SmartPlant Isometrics

User's Guide

Version 2014 (6.0)

April 2014

DISO-PE-200002D
Copyright
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2 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide

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SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 3

Contents
Preface ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Documentation Set ............................................................................................................................... 11
Documentation Comments ................................................................................................................... 12
What's New in SmartPlant Isometrics ................................................................................................... 12

SmartPlant Isometrics............................................................................................................................... 15
SmartPlant Isometrics Tools ................................................................................................................. 16
Piping Data Processor .................................................................................................................... 16
POD Graphics Processor ............................................................................................................... 16
I-Configure ...................................................................................................................................... 16
SmartPlant Material Editor ............................................................................................................. 16
SmartPlant Symbol Editor .............................................................................................................. 17
SmartPlant Isometrics I-Convert .................................................................................................... 17
SmartPlant Isometrics I-Data Integrator ......................................................................................... 17
SmartPlant Isometrics I-Tools ........................................................................................................ 18

Interface Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 19

Detail Window ....................................................................................................................................... 21
Control the Display of Data ............................................................................................................ 24
Customize the Detail Window ........................................................................................................ 32
Customize Interface Elements ....................................................................................................... 35
Pipeline Explorer ................................................................................................................................... 43
Navigating the Pipeline Explorer .................................................................................................... 43
Properties Window ................................................................................................................................ 46

Getting Started ........................................................................................................................................... 47

SmartPlant Isometrics Project Defaults ................................................................................................ 50
SmartPlant Isometrics Reference Data ................................................................................................ 54
Create the Tutorial project .................................................................................................................... 56
Log in to a project ................................................................................................................................. 57
Create a new pipeline model ................................................................................................................ 58
Create a new piping system .................................................................................................................. 59
Open an existing pipe sketch ................................................................................................................ 60
Change the material specification ......................................................................................................... 60
Update the model with material specification changes ......................................................................... 61
Select Project Dialog Box ..................................................................................................................... 63
Synchronize Specification Dialog Box .................................................................................................. 63

SmartPlant Isometrics Workflow ............................................................................................................. 65

Route Pipe ............................................................................................................................................ 66
Route a section of pipe ................................................................................................................... 68
Add a bend element ....................................................................................................................... 69
Connect two pipes with a bend automatically ................................................................................ 71
Add a branch element .................................................................................................................... 72
Connect two pipes with a branch automatically ............................................................................. 73

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 5

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Route a 2D skew ............................................................................................................................ 75

Route a 3D skew ............................................................................................................................ 76
Route skewed pipe using the keyboard ......................................................................................... 77
Set a fall .......................................................................................................................................... 79
Terminate pipe routing.................................................................................................................... 80
Add 3D Coordinates .............................................................................................................................. 82
Query a 3D coordinate ................................................................................................................... 83
Add an origin .................................................................................................................................. 84
Edit an origin ................................................................................................................................... 86
Connect multiple sheets ................................................................................................................. 87
Add Origin Dialog Box .................................................................................................................... 90
Place Components ................................................................................................................................ 91
Place a component ......................................................................................................................... 94
Place gaskets and flanges automatically ....................................................................................... 96
Assign bolt sets automatically ........................................................................................................ 97
Place a generic component ............................................................................................................ 98
Define generic component properties ............................................................................................ 99
Place a concentric reducer ........................................................................................................... 100
Place a fitting cross ...................................................................................................................... 102
Place a set-on cross ..................................................................................................................... 102
Assign an item code ..................................................................................................................... 103
Insert and dimension a tap ........................................................................................................... 105
Physical Dialog Box ...................................................................................................................... 106
Item Code Dialog Box................................................................................................................... 106
Dimension Tap Dialog Box ........................................................................................................... 107
Define Dimensions .............................................................................................................................. 108
Dimension the entire pipe route ................................................................................................... 115
Dimension a section of pipe ......................................................................................................... 117
Dimension a 2D skew ................................................................................................................... 118
Dimension a 3D skew ................................................................................................................... 120
Define the length of a skew component ....................................................................................... 121
Modify a dimension....................................................................................................................... 121
Query a dimension ....................................................................................................................... 121
Place a reference dimension ........................................................................................................ 123
Delete a dimension ....................................................................................................................... 125
Reference Dimension Dialog Box ................................................................................................ 125
Detail the Drawing ............................................................................................................................... 126
Place additional material .............................................................................................................. 130
Place an information item ............................................................................................................. 132
Place a thickness measurement location (TML) .......................................................................... 133
Edit an information item ................................................................................................................ 134
Remove an information item from the model ............................................................................... 134
Place a flow arrow ........................................................................................................................ 135
Place a floor symbol ..................................................................................................................... 136
Place a wall symbol ...................................................................................................................... 137
Place an insulation symbol ........................................................................................................... 138
Verify Design Integrity ......................................................................................................................... 139
Check minimum pipe lengths ....................................................................................................... 139
Check component end connections ............................................................................................. 140
Check network integrity ................................................................................................................ 141
Check for consistency .................................................................................................................. 141
Perform design checks automatically ........................................................................................... 142

6 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide

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Detail Sketches in Isometric Drawings ................................................................................................. 143

Place a detail sketch ........................................................................................................................... 147

Weld and Part Number Management ..................................................................................................... 151

Assign part numbers manually............................................................................................................ 152
Assign weld numbers manually .......................................................................................................... 152
Check for duplicate part numbers ....................................................................................................... 153
Check for duplicate weld numbers ...................................................................................................... 153
Assign Part Numbers Dialog Box ........................................................................................................ 153
Assign Weld Numbers Dialog Box ...................................................................................................... 154

Modify and Move Pipeline Objects ........................................................................................................ 155

Select Objects ..................................................................................................................................... 156
Select like components................................................................................................................. 158
Select multiple information items .................................................................................................. 159
Select multiple components by filter ............................................................................................. 160
Select multiple components by region .......................................................................................... 161
Select Component By Dialog Box ................................................................................................ 161
Copy and Paste................................................................................................................................... 162
Copy an object .............................................................................................................................. 162
Paste an object ............................................................................................................................. 162
Copy and paste 3D coordinates ................................................................................................... 163
Cut and Delete .................................................................................................................................... 167
Cut an object ................................................................................................................................ 167
Delete an object ............................................................................................................................ 168
Mirror and Rotate Pipe ........................................................................................................................ 169
Mirror orthogonal pipe .................................................................................................................. 170
Reflect a skew axis ....................................................................................................................... 172
Rotate orthogonal pipe ................................................................................................................. 173
Rotate a skew axis ....................................................................................................................... 175
Rotate a pipeline about a different axis ........................................................................................ 176
Modify Sketch Objects ........................................................................................................................ 178
Change bore ................................................................................................................................. 179
Convert orthogonal pipe to skewed pipe ...................................................................................... 180
Break a section of pipe ................................................................................................................. 181
Convert a 2D skew to a 3D skew ................................................................................................. 185
Deactivate a skew component ..................................................................................................... 187
Edit Object Properties ......................................................................................................................... 188
Edit POD properties ...................................................................................................................... 188
Edit pipeline properties ................................................................................................................. 189
Edit component properties ........................................................................................................... 191
Move Objects ...................................................................................................................................... 197
Reposition a component ............................................................................................................... 198
Move a Pipeline ............................................................................................................................ 199
Extend or shorten a length of pipe ............................................................................................... 201
Move a pipe branch ...................................................................................................................... 201

Import and Export Piping Data ............................................................................................................... 202

Import a single piping data file ............................................................................................................ 203
Import a piping data file using the command line ............................................................................... 205

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 7

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Batch import piping data ..................................................................................................................... 206

Define the project default for exporting piping data ............................................................................ 206
Export piping data ............................................................................................................................... 207
Export to XMpLant Dialog Box ............................................................................................................ 207

Point Cloud Integration ........................................................................................................................... 209

Common Tasks ................................................................................................................................... 215
Define point cloud settings ........................................................................................................... 216
Connect to a point cloud data set ................................................................................................. 217
Locate objects in the point cloud .................................................................................................. 219
Fit the pipe .................................................................................................................................... 221
Sketch the piping configuration .................................................................................................... 223
Transfer measurement points ...................................................................................................... 225
Transfer a length to a section of pipe ........................................................................................... 228
Transfer a length to a dimension .................................................................................................. 231
Define measurements with two points .......................................................................................... 233
Measure to a point off the centerline ............................................................................................ 234

Custom Symbols for Isometric Drawings ............................................................................................. 237

Redefine a symbol for isometric drawings .......................................................................................... 239

Isometric Drawing Generation ............................................................................................................... 241

