Conval: CE Compliance for a Ball Valve Assembly Table

About the Project

How do you automate the assembly of ball valves while ensuring that the machine can be safely put into operation? Conval Nederland developed an automated assembly table, also known as a “pull-tight table,” for assembling ball valves. Because Conval wanted to put the machine into operation itself, it was necessary to determine whether it complied with the applicable CE requirements.

Vicoma’s Role

Vicoma guided Conval in Boxtel throughout the entire CE process. We started with an on-site visit, during which we interviewed both the operator and the designer and builder of the assembly table. This enabled our team of mechanical and electrical machine safety specialists to gain a complete understanding of the machine’s operation, use, and potential risks.

We then reviewed the available information and assessed the machine against the relevant standards, directives, and regulations. We prepared a risk assessment and determined the required performance level for the safety functions. Using a SISTEMA calculation, we verified whether the safety components used met these requirements. We also assessed the technical file for completeness.

Conval wanted to carry out a substantial part of the process itself in order to limit costs. Vicoma therefore explained what was required at each stage, advised on the necessary modifications, and subsequently checked whether these had been implemented correctly.

Result

Following several technical modifications, Conval now has a CE-compliant assembly table that enables operators to work safely. Thanks to Vicoma’s practical guidance, Conval was able to carry out a substantial part of the process itself, with the assurance of specialist and independent verification.