Manual Plant 4D Athena SP2 - Pipe Tutorial-master

Plant 4D Athena SP2

P i p e T u t o r i a lVersion 1.2

Copyright 1996-2007 CEA Technology B.V., The Netherlands

Table of contents

1. Introduction.......................................................................................21.1. Legal notice ......................................................................................................... 21.2. About Plant-4D .................................................................................................... 21.3. About this manual ................................................................................................3

2. Database-oriented software ............................................................52.1. Basic databases used by Plant-4D. ...................................................................... 52.2. Other important files.............................................................................................6

3. 4D-Explorer .......................................................................................93.1. Setting up the new job..........................................................................................93.2. Tutorial Project................................................................................................... 113.3. Working in the Projects ...................................................................................... 143.4. Model Preview ................................................................................................... 143.5. Data preview...................................................................................................... 15

4. Plant-4D PIPE..................................................................................174.2. Background: Basic concept of modeling plants................................................... 174.3. Creating a 3D Model. ......................................................................................... 174.4. Plant-4D PIPE Pull down menu and Toolbars..................................................... 18

4.4.1. Pull down Menu.....................................................................................................184.4.2. Toolbars................................................................................................................18

4.5. PIPE module settings......................................................................................... 194.6. Using the mouse in the PIPE module. ................................................................ 204.7. Referencing models ........................................................................................... 20

4.7.1. Steelwork..............................................................................................................214.7.2. Civil Foundations...................................................................................................21

4.8. Creating Line Numbers ...................................................................................... 224.9. Placing Equipment ............................................................................................. 234.10. Basic Rules for creating Pipe Models ............................................................. 304.11. The Pump Discharge ..................................................................................... 324.12. Small Bore piping........................................................................................... 45

5. Remaining part of pipe model .......................................................525.1. Suction lines. ..................................................................................................... 52

5.1.1. Line Tutor1............................................................................................................525.1.2. Line Tutor3............................................................................................................585.1.3. Bypass line ...........................................................................................................60

5.2. The final drawing................................................................................................ 63

6. Project Database ............................................................................656.1. Introduction........................................................................................................ 656.2. Basic tables with component data ...................................................................... 67

6.2.1. The Components table ..........................................................................................676.2.2. The CommonData table.........................................................................................686.2.3. The SoloData table................................................................................................696.2.4. The Primitives table...............................................................................................696.2.5. The Dialogs table ..................................................................................................706.2.6. The DialogObjects table.........................................................................................71

6.3. Changing Dialogs: Examples. ............................................................................ 726.3.1. Changing Common and Solo data through Data Dialogs.........................................726.3.2. Changing Data Dialogs..........................................................................................746.3.3. Data protection in Data Dialogs..............................................................................76

7. Creating isometrics ........................................................................767.1. Working in the Projects. ..................................................................................... 767.2. Isogen................................................................................................................ 777.3. Creating the Isometric ........................................................................................ 787.4. Additional Notes................................................................................................. 807.5. Presenting a result in AutoCAD. ......................................................................... 81

8. Material Class .................................................................................828.1. Piping Database Specifications .......................................................................... 838.2. ComponentIndex field ........................................................................................ 848.3. ComponentName field ....................................................................................... 858.4. All other fields .................................................................................................... 858.5. New Piping Database Specification.................................................................... 86

9. Specification basics .......................................................................88

Plant 4D Athena SP2 Pipe Tutorial

1 Introduction Legal notice Page 2 of 106

1. Introduction

1.1. Legal noticeThis publication or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form, by any method, for any purpose

without the express written consent of CEA Technology.

CEA Technology makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to,

the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

CEA Technology, or any of its subsidiaries, shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental

or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. The name Plant-4D is a

registered trademark of CEA Technology B.V., The Netherlands.

If you have any questions during the installation or operation, please contact your local Plant-4D dealer or

visit the CEA website for more information:

Copyright 1996-2007 CEA Technology B.V., The Netherlands

1.2. About Plant-4DPlant-4D is a modern database-driven and object-oriented CAD system intended for the production of P&ID and Piping drawings as well as the complete maintenance of the data related to all aspects of the

project work.

Database-driven means that both all graphics and primitives as well as data are stored in a relational database (RDBMS). This approach has the following advantages:

The program can be run on a network by a group of engineers, or a single user can work with it on a

stand-alone machine.

The program can run simultaneously on AutoCAD and Microstation. Part of the drawing can be made

in Microstation, be revised in AutoCAD by another party, the drawing can be finished in Microstation,

and be delivered to the customer as an AutoCAD drawing, for instance. The CAD program is only

used to display the drawings, to serve as an interface where the drafting occurs, and to enter the

data through data entry windows. In other words, Plant-4D is CAD platform independent. The drawing can be completely created or reworked by manipulating the data in the database.

Interfaces to simulation programs, such as ChemCAD exist.

Interfaces to instrumentation systems such as INtools exist.

Translation tools to import existing CAD drawings from non-database systems exist.

Interfaces to other database-driven CAD systems are feasible.

Interfaces to Plant Management systems are feasible.

Reporting is highly customizable through a variety of database reporting tools.

Object oriented means that the elements used for drawing (for instance symbols or lines) are stored in the database as objects:


1 Introduction About this manual Page 3 of 106

Creating your own symbols is extremely easy, and can be done from the CAD program or at the database level

There is no graphical storage. A large drawing or a model doesnt need to be saved, as every object is saved to the database at the moment it is inserted in CAD. Any possible crash of

Windows or lack of power supply will not affect the work done so far.

Objects can inherit properties. For instance, a control valve can inherit process and mechanical data from the pipe it is located on. This means that less work is needed to complete all

necessary data.

The object-oriented concept makes it easy to transfer the data and do the reporting.

1.3. About this manualThe main purpose of this book is to guide you through Plant-4D from start to finish.

This part of the Plant-4D Training book has been prepared for the PIPE module, and this means that we

will concentrate mostly upon the information required to make you familiar with 3D model designing with

Plant-4D. Additionally you can find chapters in this book that will help you to understand what the 4D-

Explorer is, what its features are, how to work with it, and how to generate isometrics from a previously

created 3D model.

As a result you should learn everything that is required to start a job (all activities related with the project

setup), to perform it (3D model creation of course) and eventually to produce the final documentation

(isometrics and some reports).

In this book you will be guided through a common example. It will be a very simple piping model with two

pumps, one vertical vessel, a piece of piperack and one platform. You will start this example from the 4D-

Explorer, creating a new job and assigning people to the workgroup allowed to work on this job. All related

topics will be described and exercised. Then you will create the piping model. Models containing

foundations and pipe rack will not be covered, but a way of designing them will be described. You will

change some settings of the program to fit the job requirements and eventually you will generate

isometrics, using the ISOGEN application. This exercise will help you become familiar with this program

faster than with the manuals alone.

Plant-4D can work with either of the following graphical platforms:

AutoCAD release 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007;

Microstation 95, SE, J, V8.

And can work with any of the following database types:

MS Access;

SQL-Server;

Oracle.


1 Introduction About this manual Page 4 of 106

The examples in this tutorial are created in AutoCAD using an MS Access database. If you want to use

SQL or Oracle we advise you to follow a database administrator training from your local Plant-4D dealer.

To give you an overview on what you can find in the following chapters, here follows the list of items, each

with a short description.

1. Starting

This chapter describes how to understand the term Database Oriented software in relation to Plant-

4D. You will also learn the directory structure created when installing Plant-4D, how it is organized

and a brief overview of the most important files in these directories.

2. 4D-Explorer

This chapter will guide you through the process of project creation, as well as making it fit into

project requirements through the use of the 4D-Explorer.

