prEN 13160-2

• Abstract:

  This document gives requirements and the corresponding test/assessment methods applicable to leak detector based on the measurement of pressure change. Leak detectors are intended to be used with double skin, underground or above ground, pressurized or non-pressurized, tanks or pipe designed for water polluting liquids/fluids. The leak detectors are usually composed of:; - measuring device;; - evaluation device;; - alarm device;; - pressure generator;; - pressure relief device;; - liquid stop device;; - condensate trap.

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 19-May-2027
• ICS: 23.020.01 - Fluid storage devices in general
• ICS: 23.040.99 - Other pipeline components
• ICS: 29.260.20 - Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 393 - Equipment for storage tanks and for service stations
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 393/WG 2 - Leak detecting devices for tanks and pipes
• Current Stage: 4060 - Closure of enquiry - Enquiry
• Start Date: 18-Dec-2025
• Due Date: 26-Mar-2026
• Completion Date: 18-Dec-2025
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN 13160-2:2025 - Leak detection systems - Part 2: Requirements and test/assessment methods for pressure and vacuum systems

• Revises: EN 13160-2:2016+A1:2024 - Leak detection systems - Part 2: Requirements and test/assessment methods for pressure and vacuum systems
• Effective Date: 05-Feb-2025

Overview

The standard prEN 13160-2:2025, developed by CEN Technical Committee CEN/TC 393, specifies the requirements and test/assessment methods for pressure and vacuum leak detection systems. These systems are designed for double skin tanks or pipelines, whether underground or above ground, pressurized or non-pressurized, that store or transport water-polluting liquids or fluids.

Leak detection based on pressure change measurement plays a critical role in environmental safety by identifying leaks early and preventing contamination. This standard ensures uniform performance, durability, and safety levels of leak detectors used in such infrastructure.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application:
  Covers leak detectors intended for liquid-containing tanks and pipes, emphasizing systems built with components such as:

  • Measuring device
  • Evaluation device
  • Alarm device
  • Pressure generator
  • Pressure relief device
  • Liquid stop device
  • Condensate trap

• Performance Requirements:
  Defines critical functional requirements including:

  • Effectiveness in detecting leaks through pressure changes in interstitial spaces
  • Maximum interstitial space volume (not exceeding 10 m³) compatible with system effectiveness
  • Compliance with general leak detection principles outlined in EN 13160-1:2016
  • Need for integrated test devices simulating leaks for system verification

• Durability and Environmental Resistance:
  Includes durability requirements covering:

  • Temperature fluctuations
  • Chemical attack resistance
  • Fatigue due to cyclical pressure changes
  • Humidity monitoring of leak detection medium

• Testing and Assessment Methods:
  Provides detailed methodologies for measuring pressure changes, replenishment rates of detection media, and software functionality (if applicable). Also specifies factory production control and type testing procedures to ensure quality consistency.

• Marking and Documentation:
  Manufacturers are required to supply comprehensive technical documentation outlining system parameters and responses to electrical supply variances. Labeling and packaging requirements are also standardized.

Applications

Leak detection systems compliant with prEN 13160-2:2025 are essential for industries requiring reliable containment of hazardous liquids, especially:

• Fuel storage tanks and pipelines
• Chemical storage facilities
• Environmental protection in underground and above-ground tanks
• Service stations managing water-polluting liquids
• Infrastructure demanding rigorous leak monitoring to reduce environmental risks

By adhering to this standard, operators enhance leak detection accuracy, reduce false alarms, and ensure durability of monitoring systems under operational stresses, improving overall environmental and operational safety.

Related Standards

• EN 13160-1: General principles for leak detection systems, providing foundational concepts applicable to Part 2.
• EN 13160-7: Requirements for interstitial spaces and leak detection linings, complementary to pressure and vacuum systems.
• EN 12285-1 & EN 12285-2: Standards related to workshop fabricated steel tanks, relevant for tank structure interfaces with leak detection systems.
• EN 981: Safety standards for machinery warning signals, applicable for alarm device requirements.
• EN 14879-4: Coating and lining standards protecting components from chemical damage-important for durability of detection systems.

For accurate terminology and symbols, industry professionals also refer to ISO and IEC online resources ensuring consistency in definitions related to pressure and leak detection technologies.

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Keywords: leak detection systems, pressure measurement, vacuum systems, double skin tanks, environmental safety, tank leak detector standards, CEN prEN 13160-2, test methods for leak detectors, durability testing, pressure relief device, leak alarm device, underground tanks, water-polluting liquids.