What is prohibited for an ASME container in terms of paint color?

An ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) container has specific regulations concerning its paint color, particularly with regard to its ability to safely dissipate heat. Darker colors, such as black, are prohibited because they absorb more heat from sunlight. This means that if an ASME container, which typically stores propane or other gases, is painted in darker colors, it can become excessively heated, potentially leading to safety hazards such as increased pressure inside the tank, weakening of the container’s materials, or even risk of explosion.

In contrast, lighter colors, including white or aluminum, are encouraged as they tend to reflect heat rather than absorb it, helping keep the container at safer temperatures. Heat-reflective colors are specifically designed to manage temperature and guard against dangerous heat buildup, aligning with safety standards for the storage of gases under pressure. Therefore, the prohibition of darker colors for ASME containers is fundamentally about ensuring proper thermal management to maintain safety in handling and storing liquefied gases.