Uniform Policy for Implementation of Colour Codes for Piping and Fire Equipment in

ONGC

INTRODUCTION : The agenda on “Uniform policy for implementation of colour codes for
piping and Fire Equipment in ONGC” had been approved in the 278th meeting of EC held on
15.05.2005 at Mumbai. Colour codes and identification pertaining to following items have
been approved by the EC:
• 63 No’s, of product and utility fluid items carrying pipelines,
• Valves used in pipelines, Columns, Offsite tanks, large vessels & Spheres,
• 09 Nos. of Fire items & Appliances.

The colour and identification scheme have been approved based on existing practices in
ONGC and after referring to applicable international standards as under:
• BS 1710 1984 for identification of Pipelines and services
• ANSI A 13.1 1996 for identification of piping systems
• IS 2379 - 1990 for pipelines identification and colour code : Prescribes identification both by
colour coding as well as lettering and is based on British as well as American standards.
• EIL specification No. 6 – 44 - 0004 for standard specification for shop & field painting
• OISD specification No. GDN -115 on Guidelines on Fire Fighting, Equipment and Appliances
in Petroleum Industry including painting

The colour coding system for piping has been formulated basically on Indian standard; that in
itself includes the British & the American standard and follow the system of colour coding as
well as positive identification.

OBJECTIVES: - The essence of colour codes is to prescribe identification in order to promote

greater safety, lessen the chances of error, confusion or inaction, especially in times of
emergency, when piping contents are inherently hazardous. A uniform approach for
identification addresses all such issues besides the issues of standardization and ONGC wide
uniformity.

SYSTEM OF IDENTIFICATION/COLOUR CODING OF PIPINGS AND FIRE EQUIPMENT

The colouring scheme for pipelines comprises of base/ground colour that identifies the basic
nature of fluid carried. The base colour is superimposed by colour bands ( one No’s, two No’s
or no band in few cases ) to distinguish one kind or condition of fluid from other kind or
condition but belonging to the same group. The scheme also incorporates labeling through
letters, to enable positive identification.

1.0 Colour Code System : The system of colour coding consists of a base/ground colour and
colour Bands / strips superimposed on it. For identification of piping, the colour code as per
Table 1 & 2 (placed at the end )shall be used which is for products being processed and utility
items being used in ONGC (Based on Indian standard, British standard and the EIL standard).

1.1 Base / Ground Colours : The base/ground colour identifies the basic nature of the fluid
carried and distinguishes one fluid from another and has been based on IS 2379:1990
reaffirmed 1996.

1.1.1. How much and where to paint

a) Base/ ground colour shall be applied throughout the entire length on un- insulated
pipelines
b) Ground colour coating shall be applied at places requiring colour bands ,with minimum
2 meters length or adequate length so that it will not be mistaken as colour band for
the following kinds of piping. (As per IS 2379:1990 reaffirmed 1996 para 6.1.1).
 i) Insulated pipes at the position of metal cladding.
ii) Un-insulated austenitic stainless steel.
iii) Plastic and/or plastic coated materials.
iv) Pipes of non-ferrous metals like Aluminum, galvanized “piping”, etc.
1.1.2. Application : Ground colours as given in Table 1 & 2 shall be applied in one of the following
ways : (As per IS 2379:1990 reaffirmed 1996 para 7.1)
a) Through out the entire length of the piping.
b) As a colour coating of adequate length, (but in no case less than 300 mm) so that it is
not mistaken for a colour band.
c) As a colour panel for pipes which are not accessible on all the sides.
d) As label attached to pipes which are very small in diameter.
e) By the use of colour adhesive tapes for pipes with small diameter or which are difficult
to access.
f) Where ever the ground colour are not applied throughout the entire length, it shall be
applied at all the places in conjunction with other bands and markings as mentioned in
applications- (1.1.1.b).
1.2 Colour bands/strips : Colour bands/strips (As given in Table 1 & 2 )are superimposed on the
base/ground colour to distinguish one kind or condition of a fluid from another kind or
condition of the same fluid, or one fluid from another but belonging to the same group, for
example diesel fuel from the furnace fuel.
1.2.1. Identification & Size
a) The width of colour band shall confirm to the following table shown below : (As per IS
2379:1990 reaffirmed 1996 PARA 7.3.3).

