Interpreting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams-Symbology - AIChE

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Interpreting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams-

Symbology
2/5 in the series How to Interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams
With a Bit of Smoke, a Few Mirrors and a Degree in Hieroglyphics, Anyone Can Learn to Read a P&ID.
Part 3 - Symbology Primer

Welcome back to Part 3 folks! Let me apologize at the outset for the delay in getting this posted sooner but we
had our Labor Day holiday here in the USA last week and oddly enough, we tend NOT to work on Labor Day.
Go figure... I suppose it should be called slacker day because I really didn't do much the whole weekend. In
any event, I'm back in the saddle so let's recap the last two parts before we hit the trail again. We have a lot of
ground to cover before sunset.
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https://www.aiche.org/chenected/2010/09/interpreting-piping-and-instrumentation-diagrams-symbology 1/27
Part 1 talked about why the interpretation of P&IDs is important to

by Robert Cook everyone involved in the planning, design, and construction through
operation of a process plant.
Part 2 described the various functions P&IDs serve and highlighted
SEP 22, 2010
the kinds of information they convey, along with the support
documents that are commonly associated with them. We also talked
COMMENTS (36)
about some of their weaknesses.
AICHE
Topics:
Equipment
Plant Operations
Process Safety
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51
With the requisite academics out of the way, it's time to focus on the exciting stuff - P&ID symbology
interpretation. That's the goal I had when I started this series and by golly, I'm sticking to it. However, I'm
going to warn you up front - this is a big part in the series, figuratively and literally speaking. I might even be
pushing the limits of Chenected.com's server capacity but I did my best to balance breadth of content with
depth of detail. If you think I short-changed any areas and would like more detail on any topic, please let me
know via the comment system. I'll do my best to oblige.
Lead Sheets Define Symbology

As I mentioned in Part 2, the meanings of the various symbols used on P&IDs (aka, symbology) are defined
on separate drawings called "Lead Sheets" (or Legend Sheets). These are your "secret decoder rings" to P&ID
symbology interpretation. Every company that builds process plants should have a set of lead sheets
customized to their particular ways and means. Having seen a number of lead sheets over the years, I can tell
you that most of them are just variations on a core set of generally accepted symbols and notations that
engineers and industry organizations have settled on as defacto standards over the years. The lead sheets I
provide in the supporting file download to this series include the following;
D001 - Instrumentation and Valves

D002AIChE
- Codes, Tags,use
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Here's the good news - these lead sheets include 90.00?0.05% of what you need to know. Seriously, the
significant digits are right here, I checked them. Yeah, I realize some companies have more than two lead
sheets, four or five even. Probably even a few with six or seven just to prove a point I suppose, but the number
of lead sheets isn't important. What is important is that they are logically organized so that the symbols and
tags can be located easily. Poorly organized and/or incomplete lead sheets will just frustrate folks who turn to
them for help so it's important to keep them neat, concise and logical. And the two I present here should be
up-front-and-center in your set. Related to the content I include on the example lead sheets, you might have
noticed a conspicuous absence of lead sheets for major equipment, i.e., tanks, pumps, and sundry items
typically included in process plants, etc. It's good to have lead sheets for that kind of stuff; I'm not going to
say otherwise. However, I have generally stopped using them in my group because;
1. It is almost always self-evident what a symbol represents for major equipment, and
2. Even if it's not apparent, the major equipment is always tagged and named with some general
specifications provided along one edge of the drawing. I underline always because that's the way it should
be. I don't want to debate it. Just make it so!
Aside from these reasons, it's tough to keep an equipment lead sheet updated when new or custom
equipment that doesn't really have an industry standard symbol is added to a drawing for a particular job. I
could go on regarding the topic of symbols for major equipment but this is a topic I decided not to expand on
in the interest of focusing more on the instrumentation and controls side of symbology. Shoot me a note if
you want to discuss this more.
Caveat Emptor
Before we move on, I want to address the operations folks here in attendance: Keep in mind that reading and
understanding P&IDs is a core topic of operator training. And that training happens long before you step on-
site. In fact, you should know this stuff before you enter the room as a team member on a Process Hazards
Analysis. As a process engineer at heart, I view operations as my #1 client and work hard to make Got sure
it that
they fully understand the plant and its procedures so that it can safely and efficiently meet its objectives. If
you are in an operations group, you are not expected to have it all figured out just from reading this series
alone. However, the following sections should serve as a solid primer. And I will make you a simple promise -
so long as you don't get bored and start daydreaming about whether Brock Lesner will remain the UFC
heavyweight champion for the next five years (I don't even...), you will definitely walk away from this series
with a solid, functional understanding of P&IDs! If you don't, call me and I will refund your money, no
questions asked.
Instrumentation and Controls Symbology

We'll kick things off with what has traditionally been viewed as the "hardest part" of P&ID interpretation,
that of course being instrumentation and controls. In my experience, this is the area that gives newcomers
the most grief. Trust me, it's not that hard and once you have this area conquered, everything after that is
stupid simple and the learning curve will skyrocket.
The main symbols used for Instrumentation and Control (I&C) are shown in the table above. When you spot
one of these on a P&ID, you will be able to glean three things from it, including:
1. What is that device?

