P&ID Data: Why Structured Exports Matter (CSV, JSON, DEXPI)

Introduction

The Importance of Structured Data in P&ID Digitization

Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) contain critical process data that needs to be structured for effective utilization in digital twins, process simulations, and engineering workflows. Converting P&IDs into structured formats like CSV, JSON, and DEXPI ensures seamless data integration, accessibility, and interoperability.

Challenges with Traditional P&ID Data Handling

• Unstructured Formats: P&IDs are often stored as PDFs, images, or scanned documents.
• Manual Data Entry: Extracting process information manually is time-consuming and error-prone.
• Limited Integration: Raw P&ID data does not easily connect with modern engineering and process modeling tools.

Structured exports eliminate these challenges by providing a machine-readable and standardized data format.

Understanding Different Export Formats

1️⃣ CSV (Comma-Separated Values)

What is CSV?

CSV is a simple tabular format where data is stored in rows and columns, making it easy to import into spreadsheets and databases.

Benefits of CSV for P&ID Data:

• Human-readable and easy to edit.
• Compatible with Excel, databases, and data analytics tools.
• Best suited for simple tabular data like equipment lists and tag numbers.

CSV Example Output:

Tag, Type, Description
P-101, Pump, Centrifugal Pump
V-201, Valve, Control Valve
T-301, Tank, Storage Tank

2️⃣ JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)

What is JSON?

JSON is a structured, hierarchical data format that is widely used for APIs, web applications, and software integrations.

Benefits of JSON for P&ID Data:

• Supports nested relationships (e.g., equipment connections, pipeline details).
• Ideal for programmatic access and automation.
• Easily integrates with digital twins, IoT, and AI-driven applications.

JSON Example Output:

{
  "equipment": [
    {"tag": "P-101", "type": "Pump", "description": "Centrifugal Pump"},
    {"tag": "V-201", "type": "Valve", "description": "Control Valve"},
    {"tag": "T-301", "type": "Tank", "description": "Storage Tank"}
  ]
}

3️⃣ DEXPI (Data Exchange in Process Industry)

What is DEXPI?

DEXPI is an industry-standard format designed specifically for P&ID data exchange. It is based on ISO 15926, making it ideal for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) workflows.

Benefits of DEXPI for P&ID Data:

• Ensures standardized data exchange across multiple engineering tools.
• Supports rich metadata, including relationships between components.
• Facilitates seamless integration with process simulation and digital twin platforms.

DEXPI Example Structure:

<DEXPI>
  <Equipment id="P-101">
    <Type>Pump</Type>
    <Description>Centrifugal Pump</Description>
  </Equipment>
  <Equipment id="V-201">
    <Type>Valve</Type>
    <Description>Control Valve</Description>
  </Equipment>
</DEXPI>

Choosing the Right Export Format

Feature	CSV	JSON	DEXPI
Readability	✅	✅	❌
Hierarchical Data	❌	✅	✅
Software Integration	❌	✅	✅
Industry Standard	❌	❌	✅
Supports Metadata	❌	✅	✅

• Use CSV for simple lists and tables.
• Use JSON for programmatic access and structured automation.
• Use DEXPI for engineering tools and digital twins.

How eAI Enables Structured P&ID Exports

Automated P&ID Processing

• AI-driven symbol recognition and annotation.
• Extracts equipment, pipelines, and instrumentation data.

Multi-Format Export Support

• CSV for tabular data (e.g., tag lists, component details).
• JSON for structured integration (e.g., IoT and analytics tools).
• DEXPI for industry-standard exchange (e.g., EPC and digital twin platforms).

Seamless Integration with Engineering Workflows

• Ensures data consistency and accuracy.
• Reduces manual transcription errors.
• Enables faster digital twin deployment.

Future of P&ID Data Exchange

🔹 AI-Powered Automation

• Improving AI capabilities for better symbol detection and contextual understanding.
• Automating complex relationships between components.

🔹 Real-Time Data Synchronization

• Integrating live process data with digital twins.
• Enabling continuous updates and real-time monitoring.

🔹 Wider Adoption of DEXPI

• More EPC and software vendors adopting DEXPI as the preferred format.
• Standardizing P&ID data across engineering disciplines.

Conclusion: Why Structured Exports Matter

✅ Enables automation & reduces manual effort.

✅ Supports seamless integration with digital twins and process models.

✅ Future-proofs P&ID data for AI and IoT applications.

Learn More

• What is DEXPI? Understanding Data Exchange in Process Industry
• From P&IDs to Digital Twins: The eAI Workflow
• Automating P&ID Transcription: How Much Can We Really Achieve?
• Digital Twin Adoption in Process Industries: Trends & Challenges

eAI: Powering Digital Transformation with Structured P&ID Data Exports