Engineering Intelligence · Connected Topology · Source-Traceable Data

From legacy P&IDs to engineering data — at AI speed.

Novek transforms the engineering knowledge locked inside P&IDs into connected, source-traceable data that can power AI, engineering workflows and downstream systems.

Enrich the model with datasheets, engineering registers and other technical documents as needed.

See How It Works
The Reality of Process Drawings

Engineering knowledge is still locked inside drawings.

Engineers can read legacy P&IDs. Most software cannot.

To a drafter or process engineer, a drawing represents a complex connected network of vessels, lines, isolation valves, and instrument loops. To software, it's just a flat raster image of dumb lines and text.

Pixel coordinatesRelational Model
Legacy P&IDRaster PDF / TIFF
V-101N11001-4"XV-101FTP-101
Opaque to AI & Software:No queryable hierarchy, disconnected tags, unsearchable geometry.
Engineering ModelConnected Graph
V-101[Separator Vessel]
├−Nozzle N1(4" 300#)
├−Line-1001(4"-HC-CS)
├−XV-101[ESD Valve]
└−FT-101P-101
100% Queryable Context:Complete topology, flow direction, and signal logic instantly accessible.
Consequence 01Digitisation Cost

Intelligent P&ID conversion

Converting legacy brownfield drawings into intelligent CAD (SmartPlant P&ID, AVEVA) is slow and cost-prohibitive when done manually.

Manual RedraftingWeeks / Months
Legacy P&IDManual redrawSmart P&ID
High engineering drafting hours, error-prone manual tracing.
Novek Connected ModelHours
Legacy P&IDNovek ModelSmart P&ID
Fraction of manual effort with verified DEXPI/SPPID export.
Business Impact: Drastically reduces redrafting backlogs for revamps & capital projects.
Consequence 02AI Reliability

Access to a drawing is not engineering context

Giving an AI agent a scanned PDF forces it to visually re-guess connections every time, producing hallucinations on critical queries.

AI + Raw PDFUnreliable Guessing
Query: "What is upstream of P-101?"
→ Re-reads flat image, misses inline reducer & XV-101.
AI + Novek ModelExact Topology
P-101 ↑ FT-101XV-101V-101
Deterministic, structured answer with pixel proof.
AI Advantage: Verified context prevents hallucinations in HAZOP and work packs.
Consequence 03Reusability

Build the context once. Reuse it everywhere.

Teams repeatedly extract, map, and validate the same P&ID for CAD migration, digital twins, HAZOPs, and MTOs independently.

Fragmented Re-work5x Redundant QA
CAD Team: Extract → Map → QA
Twin Team: Extract → Map → QA
HAZOP Team: Extract → Map → QA
Novek Connected ModelOne Single Source
SPPIDTwinAI AgentsHAZOPMTO
One shared engineering graph feeds all downstream tools.
Core Principle: Eliminates recurring extraction cost across project phases.
The Product Architecture

From raster drawing to connected engineering model

A 5-step pipeline that transforms static P&IDs into an intelligent, queryable, standards-compliant plant model.

STEP 01

Ingest drawing packages

Upload scanned PDFs, TIFFs, or raster CAD files. Novek automatically identifies sheet boundaries, title blocks, legends, and drawing grids.

DeliverableMulti-sheet drawing index with grid coordinates
Stage 01 · Ingest drawing packages
Drawing Package Ingestion148 Sheets Detected
PID-Area10-Primary.pdf
48 Sheets · ANSI D (24x36")
Indexed
PID-Area20-Utilities.pdf
100 Sheets · ISO A1
Indexed
Sheet Geometry & Legend ExtractorAuto-Calibrated
Title Blocks
148 / 148
Coordinate Grid
A-F / 1-8
Project Legend
Matched
Coordinate mapping:Grid anchors locked (X/Y Normalized)
STEP 02

Parse symbology & topology

Vision-AI models detect equipment, inline valves, instruments, piping lines, and flow direction arrows — recognizing your project's specific symbol library.

DeliverableSymbol classification & component registry
Stage 02 · Parse symbology & topology
Vision-AI Symbology Parser99.1% Detection
V-101 (Vessel)
XV-101
PT-101
Equipment
24 Tags
Valves
118 Tags
Instruments
86 Loops
Lines
42 Runs
Project legend matched: PIP & ISA 5.1 symbols recognized.
STEP 03

Construct connected model

Novek stitches together process lines, cross-drawing connectors (OPCs), instrument loops, and asset hierarchies into a unified engineering graph.