2. Where is it located?
3. Why is it there?
The 'what' and 'where' aspects can be determined from the symbol shape. The 'why' part comes from text
placed inside the symbol that is made up of two parts that form the "tag number". This includes:
1. An abbreviation for what the device is (based on ISA S5.1), combined with a
2. Loop number based on your company's preferred numbering system
Before I dig into this topic more heavily, it's worth providing a couple simple tag number examples
Got itas a lead-
in. Pressure indicators have the abbreviation PI and temperature indicators use the abbreviation TI. It
follows logically that flow and level indicators use the abbreviations FI and LI, respectively. Since most plants
can have many instruments of the same type, a unique number is applied so that each one can be
individually identified. This number is often referred to as the "loop number". Thus, the device abbreviation
+ loop number become the unique "tag number". While the device abbreviations are largely based on
accepted standards (ISA S5.1), the loop numbering system is company specific. My group happens to use a
four digit numbering system. In this case, typical tag numbers for pressure and temperature indicators in
our plants will be PI0134 and TI4348, respectively. You could even reuse the loop number "0134" to define
other types of devices, such as a level indicator, LI0134 or flow indicator, FI0134. The same holds true for loop
number "4348"; it may be used for PI4348, LI4348 and HS4348 (where HS stands for Hand Switch). The key
point is that the abbreviation + loop number must be unique for each device otherwise, it cannot be uniquely
identified. You can get creative and apply special prefixes (or suffix) numbers to the tag number when you
want to reuse the same tag (like in cases where you have redundant devices but you don't want them to have
different loop numbers). I will get into those when we look at the example P&IDs. But that is detail stuff.
What is that control symbol?
Refer to the first row in the table above. A circle symbol is quite simply any physical instrument or device in
the field or on a panel. It doesn't matter if it is a level transmitter, a flow meter, a pressure gauge or some
other type of indicator. If it is a physical device that measures or displays something, it will be illustrated by
the use of a circle on a P&ID. Notice also how I placed the tag number PI0134 inside the symbol. The common
practice is to place the device function abbreviation on the top line, with the loop number at the bottom.
When the device is ordered and a stamped tag is requested, it should match the tag number placed inside the
symbol on the P&ID. Aside: Sometimes, you will hear folks refer to the symbols as instrument "bubbles". This
is just jargon that is commonly used. When you hear it, they are simply referring categorically to the symbol
shapes I am talking about in this part. Just act like you've been calling them bubbles for years and show now
sign of confusion!
Move down to the symbols on the second row of the table - the ones that show a circle inside of a square.
These are used to represent a graphic on a computer screen or control panel that you can see and possibly
interface with via touch panel or a computer mouse. It might be used to show the level in a tank (as the tab
number in the bubble shown here suggests) or represent a hand switch that you can click on with the mouse
to start a pump (or a million other things!). The point is if you can see it on a control screen, it will be
represented as a circle inside a square on P&IDs. Don't ask me who decided this, it wasn't me! The last two
rows are for symbols that let the reader know a computer is used to do some sort of complex processing. In
the case of the hexagon, it means a "computer" is used. That's a pretty vague description don't you think? I
mean, is your plant a "PC or a Mac"? I don't want to get into that debate (my wife uses a Mac, otherwise I
would) but my websites
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Got it
In the case of a square with a diamond in it, that means a programmable logic controller (PLC) is used. Ah
yes, the venerable PLC - still hanging tough after all these years. Even if you are not familiar with control
computers or PLCs, don't sweat it. Just know that these symbols really represent software instructions that
engineers write to define the automated behavior of the plant. For example, code that tells a pump to
automatically stop when the tank it is pumping from runs low. That would be a so-called low level interlock
type function that would exist as instructions inside a PLC. In this instance, a level element provides the
input and the computer runs a set of instructions that say 'stop the pump' if tank level is low. These symbols
are often left off of P&IDs because they really don't provide any usable information that you could get out of
just looking at the symbol. For example, in the simple example that I just provided, how could you describe
the low level interlock using a symbol that looks like a square with a diamond in it? You couldn't! You would
need to supplement the P&ID with a written description of what the plant is supposed to do with all of the
input it receives. So the symbols would just take up space and clutter the drawing for no good reason other
than perhaps provide some pointer via a tag number to coded instructions. But the P&IDs serve the process,
not the programmer so we can't have that!
Symbology Star Power!
This brings me to the arbitrary star rating I gave all of the symbols in the table (see "Bob's Review" key at
bottom of table). Folks, this isn't published by the ISA (as if I had to qualify this...) but we've been together
long enough for you to know that this is how I roll. It's my way of explaining the frequency and importance of
these symbols in most cases. Here goes. For each symbol, I rate it based on how often it typically shows up on
drawings that I have worked on over the years. Every plant is different but there is a general theme here. I
view symbols with only one star as pretty much useless because the abstract concept they are trying to
illustrate simply can't be done effectively with just symbology. Two star symbols have value but may not
show up very often or at all in many cases, depending on the type of plant and its design. Anything at or
above three stars is a celebrity in our P&ID feature presentations. We're talking Arnold Schwarzenegger,
whereas the one star symbol is akin to the nondescript ensign killed off in the first five minutes of a Star Trek
episode. So what about those quizzical computer symbols that I poke fun of? Well, you can still use them if
you want but they need heavy support from a document that describes all of the functional requirementsGot it of a
plant and that is typically called a Functional [Control] Description. Maybe in a future series (if you're good),
we will cover functional control aspects. Oh Goody! I can almost sense your joy at the thought! Hey, pay
attention and no smart remarks. We still have work to do here!
Where is the device located?

