ISA CAP Communication & Documentation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document defines the functional requirements that an automation system must satisfy as agreed upon by the owner and engineering team?
- Functional Requirements Specification (FRS) (Correct answer)
- Cause and Effect Matrix
- Control Narrative
- Process Flow Diagram
Correct answer: Functional Requirements Specification (FRS)
The Functional Requirements Specification formally captures and agrees upon what the automation system must do from the owner's perspective.
Question 2: In ISA-5.1, what does a filled arrowhead on an instrument line indicate?
- Pneumatic signal
- Electric signal (Correct answer)
- Hydraulic signal
- Undefined signal type
Correct answer: Electric signal
ISA-5.1 uses a filled (solid) arrowhead to designate an electric signal on instrument diagrams.
Question 3: A Control Narrative document primarily serves to:
- List all field instruments with their tag numbers
- Describe in plain language how the process control system should operate (Correct answer)
- Define the hardware architecture of the DCS
- Specify cable routing and conduit fill
Correct answer: Describe in plain language how the process control system should operate
A Control Narrative describes the intended sequence, interlocks, and operating logic in plain language so all stakeholders can understand system behavior.
Question 4: When documenting a Safety Instrumented System (SIS), which standard specifically governs the functional safety lifecycle documentation requirements?
- ISA-5.1
- ISA-18.2
- IEC 61511 (Correct answer)
- ISA-88
Correct answer: IEC 61511
IEC 61511 (adopted as ISA-84) specifies the safety lifecycle and associated documentation requirements for process sector SIS.
Question 5: A 'redline' markup on a P&ID refers to:
- Highlighting safety-critical instruments in red ink
- Hand-drawn revisions showing as-built changes not yet formally incorporated (Correct answer)
- Red-colored lines indicating high-pressure piping
- Emergency shutdown lines per ISA-5.1
Correct answer: Hand-drawn revisions showing as-built changes not yet formally incorporated
Redlines are field-marked corrections on engineering drawings that reflect actual installed conditions pending formal drawing updates.
Question 6: Which element is typically included in an Instrument Index but NOT in a P&ID?
- Instrument tag number
- Process connection size
- Instrument manufacturer and model number (Correct answer)
- Pipe line number
Correct answer: Instrument manufacturer and model number
The Instrument Index includes procurement details such as manufacturer and model number, which are not shown on P&IDs.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a Management of Change (MOC) procedure in the context of automation documentation?
- To schedule preventive maintenance on control equipment
- To ensure documentation is updated and risks are assessed whenever system modifications are made (Correct answer)
- To track operator shift handover information
- To define communication protocols between PLCs
Correct answer: To ensure documentation is updated and risks are assessed whenever system modifications are made
MOC ensures that any change to an automation system triggers a review of safety, operability, and documentation updates before implementation.
ISA CAP Communication & Documentation 2
Which document defines the functional requirements that an automation system must satisfy as agreed upon by the owner and engineering team?