Professional Documents
Culture Documents
P&Ids (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams) and P&Id Valve Symbol Library
P&Ids (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams) and P&Id Valve Symbol Library
P&IDs also are used as the basis for the live graphic representation of a process system in
its HMI (human-machine interface) or other control system.
Type of Valve
The type of valve is represented by adding a shape to the center where the points touch.
Shown here are P&ID symbols for the most common valve types.
All of the valves represented above are 2-way inline valves that are used for flow control,
either on/off or throttling. For Multi-port valves, such as 3-way and 4-way, the structure
of the symbol is similar, having a triangle to represent each port or “way”.
3-way and 4-way ball valves can contain additional detail that defines the type of ball
drilling which is either a “T” or “L” port ball. Another detail that may be represented in
the diagram is the flow path in the non-actuated or de-energized state. This is shown
using small arrows next to the symbol as shown below.
There are a multitude of other valve types as well. Here are some of them.
Type of Actuator
The method of actuation is defined by a line coming up from the center of the valve with
a small symbol, many times containing a letter, at the top of the line. Here are some
examples of ball valves with different methods of actuation.
Fail-Safe Position
When the actuator has a fail-safe position, it is represented by an arrow on the line
between the valve and actuator. Another method used to represent the fail position is with
two letters “FO” or “FC”.
End Connections
End connections can be represented generically with the lines representing the pipes
going directly into the valve as in all of the examples above. Connections may also be
explicitly defined using various other methods. Flanged connections are represented as
shown below – where the pipes have perpendicular lines at their ends that run parallel to
the sides of the valve symbol with a small space between them. This illustrates that the
valve can be removed without cutting the pipe. Semi-permanent threaded connections are
shown with small hollow circles at the connection point. Permanent welded connections
are represented with small squares instead. If the connection is socket weld, the square is
hollow or un-filled.
Standardization
The International Society of Automation (ISA: www.isa.org) has defined a standard for
P&IDs. The standard is ANSI/ISA-5.1-2009 and is available on the ISA website.
Despite the fact that there is a strict set of standards defined for these symbols, you will
find various ways of representing certain valves. You will also find that there are blatant
discrepancies between some valve types across various libraries, industries, and
companies. This issue is not that problematic since all components are also described by
text, a part number (unique model), a tag number (specific component in the system), and
are defined in detail in a key or legend that goes along with the drawing. As long as you
remain consistent throughout your drawings, the P&ID diagram will be acceptable and
understandable by all who work with it. We recommend that you download our Library
of Symbols and import it into your diagram software package such as Lucidchart.
There are 2 methods to illustrate when pipes cross on drawings but are NOT physically
connected. Either use a small “hump” to show one going “over” the other, or break one of
the lines very near the other to show it going under it. This is NOT a physical
representation of the actual pipes. In fact, they may not even cross in the actual system. It
is merely a method to keep the lines separate when they must cross in the drawing.
Communication/Signal Lines:
Process control systems use various types of signals to communicate information
between components, instruments, and the control system computers. Each type of signal
has its own line type to explicitly identify the type of signal that travels along it.
<span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-
mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>
This type of bubble is also used to define the function of final control elements such
as valves. This is done with a callout line pointing to the symbol for the control
element. The letters and numbers inside the bubble are described below.
All of these bubble types are further defined by a horizontal line, lines, or lack there of.
These lines define where the instrument is located and whether or not it is accessible to
the operator.
No Line means that the device and/or its display are physically located in the field
and if it has a display it is only readable locally.
A Solid Line means that the display is located on a main control panel or video
display and is normally accessible to the operator.
A Dashed Line means that the display is NOT normally accessible to the operator.
A Double Solid Line means that the display is located on a secondary or local
control panel that is normally accessible to the operator
A Double Dashed Line means that the display is located in a secondary control
panel and is NOT normally accessible to the operator.
Tag Numbers
Inside of the shape there are letters and numbers used to designate the property being
measured (such as flow rate, pressure, temperature, or level) and the function performed
with that measurement. Typical functions are: display, record, transmit, and control.
Below are a few samples, along with a chart of letters and what they represent for the
most common instrumentation components.
This is followed by loop number, which is unique to that loop. For instance FIC045
means it is the Flow Indicating Controller in control loop 045. This is also known as the
“tag” identifier of the field device, which is normally given to the location and function
of the instrument. The same loop may have FT045 – which is the Flow Transmitter in the
same loop. Below are some examples of complete symbols for a few instruments in the
same loop.