HPi VS Ltd - Industrial

19/08/2026

Non-permanent joints safety compliance: What does the PED actually require?

Under the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), there is an important distinction between permanent joints, such as welded connections, and non-permanent joints, such as bolted connections.

But “non-permanent” doesn’t mean “no requirements”.

For example, bolted flanges, bolted heads, tube sheet-to-shell connections and plate heat exchanger joints can all involve pressure-bearing parts, bringing specific requirements for materials, inspection and testing.

Our Tech Note 15 takes a closer look at what manufacturers need to consider, including:

- What material documentation is required?
- What testing needs to be carried out?
- Which components fall within the relevant requirements?
- What are the manufacturer’s responsibilities?

Whether you manufacture or design pressure equipment, getting these details right is an important part of demonstrating PED compliance.

We've explored this in more detail in our Tech Note 15: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/technical-note-vm15-subject-ped-201468eu-non-permanent-kiqfe/

Understanding PED Requirements (material certification and testing) for Non-Permanent Joints Introduction The purpose of this technical note is to set out the requirement in the Pressure Equipment Directive and its guidelines for non-permanent joints. Non-permanent joints are those joints which do n

10/08/2026

During his recent trip to China to visit our local partners Viacert, HPiVS CEO Alasdair Reay was honoured to join some of the team and their families on a team-building expedition to Xiqiao Mountain.

We work alongside a trusted network of carefully selected partners across the globe, combining our extensive regulatory certification expertise with the local knowledge, responsiveness, and on-the-ground support that a locally based surveyor can provide.

By investing in our partner relationships and providing ongoing technical support, we ensure the quality and consistency of every project we deliver. This gives our clients confidence that, wherever they are located, they receive the same level of expertise, professionalism, and service that HPiVS's reputation is built upon.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined and made the day so memorable, and extra thanks to Irene for organising the hike.

22/07/2026

We're pleased to announce that HPiVS is now accredited by INAB to issue ISO 3834 certification, enabling manufacturers and fabricators to demonstrate compliance with one of the world's leading quality standards for welding.

Vladislav Maslov, HPiVS's Quality Director explains: "Achieving this accreditation means we can now make life easier for our customers who are committed to delivering the highest standards of welding quality. We can carry out ISO 3834 audits as a standalone service or in conjunction with our other certification services to streamline the process and help reduce duplication, time, and costs.

"We're proud to have gained this status and pleased that we can now offer this additional certification to further support our customers strengthen their competitive position, demonstrate compliance with international standards, and build confidence throughout their supply chains."



As an accredited certification body specialising in industrial and marine services, HPiVS carries out audits and issues regulatory certification for customers located around the world. ISO 3834, Quality Requirements for Fusion Welding of Metallic Materials, is an internationally recognised standard that provides a comprehensive framework for managing welding quality throughout the manufacturing process. Certification demonstrates that a company has the appropriate personnel, procedures, equipment, and quality controls in place to consistently produce high-quality welded products.



ISO 3834 is not mandatory. However, for manufacturers operating in sectors such as structural steel, pressure equipment, energy, marine, and general engineering, ISO 3834 certification offers significant commercial and operational advantages, including:

· Greater confidence in the quality and consistency of welded products.

· Improved compliance with customer, regulatory, and contractual requirements.

· Enhanced opportunities to tender for domestic and international projects where ISO 3834 certification is specified.

· Reduced risk of welding defects, rework, and associated costs.

· Demonstrable commitment to continual improvement and best practice.

· Increased customer confidence through independent third-party certification.

As supply chains continue to demand higher levels of quality assurance and traceability, ISO 3834 certification has become an increasingly valuable way for manufacturers to differentiate themselves and remain competitive in both UK and global markets.



HPiVS offers a customer-focused certification process designed to add value rather than simply assess compliance. Our experienced engineers work closely with organisations to ensure the certification journey is clear, efficient, and aligned with globally recognised standards.

Photo: Vladislav Maslov, Quality Director at HPiVS

16/07/2026

Our Technical Director Matteo Convento was in Rotterdam last week to deliver our specialist Pressure Equipment Directive training to the team at Roodhart Marine & Offshore Services. Thank you to everyone who took part, and in particular to Matthew Zwaneveld for coordinating the training session with us. It was a really great, interactive session and we're glad you found it useful.

The session looked at the key safety requirements and responsibilities outlined in the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). By explaining what is (and isn't!) required and answering individual questions, we aim to give teams more confidence in:
- meeting the regulatory standards
- applying the requirements in the most efficient way within their business
- the safety of their products
- having the correct documentation so products can move freely across the European market and worldwide and projects don't get delayed

Training can be tailored to individual needs but typically covers the core requirements of the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU, including the responsibilities of economic operators, the Essential Safety Requirements (ESR, Annex I), equipment categorisation (Annex II), and global conformity assessment for assemblies. Training can also cover practical guidance on design and technical file content, together with key considerations for materials, welding, and non-destructive testing (NDT) in relation to the Essential Safety Requirements.

