Overview
ISO 10628-2:2012 - Diagrams for the chemical and petrochemical industry - Part 2: Graphical symbols specifies the graphical symbols to be used when preparing diagrams for chemical and petrochemical plants. It is an application standard of the ISO 14617 series and standardizes symbol sets, presentation rules and registration conventions for equipment, piping and apparatus elements commonly shown on process diagrams. ISO 10628-2:2012 expressly excludes electrotechnical symbols (see IEC 60617).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Defines a harmonized collection of graphical symbols for diagrams in the chemical and petrochemical industry to improve clarity and interoperability of technical drawings.
- Structure of symbols: Symbols are grouped by functional and design features (examples: vessels and tanks; columns and internals; heat exchangers; pumps; compressors; valves; filters; separators; conveyors; agitators).
- Registration and referencing: Each symbol has a registration number linked to ISO 14617 or a preliminary ISO 10628-2 number; symbol tables present registration number, graphic and preferred descriptor.
- Presentation rules: Symbols are shown on a 2.5 mm dotted grid with preferred connection locations indicated. Rules for modifying proportions and orientation reference ISO 81714 and IEC 81714.
- Symbol composition: If a needed symbol is not present in ISO 10628-2, users should consult ISO 14617; where unavailable, symbols may be composed from ISO 14617 basic symbols in accordance with ISO 14617, ISO 81714 and IEC 81714.
- Normative references: Key referenced documents include ISO 10209, ISO 14617 (all parts), ISO 15519-1, ISO 81714 (all parts) and IEC 81714.
Practical applications and users
ISO 10628-2:2012 is used to:
- Create standardized process and equipment diagrams for design, engineering, commissioning and maintenance.
- Ensure consistent symbol use across technical documentation, CAD drawings and process-plant documentation.
- Improve communication between process engineers, CAD/drafting teams, operations personnel, safety and inspection teams, and document controllers.
Typical users:
- Process and mechanical engineers
- CAD designers and drafting technicians
- Technical authors and document control specialists
- Plant operators and maintenance planners
- Standards and compliance managers in chemical and petrochemical organizations
Related standards
- ISO 14617 series - Graphical symbols for diagrams (primary source for many symbols)
- ISO 15519-1 - Specification for diagrams for the process industry
- ISO 10209 - Vocabulary for technical product documentation
- ISO 81714 / IEC 81714 - Design and modification rules for graphical symbols
- IEC 60617 - Electrotechnical graphical symbols (for electrical diagrams; ISO 10628-2 excludes these)
Using ISO 10628-2:2012 helps teams produce clearer, interoperable process diagrams that reduce misinterpretation, speed review cycles and support regulatory and safety compliance in the chemical and petrochemical sectors.