NOMINAL PIPE SIZE ( mm) WIDTH: L (mm)

80 NB and below 25 MM
Over 100 NB up to 150 NB 50 MM
Over 200 NB up to 300 NB 75 MM
Over 350 NB 100 MM
NB- Nominal Bore
b) The relative proportional width of first colour band to the subsequent bands shall be 4:1.
1.2.2. Application
a) Colour bands shall be applied at the following location (IS 2379:1990 reaffirmed 1996 para 7.3
i) Battery limit points.
ii) Intersection point and change of direction points in piping ways.
iii) Other points such as midway of each piping way, near valves, junction joints of service
appliances, walls, on either side of pipe culverts:
iv) For long stretch yard piping at 50m interval; and
v) At start and terminating points.
b) Colour bands shall be arranged in the sequence shown in Table 1 & 2 and the sequence
follows the direction of flow.
c) All uninsulated pipes having temperatures above 1000 C (Heat resistance aluminum painted)
need be identified as special case by using Teflon tape.
d) For insulated pipes, nominal pipe size means the outside diameter of insulation.

2.0 Positive Identification System : Positive identification system includes lettered label/legend,
direction of arrows and danger sign and shall be used as superimposed on colour coding
system for positive identification of the contents of a piping system (Based on British standard,
Indian standard and ANSI standard).
2.1 Lettering Label : Positive identification of the contents of piping shall be by lettered label
giving the name of the contents in full or the abbreviated form at the locations stated at 1.2.2
Application (a) and next to be colour coding indication.
The lettering shall be as per IS 2379-1990 reaffirmed 1996 para 9.1. The recommended size
of letters for pipes of different diameters are given as under :
 Outside diameter of pipe or Covering (mm) Size of legend ( mm )
20 to 30 10
Above 30 to 50 20
Above 50 to 80 30
Above 80 to 150 40
Above 150 to 250 63
Over 250 90
2.2 Direction of flow : Flow Direction

A D

C
B
1. Flow direction shall be indicated by arrow in the location stated at 1.2.2 application (a) and
next to the colour code indication and lettered label.
2. The colour of arrow shall be black or white and in contrast to the colour on which they are
superimposed.
3. The size of arrows shall be as per IS 2379 para 9.2 which is:

TABLE FOR DIMENSIONS OF ARROW

S NO Outside diameter of pipe (mm) Size of dimension A,B,C & D (mm)
1. Upto 200 A=65, B=30, C=95 & D=20
2. Above 200 A=90, B=30, C=95 & D=30

4. For pipes with small diameter, if the label with a code indication is attached to the pipe, the
direction of flow shall be shown by the pointed end of this label.

2.3 Hazardous warning : To indicate that a pipeline carries a hazardous material, a band of
diagonal strips of black and golden yellow as (per IS 2379:1990 reaffirmed 1996 para 8 (c))
shall be painted on the ground colour at location stated at 1.2 – Application (a) and next to the
colour coding identification and lettered label. Further if material is flammable or explosive
material, chemically active or toxic materials, etc. may be indicated by lettering.
2.4 Visibility of Marking : Attention shall be given to visibility with reference to pipe markings.
Where lines are located above or below the normal line of vision, the lettering shall be placed
below or above the horizontal centerline of the pipe. (As per IS 2379:1990 reaffirmed – 1996
para 10).

2.5 Colour of Valves : The valves shall be painted as per the IS 2379:1990 reaffirmed – 1996
para 7.4 as per the following table.
Condition Colour of valve
Valves on Fire fighting piping Red
Valves on piping carrying hazardous material Golden yellow with black strips
Valves on water carrying piping (potable or
French blue
non potable)
All other piping Same colour as the main piping
 Example below shows the colour code for a pipe carrying sour gas where light grey and dark
violet colour bands have sequence numbers C and D.

