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Ammonia Refrigeration System Pipe Colors and Markings

Overview 

Ammonia refrigeration systems may use a combination of pipe paint colors and marking labels to identify the ammonia phase (liquid/gas), pressure, temperature, purpose of the pipe, and flow direction. 

The exact color coding and marking may vary based on the age of the refrigeration system and the standards in place at the time.  

Pipe Marking Standards  

International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) Bulletin No. 114 historically defined the pipe marking standard for ammonia refrigeration systems.  In 2021 IIAR bulletin 114 was incorporated into IIAR Standard 2: American National Standard for Safe
Design of Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems as appendix Q.  (IIAR Bulletin 114 was previously referred to as bulletin 14).   

ASME standard ASME A13.1 Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems defined a pipe color coding and marking for all industries.   IIAR appendix Q was updated to to align and build on ASME A13.1. 

The exact labeling and color coding of ammonia piping and system components may vary, including changes based on when the system, or portion of a system was installed.  Always verify with the ammonia system owner/operator.  

On-Site Color Code Chart 

IIAR appendix Q states: 

“A reference chart that fully explains the ammonia refrigeration piping and component identification markers, including the approved abbreviations, should be placed in areas that are conspicuous to operating personnel. Regardless of the piping color scheme selected, a legend or key to the meaning of the colors should be posted in a conspicuous area. The reference chart, legend, or key should be made of durable material that will remain legible.”

Ammonia Specific Pipe Colors (Current and Legacy) 

Current Pipe Colors 

New ammonia refrigeration systems may paint all ammonia pipes orange in accordance with ASM A13.1  to indicate a Toxic/Corrosive gas. 

See Pipe Color Coding Scheme (ASEM A13.1) Page 

Legacy Ammonia Pipe Colors  

Some legacy refrigeration systems may include specific color coded paint on non-insulated piping to indicate the physical state, pressure, and temperature of the ammonia in the pipe.  This was previously an industry best practice only for facilities with ammonia refrigeration systems.  When IIAR bulletin No. 114 incorporated the ASME standard A13.1,  it codified a pipe color coding system for all of industry, not just ammonia.  

Some ammonia systems may continue to use Orange for Ammonia liquid and Yellow for Ammonia vapor through out the facility.  Additional legacy colors may be used only in the ammonia refrigeration mechanical room. 

Legacy Ammonia PIpe Colors.png

PHOTO: Legacy Ammonia refrigeration system pipe colors.  

Legacy Ammonia Pipe Color Codes Prior to ASME A13.1 Alignment

  • High Pressure Liquid: Orange (Pantone 152C)
  • High Pressure Vapor: Yellow (Pantone 109C)
  • Low Pressure / High Temp (Liquid & Vapor): Light Blue (Pantone 298C)
  • Low Pressure / Low Temp (Liquid & Vapor): Dark Blue (Pantone 3015C)
  • Low Pressure / Low-Low Temp (Liquid & Vapor): Purple (Pantone 2617C)
  • Relief Vent Piping: Gray
  • Water / Glycol: Green

Ammonia Pipe Markers (Labels)

Ammonia pipe markers will contain five sections of information including: 

  1. Abbreviation Section: Printed in black
  2. Physical State Section: Either LIQUIDLIQ with a yellow background for liquid ammonia or VAPOR
    Printed in yellowVAP for Liquidwith anda sky blue background for Vaporvapor phase ammonia.  
  3. Marker Body: Body color to be Safety Orange and contain the refrigerant "AMMONIA" printed in black
  4. Pressure Level Section: Either LOW with a green background for less than 70psi or HIGH.
    PressureHIGH in excess of 70 psig will be considered to be high pressure and printed in black letters onwith a red band.
    Pressurebackground equalfor to or lessgreater than 70 psigpsi. will  be considered to be low pressure and printed in black on a green band.
  5. Directional Arrow: Detachable arrowArrow printed in black.black showing the direction the product flows. 

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PHOTO: Diagram of an ammonia pipe label including the product/contents name, physical state, pressure, pipe abbreviation, low/high pressure destination, and direction of flow arrow.   The detailed tempature and pressure may be included as optional information.  

Pipe Marker Label Abbreviations 

International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) Bulletin No. 114 includes 31 approved abbreviations for ammonia pipe markers.  The table below lists the abbreviations. 

Pipe Marker Abbreviations.png

Table: List of abbreviations used in IIAR bulletin 114.  Copyright ER Playbook. 

Ammonia Refrigeration System Components / Equipment 

Ammonia refrigeration system vessels and major components should be labeled as follows:

  • Background: Safety orange with black lettering.
  • Dimensions: Typically 3.5 inches wide by a length proportional to the equipment name.
  • Text Size: Equipment names should be feature lettering 2.5 inches high.
  • Content: Identifies the specific vessel or component name (e.g., "RECEIVER")

Prior to March 2014, IIAR Bulletin No. 114 recommended SAFETY YELLOW as the background color for component markers. 

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PHOTO: Diagram of an high pressure ammonia received vessel labeled in accordance with IIAR bulletin 114.  Ammonia refrigeration system components or equipment may be painted a non-significant color such as grey or green, or they may be color coded as orange for liquid ammonia or yellow for ammonia vapor.    Copyright ER Playbook. 

Ammonia System Component/Equipment Abbreviations

Ammonia Equipment Abbreviations.png

Table: List of abbreviations used in IIAR bulletin 114.  Copyright ER Playbook. 

Disclaimer: This page is educational purposes.  It is not for compliance, or a substitute for IIAR bulletin 114 or ANSI standards.  Always reference the original documents.
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