If you glance back at the table, you will see that there are four columns that provide the 'Where' part of a
symbol. Now, as we discussed in Part 2 of this series, P&IDs generally aren't good at showing you where
something is located in the field. We aren't talking about that kind of 'where'. In this case, we are using where
as a relative reference. Relative location is indicated via the presence of a centered, horizontal line (or lack
thereof), a dual centered horizontal line, or a dashed centered horizontal line placed inside the symbol;
1. Single horizontal line - located on a main control panel near the control room or some computer screen
in the main control room,
2. No horizontal line - located somewhere in the field, probably close to the general area shown on the
P&ID,
3. Double horizontal line - on some secondary (satellite) local panel in the field.
4. Single dashed horizontal line - inaccessible or not generally located where it can be easily accessed or
viewed. May also be used for hidden or password protected areas of a control system.
Notice in the above items, no specific location information is provided, only that the device or graphic is
associated with a relative, general location. In many cases, it's not hard to figure out where something is just
from where the symbol is at on the drawing. But there are limits to what the symbol can convey.
More on the Dashes
I have found that the dashed line symbols can cause confusion so I want to speak on those a bit more. When
you see a symbol such as the one shown at left, that simply means that you can't normally see it or work with
that device it in the field. It might be installed behind or inside of a panel so that it is normally not in view
(inaccessible to the operator). So in the symbols shown here, a circle with a dashed line in the middle means
it is an instrument or device that you can't normally see or get to. If you are an operator, it is probably
something you do not need to get to but it might still be vitally important to the plant control system, so we
show it this way on a P&ID. In a similar fashion, a graphic display symbol with a dashed line in the middle
simply means that this portion of the control system is password protected or hidden from normal view on a
screen or operating panel so you can't get to it unless you know the secret access code. It's not that people are
keeping secrets from you (or maybe they are...hmmmm); it's just that it might contain important settings
that nobody should ever need to mess with.
Why is that device here?

You've come a long way towards understanding control symbology. You can now identify what a control
symbol represents and its relative location in the plant. But you still don't know why it's there. It's not helpful
to know how to identify a control symbol type if you cannot explain what purpose it serves in the plant. That
is the point of the textual abbreviations placed inside the symbols. We touched on this a bit above so now lets
cover theexperience
essence and
of what you need to know - and keep in mind, come of this is the way I like toGot
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doitthings,
which doesn't necessarily mean it is the best or only way. Refer to the figure below entitled "Instrument
Symbol Tag Identification". A control symbol will typically contain two lines inside it, as follows:
1. Upper Line - an abbreviation for the functionality it provides (based on the ISA 5.1 standard), and
2. Lower Line - a loop number that corresponds to the equipment or area it is associated with (or based on
your company's preferred standard).
The upper line text abbreviation, along with the lower line tag number makes up the unique symbol
identification tag. It is important that each symbol have a unique tag so that it can be individually identified.
In this example, the symbol would be referred to as PDIT1703 in a process document or operating procedure.
There may be a bunch of other symbols with 1703 in them, but they must have a different text abbreviation
before the 1703 or you won't be able to uniquely identify it. Part 4 of this series will talk more about typical
device tagging protocols but for now; consider this your "Introduction to Tagging 101".
The letters on the first line are in accordance with ISA standard 5.1, as described in the upper left corner of
lead sheet D001. Each letter provides unique information. We can use the table in D001 to determine that
this symbol represents:
1. "P" - First Letter stands for "Pressure"

2. "D" - Second letter is a modifier for the first and stands for "Differential"
3. "I" - Third letter stands for "Indicating"
4. "T" - Fourth letter stands for "Transmitter"
5. 1703 is the loop number (the Electrical Engineering eggheads need loop numbers too)
I like to base loop numbers off the associated major equipment. That's just me, and I think it makes good
sense. But if your company uses a different technique, roll with it. Now is not the time to be a renegade
creator of new tagging systems. Fight your battles but win your wars! So in this case, we have a pressure
differential indicating transmitter installed on equipment 1703. You might see such a device across a strainer
inlet and outlet to let you know what the pressure drop is across it so that you can clean it when it gets high.
Got it
Common Instrument
experience Abbreviations
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There are a number of instrument letter combinations that you are likely to come across a lot. A few of these
are listed in the figure titled "Common Primary Device Symbols". These examples will help you get some
practice understanding the abbreviations used for control symbols. You can compare the examples to the
table on D001 to get the hang of it. These examples all represent field-mounted devices. We know that
because they are all simple circle symbols with no horizontal lines. I told you this was pretty straight
forward!
The hardest part in deciphering the abbreviations inside control symbols is figuring out what the letters
designate when there are three or more letters used. Here are a couple rules of thumb:
In the case of abbreviations with four letters, the second letter is a modifier to the first.
When only three letters are used, the second letter probably is not a modifier.
As with any "rule of thumb", you mileage may vary, so if in doubt, look it up using the table on D001 (or your
own company lead sheets).
Symbol Attributes
Depending on the symbol purpose, various other attributes may be placed near control symbols in
"supporting role". The section called "Instrument Abbreviations" on lead sheet D001 defines some of the
more common ones you might run into. These are simply helpful bits that provide further clarification for
the situation at hand. In many cases, it is helpful to know "at a glance" that a valve is FC (Fail Closed) or that
DI is a (Digital Input). Refer to this table when you encounter abbreviations used around control symbols.
Instrument Input-Output (I/O)

Got it
Despite major advances in computer technology and communications protocols, many instruments still
transmit their signals using a trusty analog signal (via a 4-20ma, 24V). For switched devices, the input is
typically a switch that simply provides a voltage input. While it is not a common practice to show the type of
signal a particular device sends to and/or receives from the control system (collectively referred to as the
I/O), in my company I like to employ simple triangular symbols along the interconnecting lines to help
illustrate the I/O flow (if you will) on a P&ID. This is illustrated using the symbols shown in the figure below.
The important point to remember when you see these symbols is that the I/O flow is always from the control
computer's perspective. Thus, all outputs (DO, AO) come out of a output module and go to some field device.
Conversely, all inputs (DI, AI) are signals from field devices that flow into some input module. Other types of
I/O that may require specialized transducer cards or network protocols are sometimes used. For example, the
KT signal is a common type of signal that a thermocouple employs. You may have also heard of RTD
temperature sensors. There are a myriad of transmission protocols used today and as process engineers, we
don't need to get caught up in that. But it is helpful to understand the flow of I/O in a plant and using these
symbols is a cheap, easy way of showing that with no penalty on the complexity of the drawing! All of the I/O
symbols invariably link to the software line type (described below), as this is used to illustrate software
processing within a computer or PLC. You don't know what is taking place just by looking at a line, but you
can be sure that whatever it is, the Functional Control Description is the place to look to find out.
Line Symbols

The key line types are highlighted in the figure at right. By far, the most common line type is the
solid line,
Got it
which is consent
used totorepresent a pipe. Although not shown, a process line with long dashes means the pipe is
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existing or is outside the battery limits (OSBL) of the plant. Other common line types that you should be able
to identify are electrical signal (anywhere wires are employed), instrument air to control valves/devices
(labeled as pneumatic signal) and software or data link which includes "virtual" communication such as
what occurs inside a computer program or PLC ladder logic. The software can include anything that happens
inside a computer, but you need a functional description to actually know what that is, as we discussed
earlier in this brief. Just know that when you see a software line, it means computers are at work linking the
devices in some meaningful way that relates to the system controls.
Computing Functions
These symbols describe the types of functions that run inside a computer program. A problem with applying
these symbols is that they do not really provide solid insights into how the plant is controlled in complex
instances. For this reason, most P&IDs will make limited use of computing function symbols. You can safely
ignore these and not miss out on much because the functional control description is really intended to
describe control details that these symbols try to illustrate.
Valve Symbols
The figures below show the key symbols for the various types of manually-operated valves and actuator
details for automated valves. Note the attributed stems on the actuators to indicate fail state. This is a good
example of using attributes to provide key information that is valuable to operations.

