The purpose of this article is to provide a uniform color code system for paints that are applied to facilities. By means of color –coding a method is established for identification of the contents of pipelines, tanks, and other containers. The advantage of adhering to color codes and standards are manifested in minimizing errors and reducing accidents, as well as improving operational efficiency, safety, and appearance. However, in all cases where identification is essential to safe operations, it should be noted that the use of English legend is mandatory and the use of color-coding becomes optional or supplementary.
Where safety is not a factor, color-coding is also NOT mandatory, but when color-coding is desired the color-coding system that is presented in this section of the manual should be used.
RAL Color Code System in Plants and Industries
The color codes presented in this article are based on practices and follow in most parts the internationally accepted RAL color code system.
RAL Color Code System
The RAL Color Code System with its 1688 colors has especially been adapted to the needs of people concerned with color planning. The 1688 hues of the RAL DESIGN System are subject to the same mathematical relations that are used all over the world to label colors and that are the crucial factor in all color mixing systems. When used, the RAL DESIGN System does not therefore pose any problems. The RAL DESIGN Color is a means of communication for accurate color agreements.
General basic identification colors are as follows:
9.4 Method of application of color or identification purposes
At the user’s choice the basic identification color should be:
painted on the pipe over the whole length,
painted on the pipe as a band over a length of about 150 mm, depending on the diameter of the pipe.
applied by wrapping around the pipe an adhesive band of the basic identification color.
This basic identification color should be placed at all junctions, at both sides of valves, service appliances, bulkheads, wall penetrations and at any other places where identification of the fluid is necessary.
Valves may be painted with the identification color with the following exception. If the pipeline has been provided with the safety color for fire fighting, the valves should be painted red.
For example: Valves in fire-extinguishing steam or water pipe lines or in water flooding pipelines should be painted red.
Direction of Flow
When it is necessary to know the direction of flow of the fluid, this should be indicated by an arrow situated in the proximity of the basic identification color and painted white or black in order to contrast clearly with the basic identification color. If a label, plate or sign, with a coded indication is attached to the pipe, the direction of flow may be shown by the pointed end of this
label, plate or sign.
Safety Code Identifications
The application of code indications should be determined by the user. Code indications should be placed at all junctions, at both sides of valves, service appliances, bulkheads, wall penetrations, etc.
Safety-color code indications are:
Information regarding the nature of fluid for which the following systems may be used:
– name in full in national language, e.g.: fresh water
– abbreviation in national language, e.g.: FW
– chemical symbol, e.g.: H2O.
Method of application of safety code identifications
If a safety color is applied, this color should be:
– painted on the basic identification color, in the case of a pipe painted over the whole length;
– painted between two basic identification color bands, each of a length of about 150 mm, depending on the diameter of the pipe;
– applied by wrapping around the pipe an adhesive safety color band between two basic identification color bands, each of a length of about 150 mm, depending on the diameter of the pipe.
Further possible code-indications, such as information regarding the fluid should be placed on the basic identification color or next to the basic identification color band. This information should be either in white or in black in order to contrast clearly with the color of the pipe or with the basic identification color and should be placed directly on the pipe or on a label, plate or sign, fixed to the pipe near the basic identification color. The label, plate or sign should be of the same color as the safety color, if this color is applied.