Ras Laffan

Section:

Infrastructure Development Page 1 of 16

Industrial City Projects
Managed and Administered by Qatar Petroleum

P O Box 22247, Doha, Phone: +974-733333/438 Document No: REV. C

STATE OF QATAR Fax: +974-733339
E-mail: rlic@qp.com.qa RLC/GL/002/2004

REGULATIONS

For

COLOUR CODE IDENTIFICATION FOR PIPEWORK

In

RAS LAFFAN INDUSTRIAL CITY

C ISSUED FOR USE RID22 RID1 RID RI

ISSUE OR REVISION ORG CHKD APPD APPD

REV DESCRIPTION BY DATE BY DATE BY DATE BY DATE

Ras Laffan Industrial City

 Page 2 of 16

REVISION RECORD
REV DATE DESCRIPTION BY CHK AP’D
A 12/04/04 Issued for comments. RID22 RID2 RID
B 6/09/04 Issued for use. RID22 RID21 RID
C 5/12/04 Reissued for use. RID22 RID1 RID

AUTHORISATION
AUTHORISED BY NAME SIGNATURE DATE
ABDULLATIF I.
MANAGER INFRASTRUCTURE
AL-MUHANNADI
 Page 3 of 16

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Custodianship
2. References
3. Objective
4. Introduction
5. Colour Code Identification Band System
6. Basic/Primary Identification Band Colours
7. Safety/Secondary Identification Band Colours
8. Pipework Colour Coding Identification Arrangement
9. Valves and Valve Access Manhole Covers
10. Content Labelling and Safety Warning Signs
11. Line Numbering
12. Size of Lettering and Direction Arrow
13. Paint Specification
14. General Protection of Pipelines

Table 1. Basic Identification Colours

Table 2. Safety Colours
Table 3. Colour Code Indications For Pipework And Valves

Figure 1. Pipework Colour Coding Band Layout

Figure 2. Valve Colour Coding Layout
Figure 3 Manhole Cover Colour Coding Layout
 Page 4 of 16

1. Custodianship

The Custodian of this document is Ras Laffan Industrial City Infrastructure Department. All
technical comments, opinions and recommendations on the contents should be addressed to :-

The Manager Infrastructure

Ras Laffan Industrial City
P.O. Box 22247
Doha
Qatar

2. References

QP ENGINEERING STANDARDS

QP-SPC-L-002 Standard Specification for Painting & Wrapping of Metal Surfaces

QP-PHL-S-001 Corporate Philosophy for Fire and Safety
ES.0.07.0025 Equipment Identification and Tag Numbering System

BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTE

BS 1710 Identification of Pipelines and Services

BS 381C Colours for Identification, Coding and Special Purposes
BS 4800 Paint Colours for Building Purposes
BS 5499 Graphic Symbols and Signs – Safety Signs, incl. Fire Safety Signs,
Part 5. Signs With Specific Safety Meanings

3. Objective

The objective of this document is to set out Regulations for a common Colour Code
Identification System for Pipework, which shall specify the mandatory safety colours to be
adopted by QP, Joint Venture Groups and Other End-Users, for the identification of the contents
of the pipework, and hence the potential hazards. The system is intended to address fire and
safety concerns within all Ras Laffan Industrial City On-Plot and Off-Plot Facilities and provide
improved line identification for plant operators.

4. Introduction

Pipelines are an important means of conveying liquids, gases, steam and air. It is however
impossible to find out what a pipeline contains from its external appearance. As the number and
complexity of piping installations within any facility increase, so does the need for a system to
quickly and easily identify pipework, pipelines and their contents. Failure to correctly identify the
service of a pipework system can and often has been shown to be the cause of plant upsets
and safety incidents. Effective identification of all pipework should therefore help to eliminate
this potential source of such problems.

