Pipe Coding

To tell the machines apart as clearly as possible at coupling stations (Kupplungsbahnhof) or at a coupling point, and to prevent a wrong coupling connection (a wrong match), the option of optical / color coding is available.

In this method, various color shades are worked into the material during hose production; these colors are mirrored in Michel Tube's optical coding products and allow the material lines to be marked.

10 different colors are available: Blue, Yellow, Grey, Green, Natural (Natur), Orange, Red, Black, Purple, White. Available in 13 different diameters (Ø 38.0 – Ø 80.0 mm).

The most expensive error prevented by the cheapest part

Color coding is the simplest component of the system; yet the error it prevents is one of the most costly. A line wrongly connected at the coupling station means the wrong raw material going to the wrong machine. The result is, at best, a shift's worth of scrap and, at worst, a contaminated line that takes hours to clean.

Why relying on the operator is not enough

At a station with dozens of identical grey pipe ends, finding the right line takes attention. At a shift change, in busy moments or with an inexperienced operator, the chance of error rises. Color coding turns this decision into one that can be made without thinking: the blue line goes to the blue machine.

When setting up the system

• The color assignment must be permanent and documented in a chart
• The same color must be on both the pipe end and the machine side
• Distinctive colors should be given to frequently used raw materials, and similar shades avoided
• If the coding is not updated when lines change, it becomes misleading — this is the most frequent mistake

On the hose side ring coding is used, and on Vario tables Michel Vario coding. The cost of color changes in production is covered in the color and material change article.