Overview
ISO 14084-1:2015 - Process diagrams for power plants - Part 1: Specification for diagrams defines the types of process diagrams used in the power generation sector and provides rules and guidelines for preparing and representing information in those diagrams. It is a collective application standard of the ISO 15519 series and applies to conventional and renewable power plants (fossil, biomass, hydro, wind, nuclear, geothermal, solar, wave, osmosis, incineration and industrial plants). The standard does not cover electrotechnical diagrams (IEC 61082) or fluid power diagrams (ISO 1219-2).
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 14084-1:2015 focuses on diagram types, content and representation rules. Major technical topics include:
- Diagram types and interrelations - definition and intended use of diagram classes for power plants.
- Specified diagram types:
- Block diagram (BLD) - overview diagrams using block symbols.
- Process flow diagram (PFD) - configuration-focused diagrams showing process streams and major equipment.
- Process and Instrumentation Diagram (PID) - detailed diagrams including instrumentation and control elements.
- Process control diagram and Typical diagram - for control logic and standardized detail representation.
- Representation subjects - document sheet layout, technical information presentation, graphical symbols and their extension/combination.
- Connections and pipelines - flow direction, pipe dimensions, changes of dimension and connection-line conventions.
- Measurement, control and reference designation - conventions for instrumentation, control items and standardized reference identifiers (illustrated using ISO/TS 16952-10).
- Life-cycle aspects - guidance on diagram usage across design, construction, operation and maintenance phases.
- Annexes - examples, non-object symbols, and reference-designation guidance to support implementation.
Practical applications and users
ISO 14084-1 is intended for:
- Plant designers, process and control engineers
- Technical drafters and documentation specialists
- EPC contractors, consultants and project managers
- Operations, maintenance and asset-management teams
Using the standard helps to:
- Standardize process documentation for clearer communication across disciplines
- Improve accuracy and consistency in engineering drawings (PFDs, PIDs)
- Support safety reviews, commissioning, troubleshooting and maintenance
- Facilitate data exchange and interoperability with other diagram/documentation standards
Related standards
ISO 14084-1 should be used alongside:
Keywords: ISO 14084-1:2015, process diagrams for power plants, PFD, PID, block diagram, graphical symbols, reference designation, power plant documentation.