[Certification FAQ] What is TA Luft and ISO 15848-1?

TA Luft is a German air pollution control regulation aimed at protecting individuals and the environment from excessive pollution. The regulation has been revised several times, with the 2002 version requiring valve manufacturers to follow VDI guideline 2440 for testing fugitive emissions. The 2021 version of TA Luft now aligns with the international standard ISO 15848-1, which defines permissible emissions classes and specifies test parameters for valve testing.

TA Luft, or Technische Anleitung zur Reinhaltung der Luft, is a significant air pollution control regulation in Germany. First established in 1964, it has undergone several revisions in 1974, 1983, 1988, and 2002. The primary goal of TA Luft is to protect both individuals and the environment from excessive pollution originating from various installations.

The 2002 version of TA Luft introduced requirements for valve manufacturers to comply with VDI guideline 2440 when testing for fugitive emissions. Fugitive emissions refer to unintentional leaks of gases or vapors from pressurized equipment, including valves, which can contribute to air pollution.

In the latest revision, the 2021 version of TA Luft has aligned with the international standard ISO 15848-1 for the prevention of fugitive emissions. This standard sets strict requirements for valves to ensure a proven, minimized emission rate. ISO 15848-1 defines three classes of permissible emissions (AH, BH, CH, where "H" stands for helium) and specifies important test parameters such as thermal and mechanical cycles, measuring equipment, and test methods.

Valtec's V-2FH model has been tested according to ISO 15848-1 and VDI 2440, while the V-3MH model has been tested according to VDI 2440. These tests ensure that Valtec's valves meet the stringent requirements for minimizing fugitive emissions, as outlined in the TA Luft regulation.