AutoCAD Plant3D Catalog Builder - Hands-on Lab

Speaker
Rajasekaran Radhakrishnan Product Manager, AEC C&P
Co-Speaker
Kenneth Fauver Sales Development Executive, AEC North America Sales

PD4214 L: This hands-on lab is designed for people who want to create their own custom
content/standard content/geo-specific piping catalogs for their AutoCAD Plant 3D piping projects. The
AutoCAD Plant 3D Catalog Builder is an application that enables users to create new piping catalogs in
a simpler and more efficient way.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this class, you will be able to:

Build your own pipes and fittings catalog using AutoCAD Plant 3D Catalog Builder

Describe the functionality of the AutoCAD Plant 3D Catalog Builder interface

Author both imperial and metric content

Manipulate dimension and port properties parameters using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet

About the Speakers

Rajasekaran Radhakrishnan Heading the Plant content team in Singapore and Shanghai and
he has more than a decade of experience in AutoCAD and Plant piping design. Responsible
for Content Scoping, Authoring & Delivering content through inthebox (DVD) and Plant
Exchange
Kenneth Fauver He has over 25 years experience in the Oil and Gas industry as a Piping
Drafter/Designer and CAD Administrator. Creator of the ACIPCO and Victaulic content on Plant
Exchange. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Resistoflex content.

Autodesk Plant 3D Content Authoring Toolkit

Contents
Exercise 1 Elbow 90 ............................................................................................................................ 4
Solution for exercise 1 Elbow 90 .......................................................................................................... 4
Step 1: Create a Template ............................................................................................................... 5
Step 2: Identifying the data for Template .......................................................................................... 5
Step 3: Global Settings .................................................................................................................... 6
Step 4: Create an Elbow Part Family ................................................................................................ 7
Step 5: Exporting to Excel ................................................................................................................ 8
Step 6: Identifying the Dimensions ................................................................................................... 9
Step 7: Editing the Excel File.......................................................................................................... 10
Step 8: Building the Catalog ........................................................................................................... 12
Step 9: Validation .......................................................................................................................... 12
Step 10: Saving the catalog ........................................................................................................... 13
Exercise 2 Concentric Reducer ........................................................................................................... 14
Solution for exercise 2 Concentric Reducer ......................................................................................... 14
Step 1: Create a Template. ............................................................................................................ 15
Step 2: Identifying the data for Template ........................................................................................ 15
Step 3: Global Settings .................................................................................................................. 16
Step 4: Creating a Reducer Part Family ......................................................................................... 18
Step 5: Exporting to Excel .............................................................................................................. 20
Step 6: Identifying the Dimensions ................................................................................................. 21
Step 7: Editing the Excel File.......................................................................................................... 22
Step 8: Building the Catalog ........................................................................................................... 24
Step 9: Validation ........................................................................................................................... 25
Step 10: Saving the catalog ........................................................................................................... 26
Exercise 3 Check Long Pattern Valve - Butt Weld ............................................................................... 27
Solution for exercise 3 Check Long Pattern Valve ............................................................................... 27
Step 1: Create Template. ............................................................................................................... 28
Step 2: Identifying the data for Template ........................................................................................ 28
Step 3: Global Settings .................................................................................................................. 29
Step 4: Creating a Valve Part Family .............................................................................................. 31
Step 5: Exporting to Excel .............................................................................................................. 32
Step 6: Identifying the Dimensions ................................................................................................. 33
Step 7: Editing the Excel File.......................................................................................................... 33
Step 8: Building the Catalog ........................................................................................................... 36
Step 9: Validation ........................................................................................................................... 37
Step 10: Saving the catalog ........................................................................................................... 38
Annex A: Part family Reference Data ..................................................................................................... 39

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Exercise 1 Elbow 90
Create a 90 elbow part from ASME B16.4

Figure 1: Pictorial Representation of Elbow 90 in Standard ASME B16.4

Table 1 - ASME B16.4 Class 125 LB THRD ELBOW 90 Grey Iron

Inside Diameter of
Fitting, F
NPS
A
B
Min
Max
4
3.79
1.08
4.50
4.60
5
4.50
1.18
5.56
5.66
6
5.13
1.28
6.62
6.72
8
6.56
1.47
8.62
8.72
10
8.08
1.68
10.75
10.85
12
9.50
1.88
12.85
12.85

G
0.31
0.38
0.43
0.55
0.69
0.8

Solution for exercise 1 Elbow 90

Catalog building process:1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)

Create a Template
Identifying the data for Template
Global Settings
Create an elbow part family
Exporting to Excel
Identifying the Dimensions
Editing the Excel File
Building the Catalog
Validation
Saving the catalog

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1.1

Step 1: Create a Template

Launch AutoCAD Plant 3D Catalog Builder and create a new imperial template naming it
ASME B16.4 Example 1.