In-line with QP/RLC's Loss Prevention Philosophy and commitment to make its facilities safe, it
is therefore required that all pipelines shall be clearly colour coded and labelled, in accordance
with the Regulations as defined herein together with the referenced standards.
 Page 5 of 16

5. Colour Code Identification Band System

5.1. QP Specification QP-SPC-L-002 requires all pipework of 2” diameter and larger, apart
from Fire Fighting System pipework, to be finished in either Light Grey, BS 4800 Ref.
10-A-03 or White, BS 4800 Ref. 00-E-55, along its entire length. This shall be referred
to as the decorative colour.

5.2. The nature of the pipe contents shall be identified by means of a Three Band Colour
Code Identification Band System (CCIB), as specified in BS 1710. The outer bands,
which will be the same colour, are the Basic/Primary Identification Bands (PIB) and the
middle band is the Safety/ Secondary Identification Band (SIB). The arrangement is
shown in Figure 1.

5.3. The Basic/Primary Identification Band (PIB) colour determines the type of fluid, e.g. Oil,
Gas, Chemical or Water. BS 1710 suggests Basic Identification Colours for different
types of fluid. These colour conventions have been adopted with some exceptions, as
detailed in Section 6 and Table 1.

5.4. A Safety/Secondary Identification Band (SIB) colour is added to the middle of the PIB,
to identify the fluid conveyed more precisely. The SIB, used in conjunction with the
PIB’s, is designed to provide a unique combined Colour Code Identification Band
(CCIB) for each fluid that is being conveyed. These are detailed in Section 7 and Table
3.

5.5. All PIB and SIB Colours used shall comply with the appropriate BS4800 Colour
Reference Numbers that have been specified in Tables 1 to 3. Colour names are given
for guidance only.

5.6. The PIB and SIB width requirements shall be the same for all pipe sizes over 6”
diameter but narrower band widths shall be used for pipe up to 6” diameter and a
different colour coding arrangement shall be used for pipe below 2” diameter and fire
fighting pipework of all sizes. The band width requirements for different pipe sizes and
the locations at which the bands require to be applied are detailed in Section 9.

6. Basic/Primary Identification Band Colours

6.1. The Basic/Primary Identification Band (PIB) colour determines the basic type of fluid.

6.2. BS 1710 specifies blue as the PIB colour for air, green for water, brown for oils, ochre
for gases, purple for acids and alkalis, silver grey for steam, black for drainage systems
and red for fire fighting systems. These colour conventions have been adopted apart
from that for steam pipework, which is generally insulated and fitted with silver coloured
metal cladding. Crimson red is therefore specified for this service. An additional basic
colour of orange has also been used for added treatment chemicals. The complete
listing, with BS 4800 colour reference numbers, is as given in Table 1.
 Page 6 of 16
7. Safety/Secondary Identification Band Colours

7.1. BS1710 does not specify SIB colours for all fluids. It only provides limited details of a
SIB System. There are so many possible fluid identification requirements for different
types of facility that it would in reality be impossible to specify SIB colours that would
satisfy all BS1710 user requirements. The User Authority is required to allocate a
specific SIB colour, to provide the unique CCIB for each fluid in the facility.
7.2. It has therefore been necessary to allocate a specific SIB colour for each individual fluid
within a fluid type or PIB, so as to provide a unique Colour Code Identification Band
(CCIB) combination for that fluid.

7.3. The complete Colour Code Identification Listing, as allocated to date, is detailed in
Table 3 but the system is sufficiently flexible that further SIB colours can be added to
each PIB colour as necessary, to enable additional fluids to be identified in future.

8. Pipework Colour Coding Identification Arrangement

8.1. The pipework shall be painted in accordance with the relevant paint Schedule of QP-
SPC-L-002 for the appropriate service temperature conditions, environment and
construction material.

8.2. Pipework 2" diameter and larger, other than Fire Fighting System pipework, shall be
painted a decorative colour of Light Grey or White along its entire length and provided
with the Colour Code Identification Bands (CCIB), as required for the relevant fluid.

8.3. The width requirements for the PIB’s and SIB shall be the same for all pipe sizes over
6” diameter, with narrower band widths being used for pipe sizes varying from 2” to 6”
diameter. The dimensions shall be as follows.

