The most valuable source of engineering data for a facility is arguably the piping and instrumentation diagram. From its inception and well into daily operational use, P&IDs are the lifeblood of a manufacturing facility. (for the full version of this blog, go towww.ei-cad.com)
But while the possibilities associated with maintaining “smart,” or data-driven P&IDs versus standard AutoCAD/Microstation equivalents, there are endless barriers to progress that remain. Take, for example, the meeting I had with one of the largest U.S. integrated petroleum refining / petrochemical facilities. Here’s a brief synopsis of the meeting and opportunity:
Facility has ~2,000 P&IDs
Environmental Department has paid to have 80% of its P&IDs convertedinto “smart” P&IDs within AutoCAD Plant-3D
CAD Department can replace non-intelligent AutoCAD-based (DWG format) P&IDs at minimal up-front cost (< 20% of standard) with equivalent smart AutoCAD P&ID drawings and database
CAD Department can leverage Autodesk Plant-3D for improved P&ID management and validation, as well asto import its existing 3D models to auto-generate isometrics
Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, and Inspections Departments (the list goes on) can utilize P&ID data exports and data embedded within P&ID to report, search, and manage data associated with plant equipment
It’s time we stop referring to P&IDs as piping and instrumentation drawings/diagrams and instead as piping and instrumentationDATA. We are on the cusp of a “paradigm shift” – where the “D” in P&ID will be a distant memory for those who reference diagrams or drawings. There will be numerous challenges to overcome in the “P&I DataShift”, but I believe there has never been more justification to undertake such an initiative.
These schematics are an owner-operator’s most valuable data asset, representing an index of process equipment and specification data captured in the design, construction, and operating phases of a plant. At Environmental intellect (Ei), we have long advocated the use of “intelligent” P&IDs for compliance purposes. I often say that “P&IDs are the foundation for compliance” for many programs, such as those mandated under the Process Safety Management (PSM) and Clean Air Act (CAA) regulations. It wasn’t until earlier this year that we realized the importance of P&IDs beyond compliance (see YouTube demo: Plant Data and P&ID Technology that Reduces Operating Costs and Compliance Risk).
I am wrapping up one of the more ambitious business trips in my career. For the last 9 years, I have consulted owner-operators in the oil and gas, chemicals, and petrochemicals industries on compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. To enlighten other business travelers, I have ventured more than 5,500 miles and met with 19 owner-operators in Texas, Louisiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Utah – and all within 9 business days. But this is not a “traveler’s blog,” so I will expand on the topic at hand, which is why industry-standard CAD platforms, do not, cannot, and will not ever meet the compliance needs of owner-operators. (more…)
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