A complete collection of the most used P&ID symbols for lines, piping, valves, instruments, pumps, compressors, pressure equipment and other mechanical equipment, and the PDF file for P&ID symbols to download
WHAT IS P&ID?
P&ID is the acronym for “Piping and instrumentation diagram”, i.e. a very detailed diagram showing the processes happening within a plant, the involved equipment, and their interconnections.
A set of standardized P&ID symbols is used by process engineers to draft such diagrams. P&ID symbols exist for all major components and lines, such as valves, vessels, instruments, pumps, compressors, and towers. The ISA S5.1, ISO 10628, and BS 5070 cover the standardization of P&ID symbols and guide process engineers in their plant design activities.
The most common P&ID symbols are listed below:
- lines
- piping components (pipes, flanges, and fittings)
- valves
- filters
- instruments and instrumentation
- pumps
- compressors
- vessels
- electrical machines (motors, generators, and turbines)
- heat exchangers
LINES P&ID SYMBOLS
PIPING P&ID SYMBOLS
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Clamped Flange Coupling symbol |
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Coupling symbol |
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End Caps 01 symbol |
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End Caps 02 symbol |
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Flange symbol |
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Flanges symbol |
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Reducers symbol |
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Removable Spool symbol |
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Union symbol |
VALVES P&ID SYMBOLS
FILTERS P&ID SYMBOLS
INSTRUMENTS P&ID SYMBOLS
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Analyzer Transmitter symbol |
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AND Gate symbol |
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Averaging Pitot Tube symbol |
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Behind Control symbol |
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Behind Local Control symbol |
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Computer symbol |
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Computer Indicator symbol |
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Coriolis Flow Sensor symbol |
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Correcting Element symbol |
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Diamond symbol |
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Diaphragm Meter symbol |
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Displayed Configurable symbol |
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Displayed Programmable Indicator symbol |
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Double symbol |
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Flow Controller symbol |
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Flow Element symbol |
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Flow Indicator symbol |
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Flow Meter symbol |
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Flow Nozzle Meter symbol |
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Flow Recorder symbol |
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Flow Transmitter symbol |
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Flowmeter symbol |
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Flume Meter symbol |
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Indicator 01 symbol |
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Level Alarm symbol |
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Level Controller symbol |
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Level Gauge symbol |
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Level Indicator symbol |
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Level Meter symbol |
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Level Recorder symbol |
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Level Transmitter symbol |
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Magnetic Flow Meter symbol |
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Manhole symbol |
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NOT Gate symbol |
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Odometer symbol |
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On Central Control Panel symbol |
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On Local Control Panel symbol |
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OR Gate symbol |
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Pitot Tube symbol |
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Pitot Tube Type Flow Meter symbol |
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Pressure Controller symbol |
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Pressure Gauge symbol |
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Pressure Gauges symbol |
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Pressure Indicating controller symbol |
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Pressure Indicator symbol |
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Pressure Recorder symbol |
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Pressure Recording Controller symbol |
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Pressure Transmitter symbol |
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Programmable Indicator symbol |
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Quick Change Meter symbol |
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Rotary Meter symbol |
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Rotometer symbol |
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Sampler symbol |
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Shared Indicator 01 symbol |
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Shared Indicator 02 symbol |
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Socket Connection symbol |
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Specialty Item symbol |
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Steam Tracer symbol |
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Straightening Vane symbol |
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Support Bracket symbol |
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Support Leg symbol |
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Support Ring symbol |
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Support Skirt symbol |
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Target Meter symbol |
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Temperature Controller symbol |
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Temperature Element symbol |
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Temperature Indicator symbol |
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Temperature Recorder symbol |
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Temperature Transmitter symbol |
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Thermometer symbol |
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Thermometers symbol |
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Transducer symbol |
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Turbine Meter symbol |
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Ultrasonic Meter symbol |
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Unit Control Panel symbol |
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V Cone Meter symbol |
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Venturi symbol |
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Venturi Meter symbol |
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Vortex Sensor symbol |
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Wedge Meter symbol |
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Weir Meter symbol |
ISA SYMBOLOGY
The symbology for the identification of the measurement and control instrumentation on the flow and process diagrams and on the P&ID (Piping & Instrument Diagram), commonly called P&I (Piping & Instrumentation), is generally compliant with the Standard ISA (Instrumentation Society of Automation) identified as S.5, that is composed of identification codes and graphic symbols.
