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IS 2379:1977 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for method for estimation of thermal conductivity of materials. This standard outlines the uniform colour coding system for identifying pipelines carrying various fluids in industrial and commercial facilities. It defines ground colours for basic contents and colour bands for specific services or hazards to ensure safety and ease of maintenance.
Specifies the method for determining the thermal conductivity of various materials, relevant for insulation.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
paintpipelines
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ASTM C177-19ASTM International (US)
HighCurrent
Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
Defines the primary laboratory method (guarded hot plate) for measuring thermal conductivity, which is the same principle underlying IS 2379/IS 3346.
ISO 8302:1991ISO (International)
HighCurrent
Thermal insulation — Determination of steady-state thermal resistance and related properties — Guarded hot plate apparatus
The international standard for the guarded hot plate method, technically harmonized with ASTM C177.
EN 12667:2001CEN (European Committee for Standardization)
HighCurrent
Thermal performance of building materials and products - Determination of thermal resistance by means of guarded hot plate and heat flow meter methods - Products of high and medium thermal resistance
European standard covering both guarded hot plate and heat flow meter methods, directly applicable to building materials.
ASTM C518-21ASTM International (US)
MediumCurrent
Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
Describes a different but related and more common secondary method (heat flow meter) for determining thermal conductivity.
Key Differences
≠IS 2379:1977 has been withdrawn and superseded by IS 3346:1980 (which itself is an older standard). In contrast, international equivalents like ASTM C177 are actively maintained and updated (latest version is 2019), reflecting modern advancements.
≠Modern international standards (e.g., ASTM C177) mandate a detailed analysis and reporting of measurement uncertainty. This was not a requirement in the 1977 Indian standard, reflecting a major evolution in metrology practices.
≠International standards provide highly detailed and stringent specifications for the apparatus, including plate flatness, temperature uniformity, sensor placement, and guard/meter imbalance control. IS 2379 was a much more general guide with less rigorous apparatus requirements.
≠ASTM C177 and ISO 8302 require apparatus calibration or verification using certified reference materials (e.g., NIST SRM 1450) to ensure traceability. This practice was not formalized or required in IS 2379.
Key Similarities
≈The fundamental physical principle is identical: applying Fourier's Law of heat conduction in a one-dimensional, steady-state condition to determine thermal conductivity.
≈The conceptual design of the test apparatus (the guarded hot plate), consisting of a central metered hot plate, a concentric guard heater, and two cold plates, is the same.
≈All standards require the system to reach thermal equilibrium (steady-state) before valid measurements are taken, ensuring that temperatures and heat flow are stable.
≈The general requirement for specimen preparation is similar, specifying flat, parallel-faced specimens of uniform thickness to ensure proper thermal contact and accurate dimensional measurements.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Standard Status
Withdrawn (superseded by IS 3346:1980)
Current, regularly updated
ASTM C177-19
Core Test Principle
Guarded Hot Plate method
Guarded Hot Plate method
ASTM C177-19
Uncertainty Reporting
Not required
Mandatory, with procedures for estimation
ASTM C177-19
Steady-State Criteria
General requirement for constant readings.
Quantitative criteria based on drift rate (e.g., <1% change in power/temperature over 30 mins for consecutive periods).
ASTM C177-19
Apparatus Verification
No specific requirement for certified reference materials.
Required, using Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) to establish traceability.
ASTM C177-19
Guard/Meter Imbalance Control
Qualitative (temperature difference should be minimal).
Quantitative (imbalance shall not cause an error >0.5% in heat flux measurement).
ASTM C177-19
Specimen Thickness Range
Generally for materials up to 100 mm (as per successor IS 3346).
Specifies limits based on apparatus dimensions (e.g., thickness should not exceed one-third of the meter area linear dimension).
ASTM C177-19
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values8
Quick Reference Values
Water pipeline ground colourSea Green (Shade 217)
Steam pipeline ground colourAluminium
Compressed air ground colourSky Blue (Shade 101)
Flammable liquids ground colourLight Brown (Shade 410)
Gases ground colourCanary Yellow (Shade 309)
Fire fighting water ground colourFire Red (Shade 536)
Colour band width (pipe dia < 50mm)25 mm
Colour band width (pipe dia 50-100mm)50 mm
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Ground Colours for Basic Identification of Contents