Pipe Diameter Each Basic/Primary Band Safety/Secondary Band

2” to 6” inclusive 75 mm 50 mm
Greater than 6” 150 mm 100 mm

Hence, for pipe greater than 6” diameter in size, the total width of the CCIB shall be 150
mm + 100 mm + 150 mm or 400mm. For 2” to 6” diameter pipe, it shall be 75mm +
50mm + 75mm or 200mm.

8.4. From Table 3 it can be seen that some products are allocated the same colour for both
the PIB’s and the SIB. In cases where the PIB’s and SIB are the same colour, the
pipework shall be painted with a single colour band of the full CCIB width, i.e. 400mm
wide for pipework over 6” diameter and 200mm wide for 2” to 6” diameter pipework.

8.5. Pipework below 2” diameter in size, and Fire Fighting System pipework of all sizes,
shall be finished in the decorative colour corresponding to the PIB listed in Table 1
along its entire length. For specific fluid identification in such pipework, only a 100mm
wide band of the appropriate SIB shall be applied as required.

8.6. Colour Coding Bands shall be provided on both sides of and adjacent to valves, tees,
important fittings, wall entries, road crossings and overpasses and outboard of flanges
to and from equipment such as vessels, tanks, exchangers, compressors and pumps.
 Page 7 of 16
8.7. Colour coding bands shall be provided at uniform intervals, not less than 30m and not
more than 50m depending on the complexity and pipe run lengths, along horizontal and
up vertical sections of pipework and at all feed points. Where multiple lines run close to
each other, such as in common pipe racks, the CCIB’s (and line numbers and flow
direction) shall be located directly in line with one another at positions that are readily
visible.

9. Valves and Valve Access Manhole Covers

9.1. For Valves, the full valve body shall be painted with the SIB for the relevant fluid group.
The full CCIB requires to be applied both sides of the valve, to the adjacent pipework,
as detailed in Section 8.

9.2. For Control Valves, the valve bonnet and actuator or handwheel/lever, shall be painted
with one of the following two colours, to indicate whether the Control Valve is designed
to fail open or fail closed.

Fail Open Control Valves shall be painted Green, BS 4800 Ref. No. 14-E-53.
Fail Closed Control Valves shall be painted Red, BS 4800 Ref. No. 04-E-53.

The arrangement is shown in Figure 2.

9.3. Valve access manhole covers and their surrounds shall be colour coded, to identify the
fluid in the pipework to which they provide access. The colour coding arrangement for
these components shall be as follows. A 100 mm wide PIB of the appropriate colour
shall be painted around the periphery of the topside surface of the manhole cover, with
a 75mm wide SIB of the relevant colour for the fluid immediately inside and adjacent to
the PIB. For those fluids which have the same PIB and SIB colours, a 175mm wide
band in the PIB colour shall be painted around the periphery of the cover. The topside
of the access chamber cover slab immediately surrounding the cover shall generally be
painted with a 250mm wide band of equi-spaced diagonal safety yellow 08-E-51 and
black stripes 00-E-53, which are the specified colours for Moveable Safety Hazards in
Table 2.

9.4. Arrows in the PIB on the manhole cover shall be provided to indicate the flow direction
through the pipework and the inlet and outlet locations.

The arrangement is shown in Figures 3.

10. Content Labelling and Safety Warning Signs

10.1. The additional use of Coloured Labels giving the full or abbreviated product
description, temperature, pressure, and other details necessary to identify any potential
hazard, together with the appropriate visual aids and hazard pictorial symbols, is to be
encouraged. Such labels and markings shall not, however, be considered as a
substitute for the CCIB, whose application is considered mandatory.

10.2. The use and extent of such labelling shall be at the User’s discretion. They would be
beneficial in providing more detailed identification of, and differentiation between, similar
products, such as different grades of Lube Oil.

10.3. Where applied, labels shall be brief and informative and written in English. The text
size for different pipe diameters shall be as specified in Section 12.
 Page 8 of 16
10.4. The background colour of the label shall be similar to that of the appropriate PIB,
ideally with appropriate SIB contrasting text colour, as shown in Table 1.

