One of the first certifications under the new standard provides clarity and comparability for safety-related automated industrial valves
EN 17955: Clear Rules for Mechanical Components
Published in November 2024, EN 17955 closes a key gap in functional safety. While IEC 61508 provides the foundation for SIL, it contains only limited specific requirements for mechanical components such as valves and actuators. Until now, this has resulted in different assessment methods, varying failure rates and limited comparability of manufacturers’ data.
For the first time, EN 17955 establishes a consistent assessment framework for safety-related automated industrial valves. The standard defines how mechanical components are to be evaluated in terms of design, qualification, testing, operation, maintenance and documentation. This makes SIL data more traceable, improves product comparability and significantly facilitates the selection of suitable valves for safety-related systems.
Particularly Relevant to Sensitive and Safety-Critical Processes
This clarity is particularly valuable to operators in the pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical and specialty chemical industries. In these sectors, stringent requirements for process safety, documentation and traceability coincide with aggressive, toxic or particularly sensitive media.
Broad Richter Portfolio Certified for SIL Applications
- Ball ValvesKN / KNR / KNA / KK / KA / KH / BVA
- Diaphragm Shut-off and Control ValvesMV / MVP / MVM / MVMP
- Shut-off and Control Butterfly ValvesNKS / NKSP / NKL / NKLP / NKS-T / NKSP-T
- Bottom Drain ValvesBAV / BAVM
- Bellows-Sealed Globe Control ValvesRSS
The certificates confirm Systematic Capability 3 and therefore SIL 3 capability for the assessed Richter valves. The Safety Integrity Level actually achievable for a safety function must still be verified for the specific application, taking into account all installed components and operating conditions.
A Reliable Basis for Planners and Operators
SIL is a key selection criterion in safety-critical process plants. EN 17955 now provides the clarity and comparability that have previously been lacking for mechanical components. With our broadly certified valve portfolio, we provide planners and operators with a reliable basis for the design and safe operation of critical processes.
Richter Chemie-Technik
While certifications under the still relatively new EN 17955 remain rare in the market, Richter already covers key valve types throughout complete process chains. This gives operators a more consistent data basis for SIL calculations, greater confidence in product selection and simplified technical documentation.
