96 CONTROL LOOP FOUNDATION: BATCH AND CONTINUOUS PROCESSES

When you are doing a survey of an existing plant, obtaining a copy of the
plant P&IDs is a good starting point for getting familiar with the process
and instrumentation. Unfortunately, the presentation of process control
on the P&ID is not standardized and varies with the engineering firm that
creates the plant design. In some cases, process control is illustrated at the
top of the drawing and its use of field instrumentation is indicated by
arrows on the drawing that point from the field instrumentation to the
control representation. Another common approach is to show control in
the main body of the drawing with lines connected to the field instrumen-
tation. Using either approach complicates the drawing and its mainte-
nance since process control design may change with plant operational
requirements.

For this reason, the P&ID may only show the field instrumentation, with
other documentation referenced that explains the control and calculations
done by the control system. For example, when the process involves work-
ing with hazardous chemicals, then a controller functional description
(CFD) may be required for process safety management (PSM). Standards
have been established by OSHA for controller functional descriptions. [3]

7.4 Loop Diagram

The piping and instrumentation diagram identifies, but does not describe
in detail, the field instrumentation that is used by the process control sys-
tem, as well as field devices such as manual blocking valves that are
needed in plant operations. Many of the installation details associated
with field instrumentation, such as the field devices, measurement ele-
ments, wiring, junction block termination, and other installation details
are documented using a loop diagram. ISA has defined the ISA-5.4 stan-
dard for Instrument Loop Diagrams. [4] This standard does not mandate
the style and content of instrument loop diagrams, but rather it is a con-
sensus concerning their generation. A loop diagram, also commonly
known as a loop sheet, is created for each field device that has been given
a unique tag number. The loop diagrams for a process area are normally
bound into a book and are used to install and support checkout of newly
installed field devices. After plant commissioning, the loop Diagrams pro-
vide the wiring details that a maintenance person needs to find and trou-
bleshoot wiring to the control system.

Loop Diagram – Drawing that shows field device installa-

tion details including wiring and the junction box (if one is
used) that connects the field device to the control system.

The loop diagram is a critical piece of documentation associated with the

installation of the control system. As has been mentioned, the engineering
 CHAPTER 7 – CONTROL AND FIELD INSTRUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION 97

company that is designing a process normally has standards that they fol-
low in the creation of a loop diagram. These standards may be docu-
mented by the creation of a master template that illustrates how field
devices and nomenclature are used on the drawing.

The loop diagram typically contains a significant amount of detail. For

example, if a junction box is used as an intermediate wiring point, the loop
diagram will contain information on the wiring junctions from the field
device to the control system. An example of a loop diagram is shown in
Figure 7-4.

As is illustrated in this example, junction box connections are shown on

the line that shows the division between the field and the rack room. The
loop diagram shows the termination numbers used in the junction box
and the field device and for wiring to the control system input and output
cards. Also, the Display and Schematic portions of the loop diagram
provide information on how the field input and output are used in the
control system.

Figure 7-4 shows installation details for a two-wire level transmitter that is
powered through the control system analog input card. Also, connections
are shown between the control system analog output card and an I/P
transducer and pneumatic valve actuator. Details such as the 20 psi air
supply to the I/P and the 60 psi air supply to the actuator are shown on
this drawing. Based on information provided by the loop diagram, we
know that the I/P will be calibrated to provide a 3–15 psi signal to the
valve actuator. In addition, specific details are provided on the level mea-
surement installation. Since the installation shows sensing lines to the top
and bottom of the tank, it becomes clear that the tank is pressurized and
that level will be sensed based on the differential pressure.

In this particular installation, the instrumentation engineer has included

purge water to keep the sensing line from becoming plugged by material
in the tank. Even fine details such as the manual valve to regulate the flow
of purge water are included in the loop diagram to guide the installation
and maintenance of the measurement device.

In this example, the loop diagram shows the installation of a rotameter. A

rotameter consists of a movable float inserted in a vertical tube and may
be used to provide an inexpensive mechanical means of measuring volu-
metric flow rate in the field.

