P&ID Checklist for Instrumentation Design Engineer

Sundareswaran IyalunaiduApril 8, 2024

3,516 7 minutes read

Table of Contents

Project P&ID Design and Verification Procedure
Downloadable P&ID Checklist for Instrumentation Design Engineer

Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) are pivotal documents in the design and operation of industrial processes.
They provide a graphical representation of the process, encompassing equipment, instrumentation, and piping systems. As an instrumentation design engineer, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of P&IDs is paramount for the safety, efficiency, and functionality of the process.
The following comprehensive checklist serves as a guide for reviewing P&IDs, covering various aspects from tagging and symbology to equipment specifications and operability considerations.

P&ID Checklist for Instrumentation Design Engineer

Project P&ID Design and Verification Procedure

Tagging

Verify tagging against the project tagging philosophy.
Ensure consistency with project standards or vendor standard symbols.
Verify that all equipment is properly tagged and that the title above each piece of equipment is accurate, with correct spelling.

Symbology

Cross-reference symbols with project standards or vendor guidelines.
Ensure clarity and consistency in symbol representation.

Inlet and Outlet Design Parameters

Verify design pressure/temperature for inlet and outlet streams.
Confirm operating conditions align with equipment and process requirements.
Collaborate with process engineers to ensure accuracy. Document verification process, addressing discrepancies as needed.
Ensure compliance with codes and standards. Update documentation accordingly for clarity and accuracy.

Key Equipment Design Parameters:

Verify key equipment design parameters including pressure, temperature, material, and dimensions.
Confirm operating conditions align with specifications. Assess corrosion allowance to ensure equipment integrity.
Verify design parameters for vessels, heat exchangers, heaters, boilers, tanks, pumps, turbines, compressors, including size, temperature, pressure, duty, and relevant controls.
Coordinate with process and mechanical engineers for accuracy. Document findings and update specifications accordingly for compliance and safety.

Drawing Layout and Organization:

Ensure that the drawing layout is clear and organized, with equipment logically arranged and lines routed in a systematic manner to avoid confusion.

Legends and Abbreviations:

Check that all legends and abbreviations used in the drawing are consistent and clearly defined in the legend or accompanying documentation.

Click here to know about P&ID legends

Line Types and Weights:

Verify that line types and weights are used consistently throughout the drawing to distinguish between different types of lines (e.g., process lines, utility lines, instrument lines).

Annotation and Annotations:

Review all annotations and annotations on the drawing for accuracy and relevance, ensuring that they provide necessary information without cluttering the drawing unnecessarily.

Alignment with Standards:

Ensure that the P&ID drawing adheres to relevant industry standards, codes, and best practices, including those related to symbols, abbreviations, and drawing conventions.

Material Selection:

Refer to the project material selection report for key components.

Line Sizing:

Refer to piping class for material and ratings.

Valve Sizes:

Ensure appropriate sizing of valves based on process requirements.

Valve Positions and Functions:

Verify valve positions (normally open or closed) and functions, including block/bypass valves, reducers, and alignment with the latest specifications from the controls department.

Instrumentation:

Assess suitability of instrumentation for selected parameters.
Confirm ranges, alarm set points, and trip set points.
Check for compatibility with control systems and interfaces.

Control Panel Interfaces:

Review signals to/from main control room and field instruments.
Check for hardwired signals and serial linked signals.
Ensure clarity in signal pathways and communication protocols.

Pressure Relief Valves:

Verify sizes and set pressures of pressure relief valves.
Confirm proper installation and connection to relief systems.
Ensure that pressure relief valves are correctly sized, with set pressure, inlet/discharge size, and proper installation according to design requirements.

Control Loops:

Ensure proper integration of control loops between instruments and equipment.
Verify functionality and feedback mechanisms for control systems.

Termination Points:

Check for accuracy of termination points for instrumentation and piping.
Ensure clear identification and labeling of termination points.

Notes:

Review project requirements, exceptions, or operational points noted on the P&ID.
Verify clarity and completeness of notes regarding design considerations.

Consistency:

Ensure consistency between P&IDs and related documents such as instrument index, control philosophy, and line list.
Cross-check information across different documents to ensure alignment and accuracy.

Title Block:

Confirm completeness of title block information including signatures, dates, and revisions.
Ensure inclusion of all necessary company logos and client signoff blocks.

Equipment Details:

Check equipment details such as size, design parameters, and utilities.
Verify compliance with specifications and standards.

Instrument Types:

Review instrument types and configurations for suitability and accuracy.
Confirm proper placement and labeling of instruments.
Assess whether instrumentation types are appropriate for the application, including local/transmitted, control type, and block/bypass valves.

Valve Installation:

Ensure proper installation of valves including position, orientation, and functionality.
Verify inclusion of block/bypass valves and reducers as necessary.

Safety Devices:

Confirm presence and accuracy of safety devices such as relief valves and pressure gauges.
Verify proper sizing and installation according to design requirements.

Line Routing:

Check for clear and logical routing of process lines.
Ensure avoidance of congested areas and interference with other equipment or structures.

Insulation:

Verify insulation requirements for piping, equipment, and instruments.
Ensure proper indication of insulation materials and thickness.

Operability:

Ensure clear identification of the drawing, including company document/drawing number, client document number, and licensor/vendor document number, if applicable.
Consider operational factors such as start-up, shutdown, and normal operation procedures, ensuring that the drawing accurately reflects the sequence of operations and necessary controls.
Assess operability for start-up, shutdown, and normal operation scenarios.
Identify any potential operability issues and propose solutions.
Compliance:
Ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and regulatory requirements.
Verify adherence to company policies and procedures.