Got it
Connection Types
Regarding connections, the symbology shown in the figure below is standard. One point I will make is that in
plastic piping systems (PVC, CPVC and ABS), everything is generally glued using a connection type called
"socket weld". However, socket weld can also be applied to metallic piping systems where a welded
connection is employed using socketed (versus butt weld) fittings. There is no specific designation between
glued or welded socket connections. Nor is there a symbol for threaded connections.
When you start getting into what type of connection should be used in a particular pipe, this is not really
something that is based on personal preference or simply what you might have on hand in the maintenance
trailer. This is something that is based on things like the line service (what's in the line), conditions
(temperature, pressure), and other factors (like supporting requirements). This kind of stuff is defined in a
Material and Line Specification Standard. We won't cover that in detail here but you know what? I just got an
idea! This is great
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betterfun never ends does it?
browsing
Got it
What about
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In case you are wondering (and I know you were), P&IDs generally do not show pipe fittings (elbows, tees,
unions, o-lets, etc.). Nor will they include all the various flanged connections
that might actually exist in the plant. These are details that show up on piping plans/sections, isometrics and
fabrication drawings. So, unless it is important to the process design for some reason, fittings and
extraneous flanged connection are generally not shown. If you need to get a fitting take-off, look elsewhere!
Transducer Functions
This is an area that defines signal conversion. Only electrical engineers get excited about this stuff, and you
really don't need to focus too much on this. In fact, I almost skipped it but I just know that if I did someone
would ask, so let's get this out of the way because this electrical stuff is starting to get a tad boring... A
transducer is something that takes a signal in one form and converts in into another form so that it can be
used by a downstream device. For example, a control valve may need air to actuate but receive an electrical
signal to tell it to do that. Somehow, you have to get the electric signal converted into an equivalent air signal
so the valve can move. Hello signal transducer.
In this particular example, an I/P (current to pneumatic) transducer is necessary so that the valve can be
positioned to any desired opening point with just an electrical signal. This is the most common transducer
Got it
function used in many plants; the others listed are comparatively rare. So, understand what I/P means when
you see it and don't worry too much about the rest of them for now. When you graduate to Master Ninja P&ID
interpreter, then we will focus on these details.
Primary Flow Elements

These symbols are nothing more than graphic illustrations that complement the control bubbles to help
readers of the drawing more easily identify the type of flow element being employed. The most common
types are shown in this table on D001. These symbols are not really critical towards an understanding of the
instrumentation or controls. Level elements don't have an equivalent. Nor do other common instrument
types.
Breaktime!
OK, so now you have a solid feel for what P&IDs are, the purposes they serve, their limitations and
supporting document requirements and now - a pretty solid handle on the symbology used. Despite all the
ground we covered in this part, we haven't really had a chance to go through a few examples. Everyone
knows that when it comes to learning new information, application it is key. The old adage "use it or lose it"
applies. I still aim to get to some examples but for now, just take a well deserved break and let this stuff sink
it. Besides, I'm sure they need to go buy a couple more hard drives for Parts 4 and 5.
Be sure to drop me any comments you have so that I can tailor the remaining parts.
Hang in there, we are almost done. Your on the back side of the race and heading towards the finish line.
Thanks for joining me!

Got it
Comments Log in to post comments
Robert, Excellent presentation - one minor comment is that the PLC

symbol that you rarely encounter is commonly used in batch procsses
that are typical of pharmaceutical plants. Great series. David
David Greene (not verified)
SEP 30, 2010
David - thanks for your kind feedback. Your note about the PLC
symbol showing up often in the types of projects you work on is not
surprising. I do see it now and again but tried to speak at a very
RGCook (not verified) generic level about its utility. It always comes down to your audience
OCT 5, 2010
and mine is generally operations. I can see how programmers
(EI&C types) might enjoy using it for their work to mark code,
procedures, etc. - Bob
hai to all, i need a clear representation about closed tank and open tank
level calculation and how to measure and calculate the range for the
level and flow transmitter i am in need of this calculation
aravind (not verified)
OCT 3, 2010
what are some more linstrument ine symbols and function symbols
lww (not verified)

OCT 7, 2010
thanks for sharing! it's very useful informations! waiting for

part 4 and 5!
jessica (not verified)

OCT 13, 2010

Got it
Robert, I bet you, your stuff is AWESOME! Where did you learn how to
teach so easily? My four years in Univ. studying mineral processing
technology couldn't give me much on P&IDs than I have
Ken (not verified) just gotten out of you right here. It has kept haunting me ever since I
MAY 18, 2011
left Uni 11yrs ago and was just lucky to have branched into HSE. But
bcos I now find myself also doing process safety management, I had to
run back to refresh on my P&Id stuff. Thanks for the great job
Bob. Cheers. Ken. Thanks for the good job.
Ken and Andrew, Many thanks for your kind feedback. I've been
away too long. I intend to begin my next series. It will be the Prequel to
P&IDs. I still plan to contribute my best on the process
RGCook (not verified) engineering core. Scope and writing functional descriptions that really
SEP 8, 2011
work in helping programmers make the plant do what it should. Along
with major equipment specs (the key stuff). Etc. It's so easy to
get caught up in huge tomes on these topics and I think this is the value
of this site. For older guys like me to distill it down based on experience
and what really works. Thanks for the motivation to get started again.
Best, Bob
Great to hear this Robert. Your series has consistently been one of
the most popular on ChEnected!
jvasko (not verified)

