EN 12570:2000

Overview

EN 12570:2000 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies the method for sizing the operating element of industrial valves. This standard defines the minimum size requirements for manual operating elements-such as handwheels-ensuring that they can be operated by one person applying a feasible amount of force under specified working conditions. The standard is applicable to operating elements ranging from 100 mm to 1000 mm in size.

The primary purpose of EN 12570:2000 is to ensure safety, ergonomics, and efficiency in valve operation by standardizing the sizing process of manual actuating components. It applies to operating elements directly mounted on valves, mounted on valve reduction gearboxes, or used for manual operation of power-actuated valves.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  EN 12570:2000 covers manual operating elements of industrial valves sized between 100 mm and 1000 mm. It addresses direct mounting on valves, mounting on reduction gearboxes, and manual overrides for power-actuated valves.

• Force Considerations
  The standard focuses on the force that can be reasonably exerted by one person to operate a valve manually, thus influencing the minimum size of the handwheel or other operating elements.

• Exclusions
  Certain types of operating elements are explicitly excluded, including:

  • Impactor handwheels
  • T-keys
  • Chainwheels

• Design and Ergonomics
  The sizing method ensures that the operating element provides sufficient mechanical advantage without requiring excessive physical effort, promoting operator safety and comfort.

• Standardized Measurement
  Provides a clear methodology for calculating the minimal dimensions of the operating element to maintain consistency across valve designs and manufacturers.

Applications

EN 12570:2000 is particularly valuable in industries where industrial valves are regularly operated manually and where precision and reliability are essential. Typical applications include:

• Oil and Gas Sector
  Where large valves control critical fluid flow and safe, reliable manual operation is necessary during maintenance or emergency conditions.

• Chemical and Petrochemical Plants
  Ensuring that valve actuators are ergonomically sized for safe manual use in harsh process environments.

• Water Treatment Facilities
  Facilitating manual valve operation under varying pressure and flow conditions.

• Power Generation Plants
  Supporting manual override mechanisms on power-actuated valves for maintenance and safety purposes.

Manufacturers and engineers use EN 12570:2000 to design operating elements that comply with safety standards while optimizing operational performance.

Related Standards

To ensure comprehensive compliance and interoperability in industrial valve technology, refer to the following related standards:

• EN 12516 - Industrial Valves - Shell Design Strength
  Covers design aspects related to valve body strength and pressure resistance.

• EN 13445 - Unfired Pressure Vessels
  Relevant for pressure equipment design, including valve components.

• ISO 5208 - Industrial Valves - Pressure Testing of Valves
  Details the testing methods applicable to valves post-manufacture and sizing.

• EN 13709 - Industrial Valves - Steel Globe, Globe Stop and Check Valves
  Specification standard for specific valve types interacting with sizing standards.

By aligning with these complementary standards, manufacturers and users can ensure holistic compliance covering operational, structural, and safety aspects of valve equipment.

Keywords: EN 12570:2000, industrial valves, valve operating element sizing, manual valve operation, handwheel sizing, valve ergonomics, valve reduction gearbox, valve manual override, valve design standards, CEN standards on valves.