Define drawing output format .............................................................................................................. 242
Generate an isometric drawing ........................................................................................................... 245
Generate a single isometric drawing ............................................................................................ 245
Generate multiple isometric drawings simultaneously ................................................................. 246
Generate an isometric drawing using the command line ............................................................. 246
View an isometric drawing .................................................................................................................. 247
Print an isometric drawing ................................................................................................................... 248
View a drawing message file .............................................................................................................. 248
Generate Drawings Dialog Box........................................................................................................... 249

SmartPlant Integration ............................................................................................................................ 251

Register ............................................................................................................................................... 252
Register a project ......................................................................................................................... 252
SmartPlant Registration Wizard ................................................................................................... 253
Publish ................................................................................................................................................ 254
Publish BOM piping data .............................................................................................................. 254
Publish Dialog Box ....................................................................................................................... 255
Revise ................................................................................................................................................. 258
Revise a POD document .............................................................................................................. 258
Revise Dialog Box ........................................................................................................................ 259

Attach External Data ............................................................................................................................... 261

Configure the Get External Data configuration file ............................................................................. 262
How Mapping Works .................................................................................................................... 264
Define an external data source ........................................................................................................... 267
Create a data source using DSN .................................................................................................. 267
Create a UDL file .......................................................................................................................... 270
Configure a UDL file ..................................................................................................................... 270

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Run the Get External Data command ................................................................................................. 271

View the Get External Data log files ................................................................................................... 272

Appendix: Get External Data Configuration File .................................................................................. 273

EXTERNAL-DATA statement ............................................................................................................. 281
EXTERNAL-MAP statement ............................................................................................................... 282
EXECUTE statement .......................................................................................................................... 284
FILTER statement ............................................................................................................................... 285
FORMATS statement .......................................................................................................................... 286
MATERIAL statement ......................................................................................................................... 288
SET-ADDITIONAL-MATERIAL statement .......................................................................................... 289
SET-INFORMATION-ELEMENT statement ....................................................................................... 290
SQL statement .................................................................................................................................... 291
Get External Data Macros ................................................................................................................... 292
Available macros .......................................................................................................................... 292
Attributes ...................................................................................................................................... 296
More Uses of Get External Data ......................................................................................................... 298
Unique Sequence Number ........................................................................................................... 298
Performing Calculations ............................................................................................................... 299
Updating Data ............................................................................................................................... 300

Appendix: Automated Selection of Detail Sketches Based on Component Rotation ...................... 302
Conventions used in the calculation of rotation angle ........................................................................ 303
Conventions to be used in preparation of detail sketches .................................................................. 306
Applying the conventions .................................................................................................................... 307

Appendix: Considerations for Importing Piping Data ......................................................................... 309

Appendix: POD to XMpLant Mapping File Definitions ......................................................................... 313

Appendix: SmartPlant License Manager Checkout Utility .................................................................. 315

Check Out a License for SmartPlant Isometrics ................................................................................. 316
License Checkout Utility Dialog Box ................................................................................................... 317

Appendix: Task Comparison for I-Sketch Users .................................................................................. 319

Glossary ................................................................................................................................................... 323

Index ......................................................................................................................................................... 329

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 9

Preface
This document is a user's guide for SmartPlant Isometrics and provides conceptual information
and procedural instructions for creating isometric drawings. The content is identical to the online
Help that is delivered as part of the SmartPlant Isometrics software.
Intergraph gives you permission to print as many copies of this document as you need for non-
commercial use at your company. You cannot reprint this document for resale or redistribution
outside your company.

Documentation Set
SmartPlant Isometrics documentation is available as Adobe PDF files. To access these PDF
documents, click Help > Printable Guides in the software.
The documentation set is divided into three categories:
 Installation guides contain information about installing, configuring, customizing, and
troubleshooting the product
 User's guides provide command reference and how-to information for working in a specific
product. The content is identical to what is delivered in the online Help
 ISOGEN guides

Installation Guides
SmartPlant Isometrics Installation Guide - Provides instructions on installing and configuring the
SmartPlant Isometrics software.

User's Guides
SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide - Provides guidelines, procedures, and workflows for using
SmartPlant Isometrics to create isometric drawings.
I-Configure User's Guide - Provides guidelines, procedures, and workflows for creating and
managing the isometric directories, projects, and styles used by other products to generate
isometric drawings and reports using ISOGEN.
ISOGEN Configuration User's Guide - Provides guidelines, procedures, and workflows for
configuring the drawing style properties that control ISOGEN isometric drawing and report
output.
Piping Data Processor User's Guide - Provides guidelines for pre-processing the piping data
input files used by ISOGEN to produce drawings and reports.
SmartPlant Isometrics I-Convert User's Guide - Provides guidelines, procedures, and workflows
for converting third party plant design data into a format that is compatible with SmartPlant
Isometrics.
SmartPlant Isometrics I-Data Integrator User's Guide - Provides guidelines, procedures and
workflows for using I-Data Integrator to post-process report files.
SmartPlant Isometrics I-Tools User's Guide - Provides instructions for using I-Tools to produce
piping systems by merging IDF/PCF files from other ISOGEN-enabled products.

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 11

Preface

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide - Provides guidelines, procedures, and workflows for
using SmartPlant Symbol Editor to create custom symbol shapes to meet your drawing
annotation needs.
SmartPlant Material Editor User's Guide - Provides instructions for using SmartPlant Material
Editor to create reference data, including catalogs and materials specifications.

ISOGEN Guides
ISOGEN Symbol Key Definitions Reference Guide - Provides information about the ISOGEN
symbol key library. This guide is from Alias, the makers of ISOGEN.

Documentation Comments
We welcome comments or suggestions about this documentation. You can send us an email at:
[email protected].
Documentation updates for supported software versions are available from Intergraph Smart
Support (https://smartsupport.intergraph.com).

What's New in SmartPlant Isometrics

The following changes have been to SmartPlant Isometrics.
Version 2014 (6.0)
 Added information about point cloud default settings. For more information, see Point Cloud
Tab (Options Dialog Box) (on page 41). (P3 AL:11824)
 Isometric drawing style properties are now configured using ISOGEN Configuration, which is
part of the I-Configure software. This user's guide has been updated to reflect related
workflow changes. For more information about ISOGEN Configuration, see the ISOGEN
Configuration User's Guide. You can access this guide with the Help > Printable Guides
command in SmartPlant Isometrics.
 Get External Data functionality has been extended in SmartPlant Isometrics 2014:
 Criteria expressions in <EXECUTE> tags for pipelines are evaluated under all
circumstances. (P2 AL:12676)
 Support for accessing material attributes in a consistent manner is implemented. (P2
AL:11685)
 An information element is now able to write to its own parent pipeline, component, or
spool. For more information, see INFORMATION Element in Appendix: Get External
Data Configuration File (on page 273) and EXTERNAL-MAP statement (on page 281).
(P2 AL:12683)
 The EXTERNAL-MAP statement can be used to apply attributes to the current spool.
For more information, see EXTERNAL-MAP statement (on page 281). (P2 AL:12879)

12 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide

 Preface

 The Get External Data macros have been enhanced. For more information, see Available
macros (on page 292).
 The new PC macro allows you to access parent component properties. (P2 AL:10591)
 The functionality of the CKP[name] macro has been extended to allow you to access
coordinate keypoint data. (P2 AL: 11112)
 The new S macro has been added to support spool handling. (P2 AL:12879)
 The Place Origin command has been added to the Dimension toolbar. For more
information, see Add an origin (on page 84). (P2 AL:11626)
 Skew angles are now displayed in the graphical view when the skew is fully dimensioned.
This enhancement applies to 2D and 3D skews. For more information, see Dimension a 2D
skew (on page 117) and Dimension a 3D skew (on page 120). (P2 AL:10081)
 A procedure for using command line parameters to import piping files is added to the Help.
For more information, see Import a piping data file using the command line (on page 205).
 A command for deleting skew dimensions is now available. For more information, see Delete
a dimension (on page 125). (P2 AL:10080)
 SmartSketch Viewer has replaced Volo View Express as the optional drawing viewer
software. For more information, see Isometric Drawing Generation (on page 241).
 A new method for placing and editing additional materials is available. For more information,
see Place additional material (on page 130). (P2 AL:10216)
 The new Revise command enables you to revise POD documents without publishing.
Revisions can be applied as a separate activity or as part of the publishing process. For
more information, see Revise (on page 257). (P1 AL:12434)
 The software uses the pipe outside diameter (OD) that is set in the active specification to
calculate the bend radius. If no OD is set, the software uses the nominal size. (P2 AL:8020)
 New features have been added to the Physical dialog box. For more information, see
Physical Dialog Box (on page 106).

