EN 16447:2014
(Main)Explosion isolation flap valves
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard describes the general requirements for flap valves used for dust explosion isolation. An explosion isolation flap valve is a protective system, which prevents a dust explosion from propagating via connecting pipes or ducts into other parts of apparatus or plant areas.
An explosion isolation flap valve can only stop the propagation of a dust explosion when it propagates against the direction of the normal process flow. It does not stop explosions running in the normal process flow direction. This European Standard specifies methods for evaluating the efficacy of explosion isolation flap valves.
This European Standard is applicable only to the use of explosion isolation flap valves that are intended for avoiding explosion propagation from a vessel, into other parts of the installation via connecting pipes or ducts. The standard covers isolation of such vessels that are protected by explosion venting (including flameless venting), explosion suppression or explosion resistant design.
NOTE 1 The standard assumes that the explosion starts in a vessel and not in ducting.
Explosion isolation flap valves are not designed to prevent the transmission of fire or burning powder transported by the normal process flow.
NOTE 2 It is necessary to take this into account in risk assessments.
This European Standard is only applicable for dust explosions.
This European Standard is not applicable for explosions of materials listed below, or for mixtures containing some of those materials:
a) gases, vapours and hybrid mixtures;
b) chemically unstable substances;
c) explosive substances;
d) pyrotechnic substances.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 08-Jul-2014
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-Jan-2015
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 09-Jul-2014
- Due Date
- 02-Dec-2014
- Completion Date
- 09-Jul-2014
- Directive
- Harmonized Standard2014/34/EU - Directive 2014/34/EU Of The European Parliament And Of The Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (recast)OJ Ref: C, C 126, C 293/52, HARMONIZIRAN OJ Date: 08-Apr-2016
Not Harmonized94/9/EC - Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX)OJ Ref: C, C 335 OJ Date: 09-Oct-2015
Overview
EN 16447:2014 (CEN) specifies the general requirements and test methods for explosion isolation flap valves used for dust explosion isolation. The standard defines how flap valves must perform to prevent a dust explosion in a vessel from propagating through connecting pipes or ducts into other plant areas. It applies only to dust explosions and only when the explosion originates in a vessel (not in ducting). EN 16447 clarifies that a flap valve can stop propagation only when the explosion moves against the normal process flow - it does not stop explosions traveling in the normal flow direction.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & limitations
- Applicable only to dust explosions; excludes gases, vapours, chemically unstable, explosive or pyrotechnic substances.
- Does not prevent transmission of fire or burning powder carried by the normal process flow - this must be considered in risk assessments.
- Functional principle
- Valve is held open by normal process flow and closes when flow reverses during an explosion event.
- Explosion isolation must be ensured during process flow and no-flow periods.
- Mechanical integrity
- Components must withstand expected explosion loads without losing safety function.
- Construction can be explosion-pressure resistant or shock-resistant in accordance with EN 14460.
- Experimental testing framework
- Three test Modules:
- Module A - Explosion resistance testing: verifies valve integrity under explosion pressures; at least one test per size (largest size for geometrically similar devices).
- Module B - Flame transmission testing: confirms valve prevents flame/spark propagation; includes tests at various reduced overpressures, ignition positions and flap states (open/closed).
- Module C - Functional testing: verifies efficacy for intended use and determines minimum/maximum installation distances; always required for new, untested designs.
- Test inputs include dust combustion properties (KSt, pmax, MIE, MIT), intended use, vessel volumes, installation layout (push/pull flow, ducts, fans, bends).
- Three test Modules:
- Documentation & marking
- Manufacturer must provide installation/operating instructions, part lists, drawings and test reports.
Applications and users
- Typical users:
- Process safety engineers and plant designers in powder-processing industries (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, metal powders).
- Valve and safety-system manufacturers, test laboratories, notified bodies and inspectors.
- Maintenance teams and risk assessors implementing explosion protection measures.
- Practical applications:
- Isolating explosion risk between vessels and connected ductwork.
- Integrating with explosion venting (including flameless venting), suppression systems or explosion-resistant design strategies.
Related standards
- EN 13237 - terms and definitions for equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres
- EN 14373 - explosion suppression systems
- EN 14460 - explosion-resistant equipment
- EN 15089 - explosion isolation systems
EN 16447:2014 provides the test and performance baseline for designing, selecting and validating explosion isolation flap valves as part of a comprehensive dust explosion protection strategy.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 26-Jul-2023
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
CIS Institut d.o.o.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) certification body. Notified Body NB-2890 for EU Regulation 2016/425 PPE.
