Using the API Color-Symbol System to Identify Equipment, Vehicles, and Transfer Points for Petroleum Fuels and Related Products at Dispensing and Storage Facilities and Distribution Terminals

API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 1637 FOURTH EDITION, APRIL 2020

Special Notes

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API publications are published to facilitate the broad availability of proven, sound engineering and operating practices. These publications are not intended to obviate the need for applying sound engineering judgment regarding when and where these publications should be used. The formulation and publication of API publications is not intended in any way to inhibit anyone from using any other practices.

Any manufacturer Color-Symbol equipment or materials in conformance with the Color-Symbol requirements of an API standard is solely responsible for complying with all the applicable requirements of that standard. API does not represent, warrant, or guarantee that such products do in fact conform to the applicable API standard.

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Copyright © 2020 American Petroleum Institute

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Foreword

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Contents

Page

1. Scope 1

   1. System Purpose 1

   2. System Design 1

   3. Included Products 1

2. Normative References 2

3. Color-Symbol System 3

   1. General (See Figure 1) 3

   2. Gasoline E10 3

   3. Gasoline E0 3

   4. Gasoline with Alternative Blends 3

   5. Racing Fuel 4

   6. Ethanol Blends 4

   7. Diesel 4

   8. Diesel Exhaust Fluid 4

   9. Fuel Oil/Heating Fuels 5

   10. Used Oil 5

   11. Observation/Monitoring Wells 5

   12. Vapor Recovery 5

   13. Denatured Ethanol 5

4. System Application 5

   1. General 5

   2. Storage and Distribution Terminals 8

   3. Delivery Vehicles 9

   4. Dispensing Facilities 9

Bibliography 11

Figures

1. Equipment Color-Symbol System (Part 1) 6

2. Equipment Color Symbol System (Part 2) 7

3. Equipment Color Symbol System (Part 3) 8

4. Painting the Fill or Access Point Cover and Painting the Rim of the Fill or Access Point 9

5. Painting the Fill or Access Point Cover and Placing a Collar or Permanent Label in or Around

the Fill or Access Point 10

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