P&ID symbols with

examples

INSTRUCTOR
Ahmed Yehia Mohamed
Process engineer, Suez Oil Processing Company (SOPC)
Che.yehia@gmail.com
+20 1008907390
Safety Valves P&ID Symbols
Commonly used P&ID symbols (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram symbols) for
safety valves. Note that they may differ slightly from one project to another.

Breathing Valve or
Pressure Relief Valve Vacuum Relief Valve Pressure / Vacuum Relief
Valve

Pressure Rupture Disc Vacuum Rupture Disc

Heat exchanger P&ID symbols

Commonly used P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) symbols for heat
transfer equipment. Note that they may differ slightly from one project to another.

Air cooler Generic heat exchanger Generic heat exchanger

Plate and frame heat Double pipe U tube heat Kettle type heat
exchanger exchanger exchanger
 Shell & Tube Heat
Electrical heater
Exchanger Fired heater

Pumps / compressors P&ID symbols

Commonly used P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) symbols for pumps /
compressors. Note that they may differ slightly from one project to another.

Centrifugal pump Reciprocating pump /

compressor
Motor

Vertical centrifugal
pump with external
Rotary / Gear pump Vertical / Inline pump motor
 Air driven double
diaphragm pump
Submersible pump with
Vertical can pump submersed motor

Turbine driven
compressor
Centrifugal compressor Expander / turbine

Screw pump or
compressor
Reciprocating pump / Centrifugal blower
compressor
Instrument Signal P&ID symbols
Commonly used P&ID symbols (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram symbols) for
instrument signals. Note that they may differ slightly from one project to another.

Process Connection Electric signal

Software signal Mechanical link

Hydraulic signal Pneumatic signal

Valve P&ID symbols

Commonly used P&ID symbols (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram symbols) for
manual valves. Note that they may differ slightly from one project to another.

Normally Closed Gate

Gate Valve Ball Valve
Valve

Normally Closed Ball

Globe Valve Butterfly Valve
Valve

Check Valve Plug Valve Needle Valve

 Self-Draining Valve
Integrated Block and Angle Valve
Bleed Valve

Angle Globe Valve 3-way Valve 4- way valve

Y Valve
Angle Blowdown Valve Plug valve

Storage tanks / vessels P&ID symbols

Commonly used P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) symbols for storage
tanks and process vessels or drums. Note that they may differ slightly from one
project to another.

Horizontal Vessel / drum

Vertical vessel with mesh
Vertical vessel / drum
pad
 Horizontal vessel with Horizontal vessel with
Horizontal vessel with weir coalescer
boot

Floating roof tank

Conical roof tank Conical roof tank with
boot

Flat roof tank

Spherical storage tank Dome roof tank

Man way
Sedimentation tank Fixed internal floating
roof tank

Vortex breaker
Concrete sump Oil skimmer
 Horizontal pig trap

Vertical pig trap

P&ID symbols for control valve and actuators
Commonly used P&ID symbols (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram symbols) for
control valve actuators. Note that they may differ slightly from one project to
another.

Manual (hand wheel)

Diaphragm actuator
Control valve assembly

Spring actuator
Balanced diaphragm
Motor actuator
actuator

Pilot actuator Solenoid actuator 1 Acting cylinder

actuator

Pilot operated cylinder Digital actuator

2 Acting cylinder actuator actuator
Fittings P&ID symbol
Commonly used P&ID symbols (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram symbols) for
piping fittings. Note that they may differ slightly from one project to another.

Flange set Blind Flange

Flow orifice

Removable pipe spool Y type strainer

Tee type strainer

End plug
Basket type strainer 2 basket type strainer

Reducer / Expander Open spacer

End cap

Closed spacer
Open spectacle blind Closed spectacle blind
 Mixing Tee Sight glass

Gooseneck vent

Sample cooler
 Typical P&ID arrangement for Centrifugal Compressor
Systems

1. Normally, a centrifugal compressor is accompanied by a Knock Out Drum

(KOD) at the compressor suction and an after cooler at the compressor discharge,
as per a typical compressor PFD. Symbols for these equipment should also be
placed on the P&ID before proceeding a head. All the equipment symbols should
be selected from the legend sheets of a particular project.
2. All the nozzles on the compressor, suction drums and after cooler should then be
correctly represented with size and flanges. This includes inlet and outlet nozzles
and equipment drains / vents.
3. Centrifugal compressor suction KOD is intended for removing the entrained
liquids before sending gas to the compressor. Demister, mesh pad etc. are used
in the knock out drum to efficiently remove the liquid droplets.
4. Compressor after coolers are generally air coolers and the related fan, motor etc.
should be clearly indicated on the P&ID. If cooling water is used, proper symbol
for a heat exchanger should be used.
5. Inlet, outlet lines for each equipment, anti-surge line, drain/vent lines, line to the
relief valve etc. are the next to be drawn up. Line number, material class, size etc.
is to be correctly assigned to each of the lines.
6. Isolation valves, spectacle blinds, spacers etc. to be used for maintenance should
be drawn up next on various lines between the equipment. Requirement for
isolation valves, spectacle blind, spaces etc. depend on the project standards,
 which should be followed while indicating these on the P&ID. Sometimes, to
minimize the number of isolation valves between the equipment, they can be
placed only at the suction KOD inlet which is inlet of the centrifugal compressor
system and discharge of the after cooler which turns out to be the outlet of the
centrifugal compressor system. Spectacle blinds or spacers can be used for
isolation between individual equipment for quick maintenance. This is simply a
guideline and project standards need to be followed when indicating the isolation
requirements.
7. A check valve should be normally provided on the compressor discharge to avoid
reverse flow when the pump is not in operation.
8. Pressure relief valves can be provided on the compressor discharge line,
downstream to the check valve, to protect the equipment downstream of
compressor.
9. Pressure gauges should be provided on suction and discharge of the compressor.
Level gauges need to be located on the compressor suction knock out drum and
temperature gauges on inlet, outlet lines for the after cooler.
10.Pressure transmitters should be provided on compressor suction and discharge
line. A flow transmitter should be provided on compressor suction line. Signals
from these transmitters are sent to an ‘Anti-Surge Controller’. Based on the gas
flow and differential pressure head developed by the compressor, the anti-surge
controller operates the anti-surge valves to prevent compressor surge condition.
11.An anti-surge line from the after cooler discharge to the suction KOD inlet should
be provided for anti-surge control. When the compressor approaches surge
condition (low flow, high differential head), the anti-surge valves open up to
lower the pressure differential and circulate higher gas flow.
12.Sometimes, a performance controller can be included in the centrifugal
compressor system to control the rotating speed (RPM) of the compressor based
on inlet pressure, flow etc. in order to achieve optimum performance.
Performance controller will typically adjust the motor/turbine speed.
13.Level transmitters provided on the suction knock out drum are responsible for
liquid level control in the drum. Alarms are usually provided for high and high
high liquid level conditions.
14.Temperature transmitter can be provided on after cooler for temperature control
by sending a signal to adjust the fan speed of the air cooler.
15.Emergency Shutdown (ESD) valves can be provided on inlet / outlet lines of the
compressors system to isolate whole system in case of a shutdown. The inlet line
of the suction KOD corresponds to inlet of the compressor system. After cooler
discharge and liquid outlet of suction knock out drum correspond to the outlet
lines of the compressor system. Shutdown valves can be located on these lines.
16.Drains and vents to be provided on the suction / discharge lines, compressor
casing, suction Knock Out Drum, air cooler body etc. for completely
draining/venting compressor and associated piping, for maintenance.
17.For purging the compressor system, a nitrogen connection can be provided right
after the first isolation valve on the suction KOD inlet line.
18.All the guidelines given here are very general and may be modified as per specific
requirements of any particular project.