A B

Legend : Colour bands, label, arrow & hazard sign superimposed on ground colour.

1. Arrow indicates the direction of flow.

2. A : Diagonal strips of black & golden yellow indicate hazardous nature of content in the
pipeline.
3. B :Dialog box is label, in which information mentioned is either stenciled or painted.
4. C & D : light grey and dark violet colour bands indicating sour gas
5. E : Diagonal black strips on white back ground shows the wall.

3.0 PAINTING FOR CIVIL DEFENCE REQUIREMENTS:

3.1 Following items shall be painted for camouflaging :

All columns, All tanks in offsite, Large vessels, Spheres
3.2 Two coats of selected finishing paint as per defense requirement shall be applied in a
particular pattern as per the instructions of Engineer In charge.

3.3 METHOD OF CAMOUFLAGING:

3.3.1 Disruptive painting for camouflaging shall be done in three colours in the ratio of 5:3:2 (all matt
finish).

Dark Green Light Green Dark Medium Brown

5: 3: 2:
3.3.2 The patches should be asymmetrical and irregular.
3.3.3 The patches should be inclined at 30 to 60 to the horizontal.
3.3.4 The patches should be continuous where two surfaces meet at angle.

4.0 Piping colour codes; Not covered by above standards: ONGC’s own colour coding system -
as already been adopted at the Hazira complex- is to be adopted for product pipelines not
covered in any of the above 04 mentioned standards
 5.0 Standardized painting scheme for fire equipment, fire tenders, etc : The standardized
painting scheme for fire equipment and appliances is proposed based on OISD : GDN-115 as
per Table - 3.

TABLE - 1 : Products Being Processed in ONGC

Colour Code Identification

Description of
Products Based/ Colour Colour Scheme / Code
Ground i) First Band
Colur Bands ii) Second Band
A. Gaseous
i) Grey
Sour gas Canary yellow Sour Gas
ii) Dark violet

Sweet Gas Canary yellow Grey Sweet Gas

i) Light brown
Fuel gas Canary yellow Fuel Gas
ii) White

i) Oxide red
Residue Canary yellow Residue
ii) White

i) White
Lean gas Canary yellow
ii) French blue

i) Signal red
Rich gas Canary yellow Rich Gas
ii) Smokey grey

Flare gas Canary yellow Aluminum Flare Gas

i) White
Regenerated gas Canary yellow Regenerated Gas
ii) Dark violet

i) Brilliant green
C2-C3 Canary yellow
ii) Signal red

i) Signal red
Propane gas Canary yellow
ii) Black
 B. Liquid

Colour code Identification

Product Based/ Ground Colour
Colour scheme
Colur Bands i) First Band
ii) Second Band

Crude oil Light brown No band CRUDE OIL

LPG Dark admirality i) Brilliant green LPG

(Refrigerated) grey ii) Dark violet Refrigerated

Kerosene Light brown Brilliant green Kerosene

Dark admirality i) Light brown Naptha

Neptha
grey ii) Black

Light diesel i) Brilliant green Lt. Diesel Oil/

Light brown Heavy cut
oil/heavy cut ii) Black

i) Brilliant green HSD

High speed diesel Light brown
ii) White

Slope oil Light brown Black Slope Oil

Hydrocarbon Dark admirality i) Signal red Hydro Carbon

Condensate grey ii) Black Condensate

Dark admirality i) White Methanol

Methanol
grey ii) Gulf reed

Dark Admirality Mercaptan

Mercaptan Signal red
grey

Chlorine Dark violet Single red Chlorine

i) Brilliant green
Surphuric acid Dark violet H2SO4
ii) Light orange

i) Single Red
Hydrochloric acid Dark violet HCL
ii) Light orange

Sodium Sodium
Smoky grey Light orange
Hydroxide Hydroxide

Triethylene glycol Dark Admirality i) Sea green TEG

(TEG) grey ii) Yellow

Dark Admirality i) White DIPA

DIPA
grey ii) Black
 Dark Admirality i) Brilliant green MDEA
MDEA
grey ii) Red

Oily water Black No band OILY WATER

Dark Admirality Dozing

Dozing chemical No band
grey Chemical

Dark Admirality i) Brilliant green NGL

NGL
grey ii) Black

Dark Admirality ATF

ATF Black
grey

UTILITY ITEMS
A. Water
Colour Code Identification
Description of
Products Based/ Colour Bands Colour Scheme / Code
Ground i) First Band
Colur ii) Second Band

