By Eamonn Ryan
The AENOR certification process – with its emphasis on rigorous testing, continuous monitoring, and adherence to industry standards – are highly relevant to the HVAC&R sector, particularly when it comes to the use of plastic piping systems. This is Part 3 of a three-part series.
The collaboration between CEISLAB and local players is expected to include expanded testing capabilities. © RACA Journal
The Certification Committee, which meets eight times a year, reviews inspection and test reports to ensure adherence to the standards. Working groups are also established to keep the certification rules up-to-date, ensuring they align with new industry standards and regulations. These working groups help adapt the certification process to evolving market needs and technological advancements.
The certification process is designed not just to grant a certificate but also to maintain a high standard of quality through continuous monitoring. For instance, factories are required to carry out regular tests in compliance with specific frequency guidelines. Dimensional control, internal pressure tests and thermal cycling tests are examples of quality checks that must be performed regularly, ensuring that the product meets safety and performance standards throughout its lifecycle.
This emphasis on frequent and systematic testing helps safeguard the quality of the products produced and ensures that manufacturers remain accountable for maintaining high standards.
Saved costs
AENOR CEO Ricardo Pascual explained the challenges of transporting pipe samples for testing overseas, which often incurs high costs and potential damage due to harsh conditions, such as extreme heat in transit. “The cost of transporting samples for testing, such as to Spain, often outweighs the cost of the certification itself. This is something we are actively working to address by bringing testing services closer to home and enhancing local capabilities.”
Pascual also revealed plans to train local inspectors and develop robust certification schemes to align with global practices while being specifically tailored to South African conditions. This includes expanding the scope of CEISLAB’s certifications to cover a range of products, from multi-layer systems to sanitary ware, in line with international standards like SANS (South African National Standards).
He emphasised the goal of creating stable, internationally recognised certification services that would facilitate smoother market entry for local manufacturers while fostering global growth. “Our aim is to provide consistent, rigorous certification that can be relied upon both locally and internationally,” Pascual stated, underscoring the need for certification processes that ensure South African-made products are competitive on the global stage.
The collaboration between CEISLAB and local players is expected to include expanded testing capabilities, such as those for large-diameter PVC pipes, which are commonly produced in South Africa but less so in Europe. Pascual explained that by certifying products in accordance with SANS standards, local manufacturers can more easily access international markets while maintaining compliance with local regulations.
“Through collaboration, we will grow the capacity to certify new products, like copper-based fittings and ball valves, and we are ready to work closely with the market to ensure that we meet the diverse needs of both local and international customers,” he said, signaling the ongoing commitment to quality and sustainable growth for the industry.
This integration aims to provide local manufacturers with the tools to compete effectively in global markets, enhancing both the local economy and the infrastructure sector’s long-term sustainability.
