DIN EN 13445-1:2026-12

Apply the fundamentals for unfired pressure vessels safely and in accordance with standards

DIN EN 13445-1:2026-12 sets out the general principles for unfired pressure vessels. It defines consistent terms, quantities, symbols and units and describes basic requirements for risk assessment and risk reduction. As the introductory part of the DIN EN 13445 series, it supports manufacturers, designers and inspection bodies in applying European requirements for pressure vessels consistently.

What is DIN EN 13445-1 about?

The standard describes the scope and basic provisions of the EN 13445 series. It applies to unfired pressure vessels with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar and may also be applied to vessels operating at lower pressures, including vacuum.

The focus is on consistent terminology, the interrelationships between the parts of the series, and the assessment and reduction of hazards. The standard also provides guidance on materials, design, manufacture, inspection and testing for various types of pressure vessels.

Topics covered

• General principles and scope for unfired pressure vessels
• Terms, quantities, symbols and units
• Relationship between the parts of the DIN EN 13445 series
• Risk assessment, hazard analysis and risk reduction
• Basic requirements for materials and design
• Guidance on manufacture, welding, inspection and testing
• Specific application rules for different pressure vessel materials
• Safety requirements of the European Pressure Equipment Directive
• Application guidance and an index covering the entire series

Practical relevance

The design and manufacture of unfired pressure vessels require the coordinated application of various technical requirements. DIN EN 13445-1 provides a common foundation for the entire series and makes it easier to identify the provisions relevant to each case.

The guidance on risk assessment and application of the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU is particularly useful. The standard helps companies consider hazards at an early stage, understand responsibilities and select the parts of the series required for design, manufacture and conformity assessment.

Changes compared with DIN EN 13445-1:2021-12

• Updated normative references
• Revised Annex A on the application of the standard
• New clause A.11 on pressure vessels made of titanium and titanium alloys
• Updated index covering the entire series in Annex B
• Expanded Annex X on essential safety requirements with the new Table X.5 for titanium pressure vessels
• Updated bibliography and editorial revision of the document

Target audience

• Manufacturers of unfired pressure vessels
• Designers and development engineers
• Mechanical and process engineers
• Plant engineering companies
• Inspection and surveillance bodies
• Pressure equipment experts
• Quality managers
• Specialists in pressure equipment safety and conformity assessment

Conclusion

DIN EN 13445-1:2026-12 provides the foundation for applying the DIN EN 13445 series. It establishes a consistent understanding of the technical and safety-related provisions and supports the implementation of requirements for unfired pressure vessels in accordance with the standard.

This document replaces DIN EN 13445-1:2021-12 .