Instrumentation Design Deliverables: Index, Hook-Ups, and Vendor Coordination

In every industrial project, Instrumentation Design Deliverables play a vital role in planning, installation, and commissioning. These deliverables include technical drawings, specifications, schedules, and vendor coordination documents. Whether you’re working in oil & gas, chemical, or power sectors, understanding these documents helps you manage field instruments, cables, junction boxes, and control systems with confidence.

This blog explains each deliverable in detail—from instrument index and hook-up drawings to vendor offers and layout plans. If you’re learning instrumentation or pursuing a job-oriented engineering course, mastering these topics will boost your career and make you industry-ready.

Instrument Index & IO Database

The instrument index is a master list of all instruments used in a project. It includes tag numbers, service descriptions, and input/output (IO) signals. The IO database maps each instrument to its control system connection—whether analog, digital, or fieldbus.

For example, a pressure transmitter tagged PT-101 may have a 4–20 mA output connected to a PLC input. This index helps engineers during design, procurement, and commissioning. It also supports loop diagrams and control system architecture.

Lists all instruments with tag numbers
Maps IO signals for control system integration
Supports commissioning and loop testing
Essential for Control System Engineering

Instrument Hook-Up Drawings

Hook-up drawings show how each instrument is installed in the field. They include tubing, fittings, brackets, cable glands, and accessories. These drawings guide technicians during installation and ensure that instruments are mounted correctly.

For example, a temperature transmitter may need a thermowell, bracket, and junction box. The hook-up drawing shows how all these parts connect. It also helps in estimating material quantities and planning procurement.

Shows installation details for each instrument
Includes accessories and mounting hardware
Helps technicians during field work
Supports procurement and material take-off

Instrument Location Plan

The instrument location plan marks the physical position of each instrument on site layouts. It helps engineers and technicians plan cable routing, access paths, and installation points.

For example, level transmitters on storage tanks must be placed at specific heights. The location plan ensures that instruments are accessible and safe. It also supports coordination with civil and mechanical teams.

Marks instrument positions on layout drawings
Helps in cable routing and access planning
Supports coordination with other disciplines
Improves safety and installation accuracy

Junction Box Wiring

Junction box wiring diagrams show how multiple instruments connect to control systems through junction boxes. These diagrams include terminal numbers, cable types, and signal paths.

For example, five transmitters in one area may connect to a single junction box. The wiring diagram helps electricians terminate cables correctly and avoid signal mix-ups. It also supports troubleshooting and maintenance.

Shows cable terminations and signal paths
Helps in correct wiring and testing
Supports maintenance and fault finding
Essential for control system integration

Cable Schedule in Instrumentation Design Deliverables

The cable schedule lists all cables used in the project. It includes cable types, sizes, routes, and termination points. This document is essential for procurement, installation, and testing.

For example, a 3-core shielded cable may run from a flow transmitter to the control panel. The cable schedule helps engineers plan cable trays, junction boxes, and terminations. It also supports vendor coordination and quality checks.

Lists all cables with specifications
Helps in procurement and installation planning
Supports cable tray layout and routing
Critical for instrumentation design

Air Manifold Schedule

The air manifold schedule details the air supply lines for pneumatic instruments. It includes tubing sizes, manifold locations, and instrument connections.

For example, control valves may receive air from a common manifold. The schedule ensures proper distribution and avoids pressure drops. It also helps in planning tubing routes and supports maintenance.

Details air supply lines and connections
Ensures proper pressure distribution
Helps in tubing layout and routing
Supports pneumatic instrument operation

Cable Specifications, Vendor Offer and Drawings

Cable specifications define insulation type, voltage rating, shielding, and fire resistance. Vendors submit offers based on these specs and provide drawings for approval.

For example, cables used in hazardous areas must meet flame-retardant standards. Vendor drawings confirm compliance and help in installation planning. Engineers must review specs and drawings before finalizing orders.

Defines cable properties and standards
Supports vendor evaluation and selection
Helps in installation and safety planning
Ensures compliance with project needs

Junction Box Specifications, Vendor Offer and Drawings

Junction box specifications include material, size, IP rating, and terminal capacity. Vendors offer boxes based on these specs and submit drawings for review.

For example, outdoor junction boxes may need stainless steel enclosures with IP65 protection. Engineers must check vendor drawings to ensure proper fit and compliance.

Specifies junction box features and ratings
Supports vendor selection and layout planning
Ensures environmental and safety compliance
Helps avoid installation clashes

Air Manifold Specification, Vendor Offer and Drawings

Air manifold specifications define tubing size, pressure rating, and connection type. Vendors submit offers and drawings based on these specs.

For example, a manifold supplying air to five control valves must handle the required flow and pressure. Engineers review drawings to confirm layout and safety.

Defines air manifold features and ratings
Supports vendor coordination and layout review
Ensures proper air supply and safety
Helps in pneumatic system design

Junction Box Layouts

Junction box layouts show the physical placement of boxes in the field. They help avoid clashes with structures and optimize cable routing.

For example, placing junction boxes near instrument clusters reduces cable length and improves access. Layouts are coordinated with civil and electrical teams.

Shows junction box positions on site
Helps in cable routing and access planning
Avoids clashes and improves installation
Supports interdisciplinary coordination

Air Manifold Layouts

Air manifold layouts guide the installation of air supply systems. They show manifold positions, tubing routes, and instrument connections.

For example, manifolds must be placed close to control valves to reduce tubing length. Layouts help technicians install systems efficiently and safely.

Shows manifold positions and tubing paths
Supports efficient installation and access
Improves pneumatic system performance
Helps in planning and coordination

Cable Tray Specification, Vendor Offer and GAD

Cable tray specifications define tray size, material, and load capacity. Vendors submit offers and general arrangement drawings (GADs) for approval.

For example, trays in corrosive areas may need FRP material. GADs show tray routes and support structures. Engineers must review specs and drawings for safety and fit.

Defines tray features and installation needs
Supports vendor selection and layout planning
Ensures safety and load compliance
Helps in cable management

Bulk MTO in Instrumentation Design Deliverables

Bulk MTO (Material Take-Off) lists all bulk materials needed for instrumentation. It includes cables, tubing, fittings, brackets, and accessories.

For example, a project may need 500 meters of tubing and 200 cable glands. The MTO helps in procurement planning and cost estimation.

Lists all bulk materials for instrumentation
Supports procurement and budgeting
Helps in material tracking and delivery
Essential for project execution

Instrumentation Vendors

Instrumentation vendors supply instruments, control systems, and accessories. Choosing the right vendor ensures quality, support, and timely delivery.

For example, vendors must provide calibration certificates and warranty terms. Engineers evaluate vendors based on specs, experience, and service.

Supplies instruments and control systems
Supports installation and commissioning
Ensures quality and compliance
Helps in long-term project success

Conclusion

Mastering Instrumentation Design Deliverables is a key step for every instrumentation engineer. From hook-up drawings and cable schedules to vendor coordination and layout planning, these documents shape the success of industrial projects. Whether you’re working in oil & gas, chemical, or power sectors, this knowledge helps you design, install, and maintain systems with confidence.

If you’re looking to learn this in detail with practical examples and real industry insights, join the Instrumentation Design Engineering course at Petromech Baroda LLP.