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From the pages of Control Engineering
How to read P&IDs
Dave Harrold, senior editor -- 8/1/2000
Instrumentation detail varies with the degree of design
complexity. For example, simplified or conceptual designs,
often called process flow diagrams, provide less detail than
fully developed piping and instrumentation diagrams
(P&IDs). Being able to understand instrumentation symbols
appearing on diagrams means understanding ANSI/ISA’s
S5.1-1984 (R 1992) Instrumentation symbols and
identification standard. S5.1 that defines how each symbol
is constructed using graphical elements, alpha and numeric
identification codes, abbreviations, function blocks, and
connecting lines.
Deciphering symbols
ISA S5.1 defines four graphical elements—discrete
instruments, shared control/display, computer function, and
programmable logic controller—and groups them into three
location categories (primary location, auxiliary location, and
field mounted).
Discrete instruments are indicated by circular elements.
Shared control/display elements are circles surrounded by
a square. Computer functions are indicted by a hexagon
and programmable logic controller (PLC) functions are
shown as a triangle inside a square.
Adding a single horizontal bar across any of the four graphical elements indicates the function resides in
the primary location category. A double line indicates an auxiliary location, and no line places the device
or function in the field. Devices located behind a panel-board in some other inaccessible location are
shown with a dashed horizontal line
Letter and number combinations appear inside each graphical element and letter combinations are
defined by the ISA standard. Numbers are user assigned and schemes vary with some companies use of
sequential numbering, others tie the instrument number to the process line number, and still others adopt
unique and sometimes unusual numbering systems.
The first letter defines the measured or initiating variables such as Analysis (A), Flow (F), Temperature
(T), etc. with succeeding letters defining readout, passive, or output functions such as Indicator (I),
Record (R), Transmit (T), and so forth.
Example shows the story
Referring to the Example P&ID diagram, FT 101 represents a field-mounted flow transmitter connected
via electrical signals (dotted line) to flow indicating controller FIC 101 located in a shared control/display
device. A square root extraction of the input signal is applied as part of FIC 101’s functionality. The output
of FIC 101 is an electrical signal to TY 101 located in an inaccessible or behind-the-panel-board location.
The output signal from TY 101 is a pneumatic signal (line with double forward slash marks) making TY
101 an I/P (current to pneumatic transducer). TT 101 and TIC 101 are similar to FT 101 and FIC 101 but
are measuring, indicating, and controlling temperature. TIC 101’s output is connected via an internal
software or data link (line with bubbles) to the setpoint (SP) of FIC 101 to form a cascade control strategy.
Often P&ID’s include a cover page where common and typical terms, symbols, numbering systems, etc.,
are defined. On the example, Typical YIC would likely appear on the cover page and the simplified form of
YIC would appear throughout the P&IDs.
Typical YIC indicates an on/off valve is controlled by a solenoid valve and is fitted with limit switches to
indicate open (ZSH) and closed (ZSL) positions. All inputs and outputs are wired to a PLC that’s
accessible to the operator (diamond in a square with a solid horizontal line). The letter 'Y' indicates an
event, state, or presence. The letter 'I' depicts indication is provided, and the letter 'C' means control takes
place in this device.
Adherence to ISA’s S5.1 Instrumentation Symbols and Identification standard ensures a
consistent, system independent means of communicating instrumentation, control, and
automation intent is developed for everyone to understand.
General instrument or function symbols
Primary location Auxiliary location
accessible to Field mounted accessible to
operator operator
Discrete
instruments
Shared display,
shared control
Computer
function
Programmible
logic control
1. Symbol size may vary according to the user's needs and the type of document.
2. Abbreviations of the user's choice may be used when necessary to specify location.
3. Inaccessible (behind the panel) devices may be depicted using the same symbol but with a
dashed horizontal bar.
Source: Control Engineering with data from ISA S5.1 standard
Identification letters
First letter Succeeding letters
Measured or Readout or
Modifier Output function Modifier
initiating variable passive function
A Analysis Alarm
B Burner, combustion User's choice User's choice User's choice
C User's choice Control
D User's choice Differential
Sensor (primary
E Voltage
element)
Ration
F Flow rate
(fraction)
Glass, viewing
G User's choice
device
H Hand High
I Current (electrical) Indication
J Power Scan
Time rate of
K Time, time schedule Control station
change
L Level Light Low
Middle,
M User's choice Momentary
intermediate
N User's choice User's choice User's choice User's choice
O User's choice Orifice, restriction
Point (test
P Pressure, vacuum
connection)
Integrate,
Q Quantity
totalizer
R Radiation Record
S Speed, frequency Safety Switch
T Temperature Transmit
U Multivariable Multifunction Multifunction Multifunction
Vibration, mechanical Valve, damper,
V
analysis louver
W Weight, force Well
X Unclassified X axis Unclassified Unclassified Unclassified
Event, state, or Relay, compute,
Y Y axis
presence convert
Z Position, dimension Z axis Driver, actuator
Source: Control Engineering with data from ISA S5.1 standard
Common connecting lines
Connection to process, or instrument
supply:
Pneumatic signal:
Electric signal:
Capillary tubing (filled system):
Hydraulic signal:
Electromagnetic or sonic signal (guided):
Internal system link (software or data link):
Source: Control Engineering with data from ISA S5.1 standard
For more information on ISA standards, visit
http://www.isa.org/ or call 919/549-8411.
Dave Harrold, senior editor
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