Pd5957 - Autocad Plant 3D Piping Specification Writing Workflows

PD5957 - AutoCAD Plant 3D
Piping Specification Writing Workflows

Bruce Trevena – Cadgroup Australia
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this class, you will be able to:
 Understand the potential of customized cats and specs

 Understand the processes in the spec-writing workflow
 Discover a tool set for the tasks involved in writing sound customized specs
 Understand the potential pitfalls and quirks within the spec-writing interfaces
ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Bruce is a Consultant with Cadgroup Australia.
25 years experience in the engineering industry in design and

construction.
Oil & gas, mining, chemical, power generation, food, dairy,

beverage and pharmaceuticals. SKM, Raymond Engineers, BHP, Carlton United, Alstom,
AstraZeneca, GWF.
Bought a Compaq 386, AutoCAD, Kurta and BJ Printer from Cadgroup in 1988.
Joined Cadgroup 5 years ago coincided with Autodesk’s release of Plant 3D.
His role includes technical consulting, training & Content Development to a wide range of
companies.
Also lived and worked in England and Sweden.
btrevena@cadgroup.com.au
AutoCAD Plant 3D – 2015
Spec Writing Workflows
CATALOGS
STYLES OF CATALOGUE
There are several styles of Catalog available with AutoCAD Plant 3D software:
The AME DI, Plastic and Steel catalogs with

Block based components
Connections and ratings
Imperial units
AME Catalog
The GENERIC catalogs to professional design codes:

The ASME, AWWA, DIN
 Parametric component geometry

 Vendor agnostic
 Some Schedule, material and Weight data
 Units are to the code
 Specs descriptions can be written using styles
2
Description Styles Management 1 – Definition Interface
Description Styles Management 2 – Definitions stored in xml file
Description Styles Management 3 – Default Definitions save location
3
VENDOR CATALOGS AVAILABLE FROM THE APP STORE.

Alfa Laval, Bondstrand, Ipex, Georg Fischer, ResistoFlex, Spears, VICTAULIC
 Material defined
 Schedule defined
Note:
 Some more complete

 Components uniquely identified
 Scope to add ItemCodes, User Properties
 Metric and Imperial units required
Example Vendor Catalog Content – Victaulic viewed in Excel
4
PLANT DATA ARCHITECTURE

CATALOG TO SPEC TO PROJECT
AutoCAD Plant 3D architecture facilitates the passing of data from Catalog to Spec to
Project Database.
Investing in the development of the “Back-End” catalogues can have positive benefits on:
 Consistency
 Efficiency
 Risk
CATALOG
   
SPEC SPEC SPEC SPEC
SPEC SPEC SPEC
 SPEC   SPEC  SPEC SPEC
SPEC
PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT

PROJECT PROJECT
PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT
DATABASEPROJECT
PROJECT DATABASEPROJECT
PROJECT DATABASEPROJECT
DATABASEPROJECT DATABASEPROJECT
DATABASE
DATABASE PROJECT DATABASE
DATABASE PROJECT DATABASEPROJECT DATABASEPROJECT
PRO
DATABASE DATABASE DATABASE DATABASE
DATABAS
DATABASE DATABASE DATABASE DAT
5
CATALOG ENHANCEMENTS
ADDING ENHANCEMENTS TO CATALOGUES
What can be added to the catalogs
Complete the addition of pipe Schedules allows
 Weight to be added
 ItemCode to be added
 Add User Properties for
 Metric Weight,
 Metric Size
 Cost Code
 Create Content not currently available Bevel Seat
 Add 3D Vendor Content for visual realism
Downloadable Visually Realistic 3D Content
6
WHERE TO SOURCE CONTENT
Where to source additional content
Vendor Manuals
Engineering Standards such as
 API,
 ASME,
 AS/NZS,
 BS,
 DIN,
 AWWA,
 EN,
 ISO,
 JIS,
 MSS,
Online resources such as
 Engineering ToolBox, ….
Vendor Component Catalog
7
Engineering Standards
On-Line Toolbox
8
SPECS
WRITING TO SPEC
 Spec is a Filter Set of the Catalog

 For Vendor Specs there may be no filtering required
 For Project Specs there will be Spec Data Sheets
 Spec Data Sheets
 Spec Data Drawing
 Spec Size Range
 Spec Size Filter
 Spec Branch Selection
Note
 4 x Schedules used in following example
Size Selection
9
Size Filtering
Branch Table
10
Spec Datasheet example
Spec Datasheet example
11
WORKFLOWS
SIMPLE CATALOG TO SPEC WORKFLOW
1. Spec Data Sheet.