Institut za varilstvo d.o.o. (Welding Institute)
Slovenia's leading welding institute since 1952. ISO 3834, EN 1090, pressure equipment certification, NDT personnel, welder qualification. Only IIW Au

Kiwa BDA Testing
Building and construction product certification.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 16447:2014 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Explosion isolation flap valves". This standard covers: This European Standard describes the general requirements for flap valves used for dust explosion isolation. An explosion isolation flap valve is a protective system, which prevents a dust explosion from propagating via connecting pipes or ducts into other parts of apparatus or plant areas. An explosion isolation flap valve can only stop the propagation of a dust explosion when it propagates against the direction of the normal process flow. It does not stop explosions running in the normal process flow direction. This European Standard specifies methods for evaluating the efficacy of explosion isolation flap valves. This European Standard is applicable only to the use of explosion isolation flap valves that are intended for avoiding explosion propagation from a vessel, into other parts of the installation via connecting pipes or ducts. The standard covers isolation of such vessels that are protected by explosion venting (including flameless venting), explosion suppression or explosion resistant design. NOTE 1 The standard assumes that the explosion starts in a vessel and not in ducting. Explosion isolation flap valves are not designed to prevent the transmission of fire or burning powder transported by the normal process flow. NOTE 2 It is necessary to take this into account in risk assessments. This European Standard is only applicable for dust explosions. This European Standard is not applicable for explosions of materials listed below, or for mixtures containing some of those materials: a) gases, vapours and hybrid mixtures; b) chemically unstable substances; c) explosive substances; d) pyrotechnic substances.
This European Standard describes the general requirements for flap valves used for dust explosion isolation. An explosion isolation flap valve is a protective system, which prevents a dust explosion from propagating via connecting pipes or ducts into other parts of apparatus or plant areas. An explosion isolation flap valve can only stop the propagation of a dust explosion when it propagates against the direction of the normal process flow. It does not stop explosions running in the normal process flow direction. This European Standard specifies methods for evaluating the efficacy of explosion isolation flap valves. This European Standard is applicable only to the use of explosion isolation flap valves that are intended for avoiding explosion propagation from a vessel, into other parts of the installation via connecting pipes or ducts. The standard covers isolation of such vessels that are protected by explosion venting (including flameless venting), explosion suppression or explosion resistant design. NOTE 1 The standard assumes that the explosion starts in a vessel and not in ducting. Explosion isolation flap valves are not designed to prevent the transmission of fire or burning powder transported by the normal process flow. NOTE 2 It is necessary to take this into account in risk assessments. This European Standard is only applicable for dust explosions. This European Standard is not applicable for explosions of materials listed below, or for mixtures containing some of those materials: a) gases, vapours and hybrid mixtures; b) chemically unstable substances; c) explosive substances; d) pyrotechnic substances.
EN 16447:2014 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.230 - Explosion protection; 23.060.50 - Check valves. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 16447:2014 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 15089:2009, EN 14373:2021+A1:2025, EN 14460:2018, EN 13237:2024, EN 16985:2018, EN 12779:2015, prEN 16447. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 16447:2014 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2014/34/EU, 94/9/EC; Standardization Mandates: M/BC/CEN/92/46. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 16447:2014 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Eksplozijsko izolacijski ventiliRückschlagklappen zur explosionstechnischen EntkopplungClapet d'isolation d'explosionExplosion isolation flap valves23.060.50Blokirni ventiliCheck valves13.230Varstvo pred eksplozijoExplosion protectionICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 16447:2014SIST EN 16447:2014en01-oktober-2014SIST EN 16447:2014SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 16447
July 2014 ICS 13.230; 23.060.50 English Version
Explosion isolation flap valves
Vanne à clapet d'isolation d'explosion
Rückschlagklappen zur explosionstechnischen EntkopplungThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 28 May 2014.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2014 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 16447:2014 ESIST EN 16447:2014