3. Plant-4D Pipe

This is the main chapter describing the creation of 3D models. By means of a sample model you will

learn about:

How the Plant-4D Pipe menu is organized;

Placing piping elements into a model;

Referencing existing models to the current one;

Editing an existing model;

Modifying the data dialog;

2D drawing generation.

4. Isogen

This chapter gives a brief description of the ISOGEN application and generation of isometrics.

5. Specifications

This chapter explains how to create your own specifications.


2 Database-oriented software Basic databases used by Plant-4D. Page 5 of 106

2. Database-oriented software

As you know from the Plant-4D manuals, this program is completely database-oriented.

Although Plant-4D uses both MicroStation and AutoCAD as graphics editors, all data of the 3D piping

model is stored in the database. The stored data includes:

The graphical definition of each piping component;

The geometrical and other data associated with each piping component;

All non- Plant-4D graphical elements like lines, text definitions.

AutoCAD and MicroStation are used only to represent this data graphically and to help us create a piping

model visually. This means that you can create this model directly in the database as well, which of course

is much more difficult and not recommended. No data is stored with the drawing; in fact, Plant-4D does not

create any drawings.

2.1. Basic databases used by Plant-4D.Now that you know the database-oriented concept of Plant-4D, we can explore the following:

How many databases Plant-4D is using?

What data is stored in what database?

Plant-4D uses electronic files with the extension mdb, which are MS Access program files. Below is a list

of all the mdb files used by the Plant-4D PIPE module:

2.1.1. PCE.MDB

This database file contains general setting data that includes settings about available standard projects

(delivered with the software) and user created projects. In addition, information about components,

graphical and dimensional databases, and workgroups can be found there. Simply: what is created using

the 4D-Explorer is stored in this file. You will rarely use this database directly with MS Access to enter any

modifications to the data stored there. It is much easier and safer to change this data using Plant-4D

commands from within 4D-Explorer.

2.1.2. COMPPIPE.MDB

This is a Plant-4D database file, which contains graphical definitions of piping components used in the

PIPE module. If you want to modify these definitions, use the Component Builder program. It is available

from the Start option of each Pipe drawing. For production purposes, it is recommended that you create

your own component database and use it instead of the standard Plant-4D component database.

2.1.3. CATALOGS.MDB

This file is the Plant-4D Piping Specifications Database. Currently, you can find three tables here:

ANSI#PIP, ANSI_I#PIP, DIN#PIP. From a user point of view, this is one of those files you should know

very well. You can learn more about this file in the chapter Specification basics.


2 Database-oriented software Other important files Page 6 of 106

2.1.4. SPEC.MDB

This file contains the standard Plant-4D Specifications. Currently, you can find the following tables

representing the following Piping Material Classes (depending on the type of installation):

ANSI_150lb#PIP, ANSI_I_150lb#PIP, ANSI_300lb#PIP, ANSI_I_300lb#PIP and LINED_I#PIP. You can

find out more about these in the chapter Specification basics.

You can also find other specifications such as STEEL#PIP or STEEL_AISC#PIP (contains steel member

components) and EQUIP#PIP (contains equipment components) in the SPEC.MDB. All specifications use

the same field structure to allow Plant-4D to use different specifications with the same components.

2.1.5. SPECMAN.MDB

This is a file used by the Specification manager. The definition of all filters created for a Piping Material

Class is stored here; you can also find a table used for the translation of coded piping features into more

legible textual information. You can read more about this database in the chapter Specification basics.

2.1.6. PRJ_1.MDB.

This is a project-related file that contains all the data about components used in the projects. In this case

the Tutorial Project is assigned to this project id. You can verify this by opening up the Databases table in

the PCE.MDB (if you have not deleted this project from your computer). So when you create a new project,

a new number associated with the PRJ_ prefix will be used as the name of the related database file (for

the next project it will be PRJ_2.MDB and so on). Refer to the Plant-4D User guide for additional

information on creating projects. When you start building your model, placing Plant-4D components or

AutoCAD primitives (line, text and so on), each element will be recorded as one record in one of the

respective tables of this file.

2.1.7. PRJ_PROT.MDB

This is a template file that can be copied with a new name (PRJ_#) every time you create a new project.

This is quite useful because it can enforce any company standards built into the template.

2.1.8. P4DtoISO.MDB

The program P4DtoISO.EXE uses the P4DtoISO.MDB file to create the files required for input into Isogen.

In this file you can find the most common translations of our Plant-4D components into Isogen types. You

can learn more about this database in the chapter PIsogen.

2.2. Other important filesA brief explanation about some important files will be given now:

In \\CEA\ Plant-4D\Acad\PIP\BIN you will find the following files:

Acaddoc.lsp

This file is used instead of the original AutoCAD lsp file and is required to start AutoCAD with the Plant-4D

PIPE program. The PIPE module and other settings such as line types are also loaded by means of this

file. Some AutoCAD commands are redefined in this file.

Warning: It is not recommended that an inexperienced user make any modifications to this file.



Color.dat;

Layer.dat;

Ltype.dat.

These dat files assign numbers to AutoCAD colors, layers and line types. These numbers allow the

settings to be recognized by Plant-4D. You can also assign colors to layers and additional parameters to

instrumentation line types by means of these files.

P4d_pip.mnu;

P4d_pip.mnr.

These menu files for the PIPE module define the Plant-4D menu that is added to the AutoCAD menu. In

case of using AutoCAD version 2006 or higher, you will also find a P4d_pip.cui file, which is another

format for menu definitions in AutoCAD.

Plant4D.dwt

This is an AutoCAD template file, which is loaded as a default every time you enter the PIPE module. You

can define your drawing limits, layers, number and layout of viewports and many other settings in this file

to fit your requirements.

Plant-4D.lin

This file contains the definition of line types and fonts used by Plant-4D.

Shortcut.grs

This file contains all Plant-4D command shortcuts used in AutoCAD with the required parameters. When

creating a new component, the component builder adds the new component automatically to this file. See

the Component Builder manual for more information.

In \\CEA\Plant-4D\Settings you will find the following file:

Specindx.ini

This file defines the settings required for each Piping Material Class. You can modify it manually or through

the Specification manager program.

Other file locations:

\\CEA\Plant-4D\Common\bmp

All the bitmaps that are used by Plant-4D are stored in this directory.

\\CEA\ Plant-4D\Settings\msg

The *.ini files in this directory contain the text for the prompts and messages used by Plant-4D in 4D-

Explorer, PID, PIPE and plugins. The text in these files can be modified to match your requirements and

also allow for messages in other languages. It is recommended that you try to maintain the same length as

in the original version to make sure that the text does not become too long. Note that the proper messages

have to be assigned to their proper Plant-4D numbers.

\\CEA\ Plant-4D\Common\sheets



Here you can find several standard drawing sheets for AutoCAD and for MicroStation. You can use them

as they are, modify them or use your own standard. These sheets can be used as external references in

your Plant-4D drawings.

Plant-4D\Settings

Several *.ini setting files are stored in this directory:

Datatype.ini

In this file the data types for the database programs (like MS Access, Oracle or SQL Server) are defined.

P4dToIso.in

In this file several settings are defined for the conversion of the 3D model to the DXF-Isometric. Refer to

the Isogen Tutorial for more information.

Plant4D.ini

File paths for programs and license files and DSNs used are set in this file.

Warning: Be aware that only authorized users may make any changes to the INI files.


3 4D-Explorer Setting up the new job. Page 9 of 106

3. 4D-Explorer

In this chapter we will create our own tutorial project. We assume that you have read the 4D-Explorer

User Guide, so discussing the meaning of each button and function will not be the scope of this

document. You will be given the scope of your work and guided through all the screens in the 4D-Explorer

to enter the required data into the system.

