What is BS EN 13160-4 - Sensor-based 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 13160-4 is the fourth part of the BS EN 13160 series of documents that gives requirements and the corresponding test/assessment methods applicable to sensor-based leak detection systems (leak detection kits). The leak detection kits are intended to be used in interstitial spaces, leakage containments or monitoring wells.
The leak detection kits are usually composed by:
- Sensing device(s)
- Evaluation device
- Alarm device.
Who is BS EN 13160-4 - Sensor-based leak detection systems for?
BS EN 13160-4 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 13160-4 - Sensor-based 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 13160-4 provides the general requirements on leak detection systems with the installments of liquid or vapour sensors to detect specific liquids and vapours.
BS EN 13160-4 helps you in assessing the durability of the effectiveness of systems against temperature and chemical attack.
Testing, assessment and sampling methods are all determined by BS EN 13160-4 to test the effectiveness of leak detection kits as well as the presence of vapours and the presence of liquids through:
- Non-discriminating liquid sensors (Category 1)
- Discriminating liquid sensors of Category 2A
- Discriminating liquid sensors of category 2B
Re-usability of the discriminating and non-discriminating sensors and vapour sensors can be determined by BS EN 13160-4.
BS EN 13160-4 certifies the compliance of sensor-based leak detection kits for tanks 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 13160-4 along with the environmental aspects.
Overall, BS EN 13160-4 guides you through the sensor-based leak detection systems which are used to detect, monitor, and measure the unintended entrance or escape of fluids and gases that can lessen the impact of plumbing problems by alerting you the moment they’re detected, whether you’re at home or away 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 13160-4:2016 supersedes BS EN 13160-4:2003. BS EN 13160-4:2016 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 13160-4:2003. These include:
- Requirements from EN 13160-1:2003 included, which are no longer contained in EN 13160-1:2016
- New structure — requirements, testing, marking divided
- New test procedure for vapour sensors and reusability of vapour sensors
- Test liquids revised.