i) French blue
Drinking water Sea green Drinking Water
ii) Signal red

Domestic Hot Sea green Light grey Domestic Hot

Cold water down Cold Water

i) French blue
service from Sea green form Storage
ii) Canary yellow Tank
storage tank
De mineralized De mineralized
Sea green Gulf red Water
water

Cooling
Cooling water Sea green French blue Water

Boiler Feed
Boiler feed water Sea green Guld blue Water

Condensate i) Light brown Condensate

Sea green Water
water ii) Signal red

Wash water Sea green Canary yellow Wash

Water

Fire water Fire red Crimson red Fire Water

Sea/river Sea/river
Sea green White
untreated water Untreated
 i) Canary yellow Waste
Waste water Sea green
ii) Signal red Water

Treated water Sea green Light orange Treated

Water

i) Black Chilled
Chilled water Sea green
ii) Canary yellow Water

B. STEAM
Very high pressure (VHP) VHP
Aluminium Signal red
steam (above 40Kg/cm²)

High pressure steam (SH)

Aluminium French blue
(25 kg/cm2 to 40kg/cm²) SH
Medium pressure steam
(SM) Aluminium Gulf red SM
(15 kg/cm2 to 25 kg/cm²)
Low pressure steam (SL) SM
Aluminium Canary yellow
(1 kg/cm2 to 15 kg/cm²)

Purge steam Aluminium Grey Purge

Steam

i) Sea green
Steam condensate Aluminium ii) Canary Steam
Condensate
yellow
C. COMPRESSED AIR
Compressed air up to Compressed air
Sky blue ----- up to 15 Kg/Cm²
15 kg/cm²

Compressed air above Compressed

Sky blue Signal red air Above
15 kg/cm²
15 Kg/Cm²

Plant air Sky blue Silver grey Plant

Instrument
Instrument air Black French blue Air

Drainage Black ----- Drainage

D. OILS
High Speed
High speed diesel fuel Light brown ----- Diesel Fuel

Hydraulic
Hydraulic power Light brown Dark violet Power
 Lubricating
Lubricating oil Light brown Light grey Oil

E. GASES

Acetylene Canary yellow Service brown Acetylene

Nitrogen Canary yellow Black Nitrogen

Oxygen Canary yellow White Oxygen

Carbon
Carbon dioxide Canary yellow Light grey Dioxide

Acid gas Violet No band Acid Gas

NOTE :
1. Any product which is not covered will be governed as per colour code standard IS:2379-
1990/ (re affirmed in 1996) /other standard under reference.
2. Name of the dozing chemicals should be written with flow of direction on pipe lines.

TABLE - 3 FIRE EQUIPMENT, FIRE TENDERS, etc.

Item/Application Standard painting colour Sample colour

A. Extinguishers : Water based, Foam, DCP, C02
B. All fire tenders/Jeep, Fire engines ( except
Foam tank, foam piping & Nitrogen cylinder ) Fire red paint
C. Fire water piping/Wet risers/Fire hose reel box (Shade No. 536 of IS-5 - AS
D. Fire water pump & engine/Water pipeline in AMENDED )
engine & pump.
E. DCP tank & DCP piping

Foam tank & foam piping/ Nitrogen cylinder Dark Admiralty grey

Driver compartment & inside of the lockers Pale cream

Chassis & wheel arches Black

Canary yellow with black

Fire service insignia & identity nomenclatures border on both sides of the
vehicle/equipment