Pipe Marking Compliance Tips
The following provides an outline of what should be done to assure complete, code compliant pipe marking.
- List all pipes in your facility.
- Gather the following information on your pipes:
- Outside diameter of pipe. Include insulation.
- Pipe contents
- Flow direction
- Temperature
- Pressure
- Consult our ANSI Pipe Marking Guide to select the right color of marker for each pipe, as well as the quantity of markers needed.
- Choose the best material available for your marker based on
your plant environment. Considerations might include:
- Number of labels required—Material pricing may be an issue for plants with extensive labeling needs
- Temperature extremes—Temperatures below freezing or above 100°F may require special materials
- Lighting conditions—reflective vinyl is available for use in low-light environments. UV-resistant vinyl prevents fading in sunlight.
- Harsh environments—Exposure to corrosive chemicals or high-abrasion conditions may require special materials
- Make and install your pipe markers. Place markers:
- Adjacent to all valves and flanges
- At both sides of floor, ceiling or wall penetrations
- Adjacent to changes in direction of piping
- At any point of entry into the line
- At intervals on straight pipe runs sufficient for identification. (Every 50' is considered adequate, but many facilities label every 25' for enhanced visibility. Ammonia piping has a different set of standards. See IIAR Bulletin 114.)
- Locate markers so that they are visible from the point of normal approach.
- Keep a reference list or "legend" of all the contents that flow through your piping systems on file.
Once all of your pipes are properly marked, are you done? No. There should be a regularly scheduled inspection of all pipe markers. Read our article on pipe marker inspections.
This information intended for general information purposes only. This list is not a substitute for review of applicable government regulations and standards.
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Online calculators: help improve energy efficiency when purchasing a new piping system.
Carbon Steel Pipe Data Chart - provides ANSI B 36.10 and ANSI B 36.19 information for pipes from 1/4" to 20" in diameter