1 Scope This European Standard describes the general requirements for flap valves used for dust explosion isolation. An explosion isolation flap valve is a protective system, which prevents a dust explosion from propagating via connecting pipes or ducts into other parts of apparatus or plant areas. An explosion isolation flap valve can only stop the propagation of a dust explosion when it propagates against the direction of the normal process flow. It does not stop explosions running in the normal process flow direction. This European Standard specifies methods for evaluating the efficacy of explosion isolation flap valves. This European Standard is applicable only to explosion isolation flap valves which are intended to avoid explosion propagation from a vessel, into other parts of the installation via connecting pipes or ducts. The standard covers isolation of such vessels that are protected by explosion venting (including flameless venting), explosion suppression or explosion resistant design. NOTE 1 This standard is only applicable to cases where the explosion starts in a vessel and not in pipes or ducting. Explosion isolation flap valves are not designed to prevent the transmission of fire or burning powder transported by the normal process flow. NOTE 2 It is necessary to take this into account in risk assessments. This European Standard is only applicable for dust explosions. This European Standard is not applicable for explosions of materials listed below, or for mixtures containing some of those materials: a) gases, vapours and hybrid mixtures; b) chemically unstable substances; c) explosive substances; d) pyrotechnic substances. 2 Normative references The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. EN 13237, Potentially explosive atmospheres - Terms and definitions for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres EN 14373, Explosion suppression systems EN 14460, Explosion resistant equipment EN 15089, Explosion isolation systems SIST EN 16447:2014
a)
b) Key 1 fan 2 explosion isolation flap valve 3 vessel Figure 1 — Push flow situation SIST EN 16447:2014
Figure 2 — Pull flow situation 4 Explosion isolation flap valves 4.1 General An explosion isolation flap valve is a protective system, which prevents a dust explosion from propagating via connecting pipes or ducts into other parts of apparatus or plant areas. It is installed such that the normal process air flow passes in one direction through the valve and keeps it open. It closes when the air flow reverses due to a dust explosion event. The valve shall stay closed long enough to avoid flames from transmitting during an explosion event (see Note 1). Explosion isolation shall also be ensured during periods without process flow. NOTE 1 Re-opening of the valve is possible e. g. due to pressure oscillations caused by the fan or the venting process. Explosion isolation flap valves are designed to be connected to ducting. The valve housing is fitted with inlet and outlet connections to connect with the ducting. NOTE 2 Adapters are often used to connect to an oversize valve. 4.2 Mechanical integrity Any part of an explosion isolation flap valve shall be constructed such that it can withstand the loads imposed by any explosion that can be expected in accordance with its intended use, without losing its ability to perform its safety function. The construction can be either explosion-pressure resistant or explosion-pressure shock-resistant in accordance with EN 14460. NOTE The explosion pressure acting on the explosion isolation flap valve may be higher than the (reduced) explosion pressure in the connected vessel as a result of pressure piling and/or flame acceleration through the ducting. 5 Experimental testing of efficacy and mechanical integrity 5.1 General The testing shall reflect the intended use. As a minimum the following information is necessary prior to testing: SIST EN 16447:2014
Functional testing. Explosion isolation flap valves shall in principle be tested according to all three modules but where possible the modules can be combined. If a combination is chosen, the critical test conditions from the various modules shall be covered in the combination. For an untested new explosion isolation flap valve module C shall always be carried out. 5.2.2 Module A: Explosion resistance testing Explosion resistance shall be confirmed by explosion testing according to the following procedure: 1) Test arrangement: • The explosion isolation flap valve is mounted to a test vessel according to Figure 3. The explosive atmosphere inside the test vessel and the pipe connecting the valve may be of any type (gas or dust), provided the pressure generated is sufficient to subject the valve to the required pressure. The SIST EN 16447:2014
Key 1 Test vessel 3 Pressure Transducer (Pt) 2 Explosion Isolation Flap Valve 4 Explosion vent Figure 3 — Test arrangement for explosion pressure resistance testing 5.2.3 Module B: Flame transmission testing The main objective of the flame transmission testing is to verify that the explosion isolation flap valve is able to prevent explosion flames from propagating past the explosion isolation flap valve. The tests shall expose the explosion isolation flap valve to the maximum reduced explosion overpressure as indicated in the intended use and a lower one (see “3) number of tests”) and shall include conditions where the valve is open and closed. If there is a locking mechanism it shall not be locked in the closed position before ignition. 1) Test arrangement:
• The test arrangement shall be similar to the one shown in Figure 4. The size of the vessel shall reflect the intended use of the device. The explosive atmosphere in the vessel shall represent an explosibility similar to the highest KSt as specified by the intended use. It has to be assured that the flame reaches the position of the valve. The test arrangement shall include a duct in case it is expected t
...



