The standard is suitable for use in the chemical, petroleum, power generation, air conditioning, metal refining, and numerous other industries.

Though the standard may make use of standard symbols now used for piping and instrument diagrams, logic diagrams, loop diagrams, and other documents, the symbols of the standard are generally expected to be used in ways complementing existing types of engineering documents.

The symbolism is intended to be independent of type or brand of hardware or computer software.

Purpose

The purpose of this standard is to establish a system of graphic symbols for process displays that are used by plant operators, engineers, etc., for process monitoring and control. The system is intended to facilitate rapid comprehension by the users of the information that is conveyed through displays, and to establish uniformity of practice throughout the process industries.

Resulting benefits are intended to be as follows:

a) A decrease in operator errors

b) A shortening of operator training

c) Better communication of the intent of the control system designer to the system users An objective of the standard is to insure maximum compatibility of symbols on process visual display units (VDUs) with related symbols used in other disciplines.

The symbols in this standard are intended to depict processes and process equipment. The symbols are suitable for use on Visual Display Units (VDUs), such as Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs).