New Zealand, Auckland

New Zealand based compressed natural gas (CNG) dispenser manufacturer, Compac, has officially received certification of its dispenser in accordance to the EC Pressure Equipment Directive. Richard Kestle, Compac's Marketing Manager, said that turnkey providers and station owners can purchase Compac equipment and know that the dispenser can be used anywhere in the European Union.

Kestle added, “Compac already has ATEX electrical approvals and has been approved by NMI Australia to the OIML weights and measures draft standard. We sought the PED approval as it certifies our dispenser hydraulic components to the PED standard."

There were a few unexpected changes that had to be made in order to get PED approval. Compac dispensers are approved for use with CNG at temperatures as low as -55°C, and the gas can get even colder as the pressure drops through the dispenser hydraulics. Having to prove ductility at these low temperatures was difficult, unless the component was made out of stainless steel. "Now all our dispensers have solid stainless steel valves, fittings, fasteners and stainless framework and panels - you know that everything will stand up to the test of time. Even Compac dispensers without PED approval benefit from this solid stainless steel construction" says Richard.
Certification to PED involves the inspection of an entire company and its systems - it is not just about approving an engineering design or an initial sample.  Therefore Compac even had to fly out a specialist inspector from England specifically to audit the Compac factory, its staff and suppliers.

Compac has had ISO9001 approval since 1993 and quality is deeply ingrained in the culture at Compac.

Compac has always invested heavily in gaining international approval for their dispensers and technology products. CNG is a hazardous substance and safety is paramount. Equipment suppliers and CNG station owners have a responsibility to ensure operators and the general public are not put at risk. The easiest way is to ensure all products have been approved by a recognised approval body in accordance to international standards. Products must be assessed independently (preferably in another country) so that the applicant has no ability to influence the approval process.

A copy of our PED approval can be downloaded from the resources section of the Compac website.