How to Read P&IDs

..learning is not a solitary task of memorizing information, but an interactive process of refining ones understanding and developing ones skills....

P&IDs: What? Why? Who? How?

What Does P&ID Stand For?
Why Learn to Read P&IDs?
Who Uses P&IDs?
How Are P&IDs used?
How to Read P&IDs?

What Does P&ID Stand For?

What Does P&ID Stand For?

P&ID Stands For:
Process and
Instrumentation
Diagram or Drawing

Why Learn to Read P&IDs?

Design Review and Feedback: P&IDs reflect overall
design and operating intent. Knowing how to read
P&IDs, allows you to better understand the design
intent and provide feedback.
Operation: Aid to understanding of process and
process interactions. Correlation to SCADA. Options
for control.
Maintenance: Tag numbers; interlocks with other
equipment; valves and controls; redundancy.

Who Uses P&IDs?

Process

Design

P&IDs

P&IDs

EIC

Mech

O&M

Software

How Are P&IDs Used?

Design:
Integrate different disciplines, including Process,
Mechanical, Electrical, and I&C.

Show Functional requirements (not Physical)

Used to develop and check equipment lists
Used to develop PLC input/output lists
Describe requirements for PLC and SCADA software

Operation and Maintenance:

Reference Tool
Training Tool
Documentation of Plant Process and Control

How To Read P&IDs

Layout
Focus

Process

off sheet connecttions

off sheet connecttions

Process

off sheet connecttions

Process

off sheet connecttions

Local Control

PLC

off sheet connecttions

Process

off sheet connecttions

Local Control

SCADA
PLC

off sheet connecttions

Process

off sheet connecttions

Local Control

Legends Are essential in helping

you understand symbols used on
P&IDs.

Questions and Discussion

Dont be afraid to use the legend.
Draw on your own knowledge.
Wouldnt it be nice if P&IDs came with a narrative
description as well?

Control Loop Descriptions

Process Description
Equipment and Instrumentation
Control Strategies:

Local Control
SCADA Manual
SCADA Auto

SCADA Displays:

Status and Process

Operator Entries
Historical Trending

Alarms and Interlocks

Programming Requirements

Things to Remember
The more you review P&IDs, the easier it will
become.
Review the process flow first.
Legends are your friends.

Our commitment is clear.

Phone: (503) 547-8177

Cell: (503) 789-3564
16060 SW 85th Avenue
Tigard, Oregon 97224
borchersj@cleanwaterservices.org

Joel Borchers
Construction Coordinator