On the other hand, an engineer trying to configure piping and mechanical elements will concentrate on the 3-D models and associated isometric drawings.

In many situations, an engineer trying to perform serious process analysis will spend more time with a traditional process and instrumentation diagram (P&ID). Some readers may respond that 3-D plant modeling has been available for years now, and has indeed become very sophisticated, and it contributes to construction of a plant. Suitable for analysis or just visualization? For example, when a process engineer or plant manager is looking at the plans for new production unit or plant, 3-D visualization is a major improvement as compared to traditional methods. Viewers can analyze and understand spatial relationships much more easily than by looking at a collection of simple photos. Moreover an isometric is not overcrowded with other information, useless for piping and it is easy to visualize.3-D models are effective because they help all parties concerned get a far deeper understanding of a project than traditional 2-D methods.

Isometric drawings are easier to be used for stress analysis of the piping, fabrication and construction, compared to other orthographic drawings, since they carry all the necessary information for these tasks. Upon completion and approval of the piping isometrics, they are used for fabrication and then construction of the piping system.

For complex piping systems, individual pipe runs are represented on separate isometric drawings.

A table gives the number and detailed description of each type of fittings represented on the drawing.

In addition, all the fittings including, valves, flanges, elbows etc.

The operating and design process conditions (pressure and temperature) for the pipe run may also be reported on the isometric.

This line number is indicative of the fluid service, piping class and material, insulation etc.

The line numbers for lines pipe runs represented on the drawing is clearly indicated.

Straight lengths of all the pipe runs on the drawing are reported as clearly as possible.

Isometric drawings carry a graphical representation of the 3 dimensional piping system being represented.

Some may feel like they need online masters degree programs to understand this, but this post will bring you insight.

Isometric piping diagram