Guideline for pressure vessels--consequences for manufactures and operators

摘要

The Guideline for Pressure Vessels will without doubt change the situation in the European pressure vessel industry in the years to come. From the technical point of view the guideline offers a wide field for innovative and future-oriented paths, which, handled with responsibility, might enable economic solutions that will have to be agreed upon between manufacturers and operators. The problem, however, will be that the risk due to the growing economic pressure and the supply culture of other countries will set limits to a responsible handling. In addition, no "binding rules and regulations" will any longer exist. In future it will be more important for the operators to have clear agreements stipulated before contract award, especially with regard to module requirements, quality assurance and design chosen.