Apprentice Group 12

Module 6

PROCESS SCHEMATICS
Process Schematics

Contents
Table of Figures............................................................................................................ 3
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 5
Process Flow Diagram ............................................................................................ 5
Piping and Instrumentation Drawing ...................................................................... 5
Location Plans or Plot Plans.................................................................................... 5
Development ................................................................................................................. 6
Drawing Layouts and Information .......................................................................... 8
Title Block ............................................................................................................... 8
Drawing Number ..................................................................................................... 9
Revision................................................................................................................... 9
Revision Identification .......................................................................................... 10
Notes...................................................................................................................... 10
Grid Reference ...................................................................................................... 11
Page Layout ................................................................................................................ 12
Master Sheet ............................................................................................................... 13
Process Flow Diagrams (PFD) .............................................................................. 14
PFD Symbols ........................................................................................................ 15
Instrument Symbols............................................................................................... 16
Line Breaks ........................................................................................................... 17
Direction Arrows ................................................................................................... 18
Mass balance ......................................................................................................... 19
Additional Information .......................................................................................... 23
Equipment Descriptions ........................................................................................ 24
Connection Arrows ............................................................................................... 24
Process and Instrumentation Diagrams................................................................... 26
Overview ............................................................................................................... 26
ISA-5.1 .................................................................................................................. 27
Information on the P&ID .......................................................................................... 27
Instrument Identification System .......................................................................... 27
Functional Identification ....................................................................................... 28
Common Misconception ....................................................................................... 31
Instrument Numbering .............................................................................................. 31
General Instrument or Function Symbols ............................................................. 31
Line Symbols......................................................................................................... 33
Relay Functions and Signal Conditioning............................................................. 35
Instrument and Equipment Symbols ....................................................................... 36
Control Valves....................................................................................................... 36
Manual Valves....................................................................................................... 38
Flow Symbols ........................................................................................................ 39
Level Devices ........................................................................................................ 40
Pressure Devices ................................................................................................... 41
Temperature Devices............................................................................................. 41
The Control Loop....................................................................................................... 43
Functions of Instruments in a Control Loop ......................................................... 43
Sensor/Transmitter ................................................................................................ 43
Controller .............................................................................................................. 43
Switches/Alarms.................................................................................................... 44
Equipment Symbols ................................................................................................... 47
Equipment Labels ...................................................................................................... 49
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Line Labels ................................................................................................................. 51

Line Service........................................................................................................... 51
Plant area ............................................................................................................... 51
Line Number ......................................................................................................... 52
Pipe Size and Schedule ......................................................................................... 52
Pipe Materials ........................................................................................................ 54
Controlling Process Operations ................................................................................ 55
Tracing a Process Stream .......................................................................................... 56
Miscellaneous P&ID Information ............................................................................ 58
Plot Plans .................................................................................................................... 58

Table of Figures
Figure 1 Instrument Drawing Schedule ......................................................................... 6
Figure 2 Field Mounted Pressure Gauge ....................................................................... 7
Figure 3 Title Block ....................................................................................................... 8
Figure 4 Drawing Revision ............................................................................................ 9
Figure 5 Revision Table ................................................................................................. 9
Figure 6 Revision cloud ............................................................................................... 10
Figure 7 Notes Section ................................................................................................. 11
Figure 8 Drawing Layout ............................................................................................. 12
Figure 9 Master Sheet Example ................................................................................... 13
Figure 10 Process Flow Diagram ................................................................................. 15
Figure 11 PFD Equipment Symbols ............................................................................ 16
Figure 12 Instrument Symbols ..................................................................................... 16
Figure 13 Line Breaks .................................................................................................. 17
Figure 14 Direction Arrows ......................................................................................... 18
Figure 15 Equipment flow changes ............................................................................. 18
Figure 16 Material Balance .......................................................................................... 19
Figure 17 Mass Balance Point ..................................................................................... 20
Figure 18 PFD legend .................................................................................................. 23
Figure 19 Temperature and Pressure variables ............................................................ 23
Figure 20 Equipment descriptions ............................................................................... 24
Figure 21 Connection Arrows ...................................................................................... 24
Figure 22 Function Symbols ........................................................................................ 32
Figure 23 Instrument tag .............................................................................................. 32
Figure 24 Line Symbols ............................................................................................... 33
Figure 25 Line Services ............................................................................................... 34
Figure 26 I/P converter ................................................................................................ 35
Figure 27 Signal Conditioning ..................................................................................... 35
Figure 28 Square Root ................................................................................................. 36
Figure 29 Control Valves ............................................................................................. 37
Figure 30 Control Valves from master sheet ............................................................... 37
Figure 31 Valves .......................................................................................................... 38
Figure 32 Valves from Master Sheet ........................................................................... 38
Figure 33 DP flow symbols ......................................................................................... 39
Figure 34 Flow Devices ............................................................................................... 39
Figure 35 Level Instruments ........................................................................................ 40
Figure 36 Pressure Devices .......................................................................................... 41
Figure 37 Temperature Devices ................................................................................... 42
Figure 38 Pneumatic Control Loop.............................................................................. 44
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Figure 39 Electronic Loop ........................................................................................... 45

Figure 40 DCS Flow Loop ........................................................................................... 46
Figure 41 PFD Symbol ................................................................................................ 47
Figure 42 P&ID Symbol .............................................................................................. 48
Figure 43 Equipment Labels ........................................................................................ 49
Figure 44 Equipment Description ................................................................................ 50
Figure 45 Line Service Definitions .............................................................................. 51
Figure 46 Line numbering ........................................................................................... 52
Figure 47 Pipe Schedules ............................................................................................. 53
Figure 48 Line class identification ............................................................................... 54
Figure 49 Control loop ................................................................................................. 55
Figure 50 P&ID Flow .................................................................................................. 56
Figure 51 Plot plan scale .............................................................................................. 59
Figure 52 Key Plan ...................................................................................................... 59
Figure 53 North Arrow ................................................................................................ 59

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Introduction
The design and the construction of an oil production facility requires the use of many
types of drawings. In this module we look at typical drawings used to understand and
operate an oil and gas production facility. We will look at some specific drawings from
MPNU production platforms.

The three types of drawings that we will examine are:

1. Process Flow Diagram

The Process Flow Diagram (PFD) defines the process schematically. It shows what and
how much of each product the plant will make; quantities and types of raw materials
necessary to make the products; what by-products are produced; the critical process
conditions pressures, temperatures, and flows necessary to make the product; and major
piping and equipment necessary.

2. Piping and Instrumentation Drawing

The Piping and Instrumentation Drawing (P&ID) is the overall design document for a
process plant. It defines, using symbols and word descriptions, the equipment, piping,
and the instrumentation and control system. It is also the key to other documents. For
example instrument tag numbers are shown on a P&ID. A tag number is the key to
finding additional information about a device on many other documents. The same is
true for line and equipment numbers.

3. Location Plans or Plot Plans

Location Plans are orthographic views of the plant, drawn to scale, which show the
locations of instruments and control system components. They often show other control
system hardware including marshaling panels, termination racks, local control panels,
junction boxes, instrument racks, and perhaps power panels and motor control centers.

Other documents that will be found in conjunction with the above three are:

 Instrument Lists
 Specification Forms
 Logic Diagrams
 Loop Diagrams
 Installation Details

These eight document types are developed in sequence as a project progresses and as
the relevant information becomes available. See Figure 1, Instrument Drawing
Schedule, which illustrates a typical sequence in which documents are development.

