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net/pid-diagram-basics-part-3-functional-identification/

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If you are interested to know more about subjects like Purpose, Owner and Contents & Conventions. read our
free introduction to these concepts in our article P&ID Diagram Basics – Part 1 – Purpose, Owner and
Contents.
If you are interested to know more about subjects like Standards and Guidelines. read our free introduction
to these concepts in our article P&ID Diagram Basics – Part 2 – International Standards

PID Functional
Identification and Naming Convention

Engineers like to draw and create outlines of their ideas.

It is usually necessary to be able to explain your ideas to your clients or [Link] times we
use drawings to explain an idea that otherwise would require many words to be explained.
During my years as an automation engineer I have made some good drawings that have helped me to better
explain my ideas.
Once the drawing is done, it is necessary to identify the elements present in the P&ID diagram in order to
relate them to [Link] is about this concept that this article deals with. On the importance
of identification and the rules on naming.
 Field
Tag
This third article on P&ID diagrams deals with the functional identification and the conventions when
naming the elements present in a P&ID diagram.
The reason is quite simple, users of instrumentation and control systems need some method to identify the
equipment so that they can administer the engineering, the purchases, the installation and the maintenance
of those systems.
But the identification must follow some basic rules to have a good [Link] documentation is
the basis for good engineering and good maintenance of the facilities.
The identification standard of the elements connected to the process control for most industrial installations is
based on ISA-5.1.

Sometimes however, you will find that additional information or interesting interpretations are added to
better define the local requirements, to meet the specific requirements of the system or even to maintain the
tradition of the site.
It is very important that the standards used in your facilities are fully defined and rigidly followed. The tag
guidelines should be uniform throughout the plant.
Also, most major companies have their own internal standards. Whilst there are many differences in detail
between them, the basic symbols and letter code structure are essentially the same. If there is no standard
set by the factory, the symbology will normally be based on the ISA-5.1-1984 standard (R1992)
There are several national standards which relate to the representation of instrumentation and control
schemes. The most important English language ones are BS 1646 and ISA S5.1.
2. Functional Identification – General Rules
 All the symbols that appear in a P&ID diagram are formed by combinations of letters and numbers. A certain
amount of judgment is required to establish the most appropriate letter code for an element. Combinations
of letters and numbers appear in each symbol.
 The meaning of the letters of the prefix of the label depend on the position. These letters, in
general, contain enough information to transmit the functionality of the control loop and allow
to understand the meaning of the measurement and control. Sometimes, the code of the letter
is insufficient to give an adequate description of the function of an element, if it is not enough you
can provide additional information, either in a box attached to your bubble or as adjacent text.

P&ID Diagram Functional

Identificaction
 The loop number is unique to each loop. The loop number is typically common to all instruments within a
loop.

If a loop
contains two or more elements with the same function they may be distinguished by means of suffixes.
 All instruments and elements will be identified according to function, and should contain the loop
numbers. The letters are a shorthand way of indicating the type of instrument and its function in the system.
Typically, two or three letters are used. The first letter identifies the measured or initiating variable, the
second letter is a modifier, and the remaining letters identify the function.

Letters are a way of define

the instrument type and its function in the P&ID Diagram.
 The letter codes must be assigned according to the function. As a general rule, the functional
identification of an instrument will be made according to the function and not according to its
[Link] we must select the code of the letter taking into account the function of the element
and not by its design or installation. For example, cell dp in the accompanying figure is designated as an level
transmitter LT-S233A instead of PDT S233A even though it measures differential pressure. ISA-5.1-1984
(R1992), advises that the identification of the instruments be made according to the function and not to the
[Link] is broad in scope and flexible in usage.
 Therefore, a differential pressure transmitter installed in a tank for the level measurement application would
be labeled “LT”, not “PDT”.

 The first letter of a functional identification refers to the measured variable. Therefore, the valve
positioner is designated as FY L81G, although its input is a current and its output a pressure. This first letter
corresponds to the measured variable and, if necessary, can be qualified by a modifier. Successive letters
describe the reading or control functions of an element and these may have modifiers.
 For example, modifier C
changes the measured variable F of FC element L81G in a controller.
 Rule of thumb – The total number of letters in a tag number should not exceed four.
 According to ISA, it is incorrect to use the letters CV for a function other than a self-acting control valve.
 In order to keep the P&ID diagrams clear and simple, the complex logic is not shown, this is shown in the logic
diagrams ISA-5.2-1976 (R1992).

3. Functional Identification – Tagging

The tagging process is well documented process defined in several standards, the typical tag number consists
of two parts:
 Functional
Identification – Tagging
 a functional identification or prefix
 and a loop number or suffix
Depending on the circumstance, the second letters Indicate and Record can also be used as a noun, verb, or
adjective, in which case they will appear in text or speech as Indicator, Recorder, Indicating, and Recording.