As this example illustrates, the loop diagram provides information that is

critical to the installation, checkout, and maintenance of field devices. By
examining the loop diagram, it is possible to learn details that may not be
 98

FIELD RACK DISPLAY

WATER
PULP MILL RACK ROOM PULP MILL CONTROL ROOM
3/8” PURGE
M3 DIRECT
NO. 1 FC
15A LC LC
FLASH TANK 0 – 87 INCHES
15 15
EQ.NO.022-01
TB-5 1 13
4 2 14
4-20ma
5 3 +24 V 15
1/4” I/P + 311-015-T7 6 4 16
20PSI A1 LV15 - 311-105-T8
TB-5 5 17
LOCATION: 6 18
7
COL. 4,5G, 4-20ma 7 19
WATER 8
ELEV. 262’-0” 8 20
PURGE 9
9 21
311-015-T4 SCHEMATIC
10 22
FC 311-105-T5
11 23
15B 1/4” CI 12 24
RACK: 311-FC-2 LC
CARD FILE: 3 15
SLOT: 6
3/8” M4
3/8”
60#
A2
TO NO.2
FLASH TANK
A/O, F/L LV EQ.NO.023-00
LOCATION: 15 LT I/P
1/2” PI 15
COL. 4,5G, 15
1/2” P2 ELEV. 262’-0”
LT -
15 +
LOCATION: LV
COL. 4,5G, F 15
CONTROL LOOP FOUNDATION: BATCH AND CONTINUOUS PROCESSES

ELEV. 264’-6”

NOTES & INTERLOCK DESCRIPTION REF DWGS/COMMENTS

P & ID DWG:
1. SP. GR. = 0.5 ( Company Name )
LOC DWG:

FCB ITEM 6A EC-1011 W&T 5120M12111 0-6 GPH

FCA ITEM 6A EC-1011 W&T 5120M12111 0-6 GPH LOOP TITLE
LV ITEM 1B EC—1011 KAMYR LJMA16 --------------------- ** LEVEL **
I/P ITEM 6B EC-1011 FISHER 546 --------------------- CONSTRUCTION 10/2/2009 FIRST STAGE
LC EC-1010 FISHER CL7001-1 0-87 IN H20 51 1 ELECT. DESIGN 8/20/2009 FLASH TANK
LT ITEM 2C. EC-1011 GOULD PD3000 -165.3 TO -156.6 IN H2O 0 CONFIGURATION 6/21/2009 SHEET LOOP NO. REV
TAG NO. SPEC NO. PO/REL/ITEM MFGR. MODEL NO. CALIB/RANGE REV ISSUED FOR DATE 1 OF 1 P- 311 - LS 15 2

Figure 7-4. Example Loop Diagram—Level Control

 CHAPTER 7 – CONTROL AND FIELD INSTRUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION 99

obvious when you are touring the plant site. For example, as was previ-
ously presented in Chapter 3 on measurement, there are various ways to
measure temperature. In the case of a temperature measurement, the loop
diagram will provide information on the temperature transmitter, as well
as the measurement element that is used. Figure 7-5 shows the loop dia-
gram for a temperature measurement in which a three-wire RTD element
is used for the temperature measurement. Details such as the grounding of
the shield for the element wire and for the twisted pair going from the
transmitter to the control system are noted on the loop diagram.

The process of creating and reviewing loop diagrams is made easier by the
fact that many components used to represent measurement and control in
similar applications are often repeated. For example, the manner in which
the control valve, actuator, and associated I/P transducer were repre-
sented in the loop diagram example for a level application is duplicated in
other loop diagrams that depict a regulating (control) valve. This is illus-
trated in the loop diagram shown in Figure 7-6 for a pressure application
in which a regulating valve is used in the control of pressure. Also in this
example, the pressure measurement is made with a two-wire transmitter.
As will be noted by comparing Figure 7-4 and Figure 7-6, the wiring for
the pressure transmitter is similar to that used for the level transmitter.

In some cases, the operator uses a process measurement as an indicator or

as an input to a calculation that is done in the control system. A loop dia-
gram may be developed for these types of measurement that details the
device installation and wiring to the control system. In such cases, the
loop diagram will contain no definitions of control. Figure 7-7 shows a
flow measurement made by measuring the differential pressure across an
orifice plate. As was previously covered in Chapter 3 on measurement, the
hole in the orifice plate is sized to give a specific pressure drop at the max-
imum flow rate that the process is designed to support. As noted in the
lower portion of the loop diagram, the orifice plate is sized to provide a
differential pressure of 500 inches H2O at a flow rate of 750 gpm. Also
noted in the loop diagram is the control system is expected to take the
square root of this differential pressure to obtain an indication of flow rate.