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Figure 1 Instrument Drawing Schedule

Development
The Process Flow Diagram (PFD) is the starting point for designing any process plant.
It is the macroscopic, schematic view of the major features of a process or facility; it is
the “talking document” for managers, planners and the process design team. The
instrumentation and controls design group has little involvement in developing the
PFD, due to its macroscopic nature.

The PFD’s are used to develop a project scope; they may also be used (and maintained)
to document overall product and utility balances. For any specific project, PFDs are
normally issued for the purpose of gathering comment and review.

After questions and clarifications are resolved, the general scope is essentially
established, and the P&IDs are then started along with detailed scoping, estimating and
design processes.

Developing P&IDs is a very interactive process. Specialists designing vessels,

mechanical equipment, piping, process, electrical, instrumentation and control systems
all provide input into their development. Each specialist group puts information on the
drawing in a standardized way, adding details as they become available.

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We will discuss symbols and tag numbers in greater detail in later in the module.
Briefly, a symbol defines the type of instrument, and the tag number uniquely identifies
a specific instrument.

A tag number consists of a few letters that describe the device, plus a combination of
number and letters to uniquely identify it. See Figure 2 for an example of an instrument
that might be indicated on a P&ID.

The circle shows a field mounted instrument located on a

pipe. The “PI” further describes the device as a pressure
indicator or gauge. In this instance, sequential numbering
is used. Since the gauge is the first of its type on the P&ID,
the “loop” number “1” is used. The next pressure gauge in
this numbering system would have the tag number “PI-2”.
Figure 2 Field Mounted
The instrumentation and controls design group personnel Pressure Gauge
place tag numbers on the P&ID and enter them into the Instrument List or database for
tracking. This is done for control purposes because, on a large project, there may be
many, many P&IDs, perhaps one hundred or so, plus thousands of tag marked devices.
Since each device serves a specific function, all devices’ status must be tracked until
they are installed, their operation verified, and the plant has been accepted by the owner.

After tag numbers are entered on the Instrument List, the instrumentation and controls
design group starts a Specification Form for each tag-marked item. Developing these
Specification Forms is a major part of the instrument and control system design group’s
effort. Specification Forms must be completed to secure bids from suitable instrument
suppliers, to purchase the items from the successful bidder, and to generate a permanent
record of what was purchased.

As the design progresses, the need to define on-off or discrete control will become
evident. For instance, on a pulp and paper mill project, it may be necessary to isolate a
pump discharge to prevent pulp stock from dewatering in the pipe if the pump is shut
down. An on-off valve is added to provide the isolation, but it is necessary to document
why that device was added and what it is supposed to do. Since this on-off control
affects other groups, it is important to define it as early and as accurately as possible.
One way to do this is by using a Logic Diagram.

The instrumentation and controls group develops Installation Details based on the
specific requirements of the devices it has specified, along with any owner driven
requirements. The installation requirements needed for good measurement are
established by the instrument supplier, various industry groups and by the owners
themselves. These requirements are then documented in the Installation Details. These
details may be developed for the project, for the specific site, or possibly by the owner’s
corporate entity.

At the same time, the plant layout has also progressed so the instrumentation and
controls design group can begin placing instruments on the Location Plans. These
drawing are most often used to assist the construction contractor in locating the
instruments, but they can also be useful for operations and maintenance because they
show where instruments are installed in the completed plant.
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Lastly, when all connection details are known and electric design has progressed to the
point that wiring connection points are known, the instrumentation and controls design
group can develop Loop Diagrams. These diagrams show all information needed to
install and check out a loop. Because these diagrams may repeat information the piping,
and electrical design teams included on their drawings, it is critically important that the
instrumentation and controls group coordinates closely with other disciplines.

Drawing Layouts and Information

For the three main drawings that we will concentrate on in this course some information
and design layouts remain constant through the various drawings.

As there are no set standards for the layout and basic information that is to be contained
in the drawing, we will look at a typical example for our field.

The drawings that we will use are for the Bonny River Terminal LPG plant. As the
complete set is very large, we will only look at a small section of the plant.

Title Block

This is an example of a title block on a

typical drawing. Information contained on
this will tell you the following information:

 Company built for

 Company that designed it
 Job numbers used by engineering
firm
 Location and name of drawing
 Scale (used in plot plans)
 Drawing Number
 Revision Number

Figure 3 Title Block

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Drawing Number

This is a unique number for the location that we are looking at and can be broken down
as follows.

475-16-BRT-PR-4201

Project number 475-16

Area/Location Bonny River Terminal (BRT)

Discipline PR tells us that this refers to process systems. Other codes will
be used for other disciplines such as, HVAC, Electrical, etc.

Sequence No.: In this case a four digit number is used. This will ensure that
there is a sufficiently high number base available to cater for all
drawings required. In some cases the first two digits in this
number will refer to the system number and the next two digits
provide the reference No. of that drawing within this particular
system. As an example, if the fuel gas system number is 21 then
the drawing no of the fuel gas system would be PR - 2101

Sheet No. This allows a complex piece of equipment to be drawn on more

than one sheet whilst retaining the same drawing number.

Revision

This refers to the revision number of the drawing. It is most important

that you ensure that you are working with the latest revision of the
drawing
Figure 4 Drawing Revision
Revision 4 means that the drawing has
been changed on at least four occasions
since it was approved for construction
(Rev 0). In this case the drawing has
been stamped AS BUILT to indicate
that the plant is constructed and the
drawings have been updated to match
what is physically there.

Figure 5 Revision Table

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Revision Identification

There is normally insufficient space in the revision block to adequately describe

changes to the drawing in text, so some method of locating the changes is needed.
Occasionally, the grid marks on the drawing are used to define zones where changes
have been made. However, this leaves the challenge of describing the changes in
words, and, accordingly, dedicating space on the drawing for that text.

Another, more common, practice is to outline the changes on the drawing itself. Since
most lines on a drawing are straight or angular, a distinctive series of connected arcs
is used with success. This is called a “revision cloud”.

Figure 6 Revision cloud

When the drawing is issued again under a new revision, the old clouds are erased and
new ones installed outlining the new changes.

Notes

An item common to all drawings is a small section which is commonly titled NOTES.
The NOTES are items of information which the design engineer has identified as being
important. They may explain a small aspect of the drawing on which they are written,
or refer the reader to another drawing or manual. The NOTES should be studied with
care as they can be a useful source of essential information.

In our drawings that we are using for reference they are located on the right hand side
of the drawing. They can be located in other areas of the main drawing page.

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Figure 7 Notes Section

Grid Reference

In order to locate objects or areas on a drawing, each page is fitted with grid references.
Similar to a reference on a map, used to locate places or objects.

Across the horizontal axis of the drawing starting on the left in equal intervals are
letters. In our drawing they go from A to G. On the vertical axis starting at 1 and then
going up in sequential number to the top of the drawing page.

In order to locate an object, line or vessel on a drawing you would be given a coordinate,
for example D47. So if we use the drawing 475-16-BRT-PR-4102 we would follow
the horizontal axis till we find D, either at the top or bottom. Then we would follow
the vertical axis up from the bottom, on either side, till we locate 47. Where these two
points intersect on the drawing page, is the object we are looking for. In this example
it is TI-143.

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Page Layout
Pages for the drawings are normally arranged in the same manner. They will vary from
location to locations but as a general rule they will contain the following areas

1. Title Block
2. Revision issues
3. Notes Area
4. Equipment Descriptions
5. Main Drawing Area

Figure 8 Drawing Layout

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Master Sheet
The master sheet that accompanies each set of PFP/P&ID is a glossary to which
symbols are used to describe the instruments and equipment that is used in that plant.