10.5. The length of the labels shall vary from 200 to 800mm and they shall be applied
adjacent to the CCIB locations.

The arrangement is shown in Figure 1.

10.6. International Safety Signs, as specified in BS 5499 Part 5, shall be used as necessary,
to highlight and warn of potential safety hazards.

10.7. It is recommended that labels are painted directly onto the pipe surface using the
appropriate specified paint rather than being applied in the form of self-adhesive plastic
labels. Plastic labels tend to deteriorate rapidly in strong sunlight and the harsh local
environment and localized corrosion can occur beneath them.

11. Line Numbering

11.1. In addition to being Colour Coded, each pipe system, pipeline and valve shall be
individually identified by marking them in accordance with the QP Equipment
Identification and Tag Numbering System, which is detailed in QP Engineering
Standard ES.0.07.0025. The required identification markings relate to pipe size, service,
design, area code and ownership code. All characters used shall be in upper case. No
separators, hyphens, punctuation marks or spaces are allowed.

11.2. The line number and the flow direction shall be stencilled on each pipe section and
pipeline together with the CCIB, to provide the pipework with unique traceability. The
identification markings shall be stencilled on the pipe a distance of approximately 400
mm from the edge of the outer colour band. Letter size shall be equal to half of the pipe
diameter for pipe between 2” and 12” diameter, with a minimum height of 1” for smaller
pipe sizes and a maximum height of 6” for larger pipe sizes.

11.3. Line identification markings shall be stenciled in black directly onto the light grey/white
decorative background.

11.4. Lines owned by other companies shall be assigned an ownership code by QP/RLC.

12. Size of Lettering and Direction Arrow

12.1. Size of lettering shall be as follows:

Pipe Diameter Width x Height Spacing

2” to 6” inclusive 30 x 30mm 10 mm min.

6” to 50” inclusive 80 x 80mm 25 mm min.
Greater than 50” 100 x 100mm 30 mm min.

12.2. Shape and size of direction arrow shall be as follows:

Pipe Diameter W1 W2 L1 L2
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)

2” to 6” inclusive 10 30 45 135
6” to 50” inclusive 40 80 90 270
Greater than 50” 50 100 150 450
 Page 9 of 16

L2

L1

W2 W1

13. Paint Specification

13.1. The areas of the painted surfaces to which the colour coding bands, line
identification numbers and flow direction arrows are to be applied shall be degreased,
water washed and lightly abraded, in order to ensure good adhesion of the applied paint
to the existing topcoat paint. The relevant surface preparation requirements of QP-SPC-
L-002 shall apply.

13.2. The colour coding band and marking paint used shall be an approved two-pack
high-gloss polyurethane paint product. The bands and markings may be applied in a
single coat, although more than one coat may be required to achieve the required
obliteration of the preceding paint colour. If the colour coding bands are to be applied
over aged topcoat paint, it may be necessary to apply a coat of a compatible undercoat
paint of a slightly contrasting colour prior to the required topcoat paint.

14. General Protection of Pipelines

14.1. Approved safety colour coded Corrugated Beam Barriers, Tension Crash
Barriers (TCB’s) or Concrete Vehicle Barrier Units (VBU’s) shall be used to protect all
pipeline routes.
 Page 10 of 16

Table 1. Basic Identification Colours

Water Green 14-C-53

Steam Crimson Red 04-D-45
Fire Fighting Signal Red 04-E-53
Oils (combustible liquids) Dark Brown 06-C-39
Chemicals (treatment) Orange 06-E-51
Gases (process and added) Ochre 08-C-35
Acids & Alkalis Purple 22-D-45
Air Light Blue 20-E-51
Process Effluents (drain/vent/flare) Black 00-E-53