The symbology of the instrument it is placed in a circle of 7/16 “or 12 mm (see below), was in the top there is the functional identification (of the instrument or device) composed with max 5 letters, and in the bottom there is identification of the loop (measurement and/or control) consists of a progressive number of 3 or 4 numbers, followed by a literal suffix to identifies two or more identical instruments inserted in the same chain and therefore having the same functional identification;
The circle that identifies the instrument or device has:
- Continue Line in the center: for an instrument suitable for control room mounting
- The dotted line in the center: for an instrument suitable for technical room mounting
- No line in the center: for an instrument suitable for field application
If an instrument has a circumscribed square means that it is an integrated instrument as a function in a DCS (Distributed Control System) or PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).
T First Letter (Measured variable) |
RC Later letters (Functions) |
101 Loop number |
A Suffix |
Functional identification | Loop identification |
Graphical representation of a temperature recorder controller of the 101A loop, suitable for control room mounting
The following tables show:
– Table 1 identifying the function of the instruments or devices
– Table 2 the graphic identification of the valves
– Table 3 the graphic identification of the actuators
– Table 4 identifying the safety conditions of the valves and actuators
At the end will also be reported the literal and graphic symbols of the power supplies and signals of the instrumentation.
TABLE 1 – FUNCTIONS OF INSTRUMENTS
LETTER |
FIRST LETTER | FOLLOWING LETTERS | |||
Measured variable | Modified | Passive function | Active function | Modifier | |
A | Analysis | Alarm | |||
B | Burner or combustion |
||||
C | User (1) choice | Control | |||
D | User (1) choise | Differential | |||
E | Voltage | Element (primary) | |||
F | Flow | Fraction | |||
G | User (1) choice | Glass (2) | |||
H | Hand | High (3) | |||
I | Current | Indicate | |||
J | Power | Scan | |||
K | Time schedule | Time rate of change | Control station | ||
L | Level | Light | Low (4) | ||
M | User (1) choise | Momentary | Meddle or intermediate |
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N | User (1) choice |
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O | User (1) choice | Orifice or restriction |
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P | Pressure or vacuum | Point test | |||
Q | Quantity | Totalize or integrate | |||
R | Radioactivity | Record | |||
S | Speed or frequency |
Safety | Switch | ||
T | Temperature | Transmit | |||
U | Multivariable | Multifunction | Multifunction | Multifunction | |
V | Vibration | Valve | |||
W | Weight or force | Well | |||
X | Danger | Axis X | Unclassified | Unclassified | Fault |
Y | Event | Axis Y | Calculation module (5) | ||
Z | Position or dimension | Axis Z | Unclassified final element | ||
(1) It must be chosen uniquely for each project. For example C – Conductivity; D – Density; etc. (2) Glass instruments that allow the visualization of process data (3) Very high or maximum is indicated with HH (4) Very low or minimum is indicated with LL (5) To define the Y function on a diagram, add the specific symbol of the relay or convert to a square of 6 mm on the side of the graphical sign of the instrument (in the north-east position). |
TABLE 2 – INSTRUMENTATION VALVES SYMBOLS
TABLE 3 – ACTUATORS FOR INSTRUMENTATION VALVE SYMBOLS

TABLE 4 – IDENTIFICATION OF SAFETY CONDITION FOR VALVES AND ACTUATORS (WITHOUT SUPPLY)
SYMBOLOGY FOR POWER SUPPLY
AS – Ais Supply:
IA – Instrument Air
PA- Plant Air
ES – Electrical Supply
GS – Gas Supply
HS – Hydraulic Supply
NS – Nitrogen Supply
SS – Steam Supply
WS – Water Supply
SYMBOLOGY FOR INSTRUMENTATION SIGNALS
The table shows the symbology of control signals for instrumentation

PUMPS P&ID SYMBOLS
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Cavity Pump symbol |
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Centrifugal Pumps 01 symbol |
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Centrifugal Pumps 02 symbol |
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Centrifugal Pumps 03 P&ID symbol |
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Centrifugal Pumps 04 P&ID symbol |
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Centrifugal Pumps 05 |
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Gear Pump symbol |
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Horizontal Pump symbol |
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ISO Centrifugal Pump symbol |
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ISO Diaphragm Pump symbol |
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ISO Gear Pump symbol |
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ISO Liquid Pump symbol |
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ISO Positive Displacement Pump symbol |
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ISO Progressive Pump symbol |
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ISO Screw Pump symbol |
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Liquid Ring Vacuum Pump symbol |
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Peristaltic Pump symbol |
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Positive Displacement Pump 01 symbol |
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Positive Displacement Pump 02 symbol |
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Positive Displacement Pump 03 symbol |
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Proportionating Pump symbol |