Since there are not set standards symbols for equipment and valves for drawings, a
master sheet will accompany each set of drawings to allow for the user to interpret
and understand the drawings.

The information given on the Master sheet for a set of P&IDs will vary from site to site
depending on who made the drawings and what processes are involved.

In the set of drawings that accompany this manual it is drawing number 475-16-BRT-
PR-4051

Contained on this sheet you will find the following:

 Piping Symbols
 Equipment Symbols
 Equipment Identification
 General Notes
 Instrument Symbols
 Relay Function Identification
 Signal Conditioning Information
 Instrument Identification
 Piping Service Designations
 Utility Header Nomenclature
 Line Class Identification System

Other plants may have more or less information contained on this sheet. After
achieving a working knowledge of schematic reading, you should be able to use this
information to interpret the drawing, even if the symbols are not exactly the same.

Figure 9 Master Sheet Example

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Process Flow Diagrams (PFD)

The purpose of a PFD is to depict all the essential parts of process system in such a way
that they show the operation as clearly as possible, without regard for the physical
layout of the items, their parts or connections.

A PFD is the fundamental representation of a process that schematically depicts the

conversion of raw materials to finished products without delving into details of how
that conversion occurs. It defines the flow of material and utilities, it defines the basic
relationships between major pieces of equipment, and it establishes the flow, pressure
and temperature ratings of the process.

There is no generally accepted industry standard to aid in developing the PFD.

Consequently, some PFDs show a minimum of detail while others may include
significant detail. These two different design approaches are discussed below.

Minimum Detail Approach

For a PFD to be effective, the entire process is shown in as little space as practical. Only
the major process steps are depicted, and detail is minimized. The intent is to simply
show a change has been made or a product has been produced, rather than how that
change was made. It can be somewhat of a challenge to limit the detail shown on a PFD.
For example, very little, or no, instrumentation and control (I&C) detail is shown on a
PFD, since this equipment is not critical to the material balance.

Additional Detail Approach

Other plant design teams and plant owners believe a PFD should include more design
details. These teams and owners involve the I&C engineers early in the project. The
I&C engineers are involved in the development of the PFDs. The PFDs might then
include design details such as major measurement points, control methods, control
valves, and process analyzers. The PFDs are used as a guide, or perhaps even a first
step, in the development of the P&IDs. Details will be shown (or duplicated) on the
P&IDs and other project documents.

A single PFD may contain enough information for several P&IDs. One rule of thumb
is a PFD may contain enough information to develop up to 10 P&IDs!

The PFD's purpose is to define the design of the process. Figure 10 is an example of a
simplified PFD.

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Figure 10 Process Flow Diagram

PFD’s should be drawn so that the process sequence is shown from left to right. Vertical
orientation will be dependent on the process, but it is normally accepted that the natural
separation qualities of gas at the top, oil in the middle and water at the bottom, are
observed.

We will see that from the PFD we can discover a lot of information about the
installation. We will also see that, with a little bit of deduction, we can discover why
the process is designed the way it is.

The various things to be checked in a process flow diagram are:

 The main items of equipment which will be used

 The main points at which the process is controlled
 The changes which are made to the reservoir fluids as they pass through the
process.

PFD Symbols

The PFD will use symbols and letter designations to identify the equipment on the PFD.
It is not necessary to add much detail to the equipment shown on a PFD. A simple line
sketch will serve. For instance, a heat exchanger can be shown as a simple line
representation of a main process flow and a heat transfer medium flow, without
implying a particular type of exchanger.

For a PFD, the only information needed is that a piece of equipment transfers heat at
that point, rather than showing specifically the mechanism for transfer. For a few typical
PFD symbols for equipment, see Figure 11.

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Figure 11 PFD Equipment Symbols

These are only a few of the symbols you will find on a PFD. As there is no set standard
for these types of symbols, each company that produces PFD will use their own
symbols. Most will be similar but not usually standardized. For a complete listing of
equipment for the set of drawings you have, they will be listed on the master sheet.

All symbols on the PFD are a simplified version on the symbol that you will find on
the P&ID.

Instrument Symbols

In order to add some of the basic instrumentation

to our drawing we have to be able to represent it
with symbols. Below you will find a sample of
some of the symbols to represent different types
of instruments and line designations. The full list
for your set of drawings can be found on the
master sheet.

Figure 12 Instrument Symbols

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Line Breaks

Each of the pipes and instrument lines in a process area will be drawn on a PFD/P&ID
as a line. Pipes and lines that have a special purpose will be drawn as lines with unique
variations for each purpose. We will look at specific types of pipes and lines and how
they are identified later in this course.

Real pipes and lines may go in any direction, cross over each other, go through walls,
or just end. This is also true on a P&ID.

On a P&ID, when two lines cross over or make a corner without any break in the drawn
line, it means that those two pipes are actually connected in the real plant.

As a general rule, all vertical lines are broken by horizontal lines. The exception to this
rule is when a process line if being intersected by a utility line or an instrument line. In
this case the vertical process line will remain solid and the utility line will have the line
break.

Figure 13 Line Breaks

These breaks are applicable to PFD’s and P&ID’s.

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Direction Arrows

A P&ID and PFD show the direction a material stream is flowing within a pipe. The
direction of flow is drawn as a solid arrowhead on the line representing the pipe. Each
segment of line (a segment is made each time another line crosses or connects to the
line) will usually have a flow direction arrow. A new direction arrow will also be added
most times the main process flow changed direction.

Figure 14 Direction Arrows

New direction arrows will also be added when a line enters or leaves a piece of
equipment. From this information you are able to determine inlets and outlets of
different types of equipment

Figure 15 Equipment flow changes

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Mass balance

The table on the PFD appears to be just a mass of numbers. However, when you have
cracked the code, you will find that it is actually packed full of useful information. The
table represents the mass balance (often called the material balance) of the process

The material balance is based upon the idea that, under steady state conditions, the sum
of all matter leaving a plant, or section, equals the sum of all matter entering the same
unit. Material balances are shown in terms of moles per unit of time, since one mole of
a component is always one mole, regardless of phase, pressure, or temperature.

The mass balance sheet accounts for the flow of fluid as it passes through the process.
In other words it is a chart which shows us the balance between what comes into the
process and what leaves the process.

Each stream identified in a material balance is divided into its components, methane,
ethane, propane, butane, pentane, etc. The balance around any process unit must exist
for each component as well as the total quantity, provided no chemical reaction takes
place. If process sections involving chemical reactions are considered, such as sulphur
plants, the balance then must exist on each element (hydrogen, sulphur, oxygen and
carbon).

Figure 16 Material Balance

The table in figure 16 shows a mass balance for the drawing 475-16-BRT-PR-4001

Information that is presented in this table is derived from the engineering design before
the plant is constructed. It starts with the incoming feed to the plant and then follows
the various streams as they are processed through the various pieces of equipment.
Above each of the column there is a diamond with a number in it. These correspond to
various locations in the overall flow through the plant.

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Figure 17 Mass Balance Point

If you were to look at point 1, Propane Plus from offshore this is showing the
composition of the feed coming from another location in our field. Information that
you will find on this table includes:

 Liquid flow rate in BPSD (barrels per stream day)

 Gas Flow Rate in MSCFD (thousand standard cubic feet per day)
 Mass Flow rate of liquid and gas in lb/hr (pound moles per hour)
 API or SG (specific gravity)
 Molecular weight for the feed stream
 Gallons per minute at Flowing Conditions
 Gas flow rate in CFM@ FC (cubic feet per minute at flowing conditions)
 Temperature of the flowing stream (F)
 Pressure of the flowing stream (PSIA)
 Each molecular component of the feed steam (molecular weight and specific
gravity)
 Individual component mass flow rates in lb-mol/hour
 Totalized mass flow in lb-mol/hour

As we follow the stream in our drawing (475-16-BRT-PR-4001) from point one to point
two, Depropanizer Feed To C5 Cooler, we will see that in the table some of the values
have changed. Now in order to understand this we have to look at points three and four
as well.

