EN 247:1997

Overview

EN 247:1997 is a CEN (European Committee for Standardization) vocabulary standard that establishes consistent terminology for heat exchangers. The standard defines a heat exchanger as a device whose main function is to transfer heat between two fluids while maintaining physical separation by a wall. It explicitly excludes heat exchange between a fluid and a solid material (for example, in ovens). EN 247 aims to harmonize terms used in technical documents, drawings, specifications and multilingual communication across the heat-exchanger community.

Key topics

EN 247:1997 focuses on clear, consistent language rather than design rules or testing procedures. Key technical topics typically covered by such a terminology standard include:

• Definitions of fundamental concepts (e.g., heat exchanger, fluid, wall, heat transfer between fluids)
• Names of common component types and geometries (shell, tube, plate-style descriptors - without prescribing design)
• Operational and functional terms used to describe modes of heat transfer and flow arrangements
• Multilingual and cross‑reference clarity so that equivalent terms are understood across European languages
• Scope limits - explicitly excludes fluid-to-solid heat-exchange arrangements (e.g., ovens)

Note: EN 247 standardizes the words and phrases used by engineers, manufacturers and regulators; it does not set performance, testing or safety requirements.

Applications

EN 247 is valuable wherever precise communication about heat exchangers is required:

• Preparing technical specifications, purchase orders and contracts
• Creating engineering drawings, tags and Bill of Materials (BOM)
• Writing manuals, inspection reports and regulatory documentation
• Translating technical content and creating multilingual documentation
• Harmonising internal terminology across organizations and supply chains

Using a common vocabulary reduces errors in procurement, design interpretation and compliance checks.

Who uses this standard

• Mechanical and thermal engineers working on heat-exchanger systems
• Manufacturers and fabricators of heat exchangers
• Procurement specialists and technical buyers
• Standards writers, technical translators and documentation teams
• Regulatory bodies and conformity assessment organizations

Related standards (if applicable)

EN 247 complements other CEN/ISO standards that address heat-exchanger design, testing, fabrication and pressure-equipment safety. For precise cross-references consult your national standards body or the CEN catalogue to locate related design and testing standards.

Keywords: EN 247:1997, heat exchangers terminology, CEN standard, heat exchanger definition, heat transfer vocabulary, standardized terminology.