Typical P&ID arrangement for Pig Launchers / Pig

Receivers

Pig launchers and receivers are commonly used in upstream oil and gas industry for
periodic cleaning of pipelines carrying crude oil, natural gas and water from oil
wells. A pig is a bullet shaped object which fits the pipeline from inside. The pig
launcher launches the pig into pipeline and the upstream pressure pushes the pig to
other end of the pipeline where it is received by the pig launcher. Hence generally
arrangement for pig launchers and receivers are essentially the same, except for the
difference between 'Kicker line' position for launchers and receivers. The sample
drawing presents this general arrangement common to pig launchers and receivers.
1. Proper equipment symbol for pig launcher (vertical or horizontal) should be
selected first of all, as shown in the presented drawing. This should be selected
from the list of equipment symbols on the legend sheets of a particular project.
2. The major and minor barrels of the pig trap should be indicated as shown in the
sample drawing. Minor barrel size is equal to pipeline size and the major barrel
size is slightly larger.
3. All the nozzles on the pig launcher should then be correctly represented with size
and flanges. This includes door on the launcher, pig outlet to pipeline, kicker line,
balancing line, PSV connection, purge, vent, drain and instrument nozzles, as
shown in the sample drawing presented here. Typical instrumentation on the pig
launcher would be pressure gauges and transmitters and pig indicators to know if
the pig has been launched (or arrived in the case of pig receivers).
4. Different lines connected to the pig launcher are the next to be drawn up. Line
number, material class, size etc. is to be correctly assigned to each of the lines.
5. Kicker line is used to pressurize the upstream side of pig so it can be launched.
In case of receiver, kicker line provides an outlet for fluids arriving in the pig
trap. Normally when pigging is not being performed, kicker line is closed using
normally closed valve.
6. Balancing line connecting the kicker line to minor barrel of the pig launcher,
helps lower the pressure differential so that sudden shooting of the pig will not
damage downstream automatic valves.
7. A bypass line of the pig launcher is the normal route for the fluids
when pigging is not taking place. This section upstream to the shutdown valve at
beginning of pipeline can be protected against overpressure as indicated in the
sample drawing.
8. The hand operated valve (HV) on the bypass line is used to create a pressure
differential for launching the pig (also for receiving the pig). A pressure
differential indicator (PDI) has to be available to the HV operator to monitor the
pressure differential.
9. On the outlet of the pig launcher, another hand operated automatic valve is
provided to open up the launcher upon pressurization.
10.The pig launcher (and receiver) are also protected against overpressure with a
PSV which discharges to flare. Typical representation of PSVs can be referred to
in another article.
11.Isolation valves, spectacle blinds, spacers etc. to be used for maintenance should
be drawn up next, on various lines to and from the pig trap. The spectacle blinds,
spacers etc. are usually connected right next to the isolation valves and equipment
nozzles, as indicated in the sample drawing presented here.
12.Drains should be provided either on major or minor barrel or on both for complete
draining of the pig trap after the pig is launched or received. Sample drawing has
 indicated drains on both the barrels. These drains are connected to the closed
drain system.
13.Vents to flare and to atmosphere are required on pig launchers. Venting to flare
for depressurization of the pig launcher can be achieved using bypass on the relief
valve. For maintenance, when pig is not in operation it can be vented to
atmosphere.
14.A utility connection is required to purge the pig launcher / receiver after
the pigging is done and the pig trap is depressurized and drained. A nitrogen
connection should normally be provided as indicated in the sample drawing.
15.Most of the guidelines mentioned for pig launchers also hold good for pig
receivers.
16.All the guidelines given here are very general and may be modified as per specific
requirements of any particular project.