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Pump 01 symbol |
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Reciprocating Pump 01 symbol |
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Reciprocating Pump 02 symbol |
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Rotary Gear Pump symbol |
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Rotary Pump symbol |
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Screw Pump 01 symbol |
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Screw Pump 02 symbol |
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Submersible Pump symbol |
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Sump Pump symbol |
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Turbine Pump symbol |
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Vacuum Pump symbol |
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Vertical Pump 01 symbol |
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Vertical Pump 02 symbol |
COMPRESSORS P&ID SYMBOLS
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AC Air Compressor symbol |
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Air Compressor symbol |
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Axial Compressor symbol |
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Centrifugal Blower symbol |
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Centrifugal Compressor 01 symbol |
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Centrifugal Compressor 02 symbol |
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Centrifugal Compressor 03 symbol |
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Centrifugal Compressor 04 symbol |
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Compressor 01 symbol |
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Compressor 02 symbol |
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Compressor Silencers symbol |
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Compressor Vacuum Pump symbol |
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Diaphragm Compressor symbol |
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Ejector Compressor symbol |
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Gas Blower symbol |
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Liquid Ring Compressor symbol |
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Piston Compressor symbol |
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Reciprocating Compressor 01 symbol |
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Reciprocating Compressor 02 symbol |
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Reciprocating Compressor 03 symbol |
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Ring Compressor symbol |
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Roller Vane Compressor symbol |
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Rotary Compressors 01 symbol |
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Rotary Compressors 02 symbol |
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Rotary Compressors and Silencers symbol |
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Screw Compressor symbol |
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Selectable Compressor symbol |
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Turbo Compressor symbol |
VESSELS P&ID SYMBOLS
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Bag symbol |
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Bag ISO symbol |
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Barrel P&ID symbol |
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Barrel ISO symbol |
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Bin symbol |
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Boiler symbol |
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Brackets Vessel symbol |
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Column symbol |
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Cone Roof Tank symbol |
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Covered Tank symbol |
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Dished Ends Vessel symbol |
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Dome Boiler symbol |
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Dome Roof Tank symbol |
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Double Wall Tank symbol |
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Drum symbol |
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Electrical Heating Vessel symbol |
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Floating Roof Tank symbol |
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Fluidized Bed Column symbol |
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Gas Bottle symbol |
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Heating Cooling Jacket Vessel symbol |
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Hot Liquid Boiler symbol |
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Internal Floating Roof Tank symbol |
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Knockout Drum symbol |
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Mixing Vessel symbol |
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Onion Tank symbol |
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Open Bulk Storage symbol |
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Open Tank symbol |
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Packed Tower symbol |
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Packing Column 01 symbol |
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Packing Column 02 symbol |
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Pit Vessel symbol |
