How to Read Piping and

Instrument Diagrams
CM4120
Chemical Plant Operations

A P&ID is:

Language of Symbols
Schematic of Process
Displays Relative
Orientation/Configurat
ion
Communication Tool
Graphical Table of
Contents

A P&ID is not:

Piping Isometric
Equipment Fabrication
Diagram
Scale Drawing
Control Logic
Diagram
Something that
conveys Process
Information!

Line Designator - First Letter

C - Condensate
G - Gas (not a process fluid)
L - Process Fluid
S - Steam
V - Vent or Vacuum
W - Water

Line Designator - Pipe Size

Following line number
is the line size
Given in inches

Line Designator - Pipe Spec.

A 316 SS tubing
w/.038 wall
C - 316 SS pipe
Schedule 40
D - Carbon Steel
Sched. 40 (steam)
H - Copper Tubing

Equipment Symbols

Equipment Symbols

Equipment Designations
D - Distillation Tower
E - Heat Exchanger
F - Filter
M - Misc. Equipment
P - Pump
R - Reactor
T - Tank

Manual Valve Symbols

Control Valve Symbols

Valve Failure Positions

Instrument Symbols

Control Symbols

ISA Instrument Identification

Transmitters/sensing elements:

Indicators:

AI analytical indicator
LI level indicator
PAH pressure alarm high

Controllers:

FT flow transmitter
LE level element

TIC temp indicating controller

FFIC ratio flow controller

Controlled devices:

FY flow transducer
LV level valve

ISA The International Society for Automation

References
Riggs, Chemical Process Control, 2nd
edition, Appendix A, 2001.
The Engineering Tool Box,
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/p
&id-piping-instrumentationdiagram-d_466.html
International Society of Automation,
Instrument Symbols and Identification,
1992.