Reading P&IDs & Loop Diagrams
How to read Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams and instrument loop diagrams with confidence: symbols, ISA-style tag letters, line numbering, spec breaks, field vs panel conventions, and the revision control that keeps drawings trustworthy.
48m
Total time
4
Competency levels
12
Lessons
What you'll learn
- Explain what a P&ID is for, how it differs from a process flow diagram, and who relies on it
- Identify common equipment, valve and line-type symbols using the project legend sheet
- Decode instrument bubbles and ISA-style tag letters (PT, LIC, FCV) and read location conventions
- Interpret line numbers and recognise what a spec break means for materials and ratings
- Trace a control loop from the P&ID into its loop diagram down to terminal and cable numbers
- Apply revision control discipline so work is never planned from an outdated drawing
Curriculum
Progress through each competency level in order.
1
Awareness
- 2mWhat a P&ID Is and Who Uses ItKnowledge
- 2mCommon Symbols: Equipment, Valves and LinesKnowledge
- 7mAwareness Check: P&ID BasicsAssessment
2
Knowledge
- 3mInstrument Bubbles and ISA-Style Tag LettersKnowledge
- 2mLocation Conventions, Line Numbers and Spec BreaksKnowledge
- 8mKnowledge Check: Tags, Locations and Line NumbersAssessment
3
Skill
- 2mLoop Diagrams vs P&IDs: Tracing a Loop End to EndKnowledge
- 3mAssignment: Trace a Control Loop on Paper and in the FieldAssignment
- 7mSkill Check: Working Across P&IDs and Loop DiagramsAssessment
4
Mastery
- 2mRevision Control and the Danger of Outdated DrawingsKnowledge
- 3mAssignment: Lead a P&ID Verification WalkdownAssignment
- 7mMastery Assessment: Drawing Integrity JudgementAssessment
Reviews
No one has reviewed this skill yet. If you have worked through it, yours would be the first.
There are no published reviews for this course yet.
Write a review
Checking your account…
Ready to build Reading P&IDs & Loop Diagrams?
Create a free account on iCompetent and start progressing through the levels today.