Reading P&ID Symbols and Abbreviations for the Pharmaceutical industry: A Step-by-Step Guide
By: Donagh Fitzgerald B.Prod Eng and Gerry Creaner B.Chem Eng. Last Updated: July 2024
![P&ID Symbols A Step-by-Step Guide – GetReskilled validation-technician-closely-observing-equipment](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Mastering-PID-Symbols-A-Step-by-Step-Guide-GetReskilled.png)
Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) symbols are graphical representations used in Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) to represent the various components of a process system such as pipes, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, instruments and tanks. These symbols help engineers and technicians understand and visualize the design and operation of a process.
They are designed to be easily recognizable and convey important information about the components they represent. In this guide, we will walk through the basics of P&ID symbols, notations, and abbreviations, and explain how to read them.
Important
P&IDs are living documents, and it is important to keep them updated as the process changes over time. Practice is key to understanding P&ID symbols, notation and abbreviation, and interpreting them correctly.
BTW, if you need to learn how to read P&IDs and qualify equipment systems within a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant, check out our Equipment Validation Training Course.
Table of Contents
P&ID symbols can be broadly classified into 7 categories:
Piping Symbols
Examples include pipes, tubes, ducts, multi-line, separators, connectors, end caps, flanges, reducers, and coupling.
![pipe Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pipe.jpg)
Pipe
![jacketed-pipe Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/jacketed-pipe.jpg)
Jacketed pipe
![thermally_insulated_pipe Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/thermally_insulated_pipe.jpg)
Thermally insulated pipe
![cooled_or_heated_pipe Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cooled_or_heated_pipe.jpg)
Cooled or heated pipe
![covered_gas_vent Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/covered_gas_vent.png)
Covered gas vent
![curved_gas_vent Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/curved_gas_vent.png)
Curved gas vent
![flange-icon Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/flange-icon.png)
Flange
![butt-weld-symbol Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/butt-weld-symbol-1.png)
Butt weld
![reducer Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/reducer.png)
Reducer
![flexible_hose Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/flexible_hose.png)
Flexible hose
![steam_trap Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/steam_trap.png)
Steam trap
![viewing_glass Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/viewing_glass.png)
Viewing glass
Pump Symbols
Pumps are an essential part of the majority of industrial plants that need pumps. These pumps can be used for suction, compression, moving fluid, and also for pressure control. There are many p and id symbols for pumps.
![pump Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pump.png)
Pump
![vacuum_pump_or_compressor Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/vacuum_pump_or_compressor.png)
Vacuum pump or compressor
![centrifugal-pump Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/centrifugal-pump.png)
Centrifugal pump
![centrifugal-pump-3 Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/centrifugal-pump-3.png)
Centrifugal pump
![centrifugal-pump-2 Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/centrifugal-pump-2.png)
Centrifugal pump
![gear-pump Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/gear-pump.png)
Gear pump
![Screw-pump Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screw-pump.png)
Screw pump
![Screw-pump-2 Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screw-pump-2.png)
Screw pump
![Vacuum-pump Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Vacuum-pump.png)
Vacuum pump
![fan Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/fan.png)
Fan
![axial-fan Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/axial-fan.png)
Axial Fan
![radial-fan Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/radial-fan.png)
Radial Fan
Valve and Control Symbols
Represented by various shapes to indicate the type and function of the control device. Examples include valves, actuators, and controllers.
![pressure_reducing_valve Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pressure_reducing_valve.png)
Pressure reducing valve
![valve Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/valve.png)
Valve
![control-valve Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/control-valve.png)
Control valve
![manual-valve Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/manual-valve.png)
Manual valve
![needle-valve Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/needle-valve.png)
Needle valve
![butterfly_valve Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/butterfly_valve.png)
Butterfly valve
![ball-valve Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ball-valve.png)
Ball valve
![glove-valve Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/glove-valve.png)
Globe valve
![diaphragm-valve Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/diaphragm-valve.png)
Diaphragm valve
![Pressure-regulating-valve-PRV Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Pressure-regulating-valve-PRV.png)
Pressure regulating valve (PRV)
![Pressure-safety-valve-PSV Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Pressure-safety-valve-PSV.png)
Pressure safety valve (PSV)
![Temperature-control-valve-TCV Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Temperature-control-valve-TCV.png)
Temperature control valve (TCV)
Vessel Symbols
A vessel is used to store fluids or also be used to alter the characteristics of the fluid during storage. This includes tanks, cylinders, columns, bags.
![vessel-icon Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/vessel-icon.png)
Vessel
![pressurized-horizontal-vessel Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pressurized-horizontal-vessel.png)
Pressurized horizontal vessel
![pressurized-vertical-vessel Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pressurized-vertical-vessel.png)
Pressurized vertical vessel
![reaction-vessel Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/reaction-vessel.png)
Reaction vessel
![pressurized-vertical-vessel Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pressurized-vertical-vessel.png)
Column
![packing_column Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/packing_column.png)
Packing column
![tray-column Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/tray-column.png)
Tray column
![tank Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/tank.png)
Tank
![opem-tank Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/opem-tank.png)
Open tank
![open-top-tank Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/open-top-tank.png)
Open top tank
![closed-tank Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/closed-tank.png)
Closed tank
![bin Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/bin.png)
Bin
![bag Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/bag.png)
Bag
![gas-bottle Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/gas-bottle.png)
Gas bottle
Instrument Symbols
Pumps are an essential part of the majority of industrial plants that need pumps. These pumps can be used for suction, compression, moving fluid, and also for pressure control. There are many p and id symbols for pumps.
![temperature-transmitter-TT Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/temperature-transmitter-TT.png)
Temperature Transmitter
![Temperature-Indicator-TI Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Temperature-Indicator-TI.png)
Temperature Indicator
![Temperature-Controller-TC Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Temperature-Controller-TC.png)
Temperature Controller
![Conductivity-Transmitter-CT Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Conductivity-Transmitter-CT.png)
Conductivity Transmitter
![Conductivity-Indicator-CI Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Conductivity-Indicator-CI.png)
Conductivity Indicator
![Conductivity-Controller-CC Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Conductivity-Controller-CC.png)
Conductivity Controller
![Flow-Transmitter-FT Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Flow-Transmitter-FT.png)
Flow Transmitter
![Flow-Indicator-FI Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Flow-Indicator-FI.png)
Flow Indicator
![Flow-Switch-FS Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Flow-Switch-FS.png)
Flow Controller
![Flow-Controller-FC Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Flow-Controller-FC.png)
Flow Switch
![Level-Transmitter-LT Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Level-Transmitter-LT.png)
Level Transmitter
![Level-Indicator-LI Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Level-Indicator-LI.png)
Level Indicator
![Level-Switch-LS Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Level-Switch-LS.png)
Level Switch
![Level-Alarm-LA Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Level-Alarm-LA.png)
Level Alarm
![Pressure-Transmitter-PT Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Pressure-Transmitter-PT.png)
Pressure Transmitter
![Pressure-Indicator-PI Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Pressure-Indicator-PI.png)
Pressure Indicator
![Pressure-Controller-PC Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Pressure-Controller-PC.png)
Pressure Controller
Equipment Symbols
Equipment is made up of items that don’t fit into other categories. This group includes hardware like reactors, dryers, turbines, vacuums, and other mechanical devices.
![Jacketed-mixing-vessel Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Jacketed-mixing-vessel.png)
Jacketed mixing vessel
![Half-pipe-mixing-vessel Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Half-pipe-mixing-vessel.png)
Half-pipe mixing vessel
![Agitator-or-mixer Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Agitator-or-mixer.png)
Agitator or mixer
![Dryer Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Dryer.png)
Dryer
![Backdraft-damper Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Backdraft-damper.png)
Backdraft damper
![Furnace Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Furnace.png)
Furnace
![Cooling-Tower Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cooling-Tower.png)
Cooling Tower
![Air-filter Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Air-filter.png)
Air filter
![Funnel Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Funnel.png)
Funnel
Heat Exchanger Symbols
A heat exchanger is a device that’s designed to transfer heat from different medium to another mediums. For example, an airconditor or a radiator in a house. This includes boilers, condensers, and other heat exchangers.
![Heat-exchanger Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Heat-exchanger.png)
Heat Exchanger
![Heat-exchanger-2- Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Heat-exchanger-2-.png)
Heat Exchanger
![Cooler Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cooler.png)
Cooler
![Plate-&-frame-heat-exchanger Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plate-frame-heat-exchanger.png)
Plate & frame heat exchanger
![Fixed-straight-tubes-heat-exchanger Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Fixed-straight-tubes-heat-exchanger.png)
Fixed straight tubes heat exchanger
![U-shaped-tubes-heat-exchanger Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/U-shaped-tubes-heat-exchanger.png)
U-shaped tubes heat exchanger
![Double-pipe-heat-exchanger Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Double-pipe-heat-exchanger.png)
Double pipe heat exchanger
![Spiral-heat-exchanger Reading P&ID Symbols: A Step-by-Step Guide - GetReskilled](https://www.getreskilled.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Spiral-heat-exchanger.png)
Spiral heat exchanger
P&ID Symbols Abbreviations
P&IDs use a standardized set of notation and abbreviations to represent the various components of a process. These notations are used to indicate the type of fluid, the size, and the pressure rating of the component. These include:
CT | Conductivity Transmitter |
CI | Conductivity Indicator |
CC | Conductivity Controller |
FL | Flow Transmitter |
FI | Flow Indicator |
FC | Flow Controller |
FS | Flow Switch |
LT | Level Transmitter |
LI | Level Indicator |
LS | Level Switch |
LA | Level Alarm |
PT | Pressure Transmitter |
PI | Pressure Indicator |
PC | Pressure Controller |
PRV | Pressure Regulationg Valve |
PA | Pressure Alarm |
PC | Pressure Controller |
TT | Temperature Transmitter |
TI | Temperature Indicator |
TC | Temperature Controller |
TCV | Temperature Control Valve |
ST | Steam Trap |
SG | Sight Glass |
S | Strainer |
T | Tank |
P | Pump |
HX | Heat Exchanger |
PSV | Pressure Sanitary Valve |
PUW | Purified Water |
XV | Actuated Valves |
Further Reading
About the Author
Donagh Fitzgerald
Head of Marketing & Product Development
Mechanical/Production Engineer
Donagh looks after the marketing and product development including the training and pedagogical elements of our programs and makes sure that all GetReskilled’s users can have a great online learning experience. Donagh has lived and worked in many countries including Ireland, America, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Donagh has also served as the Program Manager for the Farmleigh Fellowship based out of Singapore.
Donagh holds Degrees in Production Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from South East Technological University, Ireland.
Gerry Creaner
President
Senior Lecturer with GetReskilled
Gerry Creaner has over 30-years of experience in the Life Sciences Manufacturing industry across a range of technical, managerial and business roles. He established a very successful engineering consultancy prior to founding GetReskilled, an online education and learning business, with offices in Singapore, Ireland and Boston (USA), focussed on the manufacture of safe and effective medicines for the public.
He is also a founding Director of two Singapore based philanthropic organizations, the Farmleigh Fellowship and the Singapore-Ireland Fund, both of which deepen the well established and historical Singapore – Ireland relationship and deliver long-term benefits to both countries.
Gerry has an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering (UCD, 1980) and an MSc (Management) from Trinity College Dublin (2003) and is currently doing research for his Ph.D.