DeliverableFull topological plant model with signal & process flow
Stage 03 · Construct connected model
Topological Graph ConstructorGraph Synced
V-101 (Separator)Nozzle N1 (4" 300#)
Source Asset
4"-HC-1001-A1A (CS, 150#)Flow → Downstream
XV-101 & FE-101Grid D4 · Inline
Loop SIS-01
OPC-1001 → PID-002 (Sheet 2, Grid A1)
OPC Resolved
Connected Topology:0 Broken Connectors · 100% Path Continuity
STEP 04

Human-in-the-loop review

Engineers inspect extracted data side-by-side with the drawing. Every connection, tag, and attribute is highlighted on the original drawing with confidence scores.

DeliverableAudited model with complete engineer sign-off
Stage 04 · Human-in-the-loop review
HITL Verification & Audit Trail1 Flagged for QA
Line Size Confirmation
Drawing PID-001 · Grid C3
94.2% Conf.
AI Extraction
3"-HC-1002
Source Crop
3"-HC-1002-A1A
Engineer: J. Davies (PE)
Decision Trail:All edits timestamped with pixel coordinate proof
STEP 05

Export & integrate

Deliver DEXPI-compliant models, SmartPlant P&ID imports, line lists, instrument indices, or query the model directly via the Novek Context API.

DeliverableDEXPI XML, SPPID, CAD formats & structured registers
Stage 05 · Export & integrate
Downstream Export & Context APIReady
DEXPI XML (ISO 15926)
Intelligent CAD interchange
XML / 1.4 MB
Hexagon SmartPlant (SPPID)
Direct database import format
Native / 2.8 MB
Novek Context API (GraphQL)
Live plant topology for AI agents
REST / JSON
Master Line List & Tag Register
Source-linked EPC spreadsheets
Excel / 480 KB
Integration status:1 Model → 4 Downstream Outcomes
Complete Drawing Semantics

Not OCR. Deep engineering understanding.

Novek doesn't just read characters off a page. It interprets the drawing the way an experienced process engineer would — understanding symbols, connections, flow, and hierarchy.

Process Flow

Line connectivity & topology

Source to destination, inline components, branches, reducer points, and flow direction.

Assets

Equipment & asset hierarchies

Tags, nozzle schedules, types, service descriptions, design parameters, and associated instruments.

Automation

Instrument loops & control logic

Transmitters, control valves, DCS/PLC connections, signal types, interlocks, and safety systems.

Piping

Line attributes & pipe specifications

Line numbers, sizes, piping classes, insulation, heat tracing, and operating parameters.

Relationships

Cross-document continuity

Off-page connectors, continuation drawings, datasheet links, and vendor package cross-references.

Standards

Standards & symbology

ISA 5.1, ISO 10628, DIN 2481, PIP, client-specific legend sheets, and custom symbol libraries.

Core Architectural Layer

One model. Infinite engineering outcomes.

Novek builds a unified engineering graph of your plant: every line, valve, instrument, and equipment item is connected, typed, and source-attributed.

Query any connection: what valves isolate this pump?
Trace any signal: which interlocks trip on low level?
Export to any format: DEXPI, SPPID, CSV, or GraphQL
100% source-traceable to the original pixel coordinates
connected_model.graph.jsonISO 15926 / DEXPI
{
  "plant_unit": "02-FRACTIONATION",
  "equipment": {
    "tag": "E-102",
    "type": "Shell & Tube Heat Exchanger",
    "source_ref": "PID-102-REV4.pdf [x:420, y:890]",
    "nozzles": ["N1 (Inlet)", "N2 (Outlet)", "N3 (Vent)"],
    "connected_lines": [
      {
        "line_number": "10-HC-4002-1CS1P",
        "size": "10 inch",
        "spec": "1CS1P",
        "insulation": "HC-HOT",
        "upstream": "V-101",
        "downstream": "E-102.N1",
        "inline_instruments": ["FE-203", "TI-204", "XV-201"]
      }
    ]
  },
  "interlocks": [
    { "initiator": "LSHH-208", "target": "XV-201", "action": "CLOSE" }
  ]
}
Multiple Downstream Outcomes

Outputs for every engineering workflow

Whether you need to migrate to an intelligent CAD platform, power downstream AI tools, or deliver verified project registers, Novek generates the right output from the same connected model.