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 13

SECTION 1

SmartPlant Isometrics
SmartPlant Isometrics, powered by ISOGEN, is a powerful yet simple to use Microsoft Windows-
based pipe sketching application. Formerly known as I-Sketch, SmartPlant Isometrics allows
you to sketch piping systems and generate isometric drawings with full bills of materials (BOMs)
quickly and easily. After you design a pipeline, you can transfer the digital data (drawing,
materials, welding, pipe cut lengths) to the pipe fabricator, where it can be processed to define
the fabrication spools and drawings using the companion product SmartPlant Spoolgen.
SmartPlant Isometrics integrates with all of the leading 3D plant design systems and contains all
the key features of I-Sketch while adding the following functionality:
 Enables sketching of individual pipelines or complete piping systems.
 Includes templates for production of check, fabrication, and erection-type drawings.
 Integrates with all of the leading 3D plant design systems.
 Creates an instant 3D scaled view of pipelines using a built-in 3D viewer.
 Provides simultaneous 3D view of multiple pipelines--allows for design of several pipelines in
a confined location and visual clash checks with new or existing pipelines.
 Produces industry-standard ISOGEN isometric drawings to your company standards.
 Offers SmartPlant License Management.
 Supports multiple output formats, including DXF, DWG, DGN, SHA (Shape2D Server), and
IGR (SmartSketch).
 Supports configurable isometric styles using I-Configure.
 Delivers an advanced Get External Data function allows data extraction from external data
sources.
Designed to meet the design and documentation challenges of EPCs, fabricators, and owner
operators, SmartPlant Isometrics is a versatile 2D design product that plays an important role in
the production and transfer of piping data.

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 15

SmartPlant Isometrics

SmartPlant Isometrics Tools

SmartPlant Isometrics is delivered with a suite of products and tools that complement and
further enhance its functionality. These products and tools are installed by default when you
perform a Complete setup. Alternatively, you can install them on a case-by-case basis using the
Custom setup feature.

Piping Data Processor

The Piping Data Processor utility allows you to correct bad data and remove objects, attributes,
or information not required by ISOGEN for drawing generation. You can use the utility to add
attributes or change, edit, and delete records in piping data files prior to importing them in to the
software. This utility is delivered as part of the Piping Data Utilities feature during installation of
SmartPlant Isometrics.

POD Graphics Processor

The POD Graphics Processor utility allows you to create outputs on the drawing that cannot be
achieved using ISOGEN capabilities. This utility is delivered as part of the Piping Data Utilities
feature during installation of SmartPlant Isometrics.

I-Configure
Simplifies the customization of piping isometrics produced by ISOGEN. Using ISOGEN
Configuration, you can configure virtually everything about the piping isometric drawing, from the
style of dimensioning and format of weld and part numbers to the location and layout of the
material take-off, enabling you to produce isometric drawings to your own specifications.

Key Features
 Delivers quick access to a user-interface for configuration ISOGEN controls.
 Provides Explorer-type windows to navigate available projects and styles.
 Uses XML files for storage of project and drawing style information.

SmartPlant Material Editor

Provides a single environment in which you can create, edit, and manage reference data, such
as the material data files, catalogs, and piping specifications used in SmartPlant Isometrics.
SmartPlant Material Editor is also used to customize the additional material, bolts, coupling,
supports and welds that you can add to a pipeline in SmartPlant Spoolgen prior to producing
spool sheets and isometric drawings for fabrication and construction.

Key Features
 Supports the import of I-Sketch v2 format reference data as part of the upgrade path from I-
Sketch v2 to SmartPlant Isometrics.
 Supports the import of SmartPlant Reference Data materials data.
 Enables rapid creation of piping catalogs and specifications from paper-based documents.
 Delivers comprehensive design rules, such as branch table, default choice, bolting tables,
and so on.

16 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide

 SmartPlant Isometrics

SmartPlant Symbol Editor

Provides a user-friendly interface in which you can easily create new or modify existing XML-
based or ASCII symbols files for use in ISOGEN drawings and SmartPlant Isometric sketches.
The software allows you to graphically define and modify a component, and save it to an XML-
based file or export the redefined symbol to an ISOGEN ASCII file so that it can be used in your
generated isometric drawings.

SmartPlant Isometrics I-Convert

Automates the conversion of piping specifications and catalogs from a variety of plant design
systems for use with SmartPlant Isometrics.

Key Features
 Converts piping specifications and catalogs for use in SmartPlant Isometrics quickly and
easily.
 Allows you to reuse existing reference data held in 3D plant design systems.
 Updates piping catalogs for SmartPlant Isometrics and the plant design system by
maintaining a single data source.
 Supports all leading plant design systems, including PDS®, PDMS™, AutoPLANT®, and
CADWorx®.

SmartPlant Isometrics I-Data Integrator

Enables links between the data generated during ISOGEN runs with almost any downstream IT
system, such as material control, purchasing, and workshop management systems. SmartPlant
Isometrics I-Data Integrator is compatible with any version of ISOGEN, so it can be used by
engineering contractors using Intergraph Smart™ 3D and PDS, as well as site engineers using
SmartPlant Isometrics.

Key Features
 Publishes ISOGEN data in various formats, such as Microsoft Access database tables,
Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, comma delimited files, fixed format text files, and XML files.
 Supports extraction of data directly from ISOGEN data files, such as IDF, PCF, and POD
files.
 Enables open configuration using SQL statements and scripts.
 Supports linking ISOGEN tables with external data sources that support industry-standard
Microsoft data access tools, such as Microsoft Access and Excel, as well as high-end,
server-based databases, such as Oracle® and SQL Server®.

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 17

SmartPlant Isometrics

SmartPlant Isometrics I-Tools

Merges individual pipeline IDFs or PCFs from any ISOGEN-enabled plant design system into a
single system. This data can then serve as input to SmartPlant Isometrics to create pipeline
system isometric drawings, which can be used for the commissioning, construction, inspection,
and testing of installed piping systems.

Key Features
 Enables merging of multiple single pipeline files into a system file.
 Confirms system content by visually displaying pipelines.
 Examines pipeline connectivity and highlights 3D modeling issues.
 Pinpoints groupings of pipelines into connected systems via reporting tools.
 Simplifies system data through its pipe-stripping tool.

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SECTION 2

Interface Overview
The standard SmartPlant Isometrics interface consists of several components as shown in the
example below:

A - Menu Bar

Click the name of a menu to display the menu commands. Many menu commands have
equivalent keystrokes, such as CTRL+C for the Copy command that you can use to quickly
perform an action.

B - Toolbars
Toolbars are groups of icons that provide rapid access to commonly used commands. They are
an alternative to using menu items or keyboard shortcuts. You can toggle on and off the display
of a toolbar using View > Toolbars, and then selecting or de-selecting it in the list.
You can dock toolbars at the top, bottom or side of the Detail window, or you can let them float
in a convenient position.

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Interface Overview

SmartPlant Isometrics Windows

The remainder of the SmartPlant Isometrics interface is divided into four distinct windows: the
Detail window, the Properties window, the Errors window, and the Pipeline Explorer. Each
window provides specific features that assist you in creating and viewing the pipeline model.
 Pipeline Explorer (C) - The Pipeline Explorer displays a hierarchical list of the all the pipe
and components that make up the pipeline model in the sketch. You can navigate through
the model hierarchy by clicking the + or – icons. In addition, you can double-click nodes in
the tree view to open them. When you select an item in the Pipeline Explorer, the software
highlights the item in the pipe sketch that appears in the Detail window. For more
information, read Pipeline Explorer (on page 42).
 Detail Window (D) - The Detail window is the working space where the isometric sketch is
drawn. You can view the entire model or just a detailed portion of interest. For more
information, read Detail Window (on page 20).
 Properties Window (E) - After you select an item in the pipeline model, you can define,
view, and modify the properties associated with that item in the Properties window. You can
define customized properties and the default value for each item in the I-Configure software.
For more information, read Properties Window (on page 46).
 Errors Window (F) - The Errors window displays error messages that have occurred during
an operation, such as when you run a consistency check on the pipeline. When you select
an error message in the Errors window, the software highlights the appropriate component
in the Detail window.

G - Status Bar

The status bar contains summary information about the active model.

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 Interface Overview

Detail Window
Contains the working space where you draw the isometric sketch. The window can contain the
entire pipeline or, when zoomed in, just a detailed portion of interest. The Detail window also
contains an isometric grid of points. You can use the isometric grid as a guide when placing pipe
and components.

