What is BS EN 13160-5 – Leak detection within the tank and/or pipework system 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 13160-5 is the fifth part of the BS EN 13160 series of documents that gives requirements and corresponding test/assessment methods applicable to leak detection kits, based on volumetric loss from within the tank and/or pipework system.
The kits usually comprise:
- Measuring Device
- Evaluation Device
- Alarm Device
Who is BS EN 13160-5 - Leak detection within the tank and/or pipework system for?
BS EN 13160-5 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
- Designers of leak detectors and sensor devices
- Electrical equipment designers and manufacturers
Why should you use BS EN 13160-5 - Leak detection within the tank and/or pipework system?
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 13160-5 provides the general requirements on leak detection systems to ensure the effectiveness of the system in the event of disconnection of the electrical or signal cable of the measuring device.
BS EN 13160-5 navigates you through the performance requirements for categories of leak detection that includes:
- Category A – Dynamic leak detection
- Category B (1) – Static leak detection
- Category B (2) – Statistical quiet period detection – Type 2
- Category C – Pressure line leak detection – Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3
BS EN 13160-5 helps you in assessing durability of the effectiveness of systems against temperature, chemical attack, hydraulic shock, fatigue and mechanical wear and microbiological growth.
Testing, assessment and sampling methods are all determined by BS EN 13160-5 to test the effectiveness of leak detection kits and their durability of effectiveness.
BS EN 13160-5 certifies the compliance of leak detection systems based on in-tank gauge systems and pressurized pipework systems with the specifications and performance determination of the product type, as well as factory production control, for assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP).
The marking, labelling and packaging of each sensor are set out in BS EN 13160-5 along with the environmental aspects.
Overall, BS EN 13160-5 walks you through the 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 to secure the safe operation of the pipeline fulfilling high demands of safety, reliability and efficiency.
As a result, leak detection is critical in commercial and 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 13160-5:2016 supersedes BS EN 13160-5:2004. BS EN 13160-5:2016 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 13160-5:2004. These include:
- Requirement for a device for simulating a leak deleted
- Requirements from EN 13160-1:2003 included, which are no longer contained in EN 13160-1:2016
- Pressure line leak detection kits included.