7.5 Tagging Conventions

The tagging conventions that were shown in examples of a P&ID and loop
diagrams may be confusing to someone who has not worked with these
documents. The naming convention illustrated in the P&ID and loop dia-
gram examples are fairly well standardized in North America. To a certain
extent, similar conventions are used in Europe and Asia to document pro-
cess instrumentation and control. The standard tagging convention used
 100

FIELD RACK DISPLAY

PULP MILL RACK ROOM PULP MILL CONTROL ROOM

+24 VDC
TB-1
311-016-T1
1 11 TI
311-016-T2 4-20ma TI
2 12 16 16 200-400 Deg F
3 RACK: 311-FC-1
+ - CARD FILE: 1
TT SLOT: 4
16
1 2 3 4
LOCATION:
COL. 4,5G,
SCHEMATIC
ELEV. 262’-0”

TI
16

311-016-W1
311-016-W2
311-016-W3
1 2 3
LOCATION:
TE
COL. E-D/4-5 TT
16
ELEV. 265’-9” 16

FROM NO.1
DIGESTER TO NO.1
FLASH TANK TE
16
CONTROL LOOP FOUNDATION: BATCH AND CONTINUOUS PROCESSES

NOTES & INTERLOCK DESCRIPTION REF DWGS/COMMENTS

P & ID DWG:
LOC DWG: ( Company Name )

LOOP TITLE
** TEMPERATURE **
TI EC-1040 FISHER DM0321-1-82 200-400 Deg F 2 CONSTRUCTION 10/2/2009 DIGESTER
TT ITEM 5D EC-1032 GOULD T3000 200-400 Deg F 1 ELECT. DESIGN 8/20/2009 EXTRACTION
TE ITEM 5D EC-1032 GOULD T3000 200-400 Deg F 0 CONFIGURATION 6/21/2009 SHEET LOOP NO. REV
TAG NO. SPEC NO. PO/REL/ITEM MFGR. MODEL NO. CALIB/RANGE REV ISSUED FOR DATE 1 OF 1 P- 311 - LS 16 2

Figure 7-5. Example Loop Diagram – Temperature Control

 FIELD RACK DISPLAY
FROM PULP MILL RACK ROOM PULP MILL CONTROL ROOM
SECOND STAGE
FLASH TANK LOCATION: DIRECT
COL. 4-5, G-H PC PC
ELEV. 281’-6” 17 17 0 – 5 PSIG
TB-1 1 13
1/2” PT - 311-017-T1
1 2 14
PI 17 + 311-017-T2 4-20ma
2 3 +24 V 15
3 4 16
TB-1 5 17
311-017-C1 6 18
1/4” I/P + 4
20PSI 311-017-C2 4-20ma 7 19
A1 LV17 - 5
8 20
LOCATION: 6
9 21
COL. 4-5/G-H 10 22 SCHEMATIC
ELEV. 281’-6” 11 23
12 24
RACK: 311-FC-2 PC
1/4” CI CARD FILE: 3 17
SLOT: 6

3/8”
60#
A2
TO I/P
PT
TURPENTINE 17
17
A/O, FL CONDENSER
PV LOCATION:
17 COL. 4,5G,
ELEV. 282’-8” PV
17

NOTES & INTERLOCK DESCRIPTION REF DWGS/COMMENTS

P & ID DWG:
LOC DWG: ( Company Name )

LOOP TITLE
PV ITEM 1B EC-1020 KAMYR LJMA10 --------------------- **PRESSURE**
I/P ITEM 6B EC-1020 FISHER 546 --------------------- CONSTRUCTION 10/2/2009 SECOND STAGE
PC EC-1040 FISHER CL7001-1 0-5 PSIG 1 ELECT. DESIGN 8/20/2009 FLASH TANK
SHEET LOOP NO. REV
CHAPTER 7 – CONTROL AND FIELD INSTRUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION

PT ITEM 4B EC-1020 GOULD LPG3040 0 -5 PSIG 0 CONFIGURATION 6/21/2009

TAG NO. SPEC NO. PO/REL/ITEM MFGR. MODEL NO. CALIB/RANGE REV ISSUED FOR DATE 1 OF 1 P- 311 - LS 17 2

Figure 7-6. Example Loop Diagram – Pressure Control

101
 102

FIELD RACK DISPLAY

PULP MILL RACK ROOM PULP MILL CONTROL ROOM

+24 VDC
TB-2
311-016-T4
4 11 FI
311-016-T5 4-20ma FI
5 12 18 18 0-750 GPM
6 RACK: 311-FC-1
CARD FILE: 1
SLOT: 4

LOCATION:
COL. 4/C
+ - ELEV. 234’-0” SCHEMATIC
PURGE FT
PURGE
WATER FC
18 FC WATER
18A 18A
FI
M1 M2 18
3/8” 3/8”

P1 P2
1/2” 1/2”

FROM COLD FT
BLOW PUMP TO DIGESTER 18
LOCATION: OUTLET
FE COL. 4/C
18 ELEV. 234’-6”
FE
18
CONTROL LOOP FOUNDATION: BATCH AND CONTINUOUS PROCESSES

NOTES & INTERLOCK DESCRIPTION REF DWGS/COMMENTS

P & ID DWG:
LOC DWG: ( Company Name )

FCB ITEM 6A EC-1021 W&T 5120M12111 0-6 GPH LOOP TITLE

FCA ITEM 6A EC-1021 W&T 5120M12111 0-6 GPH ** FLOW **
FI EC-1040 FISHER DM0321-1-82 0-750 GPM 2 CONSTRUCTION 10/2/2009 COUNTER WASH
FT ITEM 1B EC-1021 GOULD PDH3000 0-500 IN H2O 1 ELECT. DESIGN 8/20/2009
FE ITEM F18 EC-1021 FLUID TECH 120 0-500 IN H2O 0 CONFIGURATION 6/21/2009 SHEET LOOP NO. REV
TAG NO. SPEC NO. PO/REL/ITEM MFGR. MODEL NO. CALIB/RANGE REV ISSUED FOR DATE 1 OF 1 P- 311 - LS 18 2

Figure 7-7. Example Loop Diagram – Flow Measurement

 CHAPTER 7 – CONTROL AND FIELD INSTRUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION 103

in North America has been developed through the efforts of ISA. The for-
mat of tags used to identify field devices is defined by ISA-5.1 - Instru-
mentation Symbols and Identification.

The ISA-5.1 standard defines a standard tag number convention for

valves, transmitters, other field devices, and calculation and control func-
tions. In addition, the standard defines expanded tag number conventions
that may better meet the documentation requirements of large installa-
tions that consist of many process areas or multiple measurements that
serve similar functions. The tag number convention defined by ISA-5.1 is
summarized in Figure 7-8.

TYPICAL TAG NUMBER

TIC 103 - Instrument Identification or Tag Number
T 103 - Loop Identifier
103 - Loop Number
TIC - Function Identification
T - First-letter
IC - Succeeding-Letters
EXPANDED TAG NUMBER
10-PAH-5A - Tag Number
10 - Optional Prefix
A - Optional Suffix
Note: Hyphens are optional as separators

Figure 7-8. ISA-5.1 Tag Number Convention

The tag number convention established by ISA-5.1 may appear cumber-

some, but when examined in detail, it can be easily understood and
applied when you are creating new documentation. When first looking at
this standard, it is often helpful to consider some examples contained in
the standard that illustrate the use of this tagging convention.

The letters that make up the first few characters of a typical tag number
(the “leading letters”) are used to identify the function performed by the
field device or by the control system. Following these leading letters is a
number. The number that appears on the tag is known as the loop num-
ber. The loop number is used to uniquely identify one or more field
devices that are used to perform a specific function. This combination of
function letter and loop number allows a field device in a process area to
be precisely identified. Knowing the device tag number is required when
filling out a work order to or in discussing a field measurement with an
operator or instrument technician. The tag number assigned to a field
device is normally stamped on a tag that is attached to the device.
104 CONTROL LOOP FOUNDATION: BATCH AND CONTINUOUS PROCESSES

All the devices that are used together to perform a specific function are
normally assigned the same loop number. For example, the flow transmit-
ter and regulating valve used to measure and regulate the flow of a pro-
cess stream may be assigned loop number 101.

The loop number normally has only three digits. Consequently, the num-
ber of field devices that can be uniquely identified using the standard tag
number convention is very limited. For this reason, an expanded tag num-
ber convention, defined by the ISA-5.1 standard, is used in the process
industry. The expanded tag number convention allows a number to be
inserted in front of the function, and that number is usually the process
area number. As discussed in Chapter 2, a plant is divided into process
areas that are assigned a number. The combination of the area number, the
function letters, and the loop number is unique within a plant.

In some cases, multiple field devices may be used to perform a similar

function. For example, in some boiler applications the temperature of each
tube in the superheater section of a boiler may have individual tempera-
ture measurements. Rather than assigning a loop number to each mea-
surement, the expanded tag number convention assigns a common loop
number to all these measurements. When this is done, one or more charac-
ters may be added after the loop number to uniquely identify each mea-
surement. For the boiler example, loop number 105 might be assigned to
all the superheater temperature measurements and the individual mea-
surements may be identified by adding an A after the loop number for the
first measurement, a B for the second measurement, and a C for the third
measurement.

This option to add letters after the loop number allows unique tag num-
bers to be created for each measurement, even when a large number of
similar measurements is made in a process area. A hyphen may be option-
ally used in the tag number to separate the area number or characters
added after the loop number. However, in general, the use of a hyphen in
the tag number is not recommended since in many control systems, the
length of a tag number is limited to a maximum number of characters
(e.g., 12 or 16 characters).