1.2

Step 2: Identifying the data for Template

Material Grey Iron
Port Properties Threaded Female (THDF)
Standard ASME B16.4
Pressure Class 125 LB

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1.3

Step 3: Global Settings

Now lets set the default settings to be applied for all the new part families created in this
template. Go to settings and fill in the following.

Since there are unwanted sizes (eg. 7, 9 and 11) which are not needed in the standard, go
to advanced settings and deselect them.

Click OK to save changes.

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1.4

Step 4: Create an Elbow Part Family

In the main screen, create a new elbow part family by following the steps given below.

In short description, enter Elbow 90. Select Use Custom Size List box to eliminate sizes 7,
9 and 11. Select Bend (SW/FPT). Lastly in detail part family information, select All ports
have the same properties box and enter the material of fittings as Grey Iron.
Save the template.

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1.5

Step 5: Exporting to Excel

Now export this catalog template into an excel with the steps given below.

Click Export to Excel, choose the appropriate location where you want your excel file to be
saved, a suitable name for the file and click save. Wait for a few moments for the excel file to
be generated.

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1.6

Step 6: Identifying the Dimensions

First, open the excel file and click on the preview image to get the geometry script argument
image indicating the various dimensional parameters needed for authoring an Elbow fitting.

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1.7

Step 7: Editing the Excel File

Fill in the following columns accordingly.
Column

Value

Previews
Sizes

4"

ShapeName

CPB_OFOF

4.5

D2

4.5

2.67

90

OF

-1

L1

3.79

I1

1.08

L2

3.79

I2

1.08

ContentGeometryParamDefinition

D,D2,R,A,OF,L1,I1,L2,I2,

ShortDescription

Elbow 90

SizeRecordId_S-ALL
PortName_S-ALL

ALL

NominalDiameter_S-ALL

NominalUnit_S-ALL

in

MatchingPipeOd_S-ALL

4.5

EndType_S-ALL

THDF

FlangeStd_S-ALL
GasketStd_S-ALL
Facing_S-ALL
PressureClass_S-ALL

125

Schedule_S-ALL
WallThickness_S-ALL

EngagementLength_S-ALL

1.08

LengthUnit_S-ALL

in

CompatibleStandard

ASME B16.4

PartFamilyLongDesc
PartSizeLongDesc
Material

Grey Iron

MaterialCode
Weight
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WeightUnit
SKEY

ELSC

TYPE

ELBOW

PathAngle

90

CurveRadius

2.67

SegmentCount
PartFamilyId
PartCategory

Fittings

ConnectionPortCount

PnPClassName

Elbow

ContentIsoSymbolDefinition

Fill in values for those highlighted cells accordingly for all sizes using the dimension Table 1. Save it.

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1.8

Step 8: Building the Catalog

1.9

Import the completed spreadsheet (excel) file and Building the Catalog.

Step 9: Validation
Your imported excel file will be validated and an error and warning list will be shown.

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It will Show you a list of errors and warnings found in excel file. Look at the first line of the
window in red color, if it says build catalog is possible then you can go ahead to save the
catalog. If it shows Build Catalog is not possible then you will have to rectify those errors
displayed and rebuild the catalog.

1.10

Step 10: Saving the catalog

Save this as a new catalog.

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Exercise 2 Concentric Reducer

Create a concentric reducer with mechanical joint ends based on AWWA C110

Figure 2: Pictorial Representation of Concentric Reducer in Standard AWWA C110

Table 2 AWWA C110 Reducer Concentric MJxMJ 150 LB Ductile Iron
Size (in)
Large End

Small End

14
14
14
14

6
8
10
12

Engagement Length
(in)
Large
Small
End
End
3.5
2.5
3.5
2.5
3.5
2.5
3.5
2.5

Matching Pipe OD (in)

Large End

15.3
15.3
15.3
15.3

Small
End
6.9
9.05
11.1
13.2

Length,
L (in)

16
16
16
16

Solution for exercise 2 Concentric Reducer

Recap Catalog building process:1) Create a Template
2) Identifying the data for Template
3) Global Settings
4) Create a Reducer part family
5) Exporting to Excel
6) Identifying the Dimensions
7) Editing the Excel File
8) Building the Catalog
9) Validation
10) Saving the catalog

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Autodesk Plant 3D Content Authoring Toolkit

2.1

Step 1: Create a Template.