3.1. Setting up the new job.Using the Tutorial Project provided as a template, create a new Training Project. As only ANSI pipe

components are to be used, all ANSI Specification tables will need to be assigned to this project.

Additional specification tables for steel and equipment should also be added.

We will then add users to the project. Here you will grant yourself administrator rights so that you can

adjust Plant-4D to the project requirements. To help you with the work we will add two users: John Brownand Engineer. They will form a limited rights workgroup named Piping.

More details will be discussed during the exercises.

When you launch the 4D-Explorer application from the Windows Startmenu >> Programs >> Plant-4D, you will see the 4D-Explorer page with the Plant-4D Login-dialog as shown on the next image.

The Login dialog asks for a username and password to access the 4D-Explorer module. By default the

system comes with a Username sa and password also sa both using lowercase characters.

Note: This sa user holds system administration rights. Make sure that this password gets changed after installation to prevent unauthorized usage of the products.


3 4D-Explorer Setting up the new job. Page 10 of 106

If the picture above does not appear correctly on your screen please check if the dongle is attached to the

system, the license service is running and the proper licenses are assigned. If this is the case, please

make a note of the error messages displayed and forward those in e-mail to your local Plant-4D support

organization.

The Login dialog is the first and most important protection of the program. If somebody is not assigned to

any workgroup, then he is not allowed to enter Plant-4D at all. If he is a member of one workgroup, then,

depending on the workgroup rights assigned to it, he has access to all program options and data (usually

administrator) or is limited to a couple of options or data.

When you log in, you will see the main screen of the 4D-Explorer module and the Project tree will be displayed in the left pane as shown below. You can access the System Administration and Help pages

through the tabs. The modules Steel, E&I and Pipe Stress can be accessed through hyperlinks at the top

right corner of the page.


3 4D-Explorer Tutorial Project Page 11 of 106

When you expand the Projects-node in the tree you will see the several categories of a project.

For a detailed explanation of every category we would like to refer to the 4D-Explorer manual. The ones

used in this tutorial are:

3D Models containing all 3D (PIPE) models of a project. Isometrics containing all isometric drawings generated in this project

3.2. Tutorial ProjectThe Projects tree allows you to create a new project. However, for this exercise we will use the Tutorial Project delivered with the software. Select the System Administration tab in the main menu and expand the Databases and Projects folders in the tree. It should have the same structure as shown below.

Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.



Right click on the Tutorial Project and select Specs and Components to bring up the dialog Properties for project Tutorial Project.


Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.Now click on the Components tab and verify that the COMPPIPE and COMPEQP databases are selected.

Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.Now in the Specifications tab select the AIA#PIP, ANSI_150#PIP, ANSI_300#PIP, EQUIP#PIP and STEEL#PIP specifications.

Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.Now that the specifications and components databases are assigned we can proceed to create the users:

John Brown and Engineer.

Click on the Users, Groups and Rights folder and expand the tree as shown below. Right click on Usersand choose New to bring up the 4D-Explorer Add user dialog. Enter the information for John Brown (use a password of jbrown) and select the Pipe group.

Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.



Click on to make it a member of this group and click OK. Closing and reopening the Users tree now shows the new user, John Brown.

Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.Now you can do the same for the user, Engineer, and make him part of the Process group. Try logging on

to Plant-4D with one of the new logins you have created and notice the changes in access. For this tutorial

it is recommended that you re-login with sa, sa so that you have all the access you require.

Note: You can view the rights assigned to any group by left clicking on the group and observing the right hand pane. Below the Pipe group (which is assigned to the Common Rights group) is selected and the respective access information is shown. For additional information on creating Groups and Right Groups see the 4D-Explorer User Guide.

This completes your exercise in setting up a new project and users. Now you have:

Set up the Tutorial Project.

Added two new users to this project, so that you can simulate a real work environment for the 3D

model.

Properly assigned the rights, by assigning the users to workgroups with certain rights.


3 4D-Explorer Working in the Projects Page 14 of 106

Note: All these settings are stored in the PCE.MDB file.

Now we can go back to the Projects tree in 4D-Explorer by clicking the Projects tab.

3.3. Working in the ProjectsBy expanding the Tutorial Project from the projects list as shown below; you can create new Pipe drawings by right clicking on 3D Models and selecting New drawing. Refer to this section when the tutorial asks you to create models.


Note: The created drawings do not have standard AutoCAD [dwg] or MicroStation [dgn] format. All drawings are stored in the project database and can be viewed in your preferred CAD platform. A 3D model is created, and the data from this model can be used to generate 2D Layouts, Isometrics and Reports.

This concludes the chapter on the 4D-Explorer interface. Refer to the 4D-Explorer User guide for additional

information.

3.4. Model PreviewUsing the left hand mouse button to highlight the drawing name, additional options will be displayed above

the main window.

When the Preview option is selected, the drawing that was highlighted earlier will be displayed in the main window. This function also works for any Plant-4D P&ID drawings and does NOT require any CAD

application to be installed on the computer.


3 4D-Explorer Data preview Page 15 of 106

The drop-down options in the top right hand corner enable users to adjust the image to suit.

Click on the preview to access the zoom and pan functions. It is possible to zoom in and out of the model

(using the Up and Down buttons on the keyboard), and by holding the left hand mouse button down while

moving the mouse, it is possible to move around the model. Press the Escape key to leave the preview.

3.5. Data previewFrom the preview, it is also possible to identify the tag number and description of any component by

clicking the component with the left hand mouse button.

By selecting the General Data option (from the top menu) additional data will be displayed. For example if a P&ID drawing was selected, Equipment, Valves, Instrumentation etc. would be displayed. If the B.O.M. is selected a material list is displayed.



3 4D-Explorer Data preview Page 16 of 106

These functions DO NOT require a database (e.g. MS Access) to be installed on the local computer.


4 Plant-4D PIPE Background: Basic concept of modeling plants. Page 17 of 106

4. Plant-4D PIPE

4.1.1. Overview

In this chapter you will learn how to draw a 3D model using the Plant-4D PIPE module. For the exercises

described in this tutorial, the Tutorial Project will be used. This project is automatically created when Plant-

4D is installed.

The Tutorial Project contains the following Pipe drawings:

Civil: Foundations for pipe-rack, platform and equipment. Steel: Steel for pipe-rack and platform.

These drawings are used as reference drawings in the exercises.

4.2. Background: Basic concept of modeling plants.In the following exercises you will create several 3D models. These models will divide up the exercises into

smaller parts. This division of work is useful in separating each disciplines scope of work and also in

allowing more flexibility within the disciplines themselves. You can assign various users to different models

and view all the models in an area or view each model separately by using the reference feature in Plant-

4D. So do not be surprised that there are separate models for steel and civil objects. In the first step of this

tutorial you will be asked to create one model more, for Equipment. And it is very easy to figure out that

other ones will follow.

In this chapter you will learn how to draw a 3D model using the Plant-4D PIPE module. For the exercises

described in this tutorial, create a new project (Example Project) using the Plant-4D Tutorial Project as a template.

This Project contains the following Pipe drawing:

4.2.1. Civil

Foundations for pipe rack, platform and equipment, complete with sample steelwork showing pipe racks

and platforms.

This drawing will be used as a reference drawing in the following exercises.

4.3. Creating a 3D Model.In the exercises you will create several 3D models. The exercises are divided into smaller parts. These

divisions may be useful according to a particular disciplines scope of work. Alternatively, users may gain

more flexibility by working with smaller sized models. Various users can be assigned to the different

models and each can use the feature Load Reference Plant-4D drawing to view the whole model or part of it on each workstation.