If you're interested in arranging PED training for your team, please get in touch to find out more.

07/07/2026

How do you demonstrate compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (2014/68/EU) when non-harmonised standards are used? It's a question that we regularly receive, particularly in relation to Annex I, Section 7.

To support engineers, manufacturers, and conformity assessment professionals, we've put together a free Technical Note that explains the technical and regulatory considerations involved:

https://lnkd.in/ehbvN2q3

Whether you're developing a design methodology, assessing compliance, or preparing technical documentation, this guidance provides a structured overview of the requirements and the evidence needed to support conformity.

In this Technical Note you'll find out:
• Key terminology and definitions relevant to the PED framework
• The quantitative requirements applicable to specific categories of pressure equipment
• Approaches to demonstrating an equivalent overall level of safety where harmonised standards are not used
• Practical considerations for documenting and justifying compliance with the Essential Safety Requirements (ESRs)

We hope it's a useful reference for anyone involved in the design, assessment, or conformity of pressure equipment.

Subject: Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU Annex I p. 7 requirements when non-harmonized standards are used The purpose of this note is to clarify terms, definitions and requirements of Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU applied to the specific quantitative requirements for certain pressu

30/06/2026

Last week, we were at HVAC specialists Excool for a Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) conformity appraisal of a new production-line 4-Pipe Heat Pump unit. Our experienced certification engineer Gary (photographed carrying out the inspection) is working closely with the Excool team to ensure the essential CE marking process runs as smoothly and cost-effectively as possible with no interruptions to the manufacturing process.

Once we have certified this first prototype unit, Excool can then save money and eliminate time delays by self-certifying subsequent units on the production line for a six‑month period. Our design appraisal covers all units with similar features, even if different refrigerants are used, to help keep costs down and avoid interruption to production.

We will continue to carry out monitoring visits every six months to verify compliance with the Directive and to renew the certification.

With this unit including three key heat exchangers and R454B refrigerant, conforming with the PED requirements is not just a regulatory requirement but it also gives the Excool and EcoAir Box teams, and their customers, reassurance about the quality and safety of this product.

16/06/2026

If you manufacture CE marked assemblies that fall within the scope of the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), you’ll be familiar with the concept that (with the exception of those that fall within Article 4(3) (i.e. Sound Engineering Practice)) they have a hazard category.

But what if those assemblies don’t really require a category and that attributing them one is more of a hindrance than a help?

Read our article below to find out more and tell us what you think.

By Toby Read If you manufacture CE marked assemblies that fall within the scope of the Pressure Equipment Directive, you’ll be familiar with the concept that, with the exception of those that fall within Article 4(3) (i.e.

01/06/2026

"One of the best calculators I have ever worked with, simple, complete and effective." Mario Santana

We developed our free online Pressure Equipment Calculator to make it quick and easy to identify your product’s Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) risk category.

Each category is subject to specific conformity assessment procedures (modules). Identifying the correct procedure is an essential step toward achieving CE marking and demonstrating regulatory compliance.

Find out your risk category: www.rulefinder.net/tools

21/05/2026

How well do you understand the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) for non-permanent joints? If you're involved in the design, manufacture, inspection, or compliance of pressure equipment, understanding these requirements is essential for both compliance and safety. Our free Tech Note outlines what you need to know, including material certification and testing obligations.

It covers:

✔ Inspection document requirements

✔ Material testing requirements

✔ Manufacturer responsibilities

Read Tech Note 15 here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/technical-note-vm15-subject-ped-201468eu-non-permanent-kiqfe

Understanding PED Requirements (material certification and testing) for Non-Permanent Joints Introduction The purpose of this technical note is to set out the requirement in the Pressure Equipment Directive and its guidelines for non-permanent joints. Non-permanent joints are those joints which do n

14/05/2026

Compliance doesn't stop at getting your CE certificate. If you are responsible for Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) compliance at your site or for your product, are you confident you and your team understand and can apply the requirements of the directive correctly and in the most efficient way?

We still find manufacturers using modules which don’t streamline the production assessment. Our engineers provide a range of PED training options to give you peace of mind you're handling regulatory requirements effectively. These include bespoke courses, one-day overview seminars, and advanced online training.

As an EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) Notified Body accredited by INAB, we are trusted specialists in CE certification and marking for pressure equipment. We work with customers around the world across a wide range of industries, including renewable energy, refrigeration, heat pump, and welding and brazing approvals.

Talk to our team about options for training and how to gain peace of mind you're following the directive correctly and efficiently.