Launch AutoCAD Plant 3D Catalog Builder and create a new imperial template naming it
AWWA C110 EXAMPLE.

2.2

Step 2: Identifying the data for Template

Material Ductile Iron
Port Properties Mechanical Joint (MJ)
Standard AWWA C110
Pressure Class 150 LB

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2.3

Step 3: Global Settings

Since we are authoring sizes: 14 x 6
14 x 8
14 x 10
14 x 12
It is easier for us to author 14 in our template instead of 6 12 as there are unwanted
sizes in between. We choose a size range 14 only. Select default long descriptions for both
family and sizes as well. Steps are shown below.

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We can also set the engagement length for size 14 in advanced settings.

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2.4

Step 4: Creating a Reducer Part Family

Create a new reducer family accordingly as shown below.

Note (5): Since is it a reducer, do not select All ports have the same properties even though
all ports properties are the same. For reducing fittings, there are different ND values for
each branch port (reducing port). Selecting this option will group all port properties columns
to look like this, making it impossible to enter a different ND value for port 2 (branch).

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However, you have to ensure both ports have the same endtypes MJF and pressure
classes 150 while creating the template.

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2.5

Step 5: Exporting to Excel

We are ready to export this template in excel form.

Click Export to Excel, choose the appropriate location where you want your excel file to be
saved, a suitable name for the file and click save. Wait for a few moments for the excel file to
be generated.

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2.6

Step 6: Identifying the Dimensions

First, open the excel file and click on the preview image to get the geometry script argument
image indicating the various parameters needed for authoring a Reducer fitting.

Figure 3: GSA Preview

Figure 4: Pictorial Representation of Concentric Reducer in Standard AWWA C110

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2.7

Step 7: Editing the Excel File

Take a look at our size list again.
14 x 6
14 x 8
14 x 10
14 x 12
To do this we have to unprotect the sheet first using excel unprotect function then manually
add rows of similar sizes into our excel file.

Now we are ready to input dimensions on our excel sheet.

Table 3 - Example for size 14 x 6
Column

Values

Previews
Sizes

14" x 6

ShapeName

CPJRC_MJMJ

D1

15.3 (Matching Pipe OD of size 14)

D2

6.9 (Matching Pipe OD of size 6)

16 (Length of reducer, L)

L1

3.5 (Socket Length of size 14)

L2

2.5 (Socket Length of size 6)

I1

3.5 (Engagement Length of size 14)

I2

2.5 (Engagement Length of size 6)

OF

-1

ContentGeometryParamDefinition

D1,D2,L,L1,L2,I1,I2,OF,

ShortDescription

Reducer

SizeRecordId_S1
PortName_S1

S1

NominalDiameter_S1

14

NominalUnit_S1

in

MatchingPipeOd_S1

15.3 (Matching Pipe OD of size 14)

EndType_S1

MJF

FlangeStd_S1
GasketStd_S1
Facing_S1
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PressureClass_S1

150

Schedule_S1
WallThickness_S1

EngagementLength_S1

3.5

LengthUnit_S1

in

SizeRecordId_S2
PortName_S2

S2

NominalDiameter_S2

6 (Size of smaller end)

NominalUnit_S2

In

MatchingPipeOd_S2

6.9 (Matching Pipe OD of smaller end)

EndType_S2

MJF

FlangeStd_S2
GasketStd_S2
Facing_S2
PressureClass_S2

150

Schedule_S2
WallThickness_S2

EngagementLength_S2

2.5 (Engagement Length of smaller end)

LengthUnit_S2

in

CompatibleStandard

AWWA C110

PartFamilyLongDesc
PartSizeLongDesc
Material

Ductile Iron

MaterialCode
Weight
WeightUnit
SKEY

RCGF

TYPE

REDUCER-CONCENTRIC

Length

22 (Overall Length of reducer, L+ i1+ i2)

Eccentricity

PartFamilyId
PartCategory

Fittings

ConnectionPortCount

PnPClassName

Reducer

ContentIsoSymbolDefinition
Fill in values for those highlighted cells accordingly for all sizes using the dimension Table 2. Save it.

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2.8

Step 8: Building the Catalog

After authoring the excel file, import it back to Catalog Builder and Build the catalog.

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2.9

Step 9: Validation
Your imported excel file will be validated and an errors and warning list will be shown.

It will show you a list of errors and warnings found in excel file. Look at the first line of the
window in red color, if it says build catalog is possible then you can go ahead to save the
catalog. If it shows Build Catalog is not possible then you will have to rectify those errors
displayed and rebuild the catalog.

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2.10

Step 10: Saving the catalog

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Exercise 3 Check Long Pattern Valve - Butt Weld

Author a check swing long pattern butt-weld valve from ASME B16.10.

Figure 5 : Pictorial Representation of Check Long pattern Valve in Standard ASME B16.10

Table 4 ASME B16.10 Class 600 LB Check Long Pattern Valve Butt-Weld
Nominal Valve
Size, NPS
20
24
26
28
30
36

Matching Pipe
OD, D
20
24
26
28
30
36

Length, B

47
55
57
63
65
82

Solution for exercise 3 Check Long Pattern Valve

Recap Catalog building process:1) Create a Template
2) Identifying the data for Template
3) Global Settings
4) Create a Valve part family
5) Exporting to Excel
6) Identifying the Dimensions
7) Editing the Excel File
8) Building the Catalog
9) Validation
10) Saving the Catalog

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3.1
3.1

Step 1: Create Template.

We can create a new template after working on another template as show below. Create a
new imperial template naming it ASME B16.10 EXAMPLE.

3.2

Step 2: Identifying the data for Template

Port Properties Butt Welded (BV)
Standard ASME B16.10
Pressure Class 600 LB
Design Std Check Valve, Long Pattern (LP)

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3.3

Step 3: Global Settings

Note (2): Change the category to valves and operators.

Since there are unwanted sizes (eg. 22, 32 and 34) which are not needed in the standard,
go to advanced settings and deselect them.

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Note (2): Remove sizes 22, 32 and 34.

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3.4

Step 4: Creating a Valve Part Family

In the main screen, Select Valves & Operators, under which select Valve and create a new
valve part family.

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3.5

Step 5: Exporting to Excel

We are ready to export this template in excel form.

Select Export to Excel, choose the appropriate location where you want your excel file to
be saved, a suitable name for the file and click save. Wait for a few moments for the excel
file to be generated.

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3.6

Step 6: Identifying the Dimensions

First, open the excel file and click on the preview image to get the geometry script argument
image indicating the various parameters needed for authoring a Check Long Pattern Valve.
Now we have to identify size specific dimensions of our part family and author them into the
export excel file.

Figure 6: Pictorial Representation of Check Swing Valve in standard

Figure 7: GSA Preview

3.7

Step 7: Editing the Excel File

Fill in the following columns accordingly.

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Table 5 - Example for SIZE 20

Column

Values

Previews
Sizes

20"

ShapeName

CPVI011000

D1

20

D2

20

47

LS

23.5

H1

-2

H2

-2

W1

W2

OF

-1

B1

B2

ContentGeometryParamDefinition

D1,D2,L,LS,H1,H2,W1,W2,OF,B1,B2,

ShortDescription

Check Swing Valve LP

SizeRecordId_S-ALL
PortName_S-ALL

ALL

NominalDiameter_S-ALL

20

NominalUnit_S-ALL

in

MatchingPipeOd_S-ALL

20

EndType_S-ALL

BV

FlangeStd_S-ALL
GasketStd_S-ALL
Facing_S-ALL
PressureClass_S-ALL

600

Schedule_S-ALL
WallThickness_S-ALL

EngagementLength_S-ALL

LengthUnit_S-ALL

in

CompatibleStandard

ASME B16.10

PartFamilyLongDesc
PartSizeLongDesc
Material

Steel

MaterialCode
Weight
WeightUnit
SKEY

CKBW

TYPE

VALVE
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Length
ValveAlignment

Inline

ValveDetail
ValveBodyType

Check

FlowDependent

Offset
ActuatorFamilyName
OperatorType
ActuatorType
ActuatorHeight
ActuatorWidth
ControlValve
PartFamilyId
PartCategory

Valves

ConnectionPortCount

PnPClassName

Valve

ContentIsoSymbolDefinition
Fill in values for those highlighted cells accordingly for all sizes using the dimension Table 4. Save it.

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3.8

Step 8: Building the Catalog

After authoring the excel file, import it back to Catalog Builder

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3.9

Step 9: Validation
Your imported excel file will be validated and an errors and warning list will be shown.

It will show you a list of errors and warnings found in excel file. Look at the first line of the
window in red color, if it says build catalog is possible then you can go ahead to save the
catalog. If it shows Build Catalog is not possible then you will have to rectify those errors
and warnings displayed and rebuild the catalog.

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3.10

Step 10: Saving the catalog

Save it as a new catalog.

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Annex A: Part family Reference Data

Refer the embended Excel data for partfamily details before authoring. The excel file has the sample data
of fittings, Pipes and Valves scriptname, Skeys and definitions.

Part_Ref_Data.xlsx

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