To start working with a model, expand the Example Project and, using the right hand mouse button (RHB), click on 3D Models. Using the New Drawing option, create a drawing called Equipment.


4 Plant-4D PIPE Plant-4D PIPE Pull down menu and Toolbars Page 18 of 106

Expand the 3D Models heading. Select the Equipment drawing using the left hand mouse button (LHB) and select Start from the top menu. From the list options displayed, select the AutoCAD icon.

Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.In this model you will practice placing equipment.

4.4. Plant-4D PIPE Pull down menu and ToolbarsThe Plant-4D menu and toolbars are defined in the file P4d_pip.mnu. They are added to the standard AutoCAD menu as a pull-down menu, named Plant-4D, and various additional toolbars.

4.4.1. Pull down MenuThis contains several Plant-4D commands. It has been grouped into different sections for ease of use.

4.4.2. ToolbarsFrom the available Plant-4D toolbars, you have to decide which, if any, you want to have permanently on

the screen. It is also up to you where you want to place them. For this tutorial, it is recommended that the

Plant-4D Pipe main toolbar as well as the toolbars for Butt-welded, Socket and Threaded components be

displayed.

This example shows some of the typical toolbars available:


4 Plant-4D PIPE PIPE module settings Page 19 of 106

4.5. PIPE module settingsWhen you enter the Pipe module, the Current Settings dialog should appear on the screen. This shows

the last used line number diameter and Specification name.

This Data dialog can be used to change the current settings and is closely related to another dialog

called Pipe Settings.

To view the Pipe Settings dialog you have to click from the pull-down menu:Plant-4D Pipe >> Settings >> Plant-4D PipeThe following dialog box will appear:

Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.In the top section of this dialog, all the necessary features required to identify a component in the

specification table are shown. These are:

Sizes (Main, Reduced and Branch) to denote the pipe diameter being used. Trims (Main, Reduced and Branch) Schedule, Rating, Material and User Code.

Piping component toolbars

Equipment toolbars

Current settings menu

Plant-4D main (PIPE) toolbar

Plant-4D floating menu


4 Plant-4D PIPE Using the mouse in the PIPE module. Page 20 of 106

The combination of these settings for each component must be unique so that the correct component will

be identified.

In the specification table there may be numerous 80mm Diameter pipes (e.g. different schedules). If the

Schedule is set to 40 in this dialog, only pipe schedule 40 with size 80 mm would be allowed. In some

instances you will see Ignore displayed for some fields. This will allow the user to select from a list of valid fittings.

This dialog also shows all Specifications that have been made available for this project.

All line numbers used so far in the current project are also displayed. It is possible to add new line

numbers with this dialog.

The check boxes on the right of the dialog box allow you to:

Place gaskets and bolts automatically.

Place weld gaps automatically.

Check End conditions, Specifications, Line numbers and sizes.

If Plant-4D detects that one of the end conditions (including specification, line numbers and sizing) of

components you try to connect do not match, a warning will be displayed.

4.6. Using the mouse in the PIPE module.The mouse behaves the same as in AutoCAD. There is only one additional feature added. When a

component is to be placed, the right hand mouse button (RHB) can be used to change the insertion point

of the component. All components have at least one insertion point. If they have more than one (a tee for

example has four, see below), use the RHB to toggle through the available insertion points.

4.7. Referencing modelsYou can start to create the 3D model. The first model will contain only the required equipment. As it would

be difficult to position the required equipment without any referenced element we will reference the existing

Steel and Civil models.

From the Plant-4D pull down menu select: Plant-4D Pipe >> Reference Drawing >> Plant-4DThe following dialog box will appear:


4 Plant-4D PIPE Referencing models Page 21 of 106

Highlight the Civil drawing and move this drawing to the right area by using the button To see the result of your selections press the Redraw button from this dialog box.

The existing model will be loaded as a reference drawing. Please note there is no AutoCAD drawing with

this name on the disk. All data about components and primitives comes from the Plant-4D Database.

A brief description of this model is as follows:

4.7.1. SteelworkSteel members are shown Green.

The model shows the part of the pipe rack within the match lines. This pipe rack has two decks 2m apart.

Longitudinal beams are running East / West 3m apart. The pipe rack uses a 6m distance between the

main columns. Perpendicular beams are distributed every 3m to support small bore piping.

4.7.2. Civil FoundationsFoundations are shown Cyan.

300mm high for equipment.

150mm high for steel structures.

There is also a 4m high platform at the west match-line included in the model. Set the AutoCAD variable

DISPSILH to 1 or select the Hidden button from the Shade-toolbar of AutoCAD (Visual Syles in AutoCAD 2007 or higher) to get an hidden view of the model.

The model will now look like this:


4 Plant-4D PIPE Creating Line Numbers Page 22 of 106

4.8. Creating Line NumbersLine numbers are used to identify a particular pipeline. You may want to place none piping components

(equipment, steelwork etc) on individual line numbers so that they can easily be identified. Alternatively

you may want to group them onto a single line number. In this model all equipment will be placed on a line

number called Equip. To create this use the left hand mouse button (LHB) to select the line number on the Current Pipe Settings toolbar.

In the space provided at the bottom of this dialog that is displayed, type in the name of the new line

number.

Note: To add the new line number to the list, you must then press the Add button.

To make a line number current, use the LHB to highlight the required line number and press the OKbutton.


4 Plant-4D PIPE Placing Equipment Page 23 of 106

4.9. Placing EquipmentUsing the referenced model you can easily find the location of all equipment you are going to place in this

model. The blue centerline indicates the axes of:

Two pumps tagged P-0001 and P-0002.

One vertical vessel tagged V-0001, supported by a skirt.

To place pumps you first have to activate the toolbar named Pumps. Click the command from the Plant-

4D pull-down menu:

Plant-4D Pipe >> Modules >> Equipment >> Pumps.

The toolbar contains four icons:

Each is responsible for a different pump type. Starting from the left:

Inline pump

Centrifugal pump

Rotary pump

Compressor

For this model you will place a centrifugal pump.

Zoom in around the East Pump foundation, using AutoCAD commands.

Select the pump using the second icon from the left.

Before the pump is placed in the drawing, the first Tag dialog dialog box appears. This one is to identify

the pump, so type P in the first field and 0001 in the second one.



Press the OK button and the Centrifugal Pump dialog appears. Each field is responsible for one dimension. The meaning of these dimensions is shown in the left box, or you can read the caption. Based

on the entered data, Plant-4D will create the pump model. Use the same parameters as in the picture

below.

The second page of this dialog contains only one field, required to indicate if the orientation of the

discharge nozzle. For this exercise Type 1.

You will see the pump shape attached to your cursor. You can use the RHB to switch between the

available insertion points:

Discharge nozzle

Suction nozzle

The middle of the base plate front edge



In this instance the last insertion point is the preferred option (mid point of base plate).

With this option activated place the pump using the centerline intersection on the east foundation as XY

coordinates, with the Z coordinate should be equal to 300mm. Rotate the pump around the insertion point

so that the orientation of the pump is correct.

Note: When placing the pump, use the AutoCAD Point Filters or place the pump at the centerline intersection point and then move the pump 300 mm up, or move the pump to the centerline intersection point with the Movecommand.

The Data Dialog box will now be displayed. You can use this to add or modify data other than in the pump

tag. In this exercise just select the OK button.



The first piece of equipment, pump P-0001 is placed.

Plant-4D commands are repeated the same way as the AutoCAD command, so if you press Enter now you will have the chance to place the second pump.