As defined by ISA-5.1, the identification letters used to specify the func-

tion of a field device are organized in a specific manner. The meaning of a
letter varies depending on whether it is the first letter or a succeeding let-
ter. A table of the identification letters defined by the standard is shown in
Figure 7-9. If the first letter of a tag number is an A, this indicates that the
primary function of the device is analysis; if the first letter is an F, then the
primary function is flow. When the first letter is H, this indicates that a
manual or Hand function is to be performed. By reviewing this table of
 CHAPTER 7 – CONTROL AND FIELD INSTRUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION 105

identification letters, the use of the letters in a tag number can be easily
determined.

First Letters Succeeding Letters

Measured/Initiating Variable Readout/Passive Output/Active Function

Variable Modifier Function Function Modifier

A Analysis Alarm

B Burner, Combustion User’s Choice User’s Choice User’s Choice

C User’s Choice Control Close

D User’s Choice Difference, Differential Deviation

E Voltage Sensor, Primary

Element

F Flow, Flow Rate Ratio

G User’s Choice Glass, Gauge, Viewing

Device

H Hand High

I Current Indicate

J Power Scan

K Time, Schedule Time Rate of Change Control Station

L Level Light Low

M User’s Choice Middle, Intermediate

N User’s Choice User’s Choice User’s Choice User’s Choice

O User’s Choice Orifice, Restriction Open

P Pressure Point (Test Connection)

Q Quantity Integrate, Totalize Integrate, Totalize

R Radiation Record Run

S Speed, Frequency Safety Switch Stop

T Temperature Transmit

U Multivariable Multifunction Multifunction

V Vibration, Mechanical Valve, Damper, Louver

Analysis

W Weight, Force Well, Probe

X Unclassified X-axis Accessory Devices, Unclassified Unclassified

Unclassified

Y Event, State, Presence Y-axis Auxiliary Devices,

Z Position, Dimension Z-axis, Safety Driver, Actuator, Unclassified

Instrumented System final control element

Figure 7-9. ISA-5.1 Identification Letters

In some cases, a letter can only be used as a succeeding letter. For example,
the letter D would never be used as a first character, but it may be used as
a succeeding letter to indicate “differential.” Thus, the combination PD is
valid and would indicate the function of the device is “pressure, differen-
tial,” that is, differential pressure. The combination HIC would be used to
indicate hand indicator controller, that is, manual control. Indication and
control based on an analytic measurement would be identified as AIC.
The letter combination FIC is quite common and used to indicate a “flow
indicating control” function. A control valve used in pressure control
would be identified using the letters PV, pressure valve. A temperature
106 CONTROL LOOP FOUNDATION: BATCH AND CONTINUOUS PROCESSES

measurement used only for indication would be identified as TI, “temper-

ature indication.” A position transmitter would be identified using the let-
ters ZT.

In the ISA-5.1 standard, several examples are provided that illustrate the
correct use of the indication letters within a tag number. Also, the stan-
dard covers other letters that may be used in special applications.

The use of tag numbers in a process control system is quite straightfor-

ward and must be understood to work with or create documentation for a
process control system.

7.6 Line and Function Symbols

Different types of lines are used in process flow diagrams, piping and
instrumentation diagrams, and loop diagrams to indicate the type of con-
nection between field devices and the control system. The ISA-5.1 stan-
dard defines the instrument line symbols that are commonly used in
control system documentation. As illustrated in Figure 7-10, a solid line is
used to represent a physical connection to the process. Two slashes shown
as points along a line are used to indicate a pneumatic signal. One of the
most common ways to indicate an electric signal is a dashed line as
defined in ISA-5.1. Communication links between devices and functions
of a distributed control system are indicated by small bubbles along the
line as illustrated in Figure 7-10.

‡ Instrument supply
or connection to process
‡ Pneumatic Signal
‡ Electric Variable or Binary
‡ Communication Link
Figure 7-10. Excerpt from ISA-5.1 Instrument Line Symbols

The previous examples of the process flow diagram, piping and instru-
mentation diagram, and loop diagram contained one or more circle sym-
bols. In these drawings, a circle is used to indicate a discrete
instrumentation or control function. A horizontal line drawn through the
middle of the circle indicates the function may be accessed by the plant
operator. There are many functions, such as those performed by an I/P
transducer or valve positioner, that are typically not directly accessible by
the operator. Also, some field devices for measurement and actuation may
 CHAPTER 7 – CONTROL AND FIELD INSTRUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION 107

only be accessed by control or calculation functions in the control system

and thus would not be shown in the documentation as being directly
accessed by the operator. However, the associated control or calculation
function that is accessed by the operator would include a horizontal line.
As illustrated in Figure 7-11, one of the conventions advocated in ISA-5.1
is to include a square around the circle if the associated function is
accessed by an operator through a video display of a distributed control
system (DCS). However, in practice, this convention is often not followed.

Discrete Instrument,
field mounted

Discrete instrument,
accessible to operator

Visible on video Display

Figure 7-11. Excerpt from ISA-5.1 General Instrumentation or Symbol Function

It is common practice to illustrate the valve body, as well as the valve actu-
ator and positioner function in control system documentation. The ISA-5.1
standard addresses the representation of a valve body. Most types of
valves are addressed by this standard. However, the engineering firm that
is designing a process plant may have adopted some variation of what is
shown in ISA-5.1. In such cases, it is common practice for the engineering
firm to provide a drawing that explains the symbol functions included in
their documentation. Also, in some cases, a general valve representation is
used rather than different representations for a rotary valve or sliding
stem valve. [5] Generally, a damper will be shown rather than the general
valve symbol to indicate the regulation of air or gas flow to a boiler or a
similar process such as a kiln or heater. An excerpt from ISA-5.1 Valve
Body and Damper Symbols are illustrated in Figure 7-12.

Since the type of actuator used with a valve body may impact the opera-
tion and failure mode of the valve, the type of actuator is normally indi-
cated in control system documentation. The representation of common
types of actuators as defined by ISA-5.1 is shown in Figure 7-13. A com-
plete representation of the valve is provided by combining the valve rep-
resentation with the actuator representation.
108 CONTROL LOOP FOUNDATION: BATCH AND CONTINUOUS PROCESSES

General Symbol

Ball Valve

Globe Valve

Damper

Figure 7-12. Excerpt from ISA-5.1 Valve Body and Damper Symbols

When a positioner is used with a valve, the diaphragm representation may

be combined with a representation of the actuator and the valve body, as
is illustrated in Figures 7-16 to 7-19. The failure mode of the valve (i.e., fail
open or fail closed) is often indicated by the valve symbol in control sys-
tem documentation.

A special actuator symbol is defined by the standard for motorized actua-

tors. Motorized actuators are used in some industry segments because
upon loss of power, the last valve position is maintained. Also, better reso-
lution may be achieved using a motorized actuator for a specific applica-
tion, such as the basis weight valve that is used to regulate the thick stock
flow to a paper machine in paper manufacturing. [6] Solenoid actuators
that are used to automate valves used in on-off service are shown using a
special symbol.

Installation details are provided in the loop diagram documentation.

Some of details may also be provided in the P&ID. For example, the P&ID
and loop diagram may show the orifice that must be installed to measure
flow using a differential pressure transmitter. Hand-operated valves that
are used to block flow during startup or maintenance are shown since they
impact process operation if not properly set up. Also, the installation of
inline instrumentation, such as a magnetic flowmeter, is commonly shown
in a unique manner in the control system documentation. In addition,
measurement elements such as an RTD or a thermocouple are shown since
they may be physically installed some distance from the field transmitter
or the control system. To provide a consistent means of documenting the
physical installation, the ISA-5.1 standard includes symbols for many of
these common installation details and field devices. A sample of some of
these symbols is shown in Figure 7-14.
 CHAPTER 7 – CONTROL AND FIELD INSTRUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION 109

‡ Generic actuator,
Spring-diaphragm

‡ Spring-diaphragm with
positioner

‡ Linear piston actuator

with positioner

‡ Rotary motor operated M

actuator

‡ Solenoid actuator for S

on-off valve
Figure 7-13. Excerpt from ISA-5.1 Actuator Symbols

Restriction Orifice, With

Flow Transmitter FT

Hand Valve

FT
Inline Measurement

Measurement Element TE

Figure 7-14. Excerpt from ISA-5.1 Symbols for Other Devices

7.7 Equipment Representation

A representation of major pieces of process equipment is normally
included in control system documentation. This allows the field instru-
mentation installation to be shown in relationship to the process equip-
ment. Example process equipment representations are illustrated in
Figure 7-15.

A general vessel representation may be appropriate for vessels, agitators,

heat exchangers, and pumps that do not play an important role in the con-
trol system. For example, an agitator on a tank may not directly impact the
control associated with the tank level. A special representation is provided
110 CONTROL LOOP FOUNDATION: BATCH AND CONTINUOUS PROCESSES

Vessel, Jacketed Vessel,

Reactor
Atmospheric Tank, Storage

Heat Exchange

Agitator

Pump
Figure 7-15. Examples of Process Equipment Symbols

for a reactor. A jacketed vessel symbol may be used when a vessel is

heated or cooled by circulating liquid through an outside shell. Such a
design is commonly used in the batch industry, and permits the vessel’s
contents to be heated or cooled without coming in contact with the circu-
lating liquid. A symbol is also provided for flat-bottomed and cone-
shaped storage tanks that are open to the atmosphere. The examples
include a representation of a heat exchanger, which is used to heat or cool
a liquid stream. A symbol is defined for an agitator that may be used to
ensure good mixing of liquids in a vessel. Also, a pump symbol is shown
in these examples.

7.8 Documentation Examples

The four examples included in this section are designed to illustrate many
of the recommendations of the ISA-5.1 standard. In the first example,
questions and answers are used to highlight specific points that have been
covered in this chapter. A review of these questions will hopefully serve to
reinforce your understanding of concepts and terminology that will be
used in later chapters. By studying the control system and field instru-
mentation documentation, a lot can be learned about the process and the
way the control system is designed to work. Such background information
can be extremely helpful when you are working with or troubleshooting
the control system for a new process.

7.8.1 Example – Basic Neutralizer Control System

The neutralizer process may be used to adjust the pH of a feed stream. The
field devices and process controls that would typically be provided to this
 CHAPTER 7 – CONTROL AND FIELD INSTRUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION 111

process are shown in this piping and instrumentation diagram illustrated

in Figure 7-16.

After reviewing this diagram, consider the following questions and

answers.

Feedforward AC FT FC
104 105 105
Reagent Signal
Stage 1 FT Characterizer
102 AC AY
103 103
FC Reagent
FC Stage 2
FV
FC AV 105
101 103
FV
101 AT
FT 103
101 Static Mixer
FC
Feed

Neutralizer
FV
AT 106
104

Discharge FC

Figure 7-16. Example – Basic Neutralizer Control System

Question: What tag number convention is shown in this

example?
Answer: The expanded tag number convention, defined by
the ISA-5.1 standard, is not used in this example since the
tag only contains function letters and a loop number.

Question: Flow measurements are made using FT101,

FT102, and FT105. What type of measurement technique is
used by these field devices?
Answer: The field device is shown as installed inline and
the liquid is conductive. Thus, a magnetic flowmeter is
installed.

Question: Do the valves have digital positioners?

Answer: Yes, an electric signal is shown going directly to a
box located on each valve. The pneumatic line from the
112 CONTROL LOOP FOUNDATION: BATCH AND CONTINUOUS PROCESSES

actuator is also tied to this box. Therefore, we can assume

that these valves are installed with a valve positioner.

Question: What type of valve is being used to regulate

flow?
Answer: The general valve body symbol is used and thus
the type of valve is not indicated in this drawing.

Question: Is the plant operator able to access the control

functions indicated by AC103, AC104, FC101, and FC105?
Answer: Yes, the circle indicating these control functions
contains a horizontal line that indicates the operator may
access this function.

Question: Can the operator access flow measurements

FT101, FT102, and FT105, as well as analytic (pH) measure-
ments AT103 and AT104?
Answer: No, the circle indicating these measurement func-
tions does not include a horizontal line. In this case, these
measurements are not directly accessed by the operator.

Question: Are any on-off (blocking) valves used in this

process?
Answer: Yes, two blocking valves are shown with electric
on-off actuators.

Question: What function is provided by AC103?

Answer: The function letters of the tag number indicate
that the function is analytic control.

Question: What measurement is used by AC103 in per-

forming its control function?
Answer: Since an electric signal line is shown from AT103
to AC103, then control must be based on the measurement
AT103 (pH).

Question: What is the purpose of the function shown

between AT103 and AC103, that is, AY103?
Answer: On the diagram, this function is noted as Signal
Characterization. When a complex calculation is done, it is
often represented by a single function with AY noted inside
the circle and a note provided to explain the purpose of this
function.
 CHAPTER 7 – CONTROL AND FIELD INSTRUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION 113

Question: Does the vessel have an agitator?

Answer: Yes, the figure shows an agitator impeller in the
vessel, powered by a motor on top of the vessel.

Question: Is the pump fixed speed or variable speed?

Answer: Since control of the process is done using a regu-
lating valve, then it may be assumed that the pump is fixed
speed.

Question: How could the liquid in the vessel be heated?

Answer: A heat exchanger is shown in the recirculation line
and could be used to heat (or cool) the liquid in the vessel.

Question: How is the pH of the incoming stream adjusted?

Answer: The output of AC103 and AC104 go to a valve and
flow loop, respectively, that regulates the flow of reagent to
the inlet stream and recirculation line. Thus, it may be
assumed that reagent is used to adjust pH.

7.8.2 Example – Basic Column Control

The basic column control system shown in Figure 7-17 is somewhat more
complicated than the basic neutralizer control system. However, after
studying this example, it will become clear that many of the components
that make up the column control system are similar to those used in the
basic neutralizer control system. As we have seen, what is learned by
working with one process may be often applied to another process. Once
you become familiar with a few processes, it becomes easier to work with
other processes.

7.8.3 Example – Batch Reactor Control System

Batch processing plays an important role in some industries. In a batch
process, a vessel is charged with feed material that is processed in the ves-
sel through mechanical or chemical means (or both). At the end of the pro-
cess, the product—which may be a finished product or an intermediate
product for use in another process—is removed from the vessel. The batch
reactor example illustrated in Figure 7-18 is known as “continuous feed
batch,” in which feed material is continuously added to the vessel
throughout part or all of the batch processing. The reaction takes place,
and finally the product is pumped from the vessel. In comparing the basic
components to those seen in the previous two examples, the only new ele-
ment introduced by this example is an eductor (a device that produces
vacuum by means of the Venturi effect) that is used to remove gases cre-
ated by the batch reaction.
114 CONTROL LOOP FOUNDATION: BATCH AND CONTINUOUS PROCESSES

PV
PC 115
115
FO Vent
Feedforward LC
FT111 LT
Feed Tank 117 117

Distillate FC
FC 118
Receiver
114
FV FV
PT 114 118
115 FT FT
Reflux FO 114 118
FC
FC Overheads
111
FV FT111 Feedforward
111
FT
RTD
Column TT
111 Feed TC
FC
116 116
Storage Tank

FC LC
110 113
FV
110 FC
FT 112
LT
110 113 FV
FC Steam 112
FT
Bottoms 112
FC

Figure 7-17. Basic Column Control System

PC
128
TC FO
126 PV PT
127 PV
128
FC TT 128
122 126 Vent System
FO
Eductor

FV TV
122 126
FT
122 PC
FC FO
Anti-Foam Coolant 127 TC
124
FC
PT
121 TT
FV 127
125
121
FT TC
121 FC 125
Feed B

FC TT TV
120 124 125
FV
120 Coolant
FO
FT
120 FC Feed A LT
Batch Reactor LC
123 123
LV
123

Discharge FC
Figure 7-18
Figure 7-18. Example – Batch Reactor Control
 CHAPTER 7 – CONTROL AND FIELD INSTRUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION 115

7.8.4 Example – Continuous Feed and Recycle Tank

In studying the example of a continuous feed and recycle tank shown in
Figure 7-19, you will note that the only new function that was not con-
tained in a previous example is FFC133. The function letters of the tag
number indicate that this new function is ratio control. The line connec-
tions indicate that the ratio control is implemented using two feed streams
to Reactor 1.

FC
135
FV
135
FT Recycle
135
FC
Makeup Recycle Tank

FC
LC LT 133
134 134 FV
133
FT
133 FC Reactor 1

FC
132
FFC FV
133 132
PC FT
130 132
Feed Tank FC Reactor 1
FO
FC
PV 131
130 PT FV
130 131
FT
131
FC Reactor 2

Figure 7-19. Example – Continuous Feed and Recycle Tank

Knowing the tag number and symbols on a P&ID is the first step in under-
standing which measurement and control functions have been installed on
the process. As the examples shown in Figure 7-16 to 7-19 illustrate, a
basic understanding of the control and process is possible if you are famil-
iar with the tag number and symbols on the P&ID. Later chapters on con-
trol implementation will address how the control functions shown on the
P&ID and loops sheet are implemented.
116 CONTROL LOOP FOUNDATION: BATCH AND CONTINUOUS PROCESSES

References
1. The International Society of Automation (ISA). http://
www.isa.org.
2. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). http://
www.iec.ch.
3. OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.119, Process safety management of
highly hazardous chemicals. http://www.osha.gov.
4. ISA-5.4-1991, Instrument Loop Diagrams, Research Triangle Park,
NC: ISA (ISBN 1-55617-227-3).
5. Skousen, Philip. Valve Handbook – Second Edition, Chapter 1.5.1,
McGraw-Hill Handbook (ISBN: 0071437738).
6. Lehtinen, Marjaana. More speed and accuracy for basis weight
control, pp. 22–24, Automation 1, 2004.