Overview
ISO 15519-1:2010 - Specification for diagrams for process industry (Part 1: General rules) establishes general rules and guidelines for the preparation and presentation of information in diagrams used across the process industry. It defines document types (overview diagrams, process flow diagrams, function diagrams, block diagrams, network maps), basic terminology, documentation principles, and how to structure diagram content so it is consistent, unambiguous and suitable for exchange and CAD use.
Keywords: ISO 15519-1:2010, diagrams for process industry, process flow diagrams, graphical symbols, reference designation.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 15519-1 sets out core requirements and topics (as given in the standard’s contents) including:
- Documentation principles - general rules for technical product documentation and representation aspects.
- Document sheets - layout areas, identification (title blocks, metadata) and content areas.
- Lines and leaders - types, widths, spacing and use of leader/reference lines (refers to ISO 128 series).
- Reference designations - rules for identifying and structuring component references and boundary frames (links to IEC/ISO reference designation standards).
- Port and location designations - consistent naming of ports, terminals and location references.
- Technical data and explanatory notes - how to present component data, flow-path information and supplementary notes.
- Graphical symbols - application of symbols (references to ISO 14617 and ISO/IEC 81714), creation of new symbol examples and symbol features.
- Connections and intersections - representation of significant connections, simplified representations, joints and interrupted lines.
- Diagram layout - functional vs topographical layout guidelines and types of diagram (overview, function, process flow).
- Normative references - cross-references to related standards (ISO 128, ISO 14617, IEC 61355, IEC 81346, ISO/TS 16952-1, etc.).
Practical applications and who uses it
ISO 15519-1 is intended for anyone producing or using process-industry diagrams:
- Process and chemical engineers preparing process flow diagrams (PFDs) and functional charts.
- P&ID and CAD drafters applying consistent symbol and line conventions.
- Technical authors and documentation managers developing drawing templates, title blocks and metadata.
- Project managers, plant operators and maintenance teams who rely on clear diagrammatic documentation for operation, safety and maintenance.
- Standards committees and software vendors implementing diagram templates, symbol libraries and interoperability.
Related standards
ISO 15519-1 works with several established standards for consistent graphical and document practice, notably:
ISO 15519-1:2010 helps ensure diagrams for process industry are clear, interoperable and fit for engineering, operation and archival use.