When placing a piece of equipment and the same type of equipment has already been placed into a

model, all parameters for the type of equipment will be shown in the dialog box. In this case it means that

the Centrifugal Pump dialog box for a new pump will show all the parameters used for pump P-0001, with

the exception of the tag number, which will automatically be set to the next available number, in this

instance P-0002.

Alternatively, it may be easier to copy the pump you have already placed. Plant-4D offers a feature for this.

This copy routine will be used later in this tutorial.

Press Enter to repeat the Plant-4D command for centrifugal pump placement, check that the pump tag is P-0002 in the Tag dialog box, and accept all the parameter settings in the Centrifugal Pump dialog, and

place the pump on the second pump foundation.



Having successfully placed the two pumps required for this model, the next piece of equipment to be

placed is a vertical vessel, supported by a skirt. This will be placed on the foundation in the southwest part

of the model. The current diameter of this foundation is 3300mm. This will now be changed to 4000mm.

Close the Equipment drawing (you do not need to save the drawing) and open the Civil drawing.

From the Plant-4D pull-down menu:

Plant-4D Pipe >> Edit Equipment Change the diameter to 4000mm.

Close this drawing and return to the Equipment drawing. You will notice that the new diameter is now

displayed.

Having corrected the foundation, the next step is to create the vessel. First you have to activate the

Vessel and Trims toolbar from the Plant-4D pull-down menu: Plant-4D Pipe >> Modules >> Equipment >> VesselsThe toolbar contains five icons. Four of them are fly-outs:

Fly out Toolbar one

Several types of Vessel bodies

Fly out Toolbar two

Several types of Head and Bottoms

Fly out Toolbar three

Several types of Nozzles

Fly out Toolbar four

Several types of Vessel Supports

Toolbar button five

Placing an Exchanger based on entered parameters.



The vessel skirt will support the 3000mm diameter vessel and will be 4000mm high, so click the Vessel Supports icon (4th Fly out toolbar) and select the Skirt option, complete the dialog with the values shown.

Give the point of placement at the intersection of centerlines for XY coordinates with an elevation of 300,

or move the cursor around this point till you snap the upper node of the foundation (this foundation has

been created by the Cone command, so it is inserted with two nodes, which you can use to snap).

The direction is up; you can show it using the cursor. This is done by selecting the appropriate viewport; or

typing @0,0,10 on the keyboard or by using the Plant-4D UCS (User Coordinate System) dialog box,

which will be displayed.

If you are working using an isometric view, by selecting the various settings in the Viewport window, you

will notice that the AutoCAD UCS is temporarily changed. This enables you to toggle through the various

UCS planes available until the required orientation is obtained.

In this instance, to place a vertical skirt, select Front. When placed, your model should now look like the following example.



Placing the two remaining elements of the vertical vessel is similar to the way the skirt was placed,

therefore only the order of their placement and the parameters to use with them are listed.

The Main vessel body: 3000mm diameter, 6000mm height. Click the icon from the Vessel fly-out

toolbar.

The elliptical head: 3000mm diameter, 300mm length of straight part, type 2 elliptical head. Click the icon

as in the screenshot below, and then toggle to the second insertion point (of three).


4 Plant-4D PIPE Basic Rules for creating Pipe Models Page 30 of 106

All required equipment has now been placed in the model.

Before leaving this model, remove the reference drawing using the command from the Plant-4D Pipe pull

down menu: Plant-4D Pipe >> Reference Drawing >> Plant 4D

Select the referenced Civil drawing, click the button , and confirm in the Alert box that you want to remove this reference.

4.10. Basic Rules for creating Pipe ModelsIn this section, some basic rules will be explained to help you remember how to create piping models.

The Current Settings dialog box is very useful during the process of modeling. This box should always be

visible. The line number, diameter and Specification can be easily accessed by clicking on this box and

changed whenever it is required.

To change settings you can also use another Plant-4D command, named Take Over Settings and this can be found in the Plant-4D Settings toolbar.

Take Over Settings icon (is called Auto Line Settings in the toolbar)

This command allows you to inherit all settings from a previously placed component. When using this you

must select a component that has the settings required.

Remember that Plant-4D uses all three possible diameters (Main, Reduced and Branch), so only the

correct setting for all of them allows you to find a required component in the Specification. The rule for the

reduced and the branch diameter is the following:

Reduced: is used for the smaller diameter of reducers, swages, relief valves, outlet diameter of Long

Weld Necks, half couplings, reducing couplings etc.

Branch: is used for the branch diameter of reducing tees.

An additional group of settings (for Bolts, Gaskets etc) is controlled by the Plant-4D Settings dialog box.

Most of them are toggles, set to ON by default.

You can place components in a model using one of the following methods:

Placing the first component of a pipe, either by typing the coordinates of the insertion point by means

of the keyboard or by attaching your first component to an item already placed in the model. You can

place the next components using the fitting to fitting method, which adds a new component to the

end of the last placed component.

Draw the Router Line first. This line allows you to place components on it. Router lines also allow

automatic Elbow and Pipe placement.

You can use a combination of both methods described.

Butt-welded, Socket welded and Threaded components have different toolbars which have been color

coded to help in identification.


4 Plant-4D PIPE Basic Rules for creating Pipe Models Page 31 of 106

Butt-welded has Cyan icons. Socket welded has Yellow icons. Threaded has Green icons.

Elbows have also been color coded to help in identification. The four original options in the Plant-4D menu

are as follows:

Yellow color is assigned to Short Radius (1D or 2R).

Red to Long Radius (1.5D or 3R).

Magenta to (5D or 10R).

Blue to (10D or 20R).

Note: It is useful to remember the meaning of the colors being used.

When placing a piping component, as with any other component, you will have to give an insertion point,

and, depending upon the type of component, one of the following:

If the component is symmetrical along its axis (like pipes, flanges, control valves etc.) you will have to

determine its direction.

If the component is not symmetrical along its axis (like elbows, tee, gate valves etc.) you will have to

determine its direction and orientation.

The general rule is that the orientation is always perpendicular to the direction.

The insertion point can be entered by:

Typing on the keyboard.

Using Nodes of already placed components.

By selecting the desired point in free space to start the line.

With most components you can use:

- The Connect option, by typing C on the keyboard and pressing Enter. Then your new component will be connected with the last one placed.

- The Relative option, by typing R on the keyboard and pressing Enter. Then you have to select a previously placed component from which you want to relate your new component placement

point, and the input distance with the direction.

- The Aligned option, by typing A on the keyboard and pressing Enter. Then you have to select two components you want to use to align your new component with.


4 Plant-4D PIPE The Pump Discharge Page 32 of 106

Always check the AutoCAD command line for prompts. Most piping component sizes will be determined

using information from the Specification tables. Some components may have variable sizes (i.e. control

valves, nozzles). When placing these components you will be asked for the necessary dimensions when

placing them.

It is often useful to use the Automatic Router Line command whenever you have to make a connection between two parts of your pipeline.

Use commands for automatic component placement as often as possible. Currently you can place

automatic Elbows and Pipes.

The ORTHO should be normally switched ON. Switch it OFF only when it is required.

AutoCAD nodes are used for all insertion points of piping components to which you can snap with another

component. Use these as much as possible.

By following the examples in this tutorial you will practice all of these functions.

4.11. The Pump DischargeIn this section you will create the discharge pipe work for pump P-0001. This pipe will have the following

settings:

150mm diameter.

TUTOR2 is the line number.

A1A is the name of the Piping Material Class ( Plant-4D Specification).

As with the Equipment model, first you have to create a new drawing. For this exercise, the name Discharge will be used.

