PIPING ISOMETRIC DRAWING
DEFINATION-Once the three-dimensional (3D) model has been established in piping design software like PDS, PDMS, or
SP3D, Piping Designers/Engineers need to convey that information to the yard for fabrication and the site for Construction. The
transferred information must be sufficient for the fabricator with the vision of what is to be fabricated and how the piping should be
connected with other elements, with exact dimensions and a complete build/Bill of materials (BOM).
used for-piping isometrics are directly used for the following situations:
For Construction Services
For marking up deviation during site modifications/ as-builting.
For reference as Stress Analysis model built-up and the final stress markup for updating stress requirements.
Uses of Piping Isometrics
Isometric Drawings for Piping help to calculate many parameters required during project execution like:
Inch Meter can be estimated as the Length of pipe (in meters) x Size of pipe ( in inches).
Inch Dia is calculated as the Size of the Pipe joint ( in inch) x No, of Joints.
Pipe Weight is calculated as π x diameter of the pipe (in m) x length (in m) x thickness (in mm) x density of pipe material. The density
of CS = 7.85 g/cm3.
The volume of Water required for hydro testing is estimated as π x {Pipe ID (in meter)}² x Length of Pipe.
Insulation Area (in m²) can be found as [π(Pipe OD+ insulation thickness)] (all in meter) x Length of Pipe (in meter).
What is Piping Isometric Drawing?
By definition, Isometric drawings are a pictorial representation that combines height-width-depth/length into a single view with 30
degrees from its horizontal plane as shown in the attached image.
It is not drawn to the scale, but it is proportionate with the exact dimensions represented.
Pipes are drawn with a single line irrespective of the line sizes, as well as the other configurations such as reducers, flanges,
and valves.
Pipes are shown in the same size. The actual sizes are notified in the Bill of Material, tagging, call-out, or notes.
A piping isometric drawing provides all the required information like:
Pipe Line Number
Continuation isometric number
Flow direction
Piping dimensions
Piping joint types, weld types
Flange and valve types
Equipment connection details
Piping and Component descriptions with size, quantity, and material codes
Precise dimensions for all components and the distances between them are provided.
Piping Isometric drawings are popular because of their simplicity, yet efficient in conveying complex information. The following figure
gives an example of how one Isometric drawing can represent three orthographic drawings. That is just a simple piping drawing.
Imagine complex design and yet orthographic drawings are used for construction, that is really a headache.
Orthographic Vs Isometric Drawing
In earlier days, Isometric drawings were hand-drawn. With the innovation and advancement of the digital age, isometrics are drawn by
AutoCAD/Microstation software. In recent days, 3D models could automatically extract the Isometric with a single click of a mouse.
Example of Piping Isometric Drawing
Creating a piping isometric drawing template can help standardize the process and make it easier to produce consistent and accurate
drawings. However, the isometric drawing template may differ from one organization to another.