Introduction
A Fuel Gas System supplies clean, pressurized gas to fired equipment such as gas turbines, heaters, boilers, and process furnaces.
The Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) shows the essential flow of gas from the source through treatment, pressure control, heating, and distribution — along with key instrumentation, valves, and safety features.
Understanding this P&ID helps engineers design, operate, and maintain a safe and reliable fuel supply network.
1. Process Overview
Typical flow sequence:
Fuel Gas Source → Filter/Separator → Pressure Control → Heater → Distribution Manifold → Users
The system ensures:
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Continuous and stable gas pressure
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Filtration to remove solids/liquids
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Temperature control to prevent condensation
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Automatic shutdown on high/low pressure or emergency events
2. Main Equipment on the P&ID
| Tag | Description | Function |
|---|---|---|
| V-101 | Suction / Knockout Drum | Removes entrained liquids before downstream use |
| F-201 A/B | Fuel Gas Filters / Coalescers | Dual (changeover) filtration for solids and aerosols |
| PCV-301 | Pressure Control Valve | Maintains stable downstream pressure to users |
| E-401 | Fuel Gas Heater (Electric or Glycol) | Prevents condensation and hydrates |
| SDV-501 | Emergency Shutdown Valve (ESDV) | Isolates supply during emergency or trip |
| BDV-502 | Blowdown Valve | Safely vents system gas to flare |
| V-601 | Distribution Header / Manifold | Feeds multiple burners or turbines |
| PSV-701 | Pressure Safety Valve | Relieves excess pressure to flare system |
Optional:
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Analyzer (AIT-801) for BTU, moisture, or H₂S content
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Flow Transmitter (FIT-301) on main supply
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Temperature Indicator (TIT-401) after heater
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Dew Point Monitor (DPIT-501) for gas quality assurance
3. Key Valves and Control Loops
a) Pressure Control Loop
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PIC-301 senses downstream pressure and adjusts PCV-301.
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If upstream pressure fluctuates, control valve modulates to protect burners or turbines.
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Bypass line with manual valve HV-301B allows maintenance on PCV.
b) Temperature Control
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TIC-401 monitors gas outlet temperature from heater.
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Modulates heating element or glycol flow via TCV-401.
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Low temperature alarm (TAL-401) prevents cold gas supply.
c) Shutdown & Protection
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ESDV (SDV-501) — closes automatically on high-high pressure, low pressure, or external trip.
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BDV-502 — opens to flare for controlled depressurization.
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PSV-701 — mechanical relief on overpressure.
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All interlocks handled via PLC / ESD system.
4. Instruments and Typical Tags
| Instrument | Tag Example | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Indicator | PI-101 | Local reading on header |
| Pressure Transmitter | PIT-301 | Signal to controller PIC-301 |
| Temperature Indicator | TI-401 | Measures heater outlet |
| Flow Indicator | FI-501 | Indicates fuel gas consumption |
| Level Transmitter | LIT-101 | On knockout drum, with drain LV-101 |
| Pressure Safety Valve | PSV-701 | Relief to flare |
| Solenoid Valve | SV-501 | Operates ESDV pneumatically |
🧠 Tip: Use standardized ISA tagging in your AutoCAD legend (PT, TT, FT, LT, etc.) for clarity and automation compatibility.
5. Typical Control Philosophy
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Normal Operation:
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Fuel gas flows through filters → pressure control → heater → users.
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PCV-301 keeps downstream pressure constant.
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TIC-401 maintains outlet temperature (~40–60°C).
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Startup:
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Line-up valves open gradually; purge with nitrogen if required.
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Heater energized when minimum flow is achieved.
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Shutdown:
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On ESD: SDV-501 closes, BDV-502 opens, venting to flare.
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Heater and analyzer isolated.
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Trips & Alarms:
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High Pressure (PSH-301) → close ESDV; alarm.
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Low Pressure (PSL-301) → trip user (turbine/furnace).
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High Temp (TSH-401) → shutdown heater.
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Gas Detection near skid → close ESDV, alarm control room.
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6. Design and Operating Parameters (typical values)
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Inlet Pressure | 20–35 barg |
| Outlet Pressure | 10–25 barg |
| Flow Rate | As per burner/turbine load |
| Gas Temperature | 30–60°C |
| Filter Rating | 1–5 micron |
| Heater Type | Electric / Glycol / Steam |
| Relief Set Pressure | 110% of MAWP |
7. Safety and Flare Integration
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PSV-701, BDV-502 discharge to flare header via knockout pot and seal drum.
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Thermal Relief Valves (TRV) on blocked segments.
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Fire & Gas Detectors located around heater, skid, and filter section.
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ESD Pushbutton near access point for emergency isolation.
8. Lines and Legend
| Line Type | Service |
|---|---|
| Solid Line | Main Fuel Gas |
| Dashed Line | Instrument / Control Air |
| Dotted Line | Signal or Impulse |
| Double Line | Flare / Vent Line |
| Dash-Dot | Utility (nitrogen, drain) |
Piping Material: Carbon Steel or SS316 (depending on gas quality)
Flanges: ASME Class 300 or higher as per design pressure
Instrument Air: Dry, 6–8 barg
9. Deliverables & Download
Included Files:
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P&ID (DWG)
Conclusion
A Fuel Gas System P&ID defines every critical element of a plant’s gas supply — from filtration and pressure regulation to temperature control and safety isolation.
It ensures safe delivery of fuel gas to turbines, heaters, and boilers while meeting reliability and safety standards.