With the Discharge drawing highlighted, start AutoCAD. When the application has started, you should start by adding the referenced model(s) to your new model. Reference only the Equipment model.

The first component to be placed will be the discharge nozzle on Pump P-0001.

Create a new line number with the following settings:

As the first component of this line is the nozzle, click the Nozzle icon (the cyan color is for BW fittings).

If you check the command line, you will see that you are asked to provide a length for the nozzle.

4.11.1. Give total length

In this case it should be 50mm. The default insertion point for nozzles is the flange face so you will have to

use the RHB to change it. Then you have to attach it to the discharge pump nozzle.



In the Plant-4D Settings dialog box, Rating is set to Ignore. However, a nozzle with a 150# rating has

been placed. This is because in the specification in use in this model, only 150# rated nozzles are

available.

This enables users to work more efficiently as you do not have to control this setting.

If you attempt to attach this nozzle to a flange with 300# (from another Piping Material Class) you would be

warned.

Now attach a weld neck flange to the nozzle.

Click the Weld Neck Flange icon (the first of the Flanges fly-out), and on your cursor a flange will appear. Toggle the insertion point to the Flange Face and move the cursor to the middle of the nozzle face

till the node appears. This means you can click the LHB to accept the insertion point. You do not have to

show the direction, as there is only one direction possible in this case.

As you selected to Auto Gasket and Auto Bolts in your settings, the flange gasket and bolts have been placed automatically. They are indicated with the balloons with G inside for gaskets and B for bolts.The pump discharge will now look like this:



The next component to be placed is a concentric reducer. To place this, changes must be made to the

diameter settings. Click on the Set Diameter button from the settings toolbar or click from the Current Pipe Settings toolbox the diameter box. Change the main size to 150mm and the reduced size to 80mm. The Sizes dialog will look like this:

Select the Concentric Reducer icon from the Reducers fly-out and type C to connect automatically to the last placed component, i.e. to the flange. You do not have to give the direction, as it will be assumed

from the previous component.

According to the setting in the Plant-4D settings dialog, a weld gap has automatically been placed (a

balloon with W inside) with the reducer.

Now your screen looks like this:

The next component to be placed will be a 90-degree LR Elbow connected to the reducer.

Select the 90 degrees LR Elbow icon from the fly-out Elbows, once again type C to connect this elbow to the reducer placed previously. Due to the nature of this component, you will now have to

determine the orientation by means of the mouse. You can use the Plant-4D UCS options to change the current UCS as previously mentioned. The outlet of the elbow should be directed towards West and should

resemble the following example.



So far, components have been placed fitting to fitting method. You did not have to calculate the height of

the first segment of your discharge line. It was done automatically, based upon the component lengths.

The next component is a pipe, and to place it you would have to determine its length. It is much easier to

draw a Router line and then place the necessary components onto it.

Select from the pull down menu: Plant-4D Pipe >> Draw 3D Routerline >> ManuallySnap to the outlet node of the elbow for the start point of the router line. Having selected the start point the

following options will be displayed on the AutoCAD command line:

Degreeslope,Radianslope,Percentageslope,Fractionslope,Absolutevertical,RElative,Vertical,Undo :The is selected as default. This option is for placing points in an XY plane. When you want to

place vertical or skewed points in the space segment (i.e. sloped line) you have to select one of the

following:

Degreeslope

when the slope is in degrees, e.g. 45deg.

Radianslope

when the slope is in radians e.g.0. 785

Percentageslope

when the slope is in percents e.g. 50%

Fractionslope

when the slope is in fractions e.g. 0.5

Absolutevertical

for vertical segments by giving the Z coordinate

Relativevertical

for vertical segments by giving the delta Z dimension

The router line in this example will have six segments. From the elbow the line will travel West, Down,

North, Up, South and West. To route this line use the following coordinates:

@731



Type: RE and then 840 (840 Down)

@1785



The router line should now look like the following example:

With the Router line placed, you can place Elbows automatically. Select from the pull-down menu: Plant-4D >> Route Elbows >>Buttwelded 3R

Select any segment of the router line. Confirm that the correct router line has been selected by pressing

Enter. All required elbows are automatically placed.

The next component to be placed is a Check Valve. This will be placed on the lowest segment of the router

line using the Relative option.

Select the Check Valve icon from the fly-out valves to place a Flanged Check Valve. The Tag dialog

will be displayed indicating that the next available tag number has been allocated. You can accept the

default number, or, if required, you can change the number now or later. All components in Plant-4D are

numbered uniquely by default.



To accept this data press the OK button.

The AutoCAD command line will display the following:

Give insert point of element:

Connect/Relative/Aligned/:In this instance type R for Relative. This means that you want to place the new component in relation to an existing component. The command line now requests that you select the existing component:

Select component to place relative fromClick the first elbow on the lowest segment of your Router line. The cursor will snap to the middle of the

elbow and a drag line will appear. The following prompts will be displayed:Distance/:Input 525, (this distance is 229mm elbow, plus 200mm pipe, plus 89mm flanges, plus two 2mm weld gap,

plus 3mm gasket).

The valve dialog box with process/mechanical data will now be displayed and may be completed as

required.

Your model with the new valve will be as shown below.

Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.Add two flanges to the Check Valve and one additional flange on the vertical segment of the elbow after

the check valve. Remember to check the insertion point when placing components.



The next component is a Gate Valve.

Click the Gate valve Icon from the Valves fly-out, then accept 1-HV-0002 for the valve tag, type C on

the keyboard for the connection with the last placed flange (use it only when it actually was your last

placed flange). When placing valves you may be requested for an orientation. This is the direction that a

hand wheel or actuator would be pointing. You may wish to modify your valve components to include a

hand wheel and stem at a later date.

Now your model should look like this:

Add the missing flange to the outlet of the Gate Valve.

You now need to add an equal tee at the end of the Router line, with the branch direction being up.

Click the first icon from the Tees fly-out toolbar , use the RHB to switch the insertion point to the

middle of the tee and snap to the Endpoint of the router line. The direction lies along the last segment of

the Router line and the orientation is up.

In the following view, the viewing angles have been changed, to make it easier to see all components.



The only missing components on this router line are pipes. Using the command for automatic pipe

placement. Select from the pull down menu: Plant-4D >> Route Pipe >> By routerline >> Buttwelded

Select any segment of your Router line. The whole Router line will be highlighted and the following prompt

will appear:

Accept this line, Choose another line

Press Enter or click the right mouse button to accept your selection. All pipe pieces will be inserted into the free spaces on the router line.



The next step is to route the discharge line from pump P-0002. As some of this line is symmetrical to the

pipe work already routed (Tutor2), it is possible to use the Copy command.

To make it easy to select the required components you can use the Highlight/Select function to isolate line number Tutor2.

Click the Highlight/Select Icon from the Plant-4Ds main toolbar.

On the screen, the following dialog will appear:

In the upper part of the dialog box you can find three fields in which you can define what data you want to

use to make the component selection.

At the bottom of the dialog box are several buttons that are used to manipulate your selection.

The Add and Remove buttons; are used to add or remove additional filters (rows in the upper part of this dialog box). The Highlight button: is used to highlight all selected components in the current view port.

The Select button: is similar to the highlight button, but with this option all chosen components are indicated as being selected (highlighted with all grips) in all view ports.

The Isolate button: this option allows you to remove from the screen all components that are not selected, so that only the ones you have chosen remain and it is much easier to perform any editing work.

The Color button: if you want to temporarily change the color of the selected components into the one chosen. This is used in conjunction with the Set option.

The Set button: you will use this button to select a color for the Color option.

The Clear button: is used to restore the settings you had before the Highlight/Select command was executed.