Each time you create a new pipeline or new system, the software opens a new Detail window in
which you can design the layout of your pipe sketch. Every Detail window corresponds to a
single sheet in the final isometric drawing. Using the commands on the Window menu, you can
cascade or tile your active sketches to more easily navigate among them. The active window list
displays an alphabetical list of open sketch windows below the commands on the Window
menu. You can access another open sketch by clicking one of the sketch names on the list.
You can also double-click the sheet name in Pipeline Explorer, or right-click the sheet
name and click Activate.
SmartPlant Isometrics provides multiple views of the sketch that represents the pipeline model.
A view is a visual representation of the data that composes the pipeline model and can be a
simple line drawing or a 3D representation of the model, including all of its components. By
manipulating model views, you can organize the information within the pipeline model to better
understand the data. For more information about manipulating views of the model, read Fitting
Views. For more information about 3D views, read 3D Views.

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Interface Overview

SmartCursors
The shape of the cursor (or mouse pointer) gives you important feedback. As you move it
around the drawing, it will change to reflect:
1. The action you are performing (mode of operation).
2. The object under the cursor.
When routing pipe and placing components, the cursor that appears depends on where the
mouse is hovering in the sketch. For example, if you are placing a component and hovering over
the middle of a section of pipe, then the insertion cursor displays; if you are hovering the mouse
in white space and nothing can be placed, the fail cursor displays.

SmartCursor Associated Placement Task

Place additional material on the section of pipe or the component directly

beneath the cursor.

Insert a bend element at the end of a section of pipe directly beneath the
cursor and then route away from the pipe.

Place pipe in whitespace directly beneath the cursor. When placing

components, indicates the component will be placed at the end of a section
of pipe.

No placement of selected object is allowed.

Place a new component into a section of pipe directly beneath the cursor.

Insert a tapping point in the pipe directly beneath the cursor.

Insert a tapping point in the component directly beneath the cursor.

Insert a branch element into a section pipe directly beneath the cursor and
then route away from the pipe.

Insert a break in a section of pipe directly beneath the cursor.

Place an information item on the section of pipe or the component directly

beneath the cursor.

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 Interface Overview

Sketch Colors
SmartPlant Isometrics uses color to determine the status of the sketch. If you use the default
colors, a fully specified sketch is completely green. If you see any other colors in the sketch, it
indicates that some work is still to be done. You have the option to choose a color scheme for
each state using the options on the Options dialog box.

Fully Specified Both direction and dimension are defined

Color

Unspecified Both direction and dimension are unknown

Color

No Length Color Direction known / Dimension unknown

No Direction Dimension known / Direction unknown

Color

Ignored Tube Pipe to be ignored during drawing generation

Color

See Also
Customize the Detail Window (on page 32)
Customize Interface Elements (on page 35)
Pipeline Explorer (on page 42)
Properties Window (on page 46)

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Interface Overview

Control the Display of Data

SmartPlant Isometrics provides several options for manipulating the view of your data as it
appears in the Detail window. For example, you can adjust the view to display the entire model,
or you can focus on specific parts of the model. You can also increase or decrease the viewing
area. Decreasing causes everything within the window to appear larger, while increasing causes
everything within the window to appear smaller.
The following commands are available on the View toolbar:

Update Current View - Refreshes the view of the model to update its contents.

Zoom Tool - Increases or decreases the display size of objects in the pipeline model.
You can zoom in to get a closer view of an object or zoom out to view more of the
model at a reduced size. Click the left mouse button and drag the pointer upward in the
window to increase the view of an object as though you were moving closer to it. Drag
the pointer downward in the window to reduce the view as though you were moving
further away from the object.

Zoom Area - Increases the view magnification of an area in the pipeline model that you
define with two points.

Fit - Displays the entire contents of the pipeline model in the Detail window.

Fit View to Selection - Zooms in on the selected pipe or component so that it fills the
display window entirely.

Center View on Selection - Moves the view point so that the selected object is
centered in the display window.

Pan - Repositions the model in the display window so that you can view another section
of the pipeline without changing the view magnification.

Show/Hide Background - Removes ISOGEN-generated background graphics, such as

a backing sheet, dimension lines, material list, and so on.

 To toggle on and off the display of the View toolbar, click View > Toolbars > View.
 An identical set of the view commands is also available on the View menu.

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3D View Control
A collection of 3D View commands allows you to display the model as a scaled, real-world 3D
graphical representation, according to the list of available piping and components displayed in
the Pipeline Explorer, and then rotate the 3D display in a specified direction. Using the
commands on the 3D View toolbar, you can manipulate the view and easily orient the model.

Show - Opens the 3D View window, and displays the pipeline in a separate window
as a scaled 3D model.

Refresh - Redraws the 3D view of the model to update its contents. When multiple
piping data files are open, the software updates the contents of all pipelines.

Standard View - Changes the view orientation of the 3D model to one of the following
standard views: Iso North: Top Left, Iso North: Top Right, Iso North: Bottom Left,
Iso North: Bottom Right, Look Down, Look Up, Look North, Look South, Look
East, and Look West.

Additional 3D View commands are available in the View menu that allow you to show or hide
any of the files that are currently opened. You can click View > 3D View > Copy to place a copy
of the current 3D View window contents on the Clipboard. Clicking View > 3D View > Print,
allows you to print the contents of the 3D View window to a specified printer. You can also
toggle between a symbolic or rendered view of the current model.

 The software automatically updates the display of the pipeline model in the 3D View window
whenever an inline component is dimensionally moved or when pipe or an assembly is
dynamically dimensioned. For more information about dynamic dimensions, see Define
Dimensions (on page 107).
 To toggle on and off the display of the 3D View toolbar, click View > Toolbars > 3D View.

What do you want to do?

 Zoom in on an area or zoom out from a point (on page 26)
 Magnify an area (on page 26)
 Fit all objects (on page 27)
 Fit view to selection (on page 27)
 Center view on selection (on page 28)
 Pan views (on page 28)
 Show 3D View (on page 28)
 Change the view orientation (on page 29)
 Change the graphical representation (on page 30)

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Interface Overview

Zoom in on an area or zoom out from a point

1. Click Zoom Tool . Alternatively, click View > Zoom Tool.
2. Do one of the following:
 To zoom in, select a starting point in the active window and drag upward in the window
to increase the view size of an object in the active window.
 To zoom out, select a starting point and drag downward in the window to reduce the
view size of an object in the active window.

 Click Zoom All to fit all the objects to the view in the Detail window.
 When you rotate the IntelliMouse wheel backward while the Zoom Tool is active, the view
zooms out at the current pointer location. You can also zoom in by rolling the wheel of the
IntelliMouse forward.

Magnify an area
1. Click Zoom Area . Alternatively, click View > Zoom Area , or press CTRL+SHIFT+Z.
2. Click a start point in the active window, and then drag to an end point in the active view to
fence the area to enlarge.

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 Interface Overview

When you release on the end point, the graphic view updates to show the selected area.

Click Fit to view all objects in the Detail window again.

Fit all objects

 Click Fitl . Alternatively, click View > Fit, or press CTRL+SHIFT+A.

Fit view to selection

1. Do one of the following:
a. In the Detail window, select the component or pipe to view.
b. In the 3D View window, double-click the component or pipe that you want to view.
Alternatively, select a pipe or component in the Pipeline Explorer.
The software highlights the corresponding object in the display window.
2. Click Fit View to Selection .
The software zooms in on the selected item so that it fills up the display entirely.
If an error is reported in the Errors window, click Fit View to Selection to zoom in on
the object in question.

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Interface Overview

Center view on selection

1. Do one of the following:
a. In the Detail window, click the component or pipe that you want to view.
b. In the 3D View window, double-click the component or pipe that you want to view.
Alternatively, select a pipe or component in the Pipeline Explorer.
The software highlights the corresponding object in the display window.

2. Click Center View on Selection .

The software re-draws the pipeline so that the selected object is in the center of the view.
The view distance stays the same.

Pan views
1. Click Pan . Alternatively, click View > Pan.
2. Click a point in the Detail window and drag the cursor up, down, left or right to view other
areas of the model.

Show 3D View
The 3D View window displays the model as a scaled, real-world 3D graphical representation,
according to the list of available piping and components displayed in the Pipeline Explorer.

 Click Show .
The software opens a new window on top of the Detail window, and displays the pipeline as
a scaled 3D model.

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 Interface Overview

 Depending on each pipeline's relative start coordinates, pipelines will either be displayed
together, if they are intended to connect into each other, or apart if they are not.
 When the 3D view is active, the software uses the following colors to distinguish the various
pipe components in the 3D model.