Pressure Safety Valves – Typical P&ID arrangement

1. The sample drawing presented here represents a typical arrangement generally

used to represent safety valves or relief valves on P&ID. First of all a
proper safety valve symbol should be selected to represent the control valve as
per the project standards.
2. For protecting equipment that are not spared and equipment that cannot be
isolated without disrupting the plant / unit a spare safety valve is recommended
to be provided as shown in the sample drawing.
3. Generally, the safety valve inlet / outlet nozzles are smaller than the
corresponding line sizes. This change in diameter should be clearly indicated in
the P&ID with reducer and expander.
4. Block valves should be provided upstream and downstream of the safety valves
in case of shutdown and maintenance. Normally provision is made to keep these
valves locked or sealed open. The spare safety valve is kept locked or sealed
closed, as indicated in the sample drawing.
5. A vent valve is normally provided between the safety valve and upstream block
valve.
6. Normally, bypass should provided for safety valves for process or start-up
requirements. Type, number and size of bypass valves will depend on the project
standards.
7. Depending on the service handled, the discharge from PSV can be either routed
to flare system for hydrocarbon service, for closed/open drain systems or to
atmosphere at a safe location for non-hazardous service.
8. The inlet lines to the safety valves are always sloped toward to protected
equipment and the outlet lines from the safety valves are always sloped towards
the flare header / the knock out drum or the safe location.
9. When a PSV is connected to the flare system, the inlet line piping should be
equipped with a spool piece to facilitate dismantling, as indicated in the sample
drawing. For PSVs discharging to atmosphere, this is not required.
10.All the guidelines given here are very general and may be modified as per specific
requirements of any particular project.
 Typical P&ID arrangement for Storage Tanks

Storage tanks of various kinds are used to store process fluids of various types, under
different process conditions. But the basic arrangement remains roughly the same
for different types of storage tanks.

1. Proper tank symbol should be selected first of all, as shown in the presented
drawing. This should be selected from the list of equipment symbols on the
legend sheets of a particular project.
2. Tank internals should then be indicated as per proper symbols on the legend
sheets. These internals can be inlet pipe, vortex breaker on the outlet lines etc.
3. All the nozzles on the storage tank should then be correctly represented with size
and flanges. This includes inlet and outlet nozzles, overflow line, minimum
recirculation line, blanketing gas line, drains, vents, PSV connection and
instrument nozzles, as shown in the sample drawing presented here. Normally for
large enough tanks a manway has to be provided as indicated in the sample
drawing for maintenance access.
4. Inlet and outlet lines are the next to be drawn up. Line number, material class,
size etc. is to be correctly assigned to each of the lines.
5. Typical instrumentation on the tank would be level gauges and transmitters
plus pressure gauge and transmitters. For tank under continuous operation a level
control valve has to be provided as indicated in the sample drawing. For tank
with blanketing gas a self regulating pressure valve has to be provided on the
 blanketing gas inlet line. Normally alarms / trips are provided for High High
Pressure, High High Level, Low Low Pressure and Low Low Level.
6. Isolation valves, spectacle blinds, spacers etc. to be used for maintenance should
be drawn up next on the inlet / outlet lines. The spectacle blinds, spacers etc. can
be connected right next to the isolation valves and equipment nozzles, as
indicated in the sample drawing presented here.
7. Drains should be provided on the tank bottom and on the bottom outlet lines for
complete draining of the tank and associated piping for maintenance purpose.
8. Vent has to be provided on top of the tank for complete venting of the tank for
maintenance purpose. In some cases the tank may be open to atmosphere through
vent during normal operation. In such cases a bird screen has to be provided on
the vent line.
9. For purging the tank with nitrogen or steam, a utility connection can be provided
directly on the tank.
10.All the guidelines given here are very general and may be modified as per specific
requirements of any particular project.

