Introduction to Process

Engineering Skills
Zafifah binti Zamrud
What is Process Instrumentation?
Instrumentation is about
measurement and control.

Instruments are devices which are

used to measure, monitor or control
the process variables within a
production of manufacturing area.

Instrument Instrumentation engineering is

no. N+1 the engineering specialization
focused on the system design
and configuration of process
systems.

A collection of instruments for the

Process Instrumentation purpose of measuring, monitoring and
controlling variables for the whole
process.
• Process instrumentation is needed in the modern industrial
processes for a business to remain profitable.
• It improves product quality, reduces plant emissions,
minimizes human error, reduces operating cost, ensures
that the quality standards are maintained, and provides
consultancy support among many other benefits.
• Overall, it involves in the design, development,
maintenance and management of the instruments and
instrument systems.
 Examples of Industrial Process Instruments

Valve Pump Compressor Blower Fan Sensor Controller

To direct, To transfer a To transfer a To move a To move large To detect To monitor

start, stop, relatively non- relatively certain amounts of changes of and correct
mix or compressible compressible volume of gas without the or alter the
regulate the fluid to higher fluid to higher gas with drastic designated operating
flow, pressure level. level. moderate pressure variables condition of
and pressure elevation. (temperature certain
temperature increment. , pressure, parameters
of a process flow, current, of a given
fluid. etc.). system.
• In plant design, these instruments are often translated into
a much simpler form through standard letters and tag
numbering, known as ISA symbology.
• Once the processing instruments and necessary connections between the pieces
of instrument have been identified, documentation of the design of a particular
process plant is done in PFD and P&ID.

• In both diagrams, arrows indicate the flow of material and symbols represent
pumps, tanks, valves, and other equipment.

• Although, the symbols used vary somewhat from organization to organization, it is

advisable to use a standard set of symbols.

• During the design of a process, a process simulation tool is usually employed to

verify and refine the process design.

• The values for operating pressures, temperatures, and flows that are included in
the PFD and P&ID may have been determined using these design tools.
 Process Flow Diagram (PFD)
• Diagram shows the flow of
chemicals and the equipment
involved in the process.

• Typically identifies the major

pieces of equipment, the
flowpaths through the
process, and the design
operating conditions—that is,
the flow rates, pressures, and
temperatures at normal
operating conditions and the
target production rate.

• PFDs are used for visitor

information and new
employee training.
 Piping & Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID)
• A Process and Instrument
Drawing (P&ID) includes
more details than a PFD; also
called flowsheets

• It includes major and minor

flows, control loops and
instrumentation.

• It is a key piece of information

in terms of understanding
what is currently being used
in the plant for process
control.

• P&IDs are used by process

technicians and instrument
and electrical, mechanical,
safety, and engineering
personnel.
Conclusions
• The combination of different instruments, each play different role
such as measuring, monitoring, altering and/or controlling, made up
the process instrumentation.

• Identification letters and tag numbering through ISA symbology

make construction of both simple and complex diagrams
achievable with appropriate tool.

• Both PFD and P&ID provide crucial information and can serve as
communication means between personnel within the plant, either in
simplified (PFD) or complex (P&ID) form.