Orifice plate symbol
Also called Flow element, FE
An orifice plate is a flat plate with a hole in it, clamped in the line. The pressure drop across it is used to calculate flow.
What the orifice plate symbol means
An orifice plate is a flat plate with a hole in it, clamped in the line. The pressure drop across it is used to calculate flow.
How it is drawn
Two short vertical lines across the pipe, with flange taps to a flow transmitter.
The orifice plate symbol in each standard
Drawn as ISA 5.1 defines it, as on most US and international legends.
Orifice plate. A circle with a centre dot on a short stem across the line. Measurement itself is shown with the instrumentation.
ISO SVG
IEC 62424 has no separate symbol for this. Check the project legend.
German (DIN): Messblende. See DIN P&ID symbols.
Where you see it on a P&ID
On flow measurement loops for liquids, gases and steam.
Tag codes
The orifice plate is commonly tagged:
- FE
Tag formats follow the project numbering procedure. For instruments, the letters follow ISA 5.1, explained on the instrument symbols page.
Related symbols
Frequently asked questions
What does the orifice plate symbol look like on a P&ID?
Two short vertical lines across the pipe, with flange taps to a flow transmitter.
What is a orifice plate used for?
An orifice plate is a flat plate with a hole in it, clamped in the line. The pressure drop across it is used to calculate flow. You will find it on flow measurement loops for liquids, gases and steam.
What tag does a orifice plate have?
It is commonly tagged FE. The exact tag format comes from the project numbering procedure and the legend sheets.
Is the orifice plate symbol the same in ISA and ISO?
No. A circle with a centre dot on a short stem across the line. Measurement itself is shown with the instrumentation. The ISO 10628-2 registration number is C0096. Always check the legend sheets at the front of the P&ID set.
What is the orifice plate called in German?
Messblende. On a German R&I-Fließschema it is drawn to DIN EN ISO 10628-2 and DIN EN 62424.
- In production since 2014
- Thousands of daily users
- On MODEC FPSO projects since 2016