Control Valves – Typical P&ID arrangement

1. The sample drawing presented here represents a typical arrangement generally

used to represent control valves on P&ID. Depending on the projects legend
sheets, control valves may be represented by globe or gate valves. Here a globe
valve symbol is used. First of all a proper valve symbol should be selected to
represent the control valve as per the project standards.
2. Generally, the control valve size is smaller than the corresponding line size. This
change in diameter should be clearly indicated in the P&ID with reducer and
expander.
3. Block valves should be provided upstream and downstream of the control valves
in case of shutdown and maintenance.
4. A drain valve is normally provided between the control valve and upstream block
valve. If the control valve is of 'Fail Open' type, this drain valve is sufficient to
drain the piping segment. If the control valve is of 'Fail Close' or 'Fail in Position'
type, then additional drain valve is required between the control valve and
downstream block valve as shown in the sample drawing.
5. Normally, either a bypass or a hand wheel is provided for control valves which
are under continuous service. If two or more control valves are installed in
parallel, bypass or hand wheel is not required.
6. The choice between providing either a bypass or a hand wheel for the control
valve is made based on the size of the control valve. For control valves bigger
than a certain size, provision of hand wheel is preferred. For control valves
smaller than certain size, provision of bypass with block valves is preferred. For
control valves on certain critical services, a spare control valve may be installed
on the bypass of main control valve. This limiting control valve size between
hand wheel and bypass is specific for a project and may vary from one project to
another.
7. If the control valve is equipped with a hand wheel, then only the drain between
control valve and upstream block valve is sufficient for draining by opening the
control valve using hand wheel.
8. Normally globe valve is selected as the bypass valve on the control valve as it
allows better control with opening.
9. Additional details such as failure position, tightness class, # rating etc. are also
indicated on the P&ID for control valves, as per the project standards.
10.All the guidelines given here are very general and may be modified as per specific
requirements of any particular project.
 Typical P&ID arrangement for 3 phase separator vessels

3 phase separators are commonly used in upstream oil and gas industry to separate
oil, gas and water stream coming from the oil wells. This typical P&ID arrangement
can be modified and used for other separator vessels as well.

1. Proper vessel symbol should be selected first of all, as shown in the presented
drawing. This should be selected from the list of equipment symbols on the
legend sheets of a particular project.
2. Separator vessel internals should then be indicated as per proper symbols on the
legend sheets. These internals can be inlet vane, vortex breaker on the outlet lines,
demister pads on gas outlets, weir plate separating the oil and water
compartments etc.
3. All the nozzles on the separator vessel should then be correctly represented with
size and flanges. This includes inlet and outlet nozzles, drains, vents, PSV
connection and instrument nozzles, as shown in the sample drawing presented
here. Typical instrumentation on the vessel would be level gauges and
transmitters on oil and water compartments of the vessel plus pressure gauge and
transmitters linked to pressure control or alarms as applicable.
4. Inlet and outlet lines are the next to be drawn up. Line number, material class,
size etc. is to be correctly assigned to each of the lines.
5. Isolation valves, spectacle blinds, spacers etc. to be used for maintenance should
be drawn up next on the inlet / outlet lines. The spectacle blinds, spacers etc. are
usually connected right next to the isolation valves and equipment nozzles, as
indicated in the sample drawing presented here.
6. Instrumentation on the vessel should be drawn up next. Typically this would
include level gauges, level transmitters, pressure gauges, pressure transmitters as
per requirement for control, alarm and trip if applicable. The sample drawing
presented here only indicates transmitters, but generally they are accompanied by
gauges for local indication and also transmitters for alarms and trips.
7. Various control valves should be drawn up next wherever applicable. Sample
drawing indicates level control on oil and water outlet lines. Plus pressure control
is indicated on the vapor outlet to flare. These control valves should be equipped
with either a bypass or hand wheel as per project standards, to continue vessel
operation in case of control valve maintenance.
8. Drains should be provided either on the vessel or on the bottom outlet lines for
complete draining of the vessel and associated piping for maintenance purpose.
Sample drawing has indicated drains on the outlet lines through which the vessel
and piping can be completely drained. Usually the vessel also has nozzles
connecting it directly to the draining system.
9. Vents can be present either on the vessel itself or on the vapor outlet line, so that
the vessel and associated piping can be completely vented for maintenance. Vent
connected directly to vessel is indicated in the sample drawing.
10.In most cases the vessel is provided with a blanketing gas connection. This
blanketing connection can be with or without pressure control. Although not
indicated in the sample drawing, it is important to consider the blanketing gas
connection to the vessel.
11.For purging the vessel with nitrogen, a connection can be provided directly on
the vessel. In some cases purging can be done with steam.
12.All the guidelines given here are very general and may be modified as per specific
requirements of any particular project.
 Typical P&ID arrangement for pumps