From the module we can identify the symbols in or PFD. Streams two, three and four
all entering a heat exchanger, in the heat exchanger there is no change to composition
just an addition or reduction of heat. The inlet stream, from point one, has been split
into three streams to be able to pass through the three heat exchangers at the same time.

So when we compare streams 1-4 on the table we will notice the following:

 By adding liquid flow rates from stream two, three and four they will add up to
stream one. This is because we have not removed any of the process fluid we
have just changed some of the process variables.

 Mass flow rate at stream two, three and four also add up to stream one.

 GPM of each respective stream has changed but again will add up to stream one
as we have neither added or removed any to our inlet stream

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 As the points that we are looking at are before the heat exchanger there has been
no change in the Temperature.

 Pressure of the three streams has been increased, this is due to the fact the
process stream has passed through a pump prior to being sampled.

 All mass flow rates of each individual component have changed because it is in
proportion to the change in flow rates.

 Mass flow of streams two, three and four will add up to stream one.

 Composition of the stream has not changed as we have not removed any of the
components

If we follow along the drawing to point five and then compare it to the previous values
we can deduct the following:

 All flow rates at point five equal to point one, this is because the three individual
streams have combined back into one stream

 Temperature of stream five has increased due to the fluid passing through the
heat exchangers

 There is a slight pressure drop in stream five due to the nature of the design on
the heat exchanger.

 All compositions remain the same

Now when we look at the values for point six we can see that there have been a lot of
changes from point five. This is due to the principle of a distillation tower. Basic
concept states that you separate the individual components of a feed stream by their
respective boiling points.

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The conclusions we can draw from stream six is as follows:

 Flow rate has increased; this is due to the fact that more fluid is introduced to
our process from our reflux flow rate being returned to the top of the tower.

 As we are boiling off liquids we now have a gas flow rate where previous in our
process all we had was a liquid product.

 Mass flow rate has increased due to the introduction of our reflux flow

 Our molecular weight has changed. This is because we have boiled off the
“light ends” from our feed stock. By being a light end it will have a lower
molecular weight because it only contains C3 and lower.

 CFM @ FC has increased because of the vapor flow from the top of the tower

 Temperature has changed due to the control of the tower at around the boiling
point of the light ends. This is changed due to the addition of reflux to the tower.
Compare this value to the temperature of stream 7

 When we look at the composition of the vapor leaving the tower we can see that
it is mostly made up of C3 with traces of C2, C4 and iC4. This is due to the
distillation process.

When we now look at streams seven and eight we can see that if we add the flows up
from these two, they will equal stream six. This is because the fluid leaving the reflux
accumulator is divided up into two streams.

 When we move onto stream nine the following deductions are made.

 Flow rate is the same as the feed minus the flow rate of stream eight

 There is no gas flow as it is a liquid feed to the next tower

 Temperature is much higher as heat is added to boil off the light ends

 Pressure drop happens across the tower

 When you look at the composition you can see that the flow is made up of C4+
with only a trace of propane. This is because it was removed as the light ends
in the Depropanizer.

The Mass or Material balance will continue throughout the process. As you progress
from one page to another the stream numbers will continue sequentially from the start
to finish of the process for that facility.

The material balance serves two basic and valuable purposes:

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1. It provides essentially all the information necessary for sizing equipment items
including vessels, exchangers, pipe, valves, controllers, and meter runs.

2. It summarizes, with a minimum of extraneous and confusing information, the

plant design basis to enable operating personnel to compare plant performance
against the design; i.e. flow rates, vessel and exchanger efficiencies, product
recovery efficiencies, etc.

Additional Information

As you follow through the process,

variables for the different equipment are
listed as well. There is a legend usually on
the page to help with the interpretation of
the symbols

We can see in the figure that the rectangle

figure displays a temperature and the circle
displays a pressure. This is only true when Figure 18 PFD legend
the symbols are found inside a vessel

Figure 19 Temperature and Pressure variables

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Equipment Descriptions

Vessels and other major equipment are also identified for a quick overview of the
process. Basic dimensions and operating ranges are listed in the equipment description
area at the bottom of the page.

The naming conventions will be looked at in the next section on P&ID’s

Figure 20 Equipment descriptions

Connection Arrows

As the flow for most processes cannot be contained on one drawing sheet, the flows
continue on to another page. In order to allow tracing of the lines we have to use
connection arrows.

The process that we are looking at for our examples continues on many pages. The
complete set of drawings continues overs 12 pages for the PFD, and over 80 pages for
the P&ID’s. So in order to follow a line from the start to finish we need a way to
identify where it leaves the page and where it comes in.

On drawing 475-16-BRT-PR-4001 we have the bottom product leaving the

Depropanizer, from here it has to go for feed of the Debutanizer. But because of the
amount of equipment involved with the two towers it cannot be contained on this page.
The Debutanizer is on page 475-16-BRT-PR-4002.

The line leaving the Depropanizer is labeled as stream nine (on the P&ID’s the lines
have different labeling). The line leaves the page at the bottom right corner, I1 on the
grid reference. From there it then goes to page 475-16-BRT-PR-4002, we can see the
feed to the Debutanizer comes into the drawing at bottom left corner, A1 on the grid
reference. So if we compare the two symbols as shown in the figure below, we can see
what page it came from and what page it is going to.

Figure 21 Connection Arrows

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If the point of the arrow is pointing to the edge of the page it means the line is leaving
the drawing. If the line faces the main drawing the line is entering the page. You can
see that inside the actual arrow it will contain the page number that the line continues
on, on the incoming arrow contains the page that the line came from.

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Process and Instrumentation Diagrams

Overview

The acronym “P&ID” is widely understood within the process industries as the name
for the principal document used to define a process, the equipment, piping and all
monitoring and control components.

Sets of symbols are used to depict mechanical equipment, piping, piping components,
valves, equipment drivers and instrumentation and controls. These symbols are
assembled on the drawing in a manner that clearly defines the process. The
instrumentation and control (I&C) symbols used in P&IDs are generally based on ISA-
5.1-1984-(R1992), Instrumentation Symbols and Identification.

The diagrams on a P&ID are graphical representations of the piping, equipment and
instrumentation. The symbols used will therefore be a representation rather than an
illustration. As an example, the symbol for a compressor will be the same all the way
through the system. A small centrifugal compressor used to supply instrument air will
have the same symbol as a large centrifugal compressor used to compress a hundred
million cubic feet of gas per day.

The distances on the drawings do not represent the actual distance on the process. As
an example, the distances between three valves on a P&ID may be equal at one
centimeter. The actual situation may be that the middle valve is one meter from one
valve and 10 meters from the other valve.

When you are trying to match up a P&ID with the real process, as you walk through
the process you should always find that the pipes, valves, equipment and instruments
are in exactly the same position as shown on the P&ID.

There really is no universal standard that specifies what information should be included
on a P&ID or even, for that matter, the meaning of the letters P&ID. You may know
exactly what “P” means, or what “D” means or what a P&ID contains, but the person
in the facility down the road probably doesn’t agree. For instance, the “P” in P&ID may
stand for Piping or Process. The “I” refers to Instrument or Instrumentation. The “D”
is for Drawing or Diagram. P&IDs may even be called “Flow Diagrams”, which are
not to be confused with Process Flow Diagrams discussed in the previous chapter.
P&IDs are sometimes called “Flow Sheets”, a term often preceded by the department
that initiated or developed them, like “Engineering”, or “Controls”, or other descriptors.
In this book, for simplicity, we will refer to the document by the acronym, P&ID.

