PD2297: AutoCAD(r) Plant 3D tricks of the Trade Scott Hallmark - Robins and Morton. Scott is a Lead Designer for Robins and morton, a multidiscipline engineering and construction firm. He provides piping design as well as end-user support and customization efforts.
PD2297: AutoCAD(r) Plant 3D tricks of the Trade Scott Hallmark - Robins and Morton. Scott is a Lead Designer for Robins and morton, a multidiscipline engineering and construction firm. He provides piping design as well as end-user support and customization efforts.
PD2297: AutoCAD(r) Plant 3D tricks of the Trade Scott Hallmark - Robins and Morton. Scott is a Lead Designer for Robins and morton, a multidiscipline engineering and construction firm. He provides piping design as well as end-user support and customization efforts.
PD2297 Acquire some of the tricks learned over the years for AutoCAD Plant 3D. Some of the items to be covered include the various ways to Route Pipe (Rolled Offsets, L2P, Assisted Routing, F as you go, Elevations, Compass Settings) creating Equipment Templates, Using Viewports in P3D Modeling & X- Ray View, Layer and Template Options, Iso Messages and Breaks, Model Symbols (Triangles, Pluses, Inverted Triangles, Arrows, The Red Line of Connectivity) and the proper method of making line and inline asset size changes. Learning Objectives At the end of this class, you will be able to: Route pipe in various ways for different scenarios, Create and store Equipment Templates to be used across multiple projects Adjust graphical view options to suit the modeling needs, Generate templates with specific layers for modeling Generate Isos to include various messages and breaks to speed up the clean up time Change sizes of components and moving components without deleting and re-routing
About the Speaker Scott is a Lead Designer for Robins & Morton, a multidiscipline engineering and construction firm based in Birmingham, AL with 8 offices in the U.S. Based in Birmingham, he provides piping design as well as end-user support and customization efforts for AutoCAD Plant 3D, P&ID and Autodesk Inventor. He is an Inventor 2013 Certified Professional as well. Prior to working for Robins & Morton, Scott had been in the Autodesk Reseller Channel for five years working for Applied Software in Atlanta, GA and ALACAD in Birmingham, AL. As a Senior Application Specialist, Scott traveled the eastern U.S. and Canada instructing users on Plant 3D and Inventor, performing installations, implementations, and customizations for many industries utilizing the applications. Scott is proud to have landed at Robins & Morton in November of 2012 where family and safety come first, and support and development of the employee are second to none. scottscs71@yahoo.com
Additional page on back for Notes!
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Section 1: Route pipe in various ways for different scenarios, Create and store Equipment Templates to be used across multiple projects In this section, we will look at 4 different methods of routing pipe in AP3D: F as you go, L2P (Line to Pipe), Assisted Routing, and Rolled Offsets. We will also see how to create and store Equipment Templates. F as You Go: A simple way to route pipe, although a somewhat manual process, is to use the F on the command line as you begin your route. What this allows you to do is to insert Fittings as you route at specific locations and orientations. You can also select a fitting from the tool palette while routing.
F as you go ~ Placing Fittings as You Route Example
TRICK! Use Basepoint in the command line while placing an inline asset using the method above to cycle thru the insertion basepoints. Try the other command line options!
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L2P (Line to Pipe): This is a quick way to generate piping using the LINE, PLINE or 3DPOLY command. 3DPOLY works better if you are doing a simple run with no rolled-offsets, as it can be drawn in all 3 UCS directions. This is a simple method of routing pipe in that you can easily define the route from beginning to end but you get NO inline assets included except for flanges, elbows and tees. The line comes in with no reducers, valves, specialty items, etc. See example below.
L2P ~ Line To Pipe Routing Example
TRICK! The Command Line is selectable with the mouse! If you do not want to use the keyboard to type a letter, just pick the BLUE letter(s) to initiate the option.
TRICK! Use Point Filters to route pipe! You can use the X, Y, and Z point filters to align new runs with existing runs, equipment and steel members. You can access Point Filters by using SHIFT+RIGHTCLICK while routing pipe or while using the LINE, PLINE or 3DPOLY command.
TRICK! Route using the Elevation & Routing option in the Ribbon. Start a vertical run, type in an elevation and choose the Set Routing Line to COP or BOP or whatever you choose then just drag the pipe and click to place. It will automatically create a turn at that elevation!