SEP 8, 2011
Hi Robert Writing this to convey a special thank you for making

reading P&IDs fun to learn. At work . I was tasked this week, to
create a tutorial for our fresh recruits on reading P&IDs. Googling
Annie John (not verified) led me to your article that greatly simplified my task.. I have borrowed
DEC 30, 2011
freely from your blog and it has made my write-up that much richer.
You will find that you are immortalized through my reference list !!. In
closing , it must be said that you have flair for making drab technical
stuff seem light and even interesting May your tribe flourish...Happy
New Year Got it
Annie, Many thanks for your kind feedback. I am very happy that you
can use it in your work. I leveraged the great vision of this site to
provide this open and free resource. I had fun putting it together
RGCook (not verified) (despite the work), and still plan to get a few more out. I will resolve to
DEC 30, 2011
do that in 2012! Best wishes to you in 2012 as well. Bob <div
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i am a process engineer with some operation back ground and willing

to make career in process safety. I have started learning P& ID but
I could not locate all symbols which are generally used with some basic
ram (not verified) description and examples. Also I would like to have simplified loops
JAN 1, 2012
normally seen on the P& ID explained. Please provide further
source for reading. I found your article very good and it is great service
to young process engineers.
ram, Thanks for your note. Regarding explanation of simplified loops,

have you looked at any of the companion videos I provide at youttube?
This is at least a start. Take a look and let me know if that helps. - Bob
RGCook (not verified)
JAN 1, 2012
Thank you so much for your clear and informative articles. I wish I had
found this site years ago!!!! Unfortunately, the link to download the
Lead Sheets for this article doesn't seem to work -Got could
it you
look into this and hopefully fix. Many Thanks F J Black
FJ BLACK (not verified)

APR 10, 2012
FJ, Thanks for the feedback. I have notified the operators of this site
about the broken link. If you wish to send me a private email, I will
send the files directly to you. I've obscured the @ symbol
RGCook (not verified) below to keep the spammers at bay. robert.cook AT
APR 10, 2012
veoliawaterna.com Best wishes, Bob
Hi Robert I was looking for a good guide line about P&ID and all of
a sudden I found it all here. I am so excited to read more. Your article is
full of good and handy information and I would say it is simply
Hanieh (not verified) "well-written".... Just Thank you , Thank you and Thank
APR 10, 2012
you. please keep on the good job!
You are quite welcome Hanieh. Please refer to my response to FJ

BLACK above regarding a broken link to the example files. If you
would like a copy, send me an email as well. Best regards, Bob
RGCook (not verified)
APR 10, 2012
Sorry the link wasn't working. I saw the comments and

have fixed it! Douglas@Chenected.
Douglas (not verified)

APR 11, 2012
Thanks again Robert , The link is now working, tnx to Douglas too. I
also wish to ask you about preparing the P&IDs, like basic rules ,,
Got it
where to put check valve, where to put gate and etc. or How to do pipe
sizing ? I have heard about simple calculation of Flow/Velocity and
Hanieh (not verified) then pipe sizing , but what is the best velocity for each case ? is there
APR 11, 2012 any Ref ? I think I am asking lot! Thanks in advance
easy to understand thanks
babak (not verified)

JUN 28, 2012
dear sir i m confused about the primary & secondary line used in
p&ids sir i just want to know how to understand where is the
primary line (process line) is used and where is the secondary line is
Amit (not verified) used in a drawing.
AUG 11, 2012
hello sir, how to identify a I/P signal from an insrument or a system to

instrument index
VIJAY (not verified)

OCT 24, 2012
I I've learned a lot about P&ID and how to use the

symbols.... Thank you for this site that you've created...
leah (not verified)

JAN 4, 2013
Hi there, I was wondering about the P&ID Diagram that is the

profile picture for 'Interpreting Piping and Instrumentation
Diagrams-Symbology [Part 3 of 5]', I have seen this P&ID
Vee (not AIChE websites use cookies to offer plant
verified) diagram
you a better all over the web and I still have not managed
browsing to decipher
Got it
APR 9, 2013
experience and analyze site traffic. what
By chemical
using our plant
websites, youthis is, a little help please?
Thanks for this presentation
Ravi (not verified)