Color Purpose

Green Identifies pipes.

Magenta Identifies valves and flanges.

Cyan Identifies fittings.

Yellow Identifies supports. Represented as a circle drawn around the supported

component.

Red Indicates the currently selected component or pipeline. The whole pipeline
turns red when you select the pipeline reference in the Pipeline Explorer.

Change the view orientation

When the 3D view is active, you can use the following predefined view orientations to move
around the model in either linear (about eye) or encircle (about center) mode.

Iso North: Top Left Change the orientation of the 3D view to display the model from the
top left (north east).

Iso North: Top Right Change the orientation of the 3D view to display the model from the
top right (north west).

Iso North: Bottom Change the orientation of the 3D view to display the model from the
Right bottom right (north west).

Iso North: Bottom Left Change the orientation of the 3D view to display the model from the
bottom left (north east)

Look Down Change the orientation of the 3D view so that you are looking down
at the top of the model.

Look Up Change the orientation of the 3D view so that you are looking up at
the bottom of the model.

Look East Change the orientation of the 3D view so that you are looking toward
the east direction of the model.

Look West Change the orientation of the 3D view so that you are looking toward
the west direction of the model.

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Interface Overview

Look North Change the orientation of the 3D view so that you are looking toward
the north direction of the model.

Look South Change the orientation of the 3D view so that you are looking toward
the south direction of the model.

1. Click the arrow next to Standard View .

2. Select one of the standard view orientations available in the list.

 View orientation options are available only when the 3D view is active. Click Show to
turn on and off the 3D view.
 Changing the view orientation does not alter the view center or view distance.

Change the graphical representation

When the 3D view is active, you can switch between a symbolic or solid view of the model in the
Detail window. The symbolic representation displays a line-based view of the model; the solid,
or rendered, representation displays a more 3-dimensional view of the model. The following
illustration displays the two graphical representation types, with the symbolic representation on
the left and the solid representation on the right:

1. Click View > 3D View > Representation.

2. In the sub-menu, select one of the graphical representations, Symbolic or Solid.
The software updates the graphical representation of the model in the 3D View window.

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 Interface Overview

 You can toggle between the two representation types only when the 3D view is active. Click
Show to turn on and off the 3D view.
 Symbolic mode is useful for viewing welds in the model, as shown in the following
illustration:

 Producing rendered graphics is resource intensive and should only be used with small
pipeline data files or on hardware with fairly powerful 3D rendering capabilities.

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Interface Overview

Customize the Detail Window

Customization allows you to modify and enhance how you interact with the Detail window to
meet your specific needs. For example, you can customize an existing toolbar or create a new
toolbar that does not exist in the software.
You can activate most SmartPlant Isometrics functions from the keyboard as well as from the
menus and toolbars. For example, simultaneously pressing CTRL and G is equivalent to clicking
Generate Drawings on the Standard toolbar or selecting Generate Drawings on the File
menu. Menus show the keystroke combinations that are available with the software. You can
also create your own.

Customize with Built-In Commands

The commands delivered with the software can help you work more efficiently. You can use
these built-in commands to create and customize your toolbars or assign keyboard shortcuts for
commands that you use frequently.
For example, using the options available in the Customize dialog box, you can create and
customize toolbars and assign shortcut keys to quickly accomplish tasks that you perform
frequently.

Customize Dialog Box (on page 34)

What do you want to do?

 Create a new custom toolbar (on page 32)
 Customize a built-in toolbar (on page 33)
 Assign a keyboard shortcut (on page 33)

Create a new custom toolbar

1. Click View > Toolbars > Customize.
Toolbars Tab (Customize Dialog Box) (on page 34)
2. Click New.
The New Toolbar dialog box appears.
3. Type the name of the new toolbar, and click OK.
4. Select the Commands tab.
5. In the Categories list, select the group that contains the command that you want to place on
the new toolbar
Commands Tab (Customize Dialog Box) (on page 34)
6. In the Commands list, select the command to place on the new toolbar, and then drag it
onto the new toolbar.

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7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you have added all the commands that you want on the new
toolbar.

 To rename a custom toolbar, click View > Toolbars > Customize, and then click the
Toolbars tab. In the Toolbars list, select the custom toolbar to rename. In the Toolbar
name box, type a new name.
 To delete a custom toolbar, click View > Toolbars > Customize, and then click the
Toolbars tab. In the Toolbars list, select the custom toolbar to delete, and then click Delete.

Customize a built-in toolbar

1. Click View > Toolbars > Customize.
The Customize dialog box appears.
2. On the Commands tab, select the category that contains the command to add.
Commands Tab (Customize Dialog Box) (on page 34)
3. Drag the command button from the Commands display area to the toolbar.
If the toolbar is not displayed, select the Toolbars tab, and then select it in the
Toolbars list.
To return a toolbar to its original settings, click View > Toolbars > Customize. Select
the toolbar in the Toolbars list, and then click Reset.

Assign a keyboard shortcut

Using the Keyboard tab on the Options dialog box, you can customize shortcut keys in the
software by assigning shortcut keys to commands that do not already have them or by removing
shortcut keys you don't want. If you don't like the changes you make, you can clear a shortcut
key setting at any time.
1. Click View > Toolbars > Customize.
The Customize dialog box appears.
2. On the Keyboard tab, select the command category that you want in the Category list.
Keyboard Tab (Customize Dialog Box) (on page 35)
3. In the Commands box, select the command to which you want to assign a shortcut key.
4. Click once in the Press new shortcut key box, and then press the shortcut key combination
to assign.
You can use any of the following:
 A single letter or alpha character (such as T)
 A single number (such as 4)
 CTRL or ALT, combined with an alpha character (such as CTRL+U or ALT+R)
 A function key (such as F9)

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Interface Overview

5. Click Assign.

 To remove a shortcut key, select a key combination in the Key assignments list, and then
click Remove.
 To return all shortcut key combinations to their original settings, click View > Toolbars >
Customize, and then click Reset All on the Toolbars tab.
 As with any Microsoft® product, you can also add a mnemonic or a button image for any of
the SmartPlant Isometrics commands.

Customize Dialog Box

Provides options for customizing the toolbars that you use.
Toolbars Tab (Customize Dialog Box) (on page 34)
Commands Tab (Customize Dialog Box) (on page 34)
Keyboard Tab (Customize Dialog Box) (on page 35)

Toolbars Tab (Customize Dialog Box)

Toolbars - Lists the toolbars that currently exist in the software.
New - Displays the New Toolbar dialog box in which you can type a name for your custom
toolbar.
Rename - Displays the Rename Toolbar dialog box in which you can type a new name for the
selected toolbar. Rename is only available when you select a custom toolbar in the Toolbars
list.
Delete - Deletes the selected toolbar. Delete is only available when you select a custom toolbar
in the Toolbars list.
Reset - Restores the selected toolbar to its original settings. Reset is only available when you
select a SmartPlant Isometrics toolbar in the Toolbars list.

Commands Tab (Customize Dialog Box)

Categories - Sets the category from which you can select a command to add to a toolbar. When
you select a category, a list of commands specific to the selected category displays in the
Commands box.
Commands - Specifies the command that you want to add to a toolbar.

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 Interface Overview

Keyboard Tab (Customize Dialog Box)

Category - Sets the category from which you want to select a command to assign a shortcut
key combination. When you select the category for a group of commands in this box, a list of
commands specific to the selected category displays in the Commands list.
Commands - Specifies the command to which you want to assign a shortcut key.
Key assignments - Displays shortcut key assignments that exist for the command selected in
the Commands list.
Press new shortcut key - Displays the shortcut key combination you defined for the selected
command.
Description - Displays tooltip information about the command selected in the Commands box.
Assign - Assigns the shortcut key combination that displays in the Press new shortcut key
box.
Remove - Removes the shortcut key combination that is selected in the Key assignments box.
Reset All - Returns all the key assignments to their original settings.

Customize Interface Elements

Using the Options dialog box, you can define the display of working units in the software display
using the options on the Working Units tab. On the Colors tab, you can control the color that
the software uses to represent the different states of the pipe and components. You can also
change the Detail window background color from its default (white) to another color. Clicking the
color bar for the item whose color you want to change opens the standard Windows color palette
dialog box, from which you can make a choice. The Point Cloud tab allows you to define how
point cloud data is displayed in the 3D View window.
You can also customize the layout of the SmartPlant Isometrics windows, moving and resizing
them to meet your needs.

Options Dialog Box (on page 40)

What do you want to do?