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Assisted Routing: This is a quick way to generate a piping route by selecting a start and end point of your route. You then allow AutoCAD Plant 3D to generate a route for you! The software will usually give you multiple routes to choose from. Sometimes its just 2 options and sometimes you might see over 20 options. (TIP! ~ This does NOT have to be nozzle to nozzle!) Choosing N for NEXT will allow you to cycle thru the routing options When you find one you like, you can choose A for ACCEPT. If none of the options suite your requirements, choose U for UNDO and go back to a manual method of routing.
Assisted Routing Example
Start Point (NODE) End Point (NODE) TRICK! You can change the size of the pipe run while routing by selecting a new size from the PART INSERTION section of the HOME tab on the Ribbon, or use the command line option S
TRICK! Use the Elevation option in the Ribbon to set vertical elevations while routing. In this example I set a 6 EL first then an 8 EL. I then used List to check my elevations. Also you can use the E option in the command line.
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Rolled Offset: The L2P (Line to Pipe) method will be your best solution for creating a rolled offset pipe run. Use the standard AutoCAD LINE command from the end of a pipe, fitting or flange. Draw the line and form the rolled offset box connecting the opposite corners of the box. Finish the route with the LINE command. Use L2P to convert to Pipe and Cutback Elbows by selecting the lines (marked by ).
Rolled Offset Example
Create and Store Equipment Templates to be Used Across Multiple Projects: In your Project Setup, under Plant 3D DWG Settings go to Paths and then Equipment templates directory. Change this path to a common area for all projects. In this example, M:\Projects\Common\Equipment Templates is the new default location. When you create a custom Equipment item, simply save to the new location so it is available to all users. TRICK! When you generate your lines for a Rolled Offset or L2P routes, make a LAYER called ConstructionLines and set the layer settings to NO PLOT.
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Section 2: Adjust graphical view options to suit the modeling needs, Generate templates with specific layers for modeling Adjust graphical view options to suit the modeling needs: P3D users tend to use multiple Visual Styles while modeling in Plant 3D. Here is a list of the Visual Styles they tend to use and why they use them. 2D Wireframe You can use when placing and editing Iso Annotation globes. It is limited in the Visual Style settings by not being able to modify Edge Settings.
3D Wireframe Use when placing and editing Iso Annotation globes. You need to use this view to be able to see and edit the Iso Annotation globes. Conceptual Visually, this is very easy for many users to model in. It uses bright pastel colors. Most users prefer this view when working with X-Refs and want some color. X- Refs come in darker and the active drawing entities are darker colors with edges and tangent lines, or vice-versa depending on your background color. (For a compliment to Conceptual, see Shades of Gray on page 7)
Light Background Dark Background
Realistic This is the default Visual Style out of the box. It does not show the lighting as well as the Shaded Views. However, it does show edges and tangent lines.
Iso Annotation in Pipe X-Ref Drawing Pipe Active Drawing Pipe PD2297: AutoCAD Plant 3D Tricks of the Trade 7
Shaded Visually, this is easy for most people to model in. However, it DOES NOT show edges or tangent lines.
Shaded with Edges Visually, this is also easy for most people to model in, and it DOES show edges or tangent lines. Shades of Gray Some users prefer this view when working with X-Refs. X-Refs come in darker and the active drawing entities are a lighter gray with edges and tangent lines. The same applies for light and dark background colors as it did in the Conceptual view.
Wireframe Use when placing and editing Iso Annotation globes. X-Ray This is best used when you want to apply transparency to all objects to check for clearances and to visually see Iso Annotation globes in the pipe, which you could not see if you were using Shaded, Shades of Gray or Realistic Styles. You also receive the edge highlighting benefit when using X-Refs.
Iso Annotation in Pipe X-Ref Drawing Pipe Active Drawing Pipe PD2297: AutoCAD Plant 3D Tricks of the Trade 8
Using Viewports to Route Pipe: In a busy area where you need to route a pipe, Viewports can come in handy to zero in on specific locations that the pipe will need to make its directional turns.
In the example below, We are routing a pipe from a nozzle on the bottom of a tank. It will drop 6 or drop to a specific elevation and make a turn to the West. Using Point Filters, I can determine the horizontal distance I need to go in order to connect to the suction of the pump below it, all without rotating the model or zooming in and out.