Table 2. Safety Colours

SAFETY/SEC. BS 4800
HAZARD OR SIGN
COLOUR CODE REF.
SAFETY Grass Green 14-C-39
ATTENTION Golden Yellow 08-E-51
DANGER Signal Red 04-E-53
MANDATORY Blue 18-E-53
ALERT Yellow 10-E-53
ELECTRICAL SERVICE Orange 06-E-51
TRAFFIC LINES White 00-E-55
 Page 11 of 16
Table 3. Colour Code Indications For Pipework And Valves
PIPE CONTENTS CODE BASIC/PRIM. COLOUR SAFETY/SEC. COLOUR BASIC/PRIM. COLOUR
150mm 100mm 150mm
Water
Raw Sea WR, WS Green 14-E-53 Green 14-E-53
Potable WP Blue 18-E-53
Landscaping / Irrigation WL White 00-E-55
Stormwater SW Light Green 12-E-51
Desal. / Distilled WD Light Blue 20-E-51
Industrial WI Pink 02-C-33
Brackish WB Ochre 08-C-35
Produced/Formation/Brine PW Orange 06-E-51
Treated Effluent, Grey Water WT, GW Purple 22-D-45
Effluent / Sewage WE Dark Brown 06-C-39
Steam SX Crimson Red 04-D-45 Crimson Red 04-D-45
Fire Fighting
Fire Water (Sea) WFS Signal Red 04-E-53 Signal Red 04-E-53
Fire Water (Desal./Industrial) WFD Light Blue 20-E-51
Fire Foam FF Yellow 10-E-53
Carbon dioxide CO2 White 00-E-55
Oils (combustible liquids)
Crude Oil OC Dark Brown 06-C-39 Dark Brown 06-C-39
NGL Condensate Sweet/Sour FC, PC Yellow 10-E-53
Pygas PG White 00-E-55
GTL Naphtha GN Green 14-E-53
Refinery Naphtha LN, HN Blue 18-E-53
Kerosene / Jet Fuel KJ, JF Orange 06-E-51
GTL Diesel/Gas Oil GD, GO Light Green 12-E-51
Refinery Diesel/Gas Oil BD, GO Light Blue 20-E-51
Lube Oil Basestock LB Pink 02-C-33
Lube Oil/Seal Oil OL, OS Purple 22-D-45
Fuel/Heating Oil OF, GO, HO Black 00-E-53
Chemicals (treatment & additive)
Glycol - Rich/Lean CGR, CGL Orange 06-E-51 Green 14-E-53
ADIP / MDEA - Rich/Lean AMR, AML Blue 18-E-53
Detergent LDF Signal Red 04-E-53
Methanol ME Ochre 08-C-35
Chemical Injection CI Pink 02-C-33
Chemical Additives CA Purple 22-D-45
Gases (gaseous or liquified)
LNG Rich/Lean LNG Ochre 08-C-35 Ochre 08-C-35
Process Gas/ Syngas GP, GS Dark Brown 06-C-39
Fuel Gas GF Pink 02-C-33
Natural Gas/Methane NG Light Green 12-E-51
Ethane ET Green 14-E-53
LPG - Propane PR Light Blue 20-E-51
LPG - Butane BU Orange 06-E-51
Ethylene ETY Purple 22-D-45
Acetylene ACY Crimson Red 04-D-45
Ammonia - Gas / Liquid NH3 Black 00-E-53
Chlorine CL Yellow 10-E-53
Hydrogen H2 Signal Red 04-E-53
Nitrogen N2 Blue 18-E-53
Oxygen O2 White 00-E-55
Acids and Alkalis
Caustic Soda CS Purple 22-D-45 White 00-E-55
Hydrochloric Acid HCL Blue 18-E-53
Sulphuric Acid HS Green 14-E-53
Napthenic caustic NC Signal Red 04-E-53
Air
Air - Plant Utility & Service AU, AS Light Blue 20-E-51 Light Blue 20-E-51
Air - Instrument AI Yellow 10-E-53
Other Liquids
Molten Sulphur SU Black 00-E-53 Yellow 10-E-53
Gas Vent & Flare GF Ochre 08-C-35
Closed Drain Header CD Signal Red 04-E-53
Drain (oil) / Vent Atmos. OD, VA Black 00-E-53
 Page 12 of 16

Figure 1. Pipework Colour Coding Band Layout

Secondary Safety
Example 1: Identification Band (SIB)
Water - Potable
150 100 150 Flow Direction Arrow

POTABLE WATER. LINE NO.