 Specify the display of working units (on page 36)
 Change the color of sketch status (on page 36)
 Customize the window layout (on page 37)
 Define point cloud settings (on page 216)

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Interface Overview

Specify the display of working units

The default settings shown on the Working Units tab are read from the project defaults that you
set in I-Configure. If you are creating a new file, you are able to override the default values, but
only for the new pipeline.
1. Click Tools > Options.
The Options dialog box appears.
2. Select the Working Units tab, and make selections as required.
Working Units Tab (Options Dialog Box) (on page 41)
3. Click OK.

Set user options

You can set user options to configure the behavior of the software. For example, you can set
options that help you automate the sketching process. You can also set options to help reduce
screen clutter that can sometimes result when you have numerous dimensionless components,
such as bolts, and other information elements in the piping sketch.
1. Click Tools > Options.
The Options dialog box appears.
2. Select the Preferences tab, and select options as necessary.
Preferences Tab (Options Dialog Box) (on page 42)
3. Click OK.

Change the color of sketch status

1. Click Tools > Options.
The Options dialog box appears.
2. On the Colors tab, click the color bar that corresponds to the item whose color you want to
change. For example, click No Direction Color.
Colors Tab (Options Dialog Box) (on page 40)
3. Select a color In the Windows Color dialog box, and then click OK.
You can also define a custom color.
4. Click OK.
To return all colors to their defaults, click Apply Defaults.

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Customize the window layout

In SmartPlant Isometrics, windows organize the information you view about the pipeline model.
The software uses windows to provide a concise listing of pipeline data and to display the
results of specific operations, such as consistency checks and component attribute information.
Whereas the Pipeline Explorer and Properties window can be displayed or hidden using the
View menu, the software automatically displays the Errors window whenever errors occur
during a specific operation.

Moving and Resizing Windows

The Pipeline Explorer, Properties and Errors windows in SmartPlant Isometrics work slightly
differently than windows in other applications. These windows can be displayed, hidden,
docked, maximized, tabbed, or made to float.
The following tips will help you manage windows effectively. As you are moving windows,
remember that it is the placement of the cursor, not the window, that indicates where you are
placing the window you are dragging. Look for the blue shadow indicator box that shows you
where the window will be placed when you release the mouse button.
To display or hide a window
Open the View menu, and click the name of the window. A check mark beside the name of the
window indicates that it is displayed.
You cannot use the View menu to display and hide the Errors window. The software
automatically displays the Errors window whenever errors occur during a specific operation.
To automatically hide a window

1. Click in the top right corner of a docked window. The window is placed vertically on the
application border on the side to which it was docked.
2. Move your cursor over the window name on the border to display the window, temporarily,
where it was previously displayed. As you move your cursor away, the window automatically
hides again.
The following illustration shows a normal view of the Properties window and a view with the
window placed on the application border.

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Interface Overview

To turn off Auto-Hide mode

1. Place your cursor on the window name to show the hidden window.
2. When the window appears, click the button to place it where it was previously docked.
To undock a window
 Double-click the title bar of a docked window to undock it and display it as a floating window.
To maximize a window
 Double-click a floating, undocked window to dock it against the top border of the software
window. This action maximizes the window as much as possible considering the placement
of other tool and list view windows.
If windows are already docked along the top border of the software and there is no
open space along the border, then you cannot maximize another window. As long as some
portion of the top border does not have a window docked against it, you can minimize a new
window, and the software will place it in that open space.
To dock a floating window
 Click and drag the title bar of the floating window to dock it. As you begin to drag a docking
window, the SmartPlant Isometrics window displays as follows:

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 Interface Overview

Drag the window over one of the icons. Each icon docks the window in a different
location - top, bottom, left or right. As the cursor passes over an icon, a blue box displays,
showing you how the docked window will appear. The example below illustrates the
relationship between the icon and the docking location. The shaded blue box provides a
preview of how the docked window will appear.

You can dock the window to an exterior application border in SmartPlant Isometrics or
adjacent to another docked window.
Create tab windows from multiple tool windows
1. Drag one docking window over another, to display the following icon:

2. Pass the cursor over the icon, to dock the window as a "tab" of the currently docked
window.
Additionally, you can click and drag a floating tool window until the cursor touches the
title bar of another tool window. A blue box displays, showing you a window with a tab at the
bottom of the second window.

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Interface Overview

Options Dialog Box

Sets options for the current pipeline sketch. For example, you can define dimension and weight
units using the Working Units tab.
Colors Tab (Options Dialog Box) (on page 40)
Working Units Tab (Options Dialog Box) (on page 41)
Point Cloud Tab (Options Dialog Box) (on page 41)
Preferences Tab (Options Dialog Box) (on page 42)

Colors Tab (Options Dialog Box)

Controls the color settings that the software uses to represent the different states of the pipe and
components. Clicking the color bar for the item whose color you want to change opens the
standard Windows color palette dialog box.
Background Color - Specifies the background color of the Detail window.
Fully Specified Color - Specifies the color used to represent pipe and components whose
direction and dimension are defined.
Unspecified Color - Specifies the color used to represent pipe and components whose
direction and dimension are undefined.
No Length Color - Specifies the color used to represent a pipe or component that has no
defined length.
No Direction Color - Specifies the color used to represent a pipe or component whose direction
is undefined.
Ignored Tube Color - Specifies the color used to represent pipe that is ignored during drawing
generation.
Selected Color - Specifies the color used to represent the currently selected pipe or
component.
Marker Color - Specifies the color used to represent dimension markers.
Apply Defaults - Returns all colors to their default settings.
See Also
Change the Color of Sketch Status (on page 36)
Detail Window (on page 20)

40 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide

 Interface Overview

Working Units Tab (Options Dialog Box)

Controls the dimension and weight units that display in the sketch.
Coordinates - Specifies the dimension units that display for coordinate data in millimeters
(mm), meters (m), or feet/inches (ft/in).
Bolt lengths and diameters - Specifies the dimension units that display for bolt lengths and
diameters in millimeters (mm) or feet/inches (ft/in).
Weights - Specifies the weight units that display on the sketch in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb).
Dimension precision - Controls the display of dimension line lengths in the sketch. When you
select Round dimension line lengths to nearest mm, the software rounds the dimension up
or down to the nearest whole number. The option has no effect on imperial units of measure.
See Also
Specify the Display of Working Units (on page 36)

Point Cloud Tab (Options Dialog Box)

Controls how point cloud data is loaded and displayed in the 3D View window.
Load limit (millions) - Sets the limit for the number of points used in loading a point cloud data
set. Type a value in the range 1 to 4000 (values are in millions of points). If you specify a value
that is below the number of points in a point cloud data set, the overall density of the data or the
density of portions of the data is reduced to best match the defined limit. The recommendation is
to set this value above the size of the point clouds to be used but below the amount of memory
the computer has available. The default setting is 200.
Loading a dataset of 250 million points requires approximately 2GB of main
memory.
Display limit (millions) - Sets the limit for the number of points used to provide a point cloud
data set for SmartPlant Isometrics to display. Type a value in the range 1 to 640 (values are in
millions of points). The default setting is 4. If you specify a value that is below the number of
points in a point cloud data set, the overall density of the data or the density of portions of the
data is reduced to best match the defined limit. For example, if the graphics hardware comprises
twin 8GB graphics card or a single 16 GB graphics card, you set the maximum value of 640. For
a 256MB graphics card, 10 is a good setting for fast, interactive display. This value is also used
when cropping so that the same limit is used for a smaller area, resulting in higher density of
loaded datasets that exceed the display limit. Reducing this value can reduce load times and
can increase frame rates by reducing the quantity of points that are displayed.
Computation limit (millions) - Sets the limit for the number of points used for computations
such as fitting a pipe. Type a value in the range 1 to 100 (values are in millions of points). The
default setting is 2.
Stay in Fit Pipe mode on successful fit - Controls whether the software remains in Fit Pipe
mode after you fit a pipe in the point cloud dataset. Remaining in Fit Pipe mode allows you to
continue fitting pipes as you move around the point cloud dataset. This is option is selected by
default.