JUL 3, 2013
Thanks for these!!!! #awesome :)
ucy (not verified)

JUL 17, 2013
Dear Robert, I am writing to express my profound gratitude to you for

making P & ID interpretation seem easier. I am a mechanical
engineer but was hardly into any technical job. Recently, I suddenly
Vincent (not verified) find myself in process safety. However, I was always frightened and
SEP 5, 2013
overwhelmed whenever I come across P & ID and I decided to
attend training courses. Just about when I was to register for the
training in Canada, I came across your blog. After a careful reading of
your blog together with other materials I got, I am now very confident
to confront any P & ID I come across. Thanks a lot for helping me
to save money. A lot of people pay handsomely to get the information
you posted freely. I would like to ask if you have any material on plot
plan and 3D drawing interpretations as that is my next technical area to
improve. I will be grateful if you could write me on my private email.
Once again, thanks a lot for your generosity in Human Capacity
Development.
Great post, and very helpful examples in the comments , thanks for
sharing guys!
Arnold schwarz (not verified)

Got it
NOV 18, 2014
Dear Sir, I am following following sequence for line identification lines.

LINE SIZE - FLUID- PIPE MOC - LINE NO - INSULATION. 80- SW-SS316-
0001 LINE SIZE 80 MM, FLUID IN LINE SW (SOFT WATER), PIPE MOC
ANANT ADBE SS-316 FOLLOWED BY LINE NO 0001. IS IT OK OR REQUIRED
FEB 12, 2015
CHANGES IN IT.
Anant, The line label you devised is certainly workable. The only
suggestion I have (and it is simply that), is to consider changing your
PIPE MOC to a line specification. A properly defined line specification
Robert Cook includes all fittings, pipe MOC, schedule, valves, welding, and even
FEB 12, 2015
hydro testing, etc. requirements for a particular service. When you only
specify the material of construction, it leaves a lot of open questions.
For example, say to you put it on a 40mm line vs. an 80mm line. Are
the schedules different due to P/T considerations? Are there
limintations with respect to the type of connection that is allowed?
Smaller bore pipe may not be able to use threaded connections due to
derating from the thread. These types of things will haunt you later
when the fabricator comes back asking questions. Best regards, Bob
Thanks. Anant.
ANANT ADBE
FEB 13, 2015
Dear Robbert, I am getting confudes that in pipe lines some times

dummys are there, they are blanked by flange on it , (means not
connected to any system), In P&IDs do we need to show this in
ANANT ADBE diagram.
MAY 6, 2015

Got it
Anant, Thanks for your question. The use of blind flanges has many
possible purposes in a process. They could exist on tanks/vessels for
future flexibility, process expansion, options to add additional lines,
Robert Cook etc. Alternately, they may simply be the result of change; perhaps a line
MAY 6, 2015
or piece of equipment was removed and it was easier to simply blind a
flange at a convenient point than to remove it from the system
altogether. In pipelines, they might exist to provide flexibility for
clean-out, new/future additions that are planned or to simply have
them for draining or other needs. It is very common not to show all
blind flange nozzles that a vessel has on a P&ID. Many times, a tank
will be very old and a lot of nozzles will simply be blinded and
abandoned so there is little point in cluttering a P&ID with things that
have no practical purpose. Having said that, when I audit a set of
P&IDs, I would highly recommend that you do show all blinded flanges
on piping systems. You are going for an accurate representation of
what the plant actually looks like and knowing there are blind flanges
at various points in the piping could be beneficial to future needs,
reviews, etc. For tanks, it might make sense to reference the fabrication
drawings for details and appurtenances. So in the final analysis, I
would advice you to show all flanged connections, even spool pieces if
they serve a useful purpose surrounding maintenance or other
activities. Unlike fittings, where flanges are concerned, there is usually
a purpose for them beyond simply connecting things together and it is
generally a good idea to know where blind flanges are in a plant.
Opionions may vary on this point but that's my advice.
I am confused about the difference in meaning between the single

horizontal line through the bubble and the box around the bubble.
Single horizontal line - "located on a main control panel near the
Joerg Dyckerhoff control room or some computer screen in the main control room" Box -
MAY 13, 2016
"...if you can see it on a control screen, it will be represented as a circle
inside a square on P&IDs." What is the difference between the single
horizontal line and the box?
@Joerg Dyckerhoff - The purpose of the horizontal line is different