The two-element numbering scheme corresponds to the following format:

Tag
where XXXX is the tag prefix that provides indication of function and YYYY is a sequential identifier to make
the tag unique.
Sometimes a middle element, such as a building number or a process material designator, is inserted to
indicate a process area.

3.1 Prefix
The prefix is the important part of the identifier. In the majority of the standards related tagging methods, the
tag prefix letters are position dependent.

The first letter indicates the physical property being measured or controlled (e.g., pressure, flow,
temperature). The first letter of the tag number is normally chosen so that it indicates the measured variable
of the control loop.
In the sample P&ID diagram shown in the above figure, F is the first letter in the tag number that is used for
the instruments in the flow control loop. The functional identification consists of a first letter (designating
the measured or initiating variable; for example, F for Flow, T for Temperature, etc.)
The second or third letters are modifiers. In the above figure, the F in the first position indicates a flow control
item. FT in the leftmost bubble indicates the item is a flow transmitter. FC is a flow controller, FY is an
I/P transducer, and FV is a flow control valve.
The line across the center of the FC balloon symbol indicates that the controller is mounted on the front of a
main control panel or DCS. No line indicates a field-mounted instrument, and two lines means that the
instrument is mounted in a local or field-mounted panel. Dashed lines indicate that the instrument is mounted
inside the panel.
Typical letter combinations are shown in the following table, the table is based on ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992):

– FIRST LETTER SUCCEEDING-LETTERS

MEASURED OR READOUT OR
INITIATING PASSIVE OUTPUT
VARIABLE MODIFIER FUNCTION FUNCTION MODIFIER
–

A Analysis (5,19) – Alarm – –

Burner,
B Combustion – User’s Choice (1) User’s Choice (1) User’s Choice (1)

C Conductivity – – Control (13) Close

Density/Sp.
D Gravity Differential (4) Deviation – –

Sensor (Primary
E Voltage – Element) – –

Emergency
ESD Shutdown – – – –

Ratio (Fraction)
F Flow Rate (4) – – –

Sight Glass,
Viewing Device
G Gaging – (9) – –

H Hand (manual) – – – High (7, 15, 16)

HH – – – – High High

Current
I (Electrical) – Indicate (10) – –

J Power Scan (7,24) – – –

Time, Time Time Rate of Control Station

K Schedule Change (4,21) – (22) –

L Level – Light Pilot (11) – Low (7,15,16)

LL – – – – Low Low

Middle,
Momentary (4, Intermediate
M Moisture 25) – – (7,15)

N User’s Choice (1) – User’s Choice (1) User’s Choice (1) User’s Choice (1)
 Orifice,
O User’s Choice (1) – Restriction (23) – Open

Point (Test)
P Pressure, Vacuum – Connection (26) – –

Integrate,
Q Quantity/Event Totalize (4) – – –

Record or Print
R Radiation Ratio (17) – –

S Speed, Frequency Safety (8) – Switch (13) –

T Temperature – – Transmit (18) –

Multifunction Multifunction Multifunction

U Multivariable (6) – (12) (12) (12)

Viscosity,
Vibration,
Mechanical Valve, Damper,
V Analysis (19) – – Louver (13) –

W Weight, Force – Well or pocket – –

X Unclassified (2) X Axis Unclassified (2) Unclassified (2) Unclassified (2)

Relay, Compute,
Event, State or Convert (13, 14,
Y Presence (20) Y Axis – 18) –

Driver, Actuator,
Position, Unclassified Final
Z Dimension Z Axis – Control Element –

Notes :
 4. A first letter used with a modifier is treated as a first-letter entity. Example: “TDI” for differential
temperature.
 5. To cover all analysis not described by a “user’s choice” letter. The type of analysis must be defined outside
the tagging bubble.
 6. To be used in lieu of a combination of first letters. Generally used for multipoint record- ers/indicators.
 7. Using these modifiers is optional. Example: The letters H and L may be omitted in the undefined case.
 8. To cover only emergency protective primary elements, such as a rupture disk (PSE), and emergency
protective final control elements, such as a pressure safety valve (PSV).
 9. Applies to instruments that provide an uncalibrated view, such as a sight-glass level gage (LG) and television
monitors.
 10. Normally applies to ananalog or digital readout.
 11. Used for pilot lights. Example:A running light for a motor maybe identified as EL or YL, depending on
whether the measured variable is voltage or operating status, respectively. Used also for process indicating
light. Example: A high-level light (LLH).
 12. Used instead of a combination of other functional letters.
 13. Used for hand-actuated switches or on-off [Link] is incorrect to use the succeeding letters CV for
anything other than a self-actuated control valve.
 14. Used generally for solenoid devices and [Link] other uses,the meaning needs to be defined outside the
tagging bubble.
 15. These modifying terms correspond to values of the measured variable,not to values of the signal. Example:
A high level from a reverse-acting level transmitter should be LAH.
 16. The terms high and low when applied to positions of valves denote open and closed positions,
respectively.
 17. Applies to any form of permanent storage of information.
 18. Used for the term transmitter.
 19. Used to perform machine analysis(where as the letter A performs more general analyses). Except for
vibration, the meaning must be defined outside the tagging bubble.
 20. Not to be used when control or monitoring responses are timed rive nor time/schedule driven.
 21. To signify a time rate of change of the measured [Link]:WKIC means a rate- of-weight-loss
indicating controller.
 22. Used to designate an operator’s control station,such as a manual loading station(HIK),or the operator
interface of a distributed control system.
 23. Used also to designate a restrictiono rifice(FO).
 24. Used also to designate a temperature-scanning recorder(TJR).
 25. Used also to designate a handmomentary switch(HMS).
 26. For example,an analysis test point is identified as AP.
Extra Rules :
 There are several letters — C, D, G, M, N, O, which can be specified by the user.
 The second column, marked “Modifier”, adds additional information about the first letter, the process
variable. For example, if an instrument is used to measure the difference between two pressures, perhaps the
upstream and downstream pressure of a filter press, a P for pressure is used as the first letter and a D for
differential as a second letter modifier. When instantaneous flow is being measured and a totalizer is added to
provide total flow over time, the device identification is FQ. The first letter of the tag name is F for flow and
the second letter is Q from the second column, signifying integrate or totalize.
 The next three columns further define the device. The first of these delineates a readout or passive function.
 The meanings need be defined only once. A “user’s choice” letter is intended to cover unlisted meanings that
will be used repetitively in a particular project. If used, the letter may have one meaning as a first-letter and
another meaning as a succeeding-letter. The meanings need to be defined only once in a legend, or other
place, for that project.
 An S as a second letter can be a modifier for the first letter, or it can be classified as a “succeeding” letter. This
can be a bit confusing. If S is used as a succeeding letter, it applies to emergency protective primary elements.
In this case, a device normally labeled PCV could also be labeled PSV if it is used as a safety device. The term
xCV implies a self-actuated control valve, such as a pressure regulator. The succeeding letter combination CV
should not be used in cases where the valve is not self-actuating. If the letter S is used as a succeeding letter,
such as in LSH, it designates a switch. Here’s how to tell the difference: if the device in question is generating a
discrete (on/off) signal, then the S in the second position indicates the device is a switch; if the device is
reacting to a variable process condition, then the S signifies a safety function.
 Using X for the first letter is a special case. From ISA-5.1, “The unclassified letter X is intended to cover
unlisted meanings that will be used only once or used to a limited extent.” If used, the letter may have any
number of meanings. When properly applied, the letter X does not appear frequently – only once, or to a
limited extent. Instead, the user-defined letters should be used for devices that appear regularly, even if
infrequently. Thus, in many modern industrial facilities, X may not be needed, since most devices appear with
some regularity. For those of you that have an entire facility filled with XT transmitters or XY transducers,
 don’t worry, this provision of ISA-5.1 is frequently ignored. The unclassified letter X is intended to cover
unlisted meanings that will be used only once or used to a limited extent. If used, the letter may have any
number of meanings as a first-letter and any number of meanings as a succeeding-letter. Except for its use
with distinctive symbols, it is expected that the meanings will be defined outside a tagging bubble on a flow
diagram.
 The grammatical form may be modified as required. Example: “Indicate” may mean “indicator” or
“indicating.”
 Many sites will use ISA-5.1 as the starting point.
 Of course, the user must clearly document the specified meanings on the site P&ID legend sheet, and those
meanings should be maintained, without ambiguity or change, for the entire facility or, ideally, the entire
company. The legend sheet table can then be modified to incorporate assigned letter designations, or even
specifically define acceptable or standard letter combinations for the facility.
 Usage will depend upon [Link] on the circumstance, the third letters Control, Transmit, and
Compute can also be used as a verb or noun, in which case they will appear in text or speech as Controller,
Transmitter, and Computer, respectively.
The following are a few of the more common prefix arrangements:

Tag Examples
 PIC = Pressure Indicating (Indicator) Controller
 LR = Level Recorder
 TT = Temperature Transmitter
 DAH = Density Alarm High
 DAHH = Density Alarm High High
 LSHH = level switch high-high
 LSH = level switch high
 LSL = level switch low
 LSLL = level switch low-low
 LAL = level alarm low
 PT = pressure transmitter
 PDT = pressure differential transmitter
 AT = analyzer transmitter
 TE = temperature element
 TT = temperature transmitter
 PDSH = pressure differential switch high
 KQL = time quantity light (i.e., time is expired)
 PY = pressure transducer
 ZSO = position switch (open)
 HV = hand valve
 HS = hand switch
3.2 Suffix
3.2.1 Loop Number Based
 In addition to the letters, the instrumentation and control design group assigns a sequence number to
each function. All the devices within that function carry the same sequential number, the loop number. A
single loop number is used to identify the devices that accomplish a single specific action – usually an input
and an output for PID control, an input for indication of a process variable, or a manual output.
 This number, combined with the letter designation, positively and uniquely identifies each device within that
set.
 Numbering of elements is in accordance with some plant based convention.
 There are two approaches, serial and parallel, of which serial is the more common.
 On a serial basis each channel, loop or scheme is allocated a unique number, for example 47. Regardless of the
letter code, all its elements then assume the same number. By serial means using a single numerical sequence
for all devices. Therefore, there may be an FRC-101, a LR-102, a PIC-103, and a TI-104.
 On a parallel basis, blocks of numbers are allocated according to instrument type or function, depending on its
letter code. This results in similar elements in different loops having contiguous numbers. These numbers may
follow the suggestions in ISA-5.1. By parallel, means starting a new number sequence for each first
letter. Therefore, there may be an FRC-101, a PIC-101, and a TI-101.
3.2.2 Location Number Based
 The first digit of the number may indicate the plant number; hence, FT-102 is an instrument in plant 1.
 Another method of identifying the instrument location is with a prefix, for example: 2 (area), or 03 (unit), or
004 (plant 4) which identifies the service area of the loop: 2-FT-102 is loop 102 in area 2, or 03-FT-102 is loop
102 in unit 03, or 004-FT-102 is loop 102 in plant 4.
 These numbers can also be combined to show area-unit-plant in one number: 234-FT-102 is a flow transmitter
in loop 102, which serves area 2, unit 3 and plant 4.
 To be completely confusing, remember that the loop number defines the items in the loop, so the loop may
serve the area listed above, but a particular device may be physically located in another area.
3.2.3 P&ID Diagram Number Based
 A variation of this system is to tie the P&ID numbers to a particular area, and then to sequentially number the
instruments on that P&ID sheet. For example, P&ID 25 carries up to 100 loops, or instrument loop numbers
2500 to 2599.
 The elegance of this system is that you can find the correct P&ID for an instrument based upon the tag
number alone, since the tag number includes the P&ID number.
 Frequently the area number is nested in the P&ID number anyway, so you will also know the area served by
the loop just by looking at the loop number.
3.2.4 Major Equipment Designation Based
 The destination that appears in the loop number place on the instrument circle is a equipment identifier that
is tied to a master equipment designation table.
 Conventions Used for Identifying Process Equipment :
 Process Equipment General Format XX-YZZ A/B

XX are the identification letters for the equipment classification

 C – Compressor or Turbine
 E – Heat Exchanger
 H – Fired Heater
 P – Pump
 R – Reactor
 T – Tower
 TK – Storage Tank
 V – Vessel
 Y designates an area within the plant
 ZZ is the number designation for each item in an equipment class A/B identifies parallel units or backup
units not shown on a PFD
 Additional description of equipment given on top of PFD

[Link]
 MEIER,F.A. (2004) Instrumentation and Control Systems Documentation
 ISA-5.1-1984-(R1992), Instrument Symbols and Identification
 ISA-5.4-1991, Instrument Loop Diagrams
 ANSI ISA-S5.5-1985 Graphic Symbols for Process Displays
 SAMSON (2013) Terminology and Symbols in Control Engineering
 ANDREW,W.G. (1974) Applied Instrumentation in the Process Indust Resource Material – William G. Andrew &
H. B. Williams
 BATTIKHA,N. E. (2006) Condensed Handbook of Measurement and Control
 DOUGLAS,O.J. (2005) Applied Technology and Instrumentation for Process Control
 DUNN,W.C. (2006) Introduction to Instrumentation Sensors And Process Control
 GOETTSCHE,L.D.(2005) Maintenance of Instruments and Systems
 ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984, Instrument Symbols and Indentification, ISA, Research Triangle Park, NC, 1984.
 HUGHES,T. (2002) Measurement and Control Basics
 ISA (2012) Successful Instrumentation and Control Systems Design
 LOVE,J. (2007) Process Automation Handbook – A Guide to Theory and Practice