From legacy PDF and CAD P&IDs to DEXPI-aligned engineering data
DEXPI provides a vendor-neutral way to exchange structured process engineering information. Novek reconstructs the semantic objects, connectivity, and attributes locked inside legacy drawings so they can be mapped into open, DEXPI-oriented workflows.
The source does not need to already contain intelligent CAD objects. Novek can begin from PDF and image-based P&IDs as well as CAD drawings.
The missing step between a static drawing and DEXPI
DEXPI XML requires an explicit, object-oriented data hierarchy with typed equipment, defined nozzle connection points, flow-directed piping networks, and classified instrument loops. Static PDF and 2D CAD drawings contain none of these data structures.
Novek fills this gap by interpreting the visual engineering intent on the drawing, resolving topology, and producing structured data formatted for DEXPI-oriented interoperability.
<!-- DEXPI PlantItem Representation -->
<Equipment TagName="V-101" ComponentClass="PressureVessel">
<Nozzle TagName="N1" NominalDiameter="100" RatingClass="300#">
<Connection Ref="PipeSegment_1001" ConnectionType="Flanged" />
</Nozzle>
</Equipment>
<PipingNetwork SegmentID="10-HC-4002">
<InlineValve TagName="XV-101" Type="EmergencyShutdown" />
<FlowDirection Upstream="V-101.N1" Downstream="E-102.N1" />
</PipingNetwork>Engineering information reconstructed for DEXPI
Equipment & Nozzles
Tagged vessels, pumps, exchangers, and tanks with exact nozzle port locations and ratings.
Piping Systems
Piping lines, nominal sizes, pipe specs, insulation, heat tracing, and flow direction.
In-line Components
Control valves, relief valves, check valves, reducers, strainers, and spectacles.
Instrumentation & Loops
Transmitters, logic solvers, DCS/PLC signals, interlocks, and primary sensor bubbles.
DEXPI-oriented interoperability across project phases
CAD Platform Exchange
Migrate plant drawings into SmartPlant P&ID, AVEVA, or AutoCAD Plant 3D without vendor format lock-in.
Digital Twin Ingestion
Supply open, structured asset topology directly to enterprise digital twin platforms and asset management hubs.
AI & Safety Analysis
Feed verified graph structures to AI agents for automated HAZOP reviews, spec validations, and line lists.
P&ID to DEXPI FAQs
What is DEXPI and why is it important for P&ID interoperability?
DEXPI (Data Exchange in the Process Industry) is an open, vendor-neutral specification based on ISO 15926 and Proteus XML. It allows owner-operators, EPCs, and software vendors to exchange intelligent P&ID models across different plant design tools without proprietary format lock-in.
Can Novek generate DEXPI-aligned data directly from legacy PDF or scanned drawings?
Yes. The source does not need to already contain intelligent CAD objects. Novek can begin from PDF and image-based P&IDs as well as CAD drawings, reconstructing the semantic classes, nozzle ports, piping runs, and instrument loops required for DEXPI data models.
How does Novek bridge the gap between static drawings and DEXPI XML?
A static drawing contains only visual lines and text. Novek applies vision AI and process topology rules to reconstruct typed engineering entities, connection semantics, and asset hierarchies, formatting them into structured, DEXPI-oriented data.
How does human verification work before DEXPI export?
Engineers inspect the reconstructed plant model in Novek's audit interface. Every equipment item, nozzle port, valve, and line segment is highlighted with its source bounding box coordinate on the original PDF sheet before final export.
Is Novek officially certified by the DEXPI initiative?
Novek's data models and export schemas are designed for DEXPI-oriented interoperability and aligned with ISO 15926 principles. NovekAI is an independent technology provider focused on accelerating data transformation from legacy engineering drawings.
Working with PDF or CAD P&IDs that need to become structured DEXPI-oriented data?
Schedule a discussion with our technical team to see how Novek exports your drawings into open, standards-compliant engineering models.