1. This Viewport shows the start point at the Tank Nozzle 2. This Viewport shows the drop to specific distance or elevation 5. Shows the overall view of the pipe run 4. Use Assisted Routing or Point Filters to end at the Pump Suction 3. Use the .X Point Filter of the Pump Suction to locate this elbows horizontal distance to its vertical turn PD2297: AutoCAD Plant 3D Tricks of the Trade 9
Generate templates with specific layers for modeling: If you prefer, you can generate layers in your Model Template that you will want to use in your Orthos. Generate these Layers in your 3D Modeling Template (DWT files). Once created in the Template, you will be able to select the layers from the Layer dropdown list before placing the assets.
To assign these model layers to the orthos, do the following:
Create New Layers Use names to show up in Orthos Define Colors for Model and Orthos Make sure to set up Plot and No Plot Options TRICK! Use a Network Location to store your 3D DWG Templates. Make these changes and then copy to the READ ONLY location that the end-users will pull from to generate new models in AutoCAD Plant 3D. Iso and Ortho templates have specific locations that they need to reside in. Also the border block needs to be named Title Block for proper functionality. See examples below for paths. ISOS \ProjectRoot\Isometric\Final_ANSI-C\Filename.DWT (Final_ANSI-C for example) ORTHOS \ProjectRoot\Orthos\Styles\Default\Filename.DWT
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Section 3: Generate Isos to include various messages and breaks to speed up the clean up time You can place Iso Messages and Break Locations at specific locations on the pipe run so that your Isos will break automatically and annotations will show up on the Iso every time is it run. You typically want to apply these just before creating your isos so that if you have design changes, you are not having to re-create these and move them around.
This example includes a Break Point at the elbow. Also, the LEFT image is using X-RAY, allowing you to see the globe.
This example includes 2 Iso Annotations in the same location, one placed on top of the other A Floor Penetration and a no enclosure Iso Message. Also, the LEFT image is using WIREFRAME, allowing you to edit the globe.
TRICK! When placing Iso Messages, Floor Symbols, Flow Arrows, Insulation Symbols, as well as Location and Break Points, be sure to swap to a WIREFRAME or X- RAY view. WIREFRAME works best if you need to edit the globe symbol after it is inserted. X-RAY works best if you just want to see the globes and still see a shaded view of your model as wireframe can get very confusing in a complex model.
TRICK! You can use the ENTER key on your keyboard to create multiple lines of text on your Iso Messages. You can also draw dimensions to your message automatically by selecting the check box at the bottom.
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Reducers Automatically Added Five Components Selected Section 4: Change sizes of components and moving components without deleting and re-routing Changing Sizes of Components: To change the size of a single component after it has been routed and placed; simply change it in the Properties palette. For instance, to change the size of this ball valve, select a new size from the dropdown list in Properties. You will notice that reducers are added automatically. You will also notice that the flange sizes change too. You do NOT have to select the flanges, gaskets, etc.
To change multiple inline assets and pipe sizes, select them one at a time or see the TRICK below. Change the size in the Properties palette.
TRICK! If you need to change every asset in a line, select a component and use the right- click option Add to Selection Connected Line Number to select all items. Then you can change the Size, Spec, and Line Number as well as a few other properties.
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Continue Piping Route
Move Part Substitute Part Change Pipe Elevation Create a Branch at the Pipe Midpoint
Move Part Substitute Part Moving Components without Deleting and Re-Routing: To move a component, select the asset then pick the blue grip to move it. You can move from horizontal to vertical, or vice-versa. You can move from one piping route to another. If you do move, for instance an 8 Ball Valve to a 6 line, it will automatically add the reducers on both ends for you, as well as adding flanges and gasket/bolt sets. When you move the asset, you want to make sure OSNAPs are turned on, or at least use your SHIFT+RIGHT-CLICK to pick a nearest for placement. You should also make sure that Dynamic Input (F12) is turned on so that you can type in a specific location for the asset.
Extra! Extra! Model Symbols What do they mean? On pipe:
On Fittings:
Flip Part Continue Piping Route Rotate Part PD2297: AutoCAD Plant 3D Tricks of the Trade 13
Move Part Continue Piping Route Substitute Part Rotate Part Flip Part Flip Inline Part On Valves:
Other Symbols: The Red Line of Connectivity
If the Red Line Stops, the Route is broken The Compass
Use CTRL+RightClick to change the Compass orientation The Pencil
Use CTRL+LeftClick to access the Nozzle Edit Pencil on a Tank or Vessel CTRL Not required on Pumps and other Equipment Steel Stretch Grips
Use the Grips to Stretch the Structural Steel and Handrail PD2297: AutoCAD Plant 3D Tricks of the Trade 14