1. Proper pump symbol should be selected first of all, as shown in the presented
drawing. This should be selected from the list of equipment symbols on the
legend sheets of a particular project.
2. All the nozzles on the pump should then be correctly represented with size and
flanges. This includes inlet and outlet nozzles and casing drains and vents as
shown in the sample drawing presented here. Generally, the suction and
discharge nozzles on the pump are smaller than suction and discharge line sizes.
Appropriate reducer / expander to be clearly indicated in such cases.
3. Inlet and outlet lines are the next to be drawn up. Line number, material class,
size etc. is to be correctly assigned to each of the lines.
4. Isolation valves, spectacle blinds, spacers etc. to be used for maintenance should
be drawn up next on the inlet / outlet lines. The isolation valves on suction and
discharge lines should be 'Locked Open' in case of automatic pump start-up. Inlet
line to the pump is to be fitted with a strainer for pump protection. This strainer
can be equipped with a pressure differential gauge to monitor blockage in the
strainer.
5. Pressure gauges are normally to be provided on suction and discharge of the
pump. In addition, pressure transmitters connected to Emergency Shutdown
(ESD) system can also be provided as per requirements.
6. A check valve should be normally provided on the pump discharge to avoid
reverse flow when the pump is not in operation.
7. Downstream to the check valve on the pump discharge, minimum flow
recirculation line for the pump needs to be provided. A flowmeter should be
provided before the minimum flow line, as shown on the presented sample
drawing.
8. A flow control valve with or without bypass is then to be provided on the
minimum flow recirculation line. The isolation valves for this control valve need
to be locked open or sealed open and the FCV should be of 'Fail Open' type. The
minimum recirculation line is normally routed back to the suction vessel of the
pump.
9. Drains and vents to be provided on the suction / discharge lines, minimum flow
line and on pump casing, so that the pump and associated piping can be
completely drained for maintenance.
10.For purging the pump with nitrogen, a connection should be provided right after
isolation valve on the suction line. This connection can also be used as a drain.
11.Temperature gauges and transmitters to be provided as per requirements for
operating and controlling the equipment.
12.All the guidelines given here are very general and may be modified as per specific
requirements of any particular project.

Typical P&ID arrangement for Heat Exchangers

1. Proper equipment symbol should be selected first of all, as shown in the
presented drawing. This should be selected from the list of equipment symbols
on the legend sheets of a particular project.
2. All the nozzles on the exchanger should then be correctly represented with size
and flanges. This includes inlet and outlet nozzles, drains, vents, utility
connections etc.
3. Inlet and outlet lines are the next to be drawn up. Line number, material class,
size etc. is to be correctly assigned to each of the lines. If the unit is envisaged to
be in operation while the exchanger is under maintenance, then bypass lines
should be drawn up on shell side, tube side or on both sides as shown in the
drawing presented here.
4. Isolation valves, spectacle blinds, spacers etc. to be used for maintenance should
be drawn up next on the inlet / outlet lines. Bypass lines to be fitted with normally
closed isolation valves.
5. Thermal relief valve should be provided where required. Generally thermal relief
valves are required on the cold liquid streams, when there is a possibility of
blockage in the heating medium on the other side of exchanger. In case of such
blockage, there is possibility of overheating the cold stream and hence
requirement for thermal relief valve. Discharge of a relief valve to be routed to
an appropriate, safe location.
6. Drains and vents to be provided on both sides of the exchanger (hot and cold
sides), either on the exchanger itself or inlet / outlet piping, so that the equipment
can be completely drained for maintenance.
7. For fouling service on the tube side, utility connections should be provided as
indicated in the presented drawing, for cleaning purpose.
8. Temperature and pressure gauges and transmitters to be provided as per
requirements for operating and controlling the equipment. Normally temperature
monitoring is required for the process side of the heat exchanger. Also generally
temperature control is implemented on the process side of the exchanger.
9. All the guidelines given here are very general and may be modified as per specific
requirements of any particular project.
 THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

INSTRUCTOR
Ahmed Yehia Mohamed
Process engineer, Suez Oil Processing Company (SOPC)
Che.yehia@gmail.com
+20 1008907390