Engineering Software

Intelligent P&ID conversion

Export to SmartPlant P&ID, AVEVA, or DEXPI-compliant models for direct import into intelligent CAD and plant design software.

Deliverable Formats
DEXPI XML / ISO 15926Intergraph / Hexagon SPPIDAVEVA P&ID native models
Autonomous AI

AI engineering context

Feed verified, structured plant topology to AI agents for automated compliance checks, HAZOP assistance, and work pack generation.

Deliverable Formats
Topology Graph APIVector Context EncodingsLine & Loop Relationships
EPC Deliverables

Project deliverables & registers

Generate complete, verified line lists, equipment registers, instrument indices, and MTOs — with every value linked to its source.

Deliverable Formats
Piping Line ListsMaster Tag RegistersInstrument Indices & MTOs
Quality Assurance

Cross-document validation

Instantly detect discrepancies between P&IDs, datasheets, vendor packages, and project standards before QA or construction.

Deliverable Formats
Discrepancy AuditsRevision Redline DiffsSpecification Checklists
Zero Vendor Lock-in

DEXPI, SPPID & Open Plant Data

We believe plant data belongs to the owner-operator. Novek exports to open, standards-based formats (DEXPI, ISO 15926) and integrates with major plant design tools.

Learn more about our DEXPI and CAD integrations →
DEXPI XML
ISO 15926 Standard
SmartPlant P&ID
Intergraph / Hexagon
AVEVA P&ID
Native XML & Schemas
AutoCAD P&ID
AutoCAD Plant 3D
Context API
REST / GraphQL Graph
Audited Tables
Excel / CSV / Parquet
Human-in-the-Loop Architecture

Engineers stay in control. Every value is verified.

Automated extraction is only as good as the verification workflow. Novek’s review interface highlights low-confidence items, flags inconsistencies across drawings, and lets engineers approve changes with a complete audit trail.

Click-to-Source Verification

Jump directly to the bounding box coordinate on the original PDF.

Rule-Based Discrepancy Checks

Catch valve size and spec rating mismatches across sheets automatically.

Audit Inspector · Tag XV-201PID-02-104.pdf (Grid C-4)
EXTRACTED ATTRIBUTE
Size: 10" ANSI 300# Fail Closed
99.8% Conf
TOPOLOGICAL CONNECTION
Upstream: 10-HC-4002-1CS1P | Downstream: E-102 Nozzle N1
✓ Verified by Lead Process Engineer (Audit log recorded: 2026-09-05T01:40Z)

Why not ChatGPT or OCR?

Document access isn't the same as engineering context

General-purpose AI and OCR see characters on a page. Novek understands plant topology, piping specs, and process relationships.

Drawings are relational, not just text

LLMs treat drawings as text extraction tasks. But a P&ID's value is in its connections: which valve isolates which line, what instrument controls what loop, and where each line continues across sheets. Novek models relationships, not just tags.

AI agents need verified topology, not visual guesses

If an AI agent needs to evaluate a HAZOP scenario or generate a work pack, it cannot rely on visual OCR guesses. It needs a verified, queryable model of plant topology with source-level auditability.

100% source-traceable to the original drawing

Every node, connection, and attribute in the Novek model retains its pixel coordinates and bounding boxes on the original drawing. Engineers can verify any claim in one click.

Core Foundations

Engineered for enterprise trust and accuracy

Auditable

Source Traceability

100% of extracted nodes, attributes, and tags link directly to pixel bounding boxes on original source sheets.

Relational

Connected Topology

Full directional flow graphs capturing upstream/downstream equipment, branches, and instrument control loops.

Open Data

Vendor-Neutral

Standards-first schema compliant with DEXPI, ISO 15926, and exportable to SPPID, AVEVA, or custom APIs.

Verified

HITL Audit Trail

Human-in-the-loop review interface giving engineers complete verification and change attribution before release.

Common questions

Common questions from engineering teams

Answers to the questions teams ask before they book a demo.

Get Started

Start with one legacy P&ID. See the connected model.

Bring a sample drawing package from an active or brownfield project. In the demo, we'll parse the drawings live, inspect the generated engineering graph, and export DEXPI or tabular deliverables you can verify.

Run on your actual project P&ID package
Inspect the connected topological model live
Export sample DEXPI XML and line lists
Enterprise security & non-disclosure ready