Contents Label, lettering Basic/Primary Identification

on the PIB background Colour Bands (PIB’s) Line No. Black Decorative Colour
lettering on decorative Grey or White
background
Example 2:
Water - Effluent / Sewage Flange

SEWAGE. LINE NO.

Colour code identification provided both sides of

Flanges, wall penetrations and valves.

Figure 2. Valve Colour Coding Layout

Example 1:
Control Valve - Butane
The Valve Body shall be painted with the
Secondary Safety Identification Colour (SIB).
Fail Open Control Valves shall be
painted Safety Green and Fail Note: For non-control valves, the entire valve
Closed Control Valves shall be body shall be painted with the SIB.
painted Safety Red (refer Table 2.).

LPG -BUTANE LINE NO.

 Page 13 of 16

Figure 3 Manhole Cover Colour Coding Layout

Example 1:
Water - Potable

Manhole Tag to identify

manhole reference
number(s) shall be
Black Text on a White
backgroundcolour.

Basic/Primary
Identification Colour
(PIB) 100-150mm band
e.g. Green - Water TAG NO.

Secondary/Safety
Identification Colour
(SIB) 75-100mm band
e.g. Blue - Potable
Water

250mm min. Band or

entire chamber cover
slab. Arrows indicate Inlet/Outlet
location, Basic/Primary
Attention Safety Yellow Identification Colour (PIB)
(refer Table 2.) and e.g. Green - Water
Black Stripes (100 -
150mm width TYP).
 Page 14 of 16
Figure 3 Manhole Cover Colour Coding Layout Cont.

Example 2:
Water – Effluent Sewage

Manhole Tag to identify

the manhole reference
number(s) shall be
Black Text on a White
backgroundcolour.

Basic/Primary
Identification Colour
(PIB) 100-150mm band
e.g. Green - Water TAG NO.

Secondary/Safety
Identification Colour
(SIB) 75-100mm band
e.g. Dark Brown –
Effluent/Sewage Water

250mm min. Band or

entire chamber cover
slab. Arrows indicate Inlet/Outlet
location, Basic/Primary
Attention Safety Yellow Identification Colour (PIB)
(refer Table 2.) and e.g. Green - Water
Black Stripes (100-
150mm width TYP).
 Page 15 of 16
Figure 3 Manhole Cover Colour Coding Layout Cont.

Example 3:
Water - Fire Water – Desal./Industrial

Manhole Tag to identify

the manhole reference
number(s) shall be
Black Text on a White
backgroundcolour.

Basic/Primary
Identification Colour
(PIB) 100-150mm band
e.g. Red - Fire Water TAG NO.

Secondary/Safety
Identification Colour
(SIB) 75-100mm band
e.g. Peacock Blue –
Desal./Industrial Water

250mm min. Band or

entire chamber cover
slab. Arrows indicate Inlet/Outlet
location, Basic/Primary
Attention Safety Yellow Identification Colour (PIB)
(refer Table 2.) and e.g. Red – Fire Water
Black Stripes (100-
150mm width TYP).
 Page 16 of 16
Figure 3 Manhole Cover Colour Coding Layout Cont.

Example 4:
Water - Stormwater

Manhole Tag to identify

the manhole reference
number(s) shall be
Black Text on a White
backgroundcolour.

Basic/Primary
Identification Colour
(PIB) 100-150mm band
e.g. Green - Water TAG NO.

Secondary/Safety
Identification Colour
(SIB) 75-100mm band
e.g. Light Green –
Stormwater

250mm min. Band or

entire chamber cover
slab. Arrows indicate Inlet/Outlet
location, Basic/Primary
Attention Safety Yellow Identification Colour (PIB)
(refer Table 2.) and e.g. Green – Water
Black Stripes (100-
150mm width TYP).