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Interface Overview

Show scan locations - Controls the display of scan locations within the point cloud. When scan
locations are displayed and the camera is in 1st person, clicking a scan location positions the
camera in the position of the scanner. This can be a good way to orient you and gives the most
complete view of the point cloud data. If the scan location interferes with your view while moving
around the point cloud and fitting pipes, you can turn off this setting.
Enabled - Controls coordinate averaging by the software when you drag and drop coordinates
from the point cloud to the pipe sketch in the Detail window. By default, coordinate averaging is
turned on, and partial origins are not placed.
See Also
Define Point Cloud Settings (on page 216)

Preferences Tab (Options Dialog Box)

Controls how the software behaves when you are sketching the model pipeline.
Automatically place gaskets at open ends - Controls the behavior of the Place Flanges and
Gaskets Automatically command. If you select this option, when you click Place Flanges and
Gaskets Automatically on the Tools toolbar, the software scans the entire pipeline and
assigns gaskets and flanges based on a set of predetermined criteria. If the option is not
selected, the Place Flanges and Gaskets Automatically command only places flanges at the
open ends of pipeline.
Automatically place flanges with gaskets - Controls whether the software automatically
inserts a flange each time you manually place a gasket adjacent to another component.
Labels - Defines how bolts and other various information elements are represented in the pipe
sketch. You can select any of the following in the Labels list: Bolts, Information Elements,
Supports and Support Welds, and Additional Items. You then use the Show, Hide, and
Abbreviate options to define what the label for the selected displays in the sketch.
 Show - Displays the selected Label in the pipe sketch.
 Hide - Turns off the display of the selected Label.
 Abbreviate - Displays the short description as defined in system material data on the
selected Label. By default, Bolts labels are set to Abbreviate.
See Also
Set User Options (on page 36)

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 Interface Overview

Pipeline Explorer
Provides a hierarchical view of the active POD file, including information about the materials and
attributes it contains. You can use the hierarchy to easily navigate the piping and component
data in the model.

Navigating the Pipeline Explorer

The top-most level of the tree view displays the name of the piping file that is currently opened.
The node directly underneath, Attributes, contains file attribute information, including the path
location of the primary specification and the isometric viewpoint (the direction of North in the
model). The remaining nodes reference each of the pipelines that make up the active sketch.
The software identifies each pipeline using a pipeline reference, commonly known as a
line ID. By default, the software sets the pipeline reference for the first pipeline to P-1, the
second pipeline to P-2, and so on.

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Interface Overview

As in Windows Explorer, you can click and to expand and close nodes to show and hide
information about the pipeline model. When you expand the Components node for any pipeline
reference, the tree view displays a complete list of all the pipe and piping components that make
up the pipeline. When you expand the node for a pipe or component item, the tree view displays
a variety of item-specific property information. In the following illustration, all the nodes
underneath the slip-on flange on pipeline P-1 are expanded, showing a detailed level of property
information:

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 Interface Overview

You can browse the Pipeline Explorer tree view to locate specific piping and component items.
An item that you select in the Pipeline Explorer also shows as selected in the Detail window. In
the example below, the 6x6" elbow selected in the Pipeline Explorer displays in the default red
color in the Detail window.

While working in the Pipeline Explorer, you can right-click any item in the Components
node and have access to the same commands as you do when you right-click a pipe or
component in the Detail window.
To show or hide the Pipeline Explorer, click View > Pipeline Explorer.

 When the Pipeline Explorer is visible, a check mark appears next to the Pipeline Explorer
command on the View menu.
 When the Pipeline Explorer window is visible, you can manipulate it so that it is docked,
floating, tab-docked, or collapsed. For more information, see Customize Interface Elements
(on page 35).
 You can narrow or widen the Pipeline Explorer for better viewing. When you place the
pointer on the line that divides the Pipeline Explorer window from the Detail window, it
becomes a two-sided arrow that you can use to drag the dividing line to the left or right.

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Interface Overview

Properties Window
When you select an object in the Detail window or the Pipeline Explorer, the Properties
window displays the names and values of the properties associated with that object. The object
currently selected in the Detail window always determines the content of the Properties
window. For example, if you select a pipe or a component, the Properties window displays
properties specific to the selected component; if you select a pipeline the Properties window
displays data specific to that pipeline.
To show or hide the Properties windows, click View > Properties.

Modify Object Properties

When you produce drawings, it is important to be able to specify and change the properties of
the objects that you place in your drawing. The ability to alter properties allows you to detail the
pipeline in a way that best conveys the engineering information necessary for designing the
pipeline. You can review and edit the properties of any object in the Properties window. You
can also copy, cut, and paste properties. For more information, see Modify and Move Pipeline
Objects (on page 155).

 When the Properties window is visible, a check mark appears next to the Properties
command on the View menu.
 When the Properties window is visible, you can manipulate it so that it is docked, floating,
tab-docked, or collapsed. For more information, see Customize Interface Elements (on page
35).
 You can narrow or widen the Properties window for better viewing. When you place the
pointer on the line that divides the Properties window from the Detail window, it becomes a
two-sided arrow that you can use to drag the dividing line to the left or right.
 Properties that are read-only cannot be modified.

46 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide

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SECTION 3

Getting Started
SmartPlant Isometrics works in a project environment. A project hierarchy is created and
configured using the companion product, I-Configure. I-Configure is also used to set up the
project defaults that are applied to each pipeline that you create. The SmartPlant Isometrics
project hierarchy consists of the three components listed below.
 Isometric Directory - Represents any folder designated to contain one or more projects.
You can have any number of isometric directories on your computer.
 Project - Represents a set of styles and associated data used by ISOGEN to create specific
types of drawings. Each time that you open the software, you must connect to a project. The
software remembers the project from one session to another until you connect to a different
project.
 Style - Represents a group of properties that control the isometric drawings that ISOGEN
creates. Style properties are stored in an XML file.
ISOGEN Configuration, which is integrated with I-Configure, is used to manage the
properties that control how the software imports piping data and to define the isometric
styles that ISOGEN uses for drawing and report production. For more information, see the
ISOGEN Configuration User's Guide, which is available with the Help > Printable Guides
command in the software.
Typically, the project administrator creates the project structure and defines the drawing styles
required so that the isometric drawings produced by SmartPlant Isometrics conform to your own
company standards and working practices. However, you also have access to a variety of
sample data that you can use to help get you started using the software. When you install
SmartPlant Isometrics, a utility called Create Tutorial Project is also installed. You can run this
utility to create a sample project hierarchy on the local computer. Delivered with the sample
project is a complete set of isometric drawing styles, which are listed in the table below.

 Although you can use these isometric drawing styles out-of-the-box, we recommend that you
use I-Configure to create your own project-specific isometric drawing styles. For more
information about using I-Configure to set up a project, see the I-Configure User's Guide. For
more information about configuring isometric drawings styles, see the ISOGEN
Configuration User's Guide. You can access both documents using the Help > Printable
Guides command in the software.

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Getting Started

 Several sample piping specifications are also delivered to the local computer when you run
the Create Tutorial Project utility. However, these databases are intended for instructional
purposes while learning the software and are not recommended for real projects.

Isometric Style Purpose Output

Name

Check Checking the routing of the Contains an overall dimensioning style

pipeline against the 3D model. with minimum detailing. There is no
The isometric drawing is integral BOM list and no external
configured for internal use and is reporting.
not for issue.

Final-Basic Production release. Contains a fully detailed representation

of the pipeline, complete with
Fabrication and Erection BOM lists.
The Material Control File report is also
generated.

Final-Cut-List Production release. Contains a fully detailed representation

of the pipeline, complete with
Fabrication and Erection BOM lists.
Pipeline cut piece references are
output along with an integral cutting list
table.

Final-Erection Production release. Contains a fully detailed representation

of the pipeline, complete with an
Erection BOM list.

Final-Fab Production release. Contains a fully detailed representation

of the pipeline, complete with a
Fabrication BOM list.

Final-Weld-Box Production release. Contains a fully detailed representation

of the pipeline, complete with a
Fabrication and Erection BOM lists.
Pipeline welding numbering references
are output along with an integral
welding list table.

Spool Designed for release to the Contains a fully detailed representation

Fabricator of the separate spool sections of the
pipeline, complete with a Fabrication
BOM list. Pipeline welding numbering
and cut piece references are output
along with the welding and cut list
tables. The Material Control, Cut List,
Weld Summary, and Spool Information
file reports are generated.

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 Getting Started

Flat-Spool Designed for release to the Contains a fully detailed representation

Fabricator of the spool sections of the pipeline,
complete with a Fabrication BOM list.
The spools are laid out in a flat
orientation to maximize the number of
legs flat with the fabrication work
surface. Pipeline welding numbering
and cut piece references are output
along with the welding and cut list
tables. The Material Control and Weld
Summary file reports are also
generated.

Select Project Dialog Box (on page 63)

Synchronize Specification Dialog Box (on page 63)

What do you want to do?