2. Engineering Dimension Standards
3. Copy and Edit Existing Catalog Item
4. Set Connections / Descriptions / Dimensions
5. Set SKEY Values
6. Add Catalog items to Spec
7. Filter Size Selection to Suit Datasheet
8. Build Branch Table
9. Confirm Part Priority
10. Copy Spec to Project
11. Test Spec
12
COMPREHENSIVE SPEC WRITING WORKFLOWS
1. Spec Data Sheet or Vendor Catalog .

2. Engineering Dimension Standards
3. 3D Block Libraries
4. Create 3D Blocks / Set Units / Run Plant Part Convert
5. Set Valve BodyTypes in P3DEnumeration.xml
6. Set EndTypes in DefaultConnectorConfig.xml
7. Set SKEY Mapping in IsoSkeyAcadBlockMap.xml
8. Build Isometric Symbols for new items
9. Edit Existing Catalog Item
10. Copy and Edit Existing Catalog Item
11. Add New Parametric Items
12. Add New Block Based Item
13. Set Connections / Edit Data / Define Custom Properties
14. Export to Catalog Builder or Excel .
15. Edit Descriptor Styles / Add Property Data /
Add Item Codes / Add Weights
13
16. Import to Catalog

17. Set Bolt Length Mapping
18. Set SKEY Values
19. Assign Actuators
20. Add Catalog items to Spec
21. Confirm Part Priority
22. Build Branch Table
23. Filter Size Selection to Suit Datasheet
25. Add Spec to P&ID Spec List
26. Test Spec
27. Build Content Pack
WORKFLOW TOOLS
Complex catalog writing workflows require a number of tools:
1. Catalog and Spec Editor

2. Catalog Builder
3. Excel
4. Visual Basic
5. XML Editor such as First Object or Notepad
6. AutoCAD Plant 3D
14
3 X EXAMPLE WORKFLOWS
EXAMPLE WORKFLOW 1 – ADD A CUSTOM COMPONENT

Fire Services company, Andec wanted clamp-on branch connections that did not break
the pipe
Note
 The Tools used
Video
15
Adding a Clamped Branch
Workflow This workflow details

the addition of Block
Based components not
3D Block found in Victaulic
Libraries
Catalog Add Catalogue
items to Spec
Build Isometric
Symbols for new
items
Create 3D Blocks /
Set Units / Run
Plant Part Convert Set SKEY Values
Add New Block Copy Spec to
Based Item Project
Set SKEY Mapping

in
IsoSkeyAcadBlock
Map.xml Edit Anonymous Test Spec
Block if necessary
BUILD PRESET CATALOG BLOCK TUNE SPEC TEST
1. 3D Block Libraries
2. Create 3D Blocks / Set Units / Run Plant Part Convert
3. Set SKEY Mapping in IsoSkeyAcadBlockMap.xml
4. Build Isometric Symbols for new items
5. Add New Block Based Item
6. Edit Anonymous Block if necessary
7. Set SKEY Values
8. Add Catalogue items to Spec
10. Test Spec
16
17
18
19
EXAMPLE WORKFLOW 2 – ADD USER PROPERTIES
Caltex wanted to add Reducing Size to their reports
They also wanted Metric units
20
Add a User Property
Workflow
CAT and SPEC This workflow details the declaration of User Properties to the
EDITOR / Create
Custom Catalogue, the population of data, the migration of this data through
Properties
the model to Isometrics and BOM’s.
Export to Copy Spec to

Excel Project
Run Check for

Add data Updates From
Catalogue Test Spec
using Excel / Add
VB Property to
3D Object
Class in
Project
Add Property
Add Custom to Report
Properties Creator
to Spec
CATALOG SPEC PROJECT TEST REPORT
1. CAT and SPEC EDITOR / Define User Properties

2. Export to Excel .
3. Add data using Excel / VB
4. Add User Properties to Spec
5. Run Check for Updates from Catalogue
7. Add User Properties to 3D Object Class in Project
8. Test Spec
9. Add Properties to Report Creator
21
22
23
24
25
EXAMPLE WORKFLOW 3 – INLINE INSTRUMENT MAPPING
CPC wanted to add Inline Instruments to their P&ID to model workflow
Video
26
Workflow
This workflow details the

representation of In-Line Instruments
Create 3D
in the Catalogue & the mapping of Copy spec
to project
Block of Inline data from
Instrument
(FlowMeter) P&ID to Plant 3D
Copy Add FlowMeter
FlowMeter class to P&ID
to spec InlineInstrumen
Run ts
PlantPartConv
ert
Set ValveBody
property to
FlowMeter Create
P&ID
Add FlowMeter FlowMeter
body type to Symbol
P3DEnumeration
.xml
Add 3D block to
Map P&ID
catalogue under
FlowMeter class
Valve Body
to P3D Valve
component Add to FlowMeter body
category Palette
BUILD PRESET CATALOG SPEC PROJECT MAPPING
1. Create 3D Block of Inline Instrument (Flow Meter)