As there is no universal, national or international, multi-discipline standard that covers

the development and content of P&IDs. However, much of the information and use of
a P&ID is covered by ISA-5.1, which is an excellent, flexible document that defines,
primarily, instrument symbolism.

P&IDs are controlled documents formally issued at various stages. Control means
changes to the drawings are identified and clearly documented in some manner and
there is verification checking or some other quality assurance procedure in effect.

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ISA-5.1

ISA-5.1 is the standard most often used in process industries as the basis for depicting
instrumentation and control systems on P&IDs and other documents. It is broad in
scope and flexible in usage. The following is a quote from ISA-5.1, paragraph 4.4.1,
entitled Symbols.

“The examples in this standard illustrate the symbols that are intended to depict
instrumentation on diagrams and drawings. Methods of symbolization and
identification are demonstrated. The examples show identification that is typical for the
pictured instrument or functional interrelationships. The symbols indicate the various
instruments or functions have been applied in typical ways in the illustrations. This
usage does not imply, however, that the applications as designations of the instrument
or functions are restricted in any way. No inference should be drawn that the choice of
any of the schemes for illustration constitutes a recommendation for the illustrated
methods of measurement or control. Where alternative symbols are shown without a
statement of preference, the relative sequence of symbols does not imply a preference.”

The basic process control tagging standard for most industrial facilities is based on ISA-
5.1. You will find, however, that additional information or interesting interpretations
have been added to further define local requirements, to meet specific system
requirements, or even to maintain site tradition. It is critically important that the
standards used at your facility are completely defined and rigidly followed.

Information on the P&ID

In order for the user to be able to read the drawing we have to break down the different
parts of the drawing. This next section will cover all of the individual parts that make
up the P&ID.

Instrument Identification System

Industrial process plants incorporate thousands of instruments and a means of

identifying each instrument must be provided. Each instrument is given a name or
designation by alphanumeric code or simply a tag number. This tag number provides
valuable information with regard to the location of the instrument in the jungle of piping
and vessels. It also identifies what function the instrument performs in the process loop.

The loop identification part of the tag number generally is common to all instruments
or functions of the loop. A suffix or prefix may be added to complete the identification.

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A common identification for a level-indicating controller, an instrument that controls

level in a vessel and indicates the amount of fluid present, is LIC-100. Let us examine
this tag number more closely to reveal the information provided.

LIC - 100 Instrumentation identification or tag number

LIC Function the instrument performs
L First letter
IC Succeeding letters
L - 100 Process loop identification
100 Process loop number or plant area

The first letter (L) of the alphanumeric code or tag number indicates the measured
process variable, in this case level.

The succeeding letters (IC) reveals the instrument's purpose, in this case, indicating and
controlling the level.

The process loop number (100) identifies the plant area designation or location of the
instrument. This number is defined by the area in which the instrument is located and
which piece of equipment it is located on. More detail on areas and numbering will be
described in a later section.

Functional Identification

The functional identification (LIC) or what the instrument is intended to perform is a

universal standard. Examples are 'P' for pressure, 'F' for flow and 'T' for temperature.
The following table lists the definitions for each letter. The instrument can contain up
to four letters or as little as two to describe the function. Examples TAHH –
temperature alarm high high, or FT, flow transmitter.

The measured variable is always the first letter (F for flow, L for level). Analysis (A)
is multivariable in that the analysis could be for oxygen (O2) or pH. Therefore, a written
description of the type of analysis is required on the diagram.

The modifier of the first letter is used to give more information on the function of the
instrument. For example, totalize (Q) is used in the tag number FQI. This instrument
measures flow, keeps a total of the amount of flow over time, and indicates that a flow
is present at a certain instant.

The succeeding letters reveal the purpose of the instrument, alarm (A), control (C),
transmitter (T) or valve (V).

The modifier used in the succeeding letters describes the function of the instrument in
greater detail. For example, high (H) is used in the tag LAH that identifies it as a level
alarm high. A common convention in industrial plants to describe a trip or stopping of
the process and the subsequent isolation to render the operation safe is high, high (HH).
For example, LAHH means level alarm high high. This instrument will shut down the
process automatically, prevent the tank from overflowing, and take control, rendering
the operation to a safe condition.

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The letter (Y), used as a succeeding letter, means relay or compute. There are many
different types of relays and computing devices, thus a modifier is often required on the
diagram.

Table 1 Identification Letters

The table on the following page will give some examples of some common letter
combinations that will be found on a drawing.

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Table 2 Common letter combinations

The master sheet will contain all instruments that are used in a particular process. Not
every process will contain every instrument. Refer there to aid in understanding which
instrument is used to control the process. This module will cover basic control loops
but more advanced control is beyond the scope of this lesson.

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Common Misconception

According to ISA-5.1, it is not correct to use the succeeding letters CV for anything
other than a self-actuated control valve. A control valve in a flow loop is identified as
an FV. FCV is a self-contained flow regulator.

Instrument Numbering
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, in other words, the same loop number. This number, combined with
the letter designation, positively and uniquely identifies each device within that set.

The loop numbers, in addition to identifying devices in a loop, are also numbered to
represent respective equipment and plant areas. The term loop number can also be
interchanged with tag number, where the tag refers to instrument tag.

If we look in the drawings that accompany the module we can see the numbering
follows both of these general rules.

Drawing number Area Instrument numbers

475-16-BRT-PR-4101 Inlet 100-129
475-16-BRT-PR-4102 Feed Exchangers 130-159
475-16-BRT-PR-4201 Depropanizer 200-209
475-16-BRT-PR-4202 Reflux 210-219
475-16-BRT-PR-4203 Debutanizer 220-230

This is a general rule and not the exact science of the numbering. Instruments that have
been added later in the process could contain larger numbers depending if the original
series of numbering was used.

General Instrument or Function Symbols

The letters and numbers that identify loop components have to appear on a drawing
somewhere, so the next step is to put the chosen function identifier and loop number,
the tag number, on the P&ID. ISA-5.1 provides the information needed to further define
the location of an instrument and controls device through the use of specific symbols.

The alphanumeric code or tag number is written in a function symbol, called the bubble.
The bubble may be used to tag other distinctive symbols, such as control valves or
primary elements. The instrument bubble is also drawn to show the primary location of
the instrument, either in the field, panel, or central control room

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Figure 22 Function Symbols

 The circles, squares, hexagons and diamonds all have meaning. A circle means
the device is field mounted (located in the process area of the plant).

 If a line is added through the center of the circle, the device is located in the
primary location normally accessible to the operator (the central control room).

 If a second line is added, parallel to the first, the device is located in an auxiliary
location, normally accessible to the operator (a local panel or on the starter
cassette in the motor control center).

 A dotted line through the center of the circle shows the device is normally
inaccessible to the operator (behind the panel).

 If an external square is added to the circle, the symbols represent devices or

functions that are part of a shared display shared control system (a distributed
control system, a DCS).

 If we substitute a hexagon for the circle or the squared circle, the symbols
represent a computer function.

 A diamond within a square is used to define

functions within a programmable logic
controller, a PLC.

The master sheet will also contain a listing of the various

instrument function symbols that are being employed in
your drawings

The instrument designation appears in the symbol. A

number for the instrument loop will also be given in the Figure 23 Instrument tag
lower half of the symbol. See Figure 23.