 Create the Tutorial project (on page 55)
 Log in to a project (on page 56)
 Create a new pipeline model (on page 57)
 Create a new piping system (on page 59)
 Open an existing pipe sketch (on page 59)
 Change the material specification (on page 60)
 Update the model with material specification changes (on page 61)

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Getting Started

SmartPlant Isometrics Project Defaults

In many cases, it is useful to have a common set of standard settings applied to a particular
project that are subsequently applied to each new pipeline. These standard settings are called
project defaults and define specific values for the pipeline attributes.
Generally, if project attribute defaults exist, SmartPlant Isometrics uses them. If no defaults
exist, the software stores pipeline properties between sessions. For example, if you create one
model using units of ft/in, the next time you create a model, ft/in is the initial setting in the
Properties window. However, if the project default units are set to mm, the mm units are used
instead.
You can choose to override project default settings by selecting a different isometric
style when you generate a drawing. For example, if you create the pipeline model with metric
units, you can choose to output the drawing in imperial units, presuming that an appropriate
isometric style exists in the project.
The project defaults listed below exist for SmartPlant Isometrics. You use I-Configure to define
the attribute settings and to create additional customized attributes as required by the project.
Default specification - Specifies the full path location to the primary specification to be used.
Additional specification folder - Specifies the full path location to the folder that contains
available secondary specifications. Components that are placed from these specifications do not
generate spec breaks on the isometric drawing. The folder location defined by this setting is
displayed in the Spec column on the Item Code dialog box (on page 106).
Co-ordinate units - Specifies the unit of measure used to display coordinate data on the
isometric drawing. Acceptable values are User, mm, in, and ft/in.
Bolt length units - Specifies the unit of measure used to display bolt length data on the
isometric drawing. Acceptable values are User, mm, and in.
Bolt diameter units - Specifies the unit of measure used to display bolt diameter data on the
isometric drawing. Acceptable values are User, mm, and in.
Weight units - Specifies the unit of measure used to display weight data on the isometric
drawing. Acceptable values are User, kg, and lb.
Isometric North - Defines the location of the North arrow on the isometric drawing. Acceptable
values are User, Top Left, Top Right, Bottom Left, and Bottom Right.
Global Offset Source - Indicates the source of the global offset used by the software.
Acceptable values are User and Project Default. Setting this property to Project Default
requires that you also define a value for Global Offset.
Import Specs Folder - Defines the full path location to the folder containing the available
specification files.

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 Getting Started

Imported weld numbers - Specifies how imported weld numbers are handled. The following
settings are available:
 Keep - Retain any weld numbers present in the PCF or IDF. If none exist, then weld
numbers are assigned by ISOGEN during import and kept. Weld numbers assigned on
import use the SPIImport style settings.
 Clear - Clear any weld numbers present in the PCF, IDF, or assigned by ISOGEN during
import.
This setting is equivalent to the Tools > Weld Numbers > Clear command.
 Assign - Clear any weld numbers present in the PCF, IDF, or assigned by ISOGEN during
import, and assign new weld numbers. Weld numbers assigned are per pipeline with all
welds having one sequence.
 Assign Repeat Data - This action depends upon whether it is the first time the pipeline has
been processed or if it is a subsequent processing of the same pipeline.
 Pipeline processed for the first time - Clear any weld numbers present in the PCF,
IDF, or assigned by ISOGEN during import, and assign new weld numbers using the
style specified by the Repeat Style property. If the Repeat Style settings match those
used in the design phase, then consistency is maintained between the design and
fabrication phases.
 Subsequent processing of same pipeline - Clear any weld numbers present in the
PCF, IDF, or assigned by ISOGEN during import. Weld numbers assigned during the
initial run, which are stored in the pipeline object data file, are reinstated. Any new weld
numbers are assigned using the style specified by the Repeat Style property. If Repeat
Style settings match those used in the design phase, then consistency is maintained
between the design and fabrication phases.
In all of the previously mentioned cases, when a revised pipeline data file is received, the
weld numbers may not match those previously created.
Imported part numbers - Specifies how imported part numbers are handled. The following
settings are available:
 Keep - Retain any part numbers present in the PCF or IDF. If none exist, then part numbers
are assigned by ISOGEN during import and kept. Part numbers assigned on import use the
SPIImport style settings.
 Clear - Clear any part numbers present in the PCF, IDF, or assigned by ISOGEN during
import.
This setting is equivalent to the Tools > Part Numbers > Clear command.
 Assign - Clear any part numbers present in the PCF, IDF, or assigned by ISOGEN during
import, and assign new part numbers. Part numbers assigned are per pipeline.

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Getting Started

 Assign Repeat Data - This action depends upon whether it is the first time the pipeline has
been processed or if it is a subsequent processing of the same pipeline.
 Pipeline processed for the first time - Clear any part numbers present in the PCF,
IDF, or assigned by ISOGEN during import and assign new part numbers using the style
specified by the Repeat Style property. If Repeat Style settings match those used in
the design phase, then consistency is maintained between the design and fabrication
phases.
 Subsequent processing of same pipeline - Clear any part numbers present in the
PCF, IDF, or assigned by ISOGEN during import. Part numbers assigned during the
initial run, which are stored in the pipeline object data file, are reinstated. Any new part
numbers are assigned using the style specified by the Repeat Style property. If Repeat
Style settings match those used in the design phase, then consistency is maintained
between the design and fabrication phases.
In all of the previously mentioned cases, when a revised pipeline data file is received, the
part numbers may not match those previously created.
GED Configuration - Controls the execution of the Get External Data (GED) function at various
stages of the piping workflow. For each use of GED, the content of the configuration file can be
different. For more information about the Get External Data function, see Attach External Data
(on page 261).
 GED Configuration (Import) - Specifies the full path location to the External Data
Configuration file used on import of piping data into the project.
 External Data on Import - Controls the execution of the GED function on import of piping
data. If set to True, the GED function is run when piping data is imported. If set to False, the
GED function is not run on import.
 GED Configuration (Interactive) - Specifies the path to the External Data Configuration file
used during the editing of piping data when you use the Tools > Get External Data
command.
 GED Configuration (Generate) - Specifies the path to the External Data Configuration file
executed just prior to drawing generation.
 External Data on Generate Drawing - Controls the execution of the GED function prior to
drawing generation. If set to True, the GED function is run prior to drawing generation. If set
to False, the GED function is not run prior to drawing generation.
PreProcessor - Controls the use of the Piping Data Processor utility in the piping workflow.
There are two PreProcessor project defaults.
 PreProcessor Configuration - Specifies the full path location to the .ppc configuration file.
 PreProcessor on Import - Controls whether piping data input files are pre-processed on
import. If set to True, the software runs the PipingDataProcessor.exe file to pre-process
piping data input files on import into the project. If set to False, the PipingDataProcessor.exe
file is not run on import.
For more information, see the online documentation delivered with the Piping Data
Processor utility.

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XMpLant Mapping File - Defines the full path location to the mapping file used to export piping
data from SmartPlant Isometrics so that it can be imported into Smart 3D. A default mapping file,
POD_XMP_SP3D_MappingFile.xml is delivered to the
C:\SampleIsoDir\SPITutorial\Data\Processing folder during installation of the software. Unless
you specify an alternative file, the software uses the default mapping file. For more information,
see Appendix: POD to XMpLant Mapping File Definitions (on page 313).
The three project defaults listed below are specific to SmartPlant integration. A project
must be registered before you can connect to the integrated environment to publish materials
data. To register an isometric project with a SmartPlant Foundation plant, use the SmartPlant
Registration Wizard to define the integration-specific project defaults shown below. For more
information about registering the project, see Register a project (on page 252).
SmartPlant Server URL - Specifies the node name and virtual folder of the SmartPlant
Foundation database with which you want to register the isometric project. Use the following
format: http://SPFServer/VirtualFolder.
SPF Plant - Specifies the SmartPlant Foundation plant with which you want to associate your
isometric project.
For information about managing and creating project defaults, see Project Defaults and
Attributes in I-Configure User's Guide. This document is available using the Help > Printable
Guides command in the software.

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Getting Started

SmartPlant Isometrics Reference Data

SmartPlant Isometrics is a specification-driven application. Before a piping project can begin,
reference data, including piping specifications and materials catalogs, must be defined.
Depending on how reference data is managed, SmartPlant Material Editor is used to build either
a single comprehensive materials catalog, often referred to as a “master” catalog, or several
catalogs. A materials catalog usually consists of a database of various component types,
including pipes, flanges, bolts, gaskets, fittings – such as elbows, tees, and reducers. The
database contains detailed size information about each component, such as bores and
dimensions. It also contains information regarding the material item or stock code, component
weight, schedule, rating, and end type, as well as any number of user-defined materials and
component attributes.
While the amount of components included in a typical piping specification can number in the
hundreds, or even thