Piping Coordination Systems - Piping Isometrics
Piping Isometric
Unlike orthographics, piping isometrics allow the pipe to be drawn in a manner by which
the length, width and depth are shown in a single view. Isometrics are usually drawn
from information found on a plan and elevation views. The symbols that represent
fittings, Valves and flanges are modified to adapt to the isometric grid. Usually, piping
isometrics are drawn on preprinted paper, with lines of equilateral triangles form of
60°.
The Iso, as isometric are commonly referred, is oriented on the grid relative to the
north arrow found on plan drawings. Because ISO'S ARE NOT DRAWN TO SCALE,
dimensions are required to specify exact lengths of piping runs.
Pipe lengths are determined through calculations using coordinates and elevations.
Vertical lengths of pipe are calculated using elevations, while horizontal lengths are
caculated using north-south and east-west coordinates.
Piping isometrics are generally produced from orthographic drawings and are important
pieces of information to engineers. In very complex or large piping systems, piping
isometrics are essential to the design and manufacturing phases of a project.
Piping isometrics are often used by designers prior to a stress analysis and are also
used by draftsmen to produce shop fabrication spool drawings. Isometrics are the most
important drawings for installation contractors during the field portion of the project.
Large image of a Hand-Drawn Isometric
How to read a Piping Isometric?
A pipe into a isometric view, is always drawn by a single line. This single line is the
centerline of the pipe, and from that line, the dimensions measured. So, not from the
outside of a pipe or fitting.
The image below shows a orthographic view of a butt welded pipe with three sizes (A,
B, C).
The A size is measured from the front to the center line of the elbow / pipe.
The B size is measured from centerline to centerline.
The C size is like the A size, measured from the front to the center line of the
elbow / pipe.
ORTHOGRAPHIC VIEW
(DOUBLE LINE PRESENTATION)
ISOMETRIC VIEW
The isometric view shows the same pipe as in the orthographic view.
As you can see, this drawing is very simple and quick to implement. The red lines show
the pipe, the black dots are the butt welds and A, B & C are the dimensions of front to
center line and center line to center line.
The simplicity with which a pipe isometric can be drawn is one reason to made iso's.
A second reason to made isometrics; if a pipe should be drawn in several planes (north
to south, then down and then to the west, etc.), orthographic views really not an
option. In a orthographic view it is not a problem if the pipe runs in one plane, but
when a pipe in two or three planes to be drawn, a orthographic view can be unclear.
Another reason why isos are preferred, is the number of drawings that for orthographic
views should be made.
For example: for a complex pipeline system, 15 isometrics must be drawn. I've never
tried, but I think for orthographic views maybe 50 drawings are needed to show the
same as the Iso's.
Isometric, Plan and Elevation Presentations of a Piping
System
The image below show the presentation used in drafting. The isometric view clearly
show the piping arrangement, but the plan view fails to show the bypass loop and
valve, and the supplementary elevation view is needed.
Isometric views in more than one plane
Below are some examples of isometric drawings. The auxiliary lines in the shape of a
cube, ensure better visualization of the pipeline routing.
Figure 1 shows a pipeline which runs through three planes. The pipe line begins and
ends with a flange.
Routing starting point X
pipe runs to the east
pipe runs up
pipe runs to the north
pipe runs to the west
pipe runs down
Figure 2 is almost identical to the drawing above. A different perspective is shown, and
the pipe that comes from above is longer.
Because this pipe in isometric view, runs behind the other pipe, this must be indicated
by a break in the line.
Routing starting point X
pipe runs to the south
pipe runs up
pipe runs to the west
pipe runs to the north
pipe runs down
Figure 3 shows a pipe that runs through three planes and in two planes it make a bow.
Routing starting point X
pipe runs to the south
pipe runs up
pipe runs up and to the west
pipe runs up
pipe runs to the west
pipe runs to the north-west
pipe runs to the north
Figure 4 shows a pipe that runs through three planes, from one plane to a opposite
plane.
Routing starting point X
pipe runs to the south
pipe runs up
pipe runs up and to the north-west
pipe runs to the north
Hatches on a Isometric Drawing
Hatches on isometric drawings being applied, to indicate that a pipe runs at a certain
angle and in which direction the pipe runs.
Sometimes, small changes in the hatch, the routing of a pipe is no longer the east, but
for example suddenly to the north.
Figure 5 shows a pipe, where the hatch indicates that the middle leg runs to the east.
Routing starting point X
pipe runs up
pipe runs up and to the east
pipe runs up
Figure 6 shows a pipe, where the hatch indicates that the middle leg runs to the north.
Routing starting point X
pipe runs up
pipe runs up and to the north
pipe runs up
The two drawings above show, that changing from only the hatch, a pipeline receives a
different direction. Hatches are particularly important in isometric views.
Figure 7 shows a pipe, where the hatches indicates that the middle leg runs up and to
the north-west.
Routing starting point X
pipe runs up
pipe runs up and to the north-west
pipe runs to the north
Piping Coordination
Systems Piping & Instrumentation Diagram
I
The piping and Instrument Diagram (P& D) provides a schematic representation of
the piping, process control, and instrumentation which shows the functional
relationships among the system components. The P&ID also provides important
information needed by the constructor and manufacturer to develop the other
construction input documents (the isometric drawings or orthographic physical layout
drawings).
Large image of a simple Piping & Instrument Diagram
The P&ID provides direct input to the field for the physical design and installation of
field-run piping. For clarity, it is usual practice to use the same general layout of flow
paths on the P&ID as used on the system flow diagram.
The P&ID ties together the system description, the system flow diagram, the electric
control schematic, and the control logic diagram. It accomplishes this by showing all the
piping, equipment, principal instruments, instrument loops, and control interlocks.
The P&ID contains a minimum amount of text in the form of notes (the system
descriptions minimize the need for text on the P&ID). The first P&ID in the set for the
job should contain a legend defining all symbols used; if certain symbols are defined
elsewhere, it may be appropriate to only reference their source. The P&IDs are also
used by the start-up organizations for preparing flushing, testing, and blowout
procedures for the piping system and by the plant operators to operate the system. The
correctness and completeness of the SD, SFD, and P&ID drawings are crucial to the
success of the start-up program.
The P&ID should show the following:
INSTRUMENTS SIGNIFICANT TO THE PROCESS PIPING, INCLUDING:
Mechanical equipment
All Valves associated with the process piping
Process pipes
Vents and drains
Special fittings
Sampling lines
Permanent start-up and flushing lines
SPECIFIC INFORMATION AS APPLICABLE TO JOB:
Instrument designations
Equipment names and numbers
Pipeline identification
Valve identification
ALL SIZE TRANSITIONS IN LINE:
Reducers and increasers, swages, etc
Direction of flow
Interfaces for class changes
Seismic category
Quality level
Interconnection references
Annunciation inputs
Plant computer inputs
Vendor and contractor interfaces
Identification of components and subsystems by others
Reference to a vendor drawing for details not shown
Intended physical sequence of equipment: Including branch lines, reducers, etc.