Stream Flags and Conventions:

Ensure that stream flags follow plant conventions, indicating the fluid, drawing number, and the equipment the stream is from/going to.
Verify that stream connections between drawings are correct, with all inlet streams matching outlet streams or providing an adequate explanation for deviations.

Connection Accuracy

Ensure that lines connect according to the project’s branch table, including tie points at all old/new line interfaces.

Battery Limits:

Mark battery limits clearly on the drawing to delineate the boundary of the process unit.

Line Arrows:

Check that line arrows are present on each turn of a line and indicate the correct flow direction.

Drawing Clarity

Confirm that the drawing is not overcrowded, maintaining an appropriate number of equipment pieces per drawing for clarity.

Documentation:

Review completeness and accuracy of documentation, including revision history and numbering.
Confirm inclusion of all necessary drawings and specifications.
Establish effective documentation control procedures for managing P&IDs.
Maintain a centralized repository for storing and accessing P&ID documents.
Ensure version control and traceability of P&IDs throughout the project.
Review revision triangles, clouds, and other markings to ensure that revisions are properly documented and any changes are accounted for in the drawing.

Expansion Provisions:

Verify provision for future expansion and scalability of the system.
Ensure inclusion of tie-in points and flexibility in design.

Redundancy:

Assess redundancy measures for critical systems and components.
Verify backup systems and fail-safe mechanisms.

Emergency Procedures:

Verify that emergency response procedures and equipment (e.g., emergency shutdown systems, fire protection equipment) are appropriately depicted and labeled on the drawing.
Ensure clarity and accessibility of emergency information.

Interface Compatibility:

Check compatibility of interfaces between different systems and components.
Verify proper integration and communication between control systems.

Accessibility:

Ensure accessibility of equipment for maintenance and inspection activities.
Identify any accessibility issues and propose solutions.

Environmental Considerations:

Assess environmental impact of the process and equipment.
Verify compliance with environmental regulations and guidelines.

Training Requirements:

Identify training requirements for operators and maintenance personnel.
Ensure inclusion of training materials and documentation.

Risk Assessment:

Make a risk assessment to find possible hazards and risks.
Propose mitigation measures to minimize risks and ensure safety.

Communication:

Maintain open communication with other engineering disciplines and stakeholders.
Address any concerns or discrepancies through effective communication channels.

Collaboration:

Promote cooperation and teamwork among project team members.
Encourage participation and input from all stakeholders.

Quality Assurance:

Implement quality assurance measures to ensure accuracy and reliability of P&IDs.
Conduct regular reviews and audits to identify and address any quality issues.
Check for adherence to project specifications, codes, and industry standards.
Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures.

Continual Improvement:

It is important to aim for continuous improvement in the procedures and practices of P&ID design.
Learn from past experiences and incorporate feedback for future projects.

Adaptability:

Remain flexible and adaptable to changes in project requirements and constraints.
Be proactive in addressing any changes or challenges that arise during the design process.

Innovation:

Explore innovative solutions and technologies to enhance P&ID design efficiency and effectiveness.
Embrace new tools and methodologies to improve workflow and productivity.

Documentation Management:

Establish effective documentation management processes to ensure version control and traceability.
Implement a centralized repository for storing and accessing project documentation.

Revision Management:

Ensure proper management of revisions throughout the project lifecycle.
Document revision history and update P&IDs accordingly.
Coordinate with project stakeholders to communicate revisions effectively.

Accuracy Verification:

Conduct regular reviews and audits to verify the accuracy of P&IDs.
Cross-check information with other project documents to ensure consistency.
Address any discrepancies or inconsistencies promptly.

Training and Development:

Invest in training and development programs for engineering staff.
Provide them the chance to develop their skills and advance their careers.
Encourage an environment of cooperation and knowledge exchange inside the company.
Promote the exchange of technological know-how, best practices, and lessons discovered.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Engage with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle to ensure alignment of expectations and requirements.
To improve decision-making processes, get opinions and suggestions from appropriate stakeholders.

Risk Management:

Determine project hazards and use proactive risk management techniques to reduce them.
Develop contingency plans to address potential issues and minimize project disruptions.

Project Coordination:

Coordinate closely with other project teams and disciplines to ensure seamless integration of design elements.
Communicate effectively to resolve conflicts and maintain project schedule and budget.

Client Satisfaction:

Prioritize client satisfaction by delivering high-quality deliverables that meet or exceed expectations.
Ask for input from customers to determine their level of satisfaction and pinpoint areas that need work.

Regulatory Compliance:

Verify adherence to relevant norms and regulatory requirements.
Stay informed about updates and changes to regulations that may impact project design and execution.

Environmental Sustainability:

Incorporate principles of environmental sustainability into design decisions and practices.
Seek opportunities to minimize environmental impact and promote resource conservation.

Health and Safety:

Prioritize health and safety considerations throughout the design process.
Implement measures to protect the health and safety of workers and the surrounding community.
Conduct a mini-HAZOP to identify potential safety and operability issues, ensuring that deviations in temperature, pressure, flow, or utility failures are appropriately addressed and documented for operators.

Project Closure:

Conduct thorough project closure activities to ensure all deliverables are complete and stakeholders are satisfied.
Keep a record of your best practices and lessons learned for future reference and ongoing development.