Richter Chemie-Technik has certified an extensive portfolio of valves for Safety Integrity Level (SIL) applications in accordance with IEC 61508 and EN 17955. The certification covers several valve types used in safety-critical processes across pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical and specialty chemical industries.
The certified portfolio includes ball valves, diaphragm shut-off and control valves, butterfly valves, bottom drain valves and bellows-sealed globe control valves. The assessed ranges comprise KN, KNR, KNA, KK, KA, KH and BVA ball valves; MV, MVP, MVM and MVMP diaphragm valves; NKS, NKSP, NKL, NKLP, NKS-T and NKSP-T butterfly valves; BAV and BAVM bottom drain valves; and RSS bellows-sealed globe control valves.
According to independent functional safety specialist exida, the certification represents the first EN 17955 certification of a lined-valve manufacturer evaluated by the organisation. EN 17955, published in November 2024, establishes a framework for assessing safety-related automated industrial valves. The standard covers requirements related to design, qualification, testing, operation, maintenance and documentation of mechanical components used in safety-related applications.
IEC 61508 provides the broader framework for functional safety and Safety Integrity Levels. However, the standard has limited specific requirements for mechanical components such as valves and actuators. EN 17955 provides a dedicated basis for evaluating these components and supports greater consistency when assessing their suitability for safety-related applications.
The certificates confirm Systematic Capability 3 for the assessed Richter valve ranges, corresponding to SIL 3 capability. The SIL that can be achieved by an individual safety function must, however, be established for the complete application, taking into account all installed components, operating conditions and other relevant parameters.
Richter Chemie-Technik said: “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.”
The certified valves are designed for process applications involving aggressive, toxic or sensitive media. Their use spans industries where process safety and equipment reliability are important considerations, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical processing, petrochemical operations and specialty chemicals. The certification expands the documentation available to engineers, planners and plant operators when selecting valves for safety-related systems and supports the assessment of mechanical components within complete functional safety applications.