when used inside a circle (alone) or a circle within a square. In the
former case, a circle symbol simply represents a physicalGot
device,
it like a
pressure gauge or a hand switch. Something that you can see, touch,
Robert Cook feel - it exists in the real world. When lines are placed inside a circle
MAY 17, 2016 symbol, they provide a big more information about that device's
location. Here is a breakdown: - A circle with no line means that device
is somewhere in the field, installed on the process itself. A pressure
gauge on a pipe for example. - A circle with a single line means that
device is mounted on front of a panel. It could still be a pressure
gauges, but it would have a pilot tube tapping into the point where it is
sensing pressure. You might see a bunch of pressure gauges grouped
on a panel for some particular skidded process. It makes it easier to
have them all consolidated. These would all be shown on a P&ID as a
circle with a solid horizonatal line through the middle of it. - The last
two circles are those with a dahsed horizontal line (meaning it is still a
physical device but mounted where it is not readily accessible, perhaps
the back of a panel). The circle with two parallel horizontal lines
provide similar purpose to a single horizontal line but simply indicate
the panel is local. What does "local" mean? Well, it could mean you
have a small control panel installed next to a unit operation so that
operators can see the particulars and interface with just that unit
operation locally. Meanwhile, a larger "main panel" would be back in
the control room. If you have a plant where you have multiple smaller
panels that in some way end up tying into a main control panel, then
you might elect to illustrate that with two horizontal lines for devices
in the local panels, and one horizontal line for those int he "mean"
panel. But things are change when you have a box around that circle.
In that case, the device is "virtual". Meaning, it is an abstract
representation of a device on a display screen. If you wanted to show
the level in a tank using a graphic bar that goes from 0-100% on a
screen, that would be cricle in a square. Sincer virtual devices do not
really have a physical location in the real world, the lines in them takes
on an "accessibility" role. For example: - A shared display (circle in a
square) symbol with a solid horizontal line means that an operator has
"access" to it. It is on the screen in plain view, or can be shown by
accessing a button or widget that brings it up. It is not hidden in code
only such as an object-oriented coded thing. If operators can see it, get
to it or in some way access it, use a horizontal line in the shared
symbol. - A shared display with a dotted line means that it is not
normally accessible. It is still something that can be brought up on a
screen but they do not normally see it or it has restricted access. Maybe
you want to hide the tuning parameters for a critical PID loop in a
dialog box that is password protected for example? Or you only want to
allow changes to setpoints for alarms by authorized folks in a screen
that you can't normally access. I hope this helps. Let me know if you
have any questions. Best regards, Bob

Got it
All clear. Thank you.
Joerg Dyckerhoff
MAY 17, 2016
Really great work sir.It is very interesting and fun to learn P&ID from
here.Thanks a lot.
Divyansh Raka
AUG 4, 2017
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Home › Interpreting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams-Symbology

Interpreting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams-

2/5 in the series How to Interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams

Part 3 - Symbology Primer

Part 1 talked about why the interpretation of P&IDs is important to

Share This Post:

Lead Sheets Define Symbology

D001 - Instrumentation and Valves

Instrumentation and Controls Symbology

1. What is that device?

What is that control symbol?

Symbology Star Power!

Where is the device located?

More on the Dashes

Why is that device here?

1. "P" - First Letter stands for "Pressure"

Instrument Input-Output (I/O)

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Primary Flow Elements

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Robert, Excellent presentation - one minor comment is that the PLC

lww (not verified)

thanks for sharing! it&#039;s very useful informations! waiting for

jessica (not verified)

AIChE websites use cookies to offer you a better browsing

jvasko (not verified)

Hi Robert Writing this to convey a special thank you for making

i am a process engineer with some operation back ground and willing

ram, Thanks for your note. Regarding explanation of simplified loops,

FJ BLACK (not verified)

You are quite welcome Hanieh. Please refer to my response to FJ

Sorry the link wasn&#039;t working. I saw the comments and

Douglas (not verified)

easy to understand thanks

babak (not verified)

hello sir, how to identify a I/P signal from an insrument or a system to

VIJAY (not verified)

I I&#039;ve learned a lot about P&amp;ID and how to use the

leah (not verified)

Hi there, I was wondering about the P&amp;ID Diagram that is the

Thanks for this presentation

Ravi (not verified)

Thanks for these!!!! #awesome :)

ucy (not verified)

Dear Robert, I am writing to express my profound gratitude to you for

Arnold schwarz (not verified)

consent to our use of cookies. More info

Dear Sir, I am following following sequence for line identification lines.

Dear Robbert, I am getting confudes that in pipe lines some times

AIChE websites use cookies to offer you a better browsing

I am confused about the difference in meaning between the single

@Joerg Dyckerhoff - The purpose of the horizontal line is different

AIChE websites use cookies to offer you a better browsing

All clear. Thank you.

Log in to post comments

Translate this page

AIChE websites use cookies to offer you a better browsing

January 2019 CEP Preview

October 2018 CEP Preview

thanks for sharing! it's very useful informations! waiting for

Sorry the link wasn't working. I saw the comments and

I I've learned a lot about P&ID and how to use the

Hi there, I was wondering about the P&ID Diagram that is the