Using the drop-down options provided set the filter to the following:



Select the Isolate option and exit the dialog box.

The model will now only display only the components that have the field LineNumber in the CommonData table set to Tutor2.

From the Modify toolbar select the Copy button .The syntax of this command is the same as in AutoCAD. First, select all of the required piping components

to be copied. In this example select all of the components from the Pump nozzle up to and including the

outlet flange on the Gate Valve. Do not select the weld gap between this flange and the subsequent pipe

or the vertical segment pipe.

The next picture shows you which part of the pipeline will be copied:

Enter the base point of displacement. Click any point in the model space, then provide the Second point of displacement: by @2500



All copied components are placed with a changed line number, and where applicable a new tag number.

These numbers are created automatically by adding the character c before the original value. In this

instance the new line number will be set to cTutor2.

The correct number for this new line will be Tutor4. To correct this, select the Line Number field on the Current Settings dialog.

From the list, highlight cTutor2 and enter the name of the new pipe (Tutor4) in the lower window. When

done, click the Rename button.

Press the OK button to exit this dialog.

When finished, the pipe work should look similar to the example shown:

Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.Check that only the components shown have been copied. If any additional components have been

copied, erase them using Plant-4Ds Erase command.The next task is to connect the two pieces of pipe together.



From the Plant-4D Pull down menu: Plant-4D Pipe >> Draw 3D Router Line >> Buttwelded >> 3R

The start point is the node on the open end of the flange on Tutor4. The second point is the inlet node to

the equal tee drawn on Tutor2.

A 3D Routerbox between First point and Second point will be displayed.

The red color indicates a possible route between the points selected. Using the right mouse button you

can toggle through all the available options.

Select the option that allows you to create the same layout as for the first leg of Tutor2 line.

Automatically place all remaining Elbows and Pipe components onto the Router line.

When you attempt to add the pipe components, the following dialog will be displayed:

This is because the last piece of pipe for the Tutor4 line joins the tee, which belongs to the Tutor2 line,

and you have activated the Check Line number feature.

As Plant-4D has detected that there are two connecting components on different line numbers, you have

to decide whether this is correct or not. If you want to accept this inconsistency you have to click the Placebutton (this is the case now); if you want to take over the line number from the tee you have to click the

Takeover button.In this case we will take over the settings.

Clear the Highlight/Select settings that you made earlier to view your Discharge and Equipment model.

To place the remaining part of the discharge line you will now need to reference the Civil model.

Using the command TakeOver settings , switch from the Tutor4 pipe to Tutor2 pipe,


4 Plant-4D PIPE Small Bore piping Page 45 of 106

From the Plant-4D pull-down menu: Plant-4D Pipe>> Draw 3D Routerline >> Manually.

Set the start point to the outlet of the tee, snap to the Node and using the following coordinates route the

remainder of the line.

Type: A (absolute) and then 3684 (Elevation 3684)

@3260



This will include the following:

Bypass lines (one for each check valve);

Vent Connections;

Drain Connection;

PI pressure nozzles combined with Purge Connections.

One of each of the above will be placed on the Tutor2 line. When finished, everything can be copied to

Tutor4.

Use the Highlight/Select to isolate the Tutor2 line, the rest of the model is not necessary and may only lead to confusion.

The first small bore piping will be a vent nozzle in the top segment between the pump nozzle and the

Check Valve.

The vent nozzle will consist of the following components:

150mmx20mm Sockolet

20mm Socket weld/Screwed nipple

20mm Screwed gate valve

20mm Hexagonal plug

To place the Sockolet you have to adjust the current sizes. Click the Size field in the Current Settings

dialog and change it accordingly.

A sockolet is selected from the Socket Welded components toolbar (yellow icons), so click the icon

from this toolbar, and answer the questions using the following information:

Select a pipe: Select the piece of pipe that your Sockolet will branch from. Give reference point: This is usually the beginning of the pipe. Select component to connect to: Re-select the pipe near the start point. Give startpoint: A drag line attached to the reference point will now be displayed. Snap to the beginning of the Router Line, using the AutoCAD Osnaps.

Place the sockolet 450mm from the start of the pipe.

Give Orientation of element: The orientation is up; rotate the cursor until the correct position is shown.



To add the Screwed/Screwed nipple, click the icon from the Pipe fly-out in the Socked Welded

toolbar (or the Screwed toolbar).

If at any time you try to place a component that cannot be found in the current specification, the

component may have to be described more precisely. In this instance the following message will be

displayed.

When the OK button is selected the following dialog allows you to redefine the search criteria.

By removing the tick in the Sizes: box and pressing the Scan button, it is possible for Plant-4D to search the specification table for the required component without stipulating a size. This results in a list of all of

suitable components irrespective of the size.



When the required component is selected from the list, you can attach it to the sockolet.

Tip: Always check the insertion point. The green and yellow colors used on this icon can help identify this fitting, Green Screwed, Yellow Socket welded.

When inserted correctly the vent should look like the following example:

The next component is a Screwed Gate Valve. This is selected using the icon from the Valves fly-out

in the Screwed toolbar (green color).

Accept Tag number 1-HV-0003. Using the picture below for a reference, complete the vent by adding a

hexagonal screwed plug using the Hexagonal Screwed Plug icon from the Miscellaneous fly-out in the Screwed toolbar.

The finished vent should look like this:



In the next exercise the placement of a PI nozzle with a PC connection is described which will look like

this:

Your nozzle is located on the vertical pipe, before the Check Valve.

The first component is a Sockolet, so change the sizes to 150mm for the main size and 20mm for the

reduced size and place the Sockolet 100mm below the elbow.

Add a Nipple by clicking the icon from the Pipe fly-out in the Socketweld toolbar (yellow color).

Place a Socket weld Gate valve by clicking the icon from the Valves fly-out in the Socketweld toolbar.

Add the second SW nipple, then, using the icon, place a Socket weld tee. Place this as shown, by

selecting the appropriate insertion point.



Now place two Socketweld/Screwed nipples, one for each tee outlet.

The top nipple is to be used for the PI nozzle and requires a full screwed coupling at the end. Click the

Screwed full coupling icon from the Pipe fly-out in the Screwed toolbar. On the lower nipple, connect a Screwed Gate Valve complete with a Hexagonal Screwed Plug.

The pipe work to be routed next is the 25mm bypass for the Check Valve. Most of the commands for this

have now been covered so only detailed explanation will be given where required.

The inlet for the bypass is to be located in the middle of the 200mm long pipe between the elbow and the

check valve. The connection on the outlet side of the Check Valve will be 100mm from the flange. The

height of this bypass will allow a sufficient clearance between the Check Valve and the top part of the

bypass.

Set the main size to 150mm and the reduced size to 25mm and place the two 150mmx25mm Sockolets.

Reset the main size to 25mm and the reduced size to Ignore and connect two socket weld nipples to the

sockolets. Using the Socketweld Elbows icon , add a socket weld elbow onto each of these nipples.

Place a Socket weld Globe Valve , 150mm from the first elbow. Using the Flange icon from the

Valves fly-out, place a socket weld flange 180mm after the Globe valve. Place a second Socket weld

Flange by connecting it to the previous one.

When all the fittings are placed, connect the fitting with Socket weld pipes.



The last small bore piping on the discharge line is the Sockolet for 20mm drain. This should be placed

100mm before the 90 degrees Buttwelded Elbow going up to the Gate Valve.

All the small-bore piping is now placed. You have to place it again on the discharge line Tutor4.

