What is BS EN 13160-1 - General principles for leak detection systems about?
BS EN 13160 is a series of European standards on leak detection systems to monitor the integrity of a pipeline allowing the operator to respond in time to the leaks to prevent further escalation of incidents.
BS EN 13160-1 is the first part of the BS EN 13160 series of documents that specifies the general principles for leak detection systems for use with double-skin, single-skin, underground or above ground tanks and pipework designed for water-polluting fluids.
Who is BS EN 13160-1 - General principles for leak detection systems for?
BS EN 13160-1 on leak detection systems is relevant to:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of fluid storage devices
- Manufacturers of pipes and pipeline components
- Personnel of quality control systems
- Manufacturers of tanks or containers
- Leak detectors
- Electrical equipment designers and manufacturers
Why should you use BS EN 13160-1 - General principles for leak detection systems?
The leak detection system is a system designed to detect a leak of materials from the pipeline, in order to alert the operator to leak incidents.
BS EN 13160-1 provides the classes of leak detection systems in order of protection for the level of safety or environmental protection required.
BS EN 13160-1 determines the general requirements for leak detection systems indicating every leak by a visual and audible alarm.
Safety and electromagnetic requirements, leak indicating device and inspection of the electrical equipment and the leak detection system are all set out in BS EN 13160-1.
BS EN 13160-1 navigates you through the various examples of leak detection systems for pressure and vacuum for pipework.
Overall, BS EN 13160-1 walks you through the principles of leak detection systems, which are used to detect, monitor, and measure the unintended entrance or escape of fluids and gases, typically from pressurised systems or into empty enclosures.
As a result, leak detection is critical in industrial systems that rely on sensitive components or equipment that may be damaged by external contaminants.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 13160-1:2016 supersedes BS EN 13160-1:2003. BS EN 13160-1:2016 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 13160-1:2003. These include:
- New definitions for the Class IV C added
- Requirements concerning electromagnetic compatibility added
- Requirements for the different classes shifted to the part of the appropriate class.