2. Run PlantPartConvert
3. Add FlowMeter body type to P3DEnumeration.xml
4. Add 3D block to catalogue under Valve Body component category
5. Set ValveBody property to FlowMeter
6. Copy FlowMeter to Spec
7. Copy spec to Project
8. Add FlowMeter class to P&ID InlineInstruments
9. Map P&ID FlowMeter class to P3D Valve FlowMeter body
27
28
29
30
31
CONTENT
VENDOR CONTENT
Lisega
32
CADGROUP CONTENT
Developed Parametric Content
 Content Built using Parametric Primitives
 Couplings added HDPE for Laing O’Rourke
 Socket Stub-Ins added to PVC
 TubePress Library for IBEX
HDPE
33
uPVC and cPVC
TubePress
34
Developed 3D Block Content
Content Built using 3D Block Graphics
 TriClamp
 Bevel Seat
 Block And Bleed
 Cable Ladder
Note
 Isometric output
TriClamp
35
Mix Proof and MultiPort Valves
Bevel Seat Fittings
36
Cable Ladder
Isometric Output
37
Note
Valves assembled from individual body components are not intended to be represented on
isometrics.
However it is possible to assign specific valve configurations assembled from these body
components, blocked out as a single component and assigned an SKEY.
VIDEO
38
SUMMARY OF ADVANTAGES
What are some of the potential advantages?
 Provide flexibility with Imperial and Metric data for reporting

 Added Visual realism in your models
 Model piping systems using components and connection systems not currently
available
 Produce specs that are more constrained making design workflow simpler
39
APPENDIX
FILES USED IN SPECIFICATION WRITING
CATALOG & SPEC EDITOR
<PipingCatalogueName>.pcat Piping Catalogue File

<AccessoryCatalogueName>.acat Auxiliary Catalogue File
<SpecName>.pspc A Spec Catalogue extract
<SpecName>.pspx A package file that references the PSPC.
P3dEnumeration.xml Inline component Body Type definition file
Description Styles .lds Spec Long Description concatenations
3D PIPING
CPakCommon\<PipingCatalogueName>\<BlockLibraryName>.dwg
DefaultConnectorsConfig.xml 3D Pipe Connection Definitions
PIDTo3dClassMapping.xml Geometry and Property Mapping
PIDto3DSizeMapping.xml Size Mapping
ProjectSetupSpecUpdateSettings.xml Spec Update to Model settings
ISOMETRIC
BoltSizeMapping.xml Customize Direction Text for Actuators
(Correction of 2.25” and 2.5” required)
IsoSkeyAcadBlockMap.xml Catalogue SKEY to Isometric Symbol Mapping
isoconfig.xml Isometric Configuration
IsoSymbolStyles.dwg Isometric Symbol Blocks
40
Correction to BoltSizeMapping.xml
41
CATALOG AND SPEC WRITER INTERFACE TIPS
Some Tips to the interface that are not immediately obvious
“ActuatorType” Preview text when selecting actuators for placement on valves

in Catalog
Backing Rings Allow Offset for Shoulder Thickness
Backing Rings Use FL on P1 AND LAP on P2
HDPE Pipe OD does not sync with Flange ND
Insertion Depth Does not alter Pipe Length, just the clip back distance of the
pipe graphic
Lap Stub-Ins Use LAP on P1 AND PPL on P2
Pipe Nipples Need I and D dimensions values at P1 and P2
PlantPartConvert Re-editing the 3D Block need to run PlantPartConvert again
Victaulic Edit clamp dimensions
Weight Unit Changing unit setting does not change the weight data value
42
VISUAL BASIC CODE USED TO CONVERT IMPERIAL SIZE ENTRIES TO

METRIC
The following macro allows for the simple conversion of imperial units to metric. It
effectively enables the creation of a Metric ASME catalogue by adding a column of
Metric sizes that can be referenced for use in reports, BOM’s, Isometric, etc..
Copy to following code to a new Macro in Excel.

Export the Full Catalogue to Excel after adding the new Metric Size property.
Adjust “T:T” column reference at the start of the macro to suit.
Copy imperial units from “Size” column to the new “MetricSize” Property column.
Run the macro.
Note the particular order of the imperial sizes listed for conversion to avoid corruption.
3/8", 1/8" are run before 8",
2 1/4", 1 1/4" are run before 1/4",
2 1/4", 1 1/4", 3/4", 1/4" are run before 4",
3 1/2", 2 1/2", 1 1/2" are run before 1/2",
3 1/2", 2 1/2", 1 1/2", 1/2" are run before 2",
43
CODE
Sub SizeImpToMetric()
'
' SizeImpToMetric Macro
'
' Imp_to_Metric_Size_Edit Macro
' Update Size dimensions from Inches to mm.
'
Columns("T:T").Select
ActiveSheet.Unprotect
Selection.Replace What:="96""", Replacement:="2400mm", LookAt:=xlPart, _
SearchOrder:=xlByRows, MatchCase:=False, SearchFormat:=False, ReplaceFormat:=False
Selection.Replace What:="46""", Replacement:="1150mm", LookAt:=xlPart _
, SearchOrder:=xlByRows, MatchCase:=False, SearchFormat:=False, ReplaceFormat:=False
44

Selection.Replace What:="3/8""", Replacement:="10mm", LookAt:=xlPart _
Selection.Replace What:="2 1/4""", Replacement:="60mm", LookAt:= _
xlPart, SearchOrder:=xlByRows, MatchCase:=False, SearchFormat:=False, ReplaceFormat:=False
45

End Sub
46
SPEC DRIVEN P&ID’S

Spec Driven P&ID interface can be developed in AutoCAD P&ID
 Preset Line Classes by Spec

 Add to palette
 Inline Components acquire Spec when placed
 Valve Types can be added to Spec palette
47
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PD5957 - AutoCAD Plant 3D

Piping Specification Writing Workflows

 Understand the potential of customized cats and specs

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

25 years experience in the engineering industry in design and

Oil & gas, mining, chemical, power generation, food, dairy,

Also lived and worked in England and Sweden.

The AME DI, Plastic and Steel catalogs with

Connections and ratings

The GENERIC catalogs to professional design codes:

 Parametric component geometry

Description Styles Management 1 – Definition Interface

Description Styles Management 2 – Definitions stored in xml file

Description Styles Management 3 – Default Definitions save location

VENDOR CATALOGS AVAILABLE FROM THE APP STORE.

 Some more complete

Example Vendor Catalog Content – Victaulic viewed in Excel

PLANT DATA ARCHITECTURE

PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT

Complete the addition of pipe Schedules allows

Downloadable Visually Realistic 3D Content

WHERE TO SOURCE CONTENT

Where to source additional content

Engineering Standards such as

Online resources such as

Vendor Component Catalog

 Spec is a Filter Set of the Catalog

 4 x Schedules used in following example

Spec Datasheet example

Spec Datasheet example

1. Spec Data Sheet.

COMPREHENSIVE SPEC WRITING WORKFLOWS

1. Spec Data Sheet or Vendor Catalog .

16. Import to Catalog

Complex catalog writing workflows require a number of tools:

1. Catalog and Spec Editor

EXAMPLE WORKFLOW 1 – ADD A CUSTOM COMPONENT

 The Tools used

Adding a Clamped Branch

Workflow This workflow details

Set SKEY Mapping

BUILD PRESET CATALOG BLOCK TUNE SPEC TEST

EXAMPLE WORKFLOW 2 – ADD USER PROPERTIES

Caltex wanted to add Reducing Size to their reports

They also wanted Metric units

Add a User Property

Export to Copy Spec to

Run Check for

CATALOG SPEC PROJECT TEST REPORT

1. CAT and SPEC EDITOR / Define User Properties

EXAMPLE WORKFLOW 3 – INLINE INSTRUMENT MAPPING

CPC wanted to add Inline Instruments to their P&ID to model workflow

This workflow details the

BUILD PRESET CATALOG SPEC PROJECT MAPPING

1. Create 3D Block of Inline Instrument (Flow Meter)

uPVC and cPVC

Developed 3D Block Content

Content Built using 3D Block Graphics

Mix Proof and MultiPort Valves

Bevel Seat Fittings

 Provide flexibility with Imperial and Metric data for reporting

FILES USED IN SPECIFICATION WRITING

CATALOG & SPEC EDITOR