complete dependence for identification should not be
end. S m a l l e r t u b e s t h a n t h o s e c ove r e d i n t h e
specifications may be bundled and tagged. NAVSUP
placed upon the color coding. Positive identification
P485 and FED-STD-1836 contain information on how
of each gas depends upon the stenciled name and
and where these markings must appear on various
color code of the cylinder and the indented name on
metal products.
the valve body. (See figure 2-6.)
Compress Gas Cylinders
NUMERICAL MARKINGS
A common color code for compressed gas
cylinders is published in MIL-STD-101 and NAVSUP
To facilitate identification, certain technical
P-485 to provide a visual warning to supplement the
material may bear numerical markings assigned
identification or title lettered on the cylinders,
either by direction of the responsible command or by
facilitate the segregation of these cylinders at depots,
and promote greater safety.
t h e m a n u fa c t u r e r. T h e s e n u m b e r s a r e u s e d i n
maintaining records on the material and appear on all
Cylinders are color coded as a visual aid in
vouchers, records, custody cards, and survey reports.
identifying the gas contained therein. However,
COLOR IDENTIFICATION
C
BODY
A
B
COLOR MARKINGS
TYPE OF GAS
C
BODY
A
B
Yellow
Yellow
Acetylene
Yellow
Yellow
Black
Green
Air (Oil - pumped)
Black
Green
Air (Water-pumped)
Black
Black
Green
Black
Ammonia
Brown
Orange
Yellow
Orange
Argon (Oil-pumped)
Gray
Gray
White
White
Argon (Water-pumped)
Gray
Gray
White
Gray
Argon-Oxygen
Gray
Gray
Green
Gray
Butane
Yellow
Yellow
Orange
Yellow
Butane-Propane mixture
Yellow
Yellow
Orange
Yellow
Carbon Dioxide
Gray
Gray
Gray
Gray
Carbon Dioxide (Fire only)
Red
Red
Red
Red
Chlorine
Brown
Brown
Brown
Brown
Dichlorodifluoromethane (Freon 12)
Orange
Orange
Orange
Orange
Dichlorotetrafluoroethane (Freon 114)
Orange
Orange
Orange
Orange
Ethylene Oxide
Yellow
Buff
Blue
Buff
Buff
Buff
Ethylene Oxide-Carbon Dioxide (Carboxide)
Blue
Buff
Helium (Oil free)
Buff
Gray
Gray
Gray
Helium (Oil-pumped)
Gray
Gray
Orange
Gray
Yellow
Yellow
Black
Yellow
Monobromotrifluoromethane (Fire only)
Red
Red
White
Gray
Monochlorodifluoromethane (Freon 22)
Orange
Orange
Orange
Orange
Nitrogen (Oil-pumped)
Gray
Gray
Black
Gray
Nitrogen (Water-pumped)
Gray
Gray
Black
Black
Oxygen (Medical)
White
Green
Green
Green
Oxygen, Aviator's Breathing
Green
Green
White
Green
Oxygen, Technical
Green
Green
Green
Green
Oxygen - Nitrogen
Black
Green
White
Green
Propane
Yellow
Yellow
Orange
Yellow
SKf02006
Figure 2-6.--Color codes for compressed gas cylinders.
2-12