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Plate Tower symbol |
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Staggered Baffle Tray Column symbol |
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Tank 01 symbol |
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Tank 02 symbol |
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Tank 03 symbol |
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Tank 04 symbol |
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Thermal Insulation Vessel symbol |
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Tray Column symbol |
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Vertical Vessel symbol |
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Wastewater Treatment symbol |
MOTORS, GENERATORS, TURBINES P&ID SYMBOLS
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AC Generator symbol |
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AC Motor symbol |
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DC Generator symbol |
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DC Motor symbol |
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Diesel Motor symbol |
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Electric Moto symbol |
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Gear symbol |
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Generator symbol |
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Motor 01 symbol |
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Motor 02 symbol |
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Motor Driven Turbine symbol |
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Motor Generator symbol |
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Step Motor symbol |
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Turbine symbol |
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Turbine Driver symbol |
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Vertical Turbines symbol |
HEAT EXCHANGERS P&ID SYMBOLS
DOWNLOAD P&ID SYMBOLS IN PDF
You can download most P&ID symbols in PDF format by clicking on the following link:
About the Author
Author: Dott. Prof. Alessandro Brunelli – Professor of Instrumentation, Automation, and Safety of Industrial Plants
Cavaliere dell’ Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (OMRI N. 9826 Serie VI)
Author of “Instrumentation Manual” (available in IT):
- Part 1: illustrates the general concepts on industrial instrumentation, the symbology, the terminology and calibration of the measurement instrumentation, the functional and applicative conditions of the instrumentation in normal applications and with the danger of explosion, as well as the main directives (ATEX , EMC, LVD, MID, and PED);
- Part 2: this part of the book deals with the instrumentation for measuring physical quantities: pressure, level, flow rate, temperature, humidity, viscosity, mass density, force and vibration, and chemical quantities: pH, redox, conductivity, turbidity, explosiveness, gas chromatography, and spectrography, treating the measurement principles, the reference standard, the practical executions, and the application advantages and disadvantages for each size;
- Part 3:illustrates the control, regulation, and safety valves and then and simple regulation techniques in feedback and coordinates in feedforward, ratio, cascade, override, split range, gap control, variable decoupling, and then the Systems of Distributed Control (DCS) for continuous processes, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) for discontinuous processes and Communication Protocols (BUS), and finally the aspects relating to System Safety Systems, from Operational Alarms to Fire & Gas Systems, to systems of ESD stop and finally to the Instrumented Safety Systems (SIS) with graphic and analytical determinations of the Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) with some practical examples.
Download the PDF – Instrumentation Handbook
You can download an excerpt of the “Instrumentation Manual” (Brunelli, 2018-2019) by clicking on the following link:
32 Responses
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Thanks for your such good knowledge sharing really valuable blog to read keep sharing more
it’s very useful for learning students who interested in c & I in the power plant.
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Thank you
Benjamin Lewis
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Unfortunately, not(
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Professor,
When showing a local indicating pressure transmitter (PIT) with a signal to the DCS PI – what does the “I” stand for on the DCS symbol. Also,
does a local PIT go to a DCS PALL or Local PSLL go to DCS PALL
Thank you
I means indicator showing the process variable measured by the transmitter and this is the same reading send to DCS
Basic informative stuff. Excellent collection.
Thanks for your such good knowledge
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Thank you very much
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Good afternoon employee,
Is it possible to obtain an accredited symbol book (P&ID) from you? This for a number (approx. 7 pieces) in the Dutch language?
Thanks in advance!
Sincerely,
Thomas de Jong
great P&ID Guidance
that was a idea to let the readers to download it in pdf
thank you very much
Pressure Indicating Transmitter (Local Indication)
It’s awesome that this article talked about process engineers create such diagrams using a set of standardized P&ID symbols. I’m glad that you explain it thoroughly and now it makes more sense. You did a great job of explaining the valve manifold box.
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