SIST EN 286-4:1998

Overview

EN 286-4:1994 is a CEN European Standard that covers simple unfired pressure vessels designed to contain air or nitrogen, specifically aluminium alloy pressure vessels intended for air braking equipment and auxiliary pneumatic equipment for railway rolling stock. Published as part of the EN 286 series and adopted nationally (e.g., SIST EN 286-4:1998), this Part focuses on the use of aluminium alloys in pressure vessels fitted to rail vehicles and mobile pneumatic systems where safety, reliability and compatibility with railway operating conditions are essential.

Key Topics

Key technical topics and requirements addressed by this Part typically include:

• Scope and definitions relevant to simple unfired pressure vessels for rail applications (air or nitrogen service).
• Material considerations with emphasis on suitable aluminium alloys and their properties for pneumatic pressure containment.
• Design principles appropriate for vessels mounted on rolling stock: mechanical strength, fatigue resistance and compatibility with railway installations.
• Manufacturing and fabrication practices, including forming and joining methods appropriate for aluminium alloy vessels.
• Inspection and testing requirements to verify structural integrity and leak tightness during production and in-service (mechanical and pressure tests).
• Marking and documentation to ensure traceability, safe operation and regulatory compliance on rolling stock.
• Safety and operational considerations such as corrosion protection, mounting, vibration resistance and service conditions typical of railway environments.

Note: The EN 286 family defines the general requirements for simple unfired pressure vessels; Part 4 applies those principles specifically to aluminium alloy vessels for rail pneumatic systems.

Applications

EN 286-4 is used by stakeholders involved in the design, manufacture, procurement and maintenance of railway pneumatic systems, including:

• Manufacturers of air brake reservoirs and auxiliary air tanks for trains, trams and other rolling stock.
• Rolling-stock designers and systems engineers specifying on-board pneumatic storage.
• Quality, inspection and certification bodies verifying compliance with European pressure-vessel practice.
• Maintenance teams and fleet operators ensuring safe in-service operation and replacement of vessels.
• Procurement and regulatory bodies referencing harmonized standards for equipment acceptance.

Relevant SEO keywords: EN 286-4, aluminium alloy pressure vessels, air braking equipment, railway rolling stock, simple unfired pressure vessels, pneumatic equipment, CEN standard.

Related Standards

• Other parts of the EN 286 series (general requirements for simple unfired pressure vessels).
• National adoptions of EN 286-4 (e.g., SIST EN 286-4).
• Complementary railway and pressure-vessel standards and regulations governing design verification, testing and in-service inspection.