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Line Symbols

Line symbols are used to define the ways information is transferred between
the field devices and the central control location.

The figure below is from the ISA standard showing the symbols for the for the different
line types. The instrument lines are used to transmit information and data between
different instruments and types of control systems. Typical lines that are found in most
plants are;

Figure 24 Line Symbols

The next figure will give some examples of the different line types in a control
application.

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Process Schematics

Figure 25 Line Services

Notes:

 Pneumatic signal is typically 20 to 100 kPa (3 to 15 psig). The medium is

usually air, but natural gas or nitrogen is also used.

 Electrical signal is typically 4 to 20 mA DC. Either line symbol is acceptable,

but once a symbol is chosen it must be used consistently throughout the
drawing.

 Hydraulic is typically an oil filled system, common in shutdown and process

isolation applications.

 Capillary tube is a sensing line, which connects the process to the instrument. It
is filled with an inert material (silicone oil) to protect the instrument from the
harmful effects of the process fluid.

 Sonic signals are frequency signals, guided in a co-axial cable or not guided as
in radio telemetry or satellite transmission. Sonic signals include nuclear
radiation and light.

 Internal system links are common in Distributed Control Systems (DCS).

 Binary signals are not continuous. They are either on or off.

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Relay Functions and Signal Conditioning

Because we have many different signal lines and types of instruments in a typical
plant, we need to change the signals from one form to another.

In most modern plants, all of the sensing equipment is electronic, and typically most
control valves are pneumatic. So in order to control a pneumatic valve with an
electronic controller we need to convert or condition the signal. The device that we
are using for this is called an I/P transducer. The “I” represents current and the “P”
represents pneumatic.

It will take an electronic signal input, say 4-20mA and change it into a corresponding
pneumatic, 3-15psi or 20-100kPa, output.

The next figure shows a typical representation of an I/P converter.

Figure 26 I/P converter

A current to pneumatic transducer is not the

only type of signal conditioning that we
require in today’s modern plants.

On the master sheet is a listing of the different

types of signals that we will encounter. I/P’s
are the most common.

Figure 27 Signal Conditioning

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Most control systems require that the controller perform some sort of mathematical
calculation before a control action is initiated. In order to state which function is
performed a function designation needs to be added to the instrument description as to
give more function the instrument needs to perform. The
function designations associated with relays may be used
individually or in combinations.

For example differential flow meters need a square root of the

signal to allow it to be converted into a signal that the controller
can understand. It would be denoted by the symbol in figure
28
Figure 28 Square
Other functions that are performed are listed on the master sheet.
Root

Instrument and Equipment Symbols

Symbols are standard pictorials used to depict instrumentation on diagrams and
drawings. The symbols aid in identifying the instrument and reveal the functional
interrelationships. Symbols, used to produce P&IDs, are defined as the following:

 Signals used
 Instrument functions
 Types of valves
 Types of actuators that operate the valves, dampers, primary elements and
regulators

If a given drawing, or set of drawings, uses graphic symbols that are similar or identical
in shape or configuration and that have different meanings because they are taken from
different standards, then adequate steps must be taken to avoid misinterpretation of the
symbols used. These steps may be to use caution notes, reference notes, comparison
charts that illustrate and define the conflicting symbols, or other suitable means. This
requirement is especially critical in cases where symbols taken from different
disciplines are intermixed and their misinterpretation might cause danger to personnel
or damage to equipment.

Control Valves

The most common form of control in a process plant it with a control valve. Majority
of control valves used are pneumatic but electric and hydraulic valves can also be used.
As there are different types there are symbols that denote each.

Control valves may fail in various positions, open, closed, locked, or indeterminate.
The position of a failed valve can have a significant impact on associated equipment,
and, therefore, it is of interest to operations personnel.

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The complete symbol for a control valve should display the following information:

 Type of body
 Type of actuator
 Fail action

Below are some examples of pneumatic control valves. A complete listing of the types
of valves used in a set of drawings can be found on the master sheet.

Figure 29 Control Valves

Figure 30 Control Valves from master sheet

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Manual Valves

The general valve symbol, the “bow tie”, may be used to indicate the body of a control
valve or a hand-operated valve. Some projects use this symbol as a generic control
valve symbol rather than trying to define the control valve type by using the butterfly,
globe or rotary symbols.

Figure 31 Valves

Figure 32 Valves from Master Sheet

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Flow Symbols

One of the most common methods of measuring flow and transmitting that
measurement is with an orifice plate and a differential pressure (d/p) cell.

Figure 33 shows several variations of primary flow elements that produce a pressure
differential relative to flow: an orifice plate and flanges with flange taps, an orifice plate
and flanges and pipe taps, a venturi tube, and a pitot tube.

Figure 33 DP flow symbols

Other methods of flow measurement are shown in Figure 34. A turbine meter measures
the varying speed of a turbine blade in a flow stream. A variable area meter, also known
as a rotameter, measures flow through the relative position of a “float” or plummet
against a graduated tube. A positive displacement device is used to measure liquid flow
volumetrically, such as the water meter in a residence. A sight flow glass is a glass
window set into a process line to indicate, but not measure, flow. A magnetic flow meter
measures the very small voltage developed when a conductive liquid passes through a
magnetic field. The vortex meter measures the change in a process stream as a vortex
develops and recedes.

Figure 34 Flow Devices

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Level Devices

Liquid level is commonly measured in terms of the height of liquid in a tank or the
volume of liquid in the tank. Height is commonly measured in feet [m], inches [cm],
or in percentage of total height. Volume is commonly measured in gallons [litres]. In
order to express the amount of liquid in a tank in terms of volume, the dimensions and
shape of the tank must be known. Charts, graphs, and custom meter faces are
commonly used for volume determination.

The most common method of level measurement involves measuring the pressure
caused by the height of liquid in a tank. The pressure that a liquid exerts depends upon
the height of the column and the density of the liquid.

Figure 35 is of some examples of Level measurement devices.

Figure 35 Level Instruments

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Pressure Devices

Pressure is the most common parameter measured in process systems. It is measured

so that the pressure in a system can be controlled. Additionally, flow rate, liquid level
and temperature can be determined by a type of pressure measurement. For example,
liquid level can be determined by measuring the pressure exerted on the bottom of a
tank by the liquid in the tank.

Figure 36 will give you the most common examples of pressure measurement devices.

Figure 36 Pressure Devices

Temperature Devices

The purpose of temperature measurement is to determine the amount of thermal energy

contained in a body. This determination can be used for indication and control of
thermal processes.

Figure 37 shows the common symbols and arrangements for temperature measurement.
One device that should be mentioned is a thermowell. A well is a hollow probe that is
placed in a flow stream. The well is a rugged device which can withstand the
environment of the process; a temperature element can be placed in a well for
protection.

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Figure 37 Temperature Devices

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The Control Loop

We have covered the four most common types of process variables that are found in
the process industry. The next section will briefly cover the control loop. We are going
to put together the process variables, the instruments and connection lines, into a set of
symbols that will give us an idea on how the process is controlled.

The objective of a control system is to maintain a balance between supply and demand
over a period of time. The closed-loop control system achieves this balance by
measuring the demand and regulating the supply to maintain the desired balance
overtime.

In automatic control, the three devices, the transmitter that senses, the controller that
compares, and the control valve that corrects, are interconnected to form a control loop.
The interconnection may be pneumatic, electronic, digital, or a combination of all three.
The pneumatic component is typically a 3-15 psig (pounds per square inch gauge)
instrument air signal. If the interconnection is electronic, a 4-20 mA (milliamperes)
signal is usually used

Functions of Instruments in a Control Loop

We will look at the functional parts of a typical control loop:

 Sensor
 Transmitter
 Controller
 Switch
 Alarm

The function of an instrument is the work it does. Some control loops may not have all
of the parts listed above.