This can be accomplished using the Copy command. This would create a new line number cTutor2 for each group that is copied. When all of the necessary components have been copied, select them using an

AutoCAD fence. Click on the Line Number of the Current Pipe Settings toolbar. You will be asked if you

want to change the line numbers of the selected components. Select Yes to rename, and select Tutor4 from the list. When all components have been placed on the correct line number, all the cTutor2 lines can

be deleted.

Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.This completes the discharge lines Tutor2 and Tutor4 complete with small-bore piping.


5 Remaining part of pipe model Suction lines. Page 52 of 106

5. Remaining part of pipe model

5.1. Suction lines.You will create these suction lines based on your experience gained on the discharge lines creation. Only

a suggested sequence and layout of components, which have to be placed into the model, will be shown.

Also vertex coordinates for the Router Lines, and some requirements for component location will be

pointed out. A description will be given for only the new components.

5.1.1. Line Tutor1The new line is started at the suction part of pump P-0001. Start this line by changing settings. Your new

size is 100 mm and Line Number Tutor1, Piping Material Class is the same as for discharge lines, i.e.

A1A#PIP. Place the following components at the inlet of the pump:

a 50 mm long (Buttwelded) Nozzle.

a Weldneck Flange, attached to the nozzle.

an Eccentric Reducer - by picking the Reducer icon from the fly out Reducers toolbar in the

Buttwelded toolbar. Before placing the Reducer, change the for the main size and 100 mm for the

reduced size. Change an insertion point size to 200 mm from large to small size. Eventually using

Node, add this Reducer to the buttwelded side of the Flange. This reducer has to be Flat Top, so

choose the appropriate orientation.

Start drawing the Manual Router Line for Tutor1. Start from the Node of the Large size of the reducer

The second vertex is @1430



The eighth vertex @1411



Move to the end of the Router line to place a Nozzle (normally it is already attached to the vessel). It is a

300# nozzle, so now you can see how alternate components are chosen from the Piping Material Class. In

the dialog Plant-4D Pipe Settings you have to enter the following changes:

This allows the placement of the next components with Rating set to 300#, which is different than the

default of 150# in this Class.



Place a 200 mm long Nozzle. The face of the nozzle is at the end of the Router line, direction is

South and change the view to NE Isometric view.

Place a Flanged Control Valve attached to the Nozzle. This Valve doesnt take its length from the

Piping Material Class. Since these valves are not standard valves, the user inputs this dimension

during placement. Enter the following dimensions:

Give total length: 350 Length of control: 350 Diameter of control: 200



Add a Weldneck Flange to the Control Valve and change the settings back to the default (set Rating

to Ignore).



Route Buttwelded Pipe with the option by Router Line.

Now you can place small bore piping.

First place a Purge Connection, which should be 100 mm below the outlet flange to the Gate Valve (in the

middle of the vertical pipe).

This nozzle consists of:

200 mm x 20 mm Sockolet, 20 mm size Socketweld/Screwed Nipple (default length 100mm)

20 mm Screwed Gate Valve

20 mm Screwed Hexagonal Plug

Next is the PI Nozzle, which should be located 150 mm from the Strainer. The placement method is the

same as for the Purge Connection.

The last nozzle is a Temperature Nozzle in the top segment of the Router Line. This nozzle consists of:

200 mm x 40 mm Sockolet

40 mm size, Socketweld Nipple

40 mm Socketweld Flange

Your Suction line should look like this.



5.1.2. Line Tutor3Copy all the components on the first 2 segments of the Tutor1 Router Line, plus the Pump Nozzle, the

Flange and the Eccentric Reducer.



The distance for the copying components is @2500



5.1.3. Bypass lineThis is Tutor5 line, which makes bypass between the discharge line and the vessel V0001. To place its

components into the model please follow these instructions:

Define linenumber Tutor5, spec AIA#PIP, size 150 mm en set Plant-4D to this Linenumber

Place the Router line using the following coordinates of the vertices:

Start from the Tee outlet

Go up by the option Absolutevertical. Type 4200 for Z coordinate.



The second vertex is @2650



Add 2 Flanges to the Control Valve

Go to the pipe setting and change the rating to ignore setting.

Add a Nozzle (length = 100mm) to the end of the Router Line

Pick a Flange and attach it to the nozzle

On the middle of the top horizontal segment place a flanged Globe Valve with 2 Flanges.


5 Remaining part of pipe model The final drawing Page 63 of 106

Route Buttwelded Pipe on the Router Line

5.2. The final drawingOnly a fragment of your model is presented on the following picture but is representative of the overall

model. It was created from the complete model, i.e. with the referenced drawing Steel. The view is

changed once again to show most of the details.


5 Remaining part of pipe model The final drawing Page 64 of 106


6 Project Database Introduction Page 65 of 106

6. Project Database

6.1. IntroductionFrom the Starting chapter you know that all project-related data is stored in a separate file. The name of this file is created using the prefix Prj_ followed by the number Plant-4D has assigned to the project. E.g. if your project have number 1, the name of the file should be Prj_1.MDB. This file is located in the folder

CEA\Projects\Prj_1 (if you installed the project catalog as a subdirectory of CEA).

We will now take a look at the structure of this file. It can be opened from the 4D-Explorer (on the

Projects tab) by a RHB click on the project and select Open DataManager from the appearing popup menu. The following screen will be shown:


6 Project Database Introduction Page 66 of 106

The main menu of the Plant-4D Data Manager is located in the database project database. You will learn

more about Reporting in a subsequent chapter. You can explore the database structure by selecting

Prj_1:Database from the Window pulldown menu in the Plant-4D Data Manager. The Main Menu will be hidden and the database window will be visible. By choosing Tables from the left pane, you can start

looking at the different tables in the database file.

Here, you will only find general information about the following tables:

Components

CommonData

SoloData

Primitives

Dialogs

DialogObjects

DialogObjects


6 Project Database Basic tables with component data Page 67 of 106

6.1.1. Why are these tables important?

All objects placed into a 3D model are either components or primitives. In general, component data is

stored in 3 tables: Components, CommonData and SoloData. Primitive data is stored in the Primitives

table and has a relation with the CommonData table as well. The tables CommonData and SoloData

contain data, which is displayed for you in the Data Dialogs during modeling.

The Data Dialogs (dialog boxes) are defined in the Dialogs table. The Dialogs table elements are stored in

the DialogObjects table.

6.2. Basic tables with component data

6.2.1. The Components tableTo view this tables contents open it by double-clicking it. The records shown below are only an example

and may vary from those in your table.

This table contains data, which is classified as:

The name of a component (the field ComponentIndex), drawing name it is placed on (in the field DrawingID is 10, which you can decode based on the table DrawingList)

Placement of components, that will say coordinates for its Starting Point, values for Direction and

Orientation.

The Connection with other tables or databases. The picture below shows the name of the Piping

Material Class (in the field SpecName), the number for its link with the record in the SoloData table. The number for its link with the record in the CommonData table is shown in the first picture of the

Components table.



AutoCAD or MicroStation features like Layer, Color, Linetype and Lineweight

6.2.2. The CommonData tableIn this table additional data is assigned to the component. This data is usually common to a large group of

components. For example, Line Number or Commodity, Operating and Design parameters, Material for

Insulation, Corrosion factors etc. are common for all components of one pipeline. Thus, they are stored in

the separate table named CommonData. When you open this table, most of the fields are blank, as you did

not enter this data when placing the component. You will provide data when you learn to edit a model in a

subsequent chapter.



As you can see, only five records are currently needed in the CommonData table to describe all the

components placed so far.

6.2.3. The SoloData tableIn this table you will find additional data assigned to each component. The difference is that this data is

uniquely assigned to only one component. You may ask why they are not part of the Components table.

The answer is that when y

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Manual Plant 4D Athena SP2 - Pipe Tutorial-master