility were introduced.
Note that the product standard for polyamide valves, ISO 16486-4, was updated in the same way and that a new product standard for PE valves in water application, ISO 4427-4, is currently under development.
A new product standard ISO 18984 was developed, where publication is expected soon. ISO 18984 relates to PP and PVC-C ball valves for thermoplastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations under pressure (domestic systems) for applications in buildings and utility branches.
Modernisation of Test Standards
Many of the current valve testing standards, originally developed in the 1990s, are undergoing much-needed updates to align with today’s operational demands:
- Torque Evaluation (EN ISO 8233): The updated standard now requires testing at pressures equal to the MOP or PN, replacing the previous limit of 6 bar. Definitions for opening, running, and closing torques have also been refined.
- Bending Test (EN 12100): The valve shall now be tested in both half-open and closed positions, with bending applied in two planes. Resulting in 4 combinations to be evaluated.
- Impact Resistance (EN 1705): The procedure has been clarified regarding test piece clamping and support, with impact locations illustrated through new sketches.
- Bending Moment (EN 1680): Adjustments include clearer guidance on the starting position of the lever during testing.
Furthermore, the thermal cycling test standards EN 1704 (for smaller sizes) and EN 12119 (for larger sizes) are currently under review, with updates expected to further enhance testing precision and reliability.
All these items were developed with active participation of Becetel and this underlines Becetel’s commitment to stay at the forefront of standardization in plastics valve testing.
Should you have any questions or require detailed information about specific test methods, our technical team is available for further guidance.
