Using the API Color-Symbol Systemto Identify Equipment, Vehicles, andTransfer Points for Petroleum Fuelsand Related Products at Dispensingand Storage Facilities and DistributionTerminals - FOURTH EDITION

Abstract

This recommended practice describes a system for identifying transfer points and equipment for loading and unloading of petroleum fuels and related products with colors and symbols.

The Color-Symbol system described in this recommended practice does not cover aviation fuels.

Color-Symbol systems for aviation fuels are described in IP-1542.

System Purpose

A uniform and easily understood identification system facilitates petroleum industry operations.

Such a system helps prevent unintended or accidental mixing of multiple products, as set forth in 1.3.

The principal purpose of this Color-Symbol system is to clearly identify critical equipment to help prevent errors in product handling.

Personnel who handle products should be familiar with any identification and Color-Symbol system used to designate products.

System Design

The system described in this recommended practice describes a Color-Symbol system that facilitates easy identification of products by means of colors, symbols and/or graphics, and text designations.

The following additional measures may be used to implement the system:

— providing charts to identify permanent locations of products at a facility (e.g. storage tank, loading arm, etc.);

— using stencils, decals, or metal or plastic tags to identify product names on equipment.

Names or product code numbers are helpful when a program is initiated, but these should only be used as secondary means of identification.

Many names contain words in common with multiple products, which can result in incorrect identification; for example, unleaded gasoline products may be super unleaded gasoline, regular unleaded gasoline, or either of these with an additive such as ethanol.

Company names and product code numbers may be used wherever they are needed to supplement the Color-Symbol system.

Included Products

Gasoline

Gasoline containing 100 % petroleum hydrocarbon by volume is sometimes referred to as E0, conventional, or recreational fuel.

Gasoline containing up to 10 % ethanol by volume may be identified with the terminology referenced in Table 1 of NIST Handbook 130, Section IV, Subsection G, Uniform Fuels and Automotive Lubricants Regulations; the grades are often referred to as regular, midgrade, and premium.

Gasoline containing between 12.5 % to 16.0 % isobutyl alcohol may be identified with the terminology referenced in Table 1 of NIST Handbook 130, Section IV, Subsection G, Uniform Fuels and Automotive Lubricants Regulations; the grades are often referred to as regular, midgrade, and premium.

Racing Fuel

— racing fuel (E0): containing 100 % petroleum hydrocarbon by volume;

— racing fuel (E10): containing up to 10 % ethanol by volume.

Ethanol Blends

— gasoline containing greater than 10 % ethanol by volume; this includes E15 and E85;

— racing fuel containing greater than 10 % ethanol by volume.

Diesel Fuel

— on-road diesel (ULSD) containing up to 5 % biodiesel by volume, including premium diesel fuel;

— on-road diesel containing greater than 5 % biodiesel by volume;

— off-road diesel (dyed red) containing up to 5 % biodiesel by volume;

— off-road diesel containing greater than 5 % biodiesel by volume;

— biodiesel including B100/B99.9;

— renewable diesel: biomass-based fuel replacement for diesel fuel.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

— automotive-grade DEF (also referred to as AUS 32, ARLA 32);

— marine-grade DEF (also referred to as AUS 40).

Fuel Oil/Heating Fuel

— No. 1;

— No. 2;

— biofuel oil;

— kerosene (includes up to 5 % bio content by volume).

Other

— used oil;

— observation/monitoring wells;

— vapor recovery (Stage 1 only);

— denatured ethanol.