Sensor/Transmitter

The sensor is the part of the loop that first detects or measures the process variable. The
sensor, labeled TE (temperature element) or TI (temperature indicator) on some P&IDs,
may be separate or part of a transmitter that will send out information about the variable.
In the example above, TIT contains the sensor and transmitter.

Controller

Information is sent about the temperature of the toluene in the line to TIC, the controller.
In our example, the controller sends information to a pneumatically operated diaphragm
valve, TV. This valve physically controls the flow of cooling brine in the line.

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Switches/Alarms

For the process covered in our example control loop, we need to be sure that the
temperature of the toluene, TOLC, does not go above a certain point. TSH, a switch, is
also connected to TIT, the temperature transmitter. If the temperature of the material in
the line exceeds a set point (high), the switch sends a signal to the alarm, TAH The
alarm may be visual, such as a red light, or audible, such as a buzzer or bell. The line
through the TAH circle shows that the alarm is located on a panel

A P&ID will not generally give information about specific instrumentation. If you need
more detailed information to perform a job, check sources such as specification or data
sheets or ask your supervisor. Also, P&IDs will usually use only one signal line to
connect two instruments even though they may actually be connected by more than one
line.

Remember that the degree of detail given on different P&IDs can vary. Control loops
generally show only the functional logic of how information about a variable flows
from one instrument to the next.

Figure 38 shows a pneumatic loop controlling the pressure in a pipeline. The loop
number is 100, so all the devices in the loop will have the number 100. The double
crosshatched lines indicate information is transmitted pneumatically from the
transmitter PT-100 to the indicating controller PIC-100 and from PIC-100 to the control
valve PV-100 with a signal varying from a low of 3 psig to a high of 15 psig. The
control valve moves according to the value of the 3-15 psig signal. It has a FO identifier,
meaning that if the primary power source to the valve is lost, in this case pneumatic
pressure, the valve will Fail Open.

Figure 38 Pneumatic Control Loop

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Figure 39 shows an electronic loop controlling flow in a pipeline. The loop number is
101. The dotted line indicates that information is transmitted electronically from the
flow transmitter, FT-101, to the indicating controller, FIC- 101, and from the controller
to the current to pneumatic converter (I/P), FY 101. FT-101 senses the differential
pressure proportional to the flow rate in the line caused by FE-101, a flow element or
orifice plate. FT-101 transmits a 4-20 mA dc (direct current) signal corresponding to
the varying differential pressure. FIC-101, an electronic flow indicating controller,
transmits a 4-20 mA dc signal to the converter or transducer, FY-101, that converts the
4-20 mA dc signal into a pneumatic signal. This signal changes the position of the valve
actuator, which in turn changes the position of the inner works of the control valve,
changing the flow through the control valve.

Figure 39 Electronic Loop

Figure 40 shows and electronic loop that is controlled in the DCS. A distributed control
system (DCS) is a set of computers and electronic control devices that allow for all
control of the process to be done from one central control room. It is denoted by the
circle with the square around it.

This loop number is 222, so from previous discussion, we know that this is part of the
Debutanizer. It is a flow loop as shown by the instrument letters.

Flow travels down the process line through a orifice plate. Here we monitor the
differential pressure of the process fluid. The signal is computed by FT-222 which is a
differential pressure transmitter, as shown by the two lines connecting it to the orifice.
Even though we are measuring differential pressure it will still be labeled a FT as the
variable we are measuring is flow.

An electronic signal is sent from FT-222 in the range of 4-20mA to the FIC-222. This
point is located in the central control room and controlled in the DCS, as shown by the
instrument symbol for FIC-222.

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From the DCS an electronic signal in range of 4-20mA is sent to FY-222. From the
symbol and modifier it is a flow relay with and current to pneumatic transducer. This
is there to convert the signal range from an electric one to a pneumatic one for the valve
to operate. This is where we have the 4-20 mA signals converted to the corresponding
3-15 psi signal.

The FO (fail open) below the valve will tell us in what direction the valve will fail in
the event of an upset.

Other information shown on the loop are valve sizes and alarm states.

Figure 40 DCS Flow Loop

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Equipment Symbols
All pieces of equipment on a P&ID will be represented on a drawing with a symbol.
These symbols are only a representation and not a true likeness of the vessel, as with
the PFD. On the PFD, only the basic vessel symbol was shown. It is expanded on the
P&ID to give the user more information on the piece of equipment that they are looking
at.

The two figures that follow show the exact same vessel BRT-D-201. Figure 41 is from
the PFD and figure 42 is from the P&ID. For this example some of the instrumentation
has been removed for clarity. As we can see is that both symbols represent a pressure
vessel, PFD is a simple representation and on the P&ID it is included to show the
following;

 Type of Equipment
 All lines in and out of the vessel, including drains
 Instrument connections
 Liquid levels
 Elevation
 All associated instrumentation. See Drawing 475-16-BRT-PR-4202
 Special vessel equipment
 Welded Seam lines
 Nozzle sizes
 Access Hatches

Figure 41 PFD Symbol

As there is no standard that covers all aspect of drawing development, each P&ID will
vary the amount of detail shown on the symbol.

The various miscellaneous symbols and special features of the equipment will be
explained later. All symbols that are found on and in the equipment symbol are listed
on the master sheet.

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Figure 42 P&ID Symbol

Some of the terms on the above drawing have to be defined for a better understanding
of the symbol;

 GL+ 18’0” this is the elevation of the bottom of the vessel. It stands for Ground
Level +18 feet and 0 inches
 MW manway this is the access hatch to enter the vessel. In this case it is 20
inches wide
 NLL normal liquid level. This is showing the level at which the vessel will
normally operate. The NLL is 5 feet and 10 inches above the bottom of the
vessel.
 LLL low liquid level. This is the point that the low liquid alarm will activate
 LLLL low low liquid level. This is the point the low level shutdown will
activate
 HLL High liquid level. This is the point that the high liquid alarm will activate
 HHLL high high liquid level. This is the point the high level shutdown will
activate

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Equipment Labels
A unique number is used to identity equipment on P&IDs. Additional information is
frequently shown on the top and the bottom of the P&ID drawing. In particular,
equipment rating, size and nominal or design throughput is provided on the P&ID.
However, there is no standard way of showing this information. Some designs show
equipment information within or adjacent to the symbol itself. Others will show the
detailed information along the bottom of the drawing, relying on proximity to tie the
symbol and the data. Or, possibly the equipment number is used to link the data and the
symbol.

The Depropanizer is labeled BRT-C-201. This label will tell us the following
information

 BRT is the plant

 C stands for Column
 201 is vessel one in area 200

A complete list of the prefixes for the different types of equipment is shown in the
figure below.

Figure 43 Equipment Labels

Other examples of devices following the naming standard;

BRT-D-103 Propane Plus Surge Drum

BRT-G-101 Depropanizer Feed Pump
BRT-E-102 Butane Cooler
BRT-G-202B Debutanizer Reflux Product Pump B

If there two or more identical items performing the same job, the tag number will have
an alphanumeric suffix, example G-101A/B/C. On the drawing the duplicate
equipment can be shown or if there is identical piping just one symbol is shown with
the appropriate labels.

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In addition to the process piping and instrumentation on the drawing, basic specification
of the equipment will also be shown on the top and bottom of the page. Below is the
equipment data for the Depropanizer.

Some terms have to be identified in order to understand the information;

 I.D. internal diameter of the vessel

 T.T. tangent to tangent this is a measurement taking from the tangent of the top
conical head the bottom of the lower conical head. For horizontal vessels this
is measured from the two ends.
 S.S. this is seam to seam. It is measured from one welded seam to the other
welded seam. (not show in this example)
 NLL this is the normal liquid level in the vessel

Figure 44 Equipment Description

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Line Labels
Each process and utility line in a process plant will have a unique identifier associated
with it. The information that can contain is as follows;

 Line service
 Area
 Line number
 Pipe size
 Pipe schedule
 Pipe material
 Insulation

The figure below shows an example of how line numbers tell you what is contained in
the process line.

Figure 45 Line Service Definitions

Line Service

This letter in the piping identification number tells you what type of material or service
is associated with that pipe. Some examples of these are;

A Air-Process
BD Blowdown
CWS Cooling Water Supply
P Process Hydrocarbon
VA Vent to Atmosphere

A complete list of piping service designation can be found on the master sheet.

Plant area

This next section in the piping label describes which area the pipe is associated with.

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Line Number

A different number is usually given for each length of pipeline. The number will
usually change when something happens to change the nature of the pipeline. If the pipe
enters a piece of equipment like a pump, the suction and discharge lines will have
different numbers. For the main process flows the numbers will increase sequentially
as you progress through the process.

The example below shows the line number going from 005 to 006 after entering and
leaving the pump.

Figure 46 Line numbering

Pipe Size and Schedule

Contained in the label is the size of the pipe given in inches or millimeters. As piping
is a standard size this value is measured in outside diameter OD. For example in figure
46 the pipe entering the pump is 14” and the pipe leaving the pump is 10”.

Pipe schedule is a standard measurement for the wall thickness of a pipe.

There are two systems used to designate the various wall thicknesses of different sizes
of pipe. The older method lists pipe as standard (S), extra strong (XS) and double extra
strong (XXS).

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The newer method, which is becoming more accepted, uses schedule numbers to
designate wall thickness. These numbers are 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, and
160. In most sizes of pipe, schedule 40 corresponds to standard and schedule 80
corresponds to extra strong.

Figure 47 Pipe Schedules

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Pipe Materials

The method of identifying the pipeline specification can be extremely complex, due to
the large number of pipeline materials and pressure ratings. A common system is where
letters indicate the pipeline material and a specific number indicates the pressure rating
is used.

Figure 48 gives an indication of the code used to indicate the type of pipe that is used.
Each of the sections is broken down on the master sheet.

Figure 48 Line class identification

We will look at the following line tag. P-BRT-007-10-30-ACA2-H.

P Process Hydrocarbon
BRT Bonny River Terminal
007 Line number 7
10 10 inch pipe
30 Schedule 30 pipe
A Process
C 300 psi pressure class
A Carbon steel pipe
2 Special pipe and/or fittings
H Insulated for heat conservation

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Controlling Process Operations

Instrument control loops are needed for the safe and efficient operation of a process.

Instruments perform these functions:

 Monitor process variables

 Inform the operator what is happening in a process
 Allow control of a process

Tables on the Master sheet give the meaning of the abbreviations commonly used for
the different types of instruments. Instruments in the same control loop will all have the
same identification number. Different types of lines across the circle give us
information about the location of each device. An instrument in a control loop may
actually be located a considerable distance away from where a variable is measured
even though it is shown on the same P&ID.

Figure 49 Control loop

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Tracing a Process Stream

Will we use the following figure to trace the flows through and understand what is
happening on the drawing that we have.

Figure 50 P&ID Flow

We start at the top left hand corner of the figure;

We have P-BRT-011 coming in from drawing 475-16-BRT-PR-4201 and it is an 8”

line carrying process hydrocarbons. It is also a vapor bypass from the Depropanizer.
As this is a simplified drawing some details have been omitted.

It passes through a Fail Closed butterfly pressure valve.

It then enters BRT-D-201.

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In the middle left of the page we have line number 012 also coming from the
Depropanizer. This is a 10” line and is also carrying process hydrocarbons. This line
also enters D-201

On BRT-D-201 we can see the following:

 NLL is at 5’10”
 LLL is at 2’6:
 LLLL is a 2’0”
 HLL is at 9’0”
 HLLL is at 9’6”
 Vessel is located at 18” above ground level
 It is equipped with a vortex breaker
 We have dual level switches for high and low level installed LSHH -217A/B
and LSLL – 216A/B
 We are measuring the level in the vessel with LT-215 which is sending a signal
to LIC-215 which is located on page 475-16-BRT-PR-4206
 TI-235 gives us local temperature indication

We have two lines leaving the vessel. We will start with the line leaving the top of the
vessel. As per most drawings, lines leaving the top of a pressure vessel will typically
be gas and lines leaving the bottom will be liquid.

P-BRT-018 leaves the vessel and has a pressure transmitter installed the monitor the
pressure in the vessel. The electronic signal from PT-215 goes to PIC-215, which in
turns send a data link signal to PY-215A2/B2. This is a called split range control which
allows to valves to be controlled by one controller, in this case PV-215B and PV-215A.
This is allowing us to regulate the pressure of the vessel by putting gas in or taking gas
out. This will be covered in detail in later modules.

Line number P-BRT-018 splits into two lines, on segment is going to PSV-216, which
is a pressure relief valve. This protects the vessel from over pressure. The second
segment passes through PV215B and is renamed RF-BRT-005, as this gas is being
vented to the relief flare header, it also changes size from 8” to 12”. From there the
line continues on to page 475-16-BRT-PR-4502.

The line leaving the bottom of the vessel P-BRT-019 is going to the suction side of the
reflux pumps, G-201A/B

Flow leaves the pumps and is again split into two segments. The 8” line goes to the
Propane Product Treaters, on page 475-16-BRT-PR-4205, and the 10” line goes to the
Depropanizer as reflux on page 475-16-BRT-PR-4201.

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Miscellaneous P&ID Information

There is a vast amount of information that is presented on a P&ID, not all of it can be
covered in this module. People that use the drawings also have to draw on experience
to be able to interpret the drawings correctly.

Here is listed some of the other miscellaneous symbols and their meanings that will be
found on the drawings.

Alarm displays. This symbol shows the two alarms and

two shutdowns associated with a particular controller.
Symbol can be shown with a combination of all four.

At grade means ground level. In this case it is a sample

connection at ground level.

Car Seal Closed, this indicated that this valve is closed

with a solid metal band called a car seal.

This symbol shows a Hand Switch to close a Shutdown

Valve as part of the Emergency Safety Shutdown System

Local hand switch called a hand off auto or HOA switch,

this one has a Start/Stop indicator lights called a SIS

The flow indicator FI-201 is physically located at FV-

201

When it shows no pocket and the slope symbol means the

line drains by gravity and has no low spots where liquid
can accumulate

This symbol show a specification break in the piping

material. It uses the same designations as the line tags.

This is a hand switch on the DCS to allow you to stop a

pump or compressor from the control room

Plot Plans

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Plot plans are detailed maps which show the location of all the main items of equipment
on a process system or platform. By looking at the plot plan we can determine a precise
location of equipment

Plans are drawn to scale and allow for calculations of distances between equipment,
and equipment sizes. Detail varies from plant to plant what is to be found in each
drawing.

Figure 51 Plot plan scale

Plot plans are always referenced to the North and will contain Key Plans which show
the geographically location of the facility.

Figure 53 North Arrow Figure 52 Key Plan

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