Graphic Products, Inc. Releases European Pipe Marking Guide

Portland, OR (PRWEB) November 30, 2012

Fully illustrated with application photos, colour charts, pictograms, placement guides and other practical information, this resource was created to help users comply with British (BS) 4800 and RAL colour designations. In addition to meeting legal requirements, correctly identified pipes aid maintenance and repair workers and improve facility safety operations.

Pipe marking labels communicate pipe contents and directional flow. Because pipes may be exposed to oil and chemical spills, extreme temperatures and UV sunlight, labels must be industrial-strength, yet easy to read from any distance, explained Steve Stephenson, Graphic Products, Inc., who manufacture the DuraLabel 9000 with MPS 150-T print station, DuraLabel Toro and DLP labeling systems which enable users to create custom labels on demand.

Effectively managing a physical plant is a major responsibility. Adding to the challenge is the massive network of pipes used to convey and distribute potentially hazardous contents. If unmarked, workers waste huge amounts of time following and re-following water and steamer lines. Critical time can be lost in an emergency, trying to assess hazard level and determine a course of action.

Facilities such as ice cream manufacturing plants have anhydrous ammonia refrigeration systems which require pipe marking. Identifying pipe labels is also a requirement at mines. Color choices are based on flammability, corrosive/toxic, combustible, fire quenching and compressed air. Arrows indicating flow direction are placed before and after the text. These colors provide a quick reference for maintenance and rescue crews. Upstream or downstream pump or tank identification numbers can be used to further clarify the purpose of the pipe. Constant relabeling is needed as companies grow and components need replacing.

When evaluating pipe marker applications, consider:

Graphic Products, Inc. Releases European Pipe Marking Guide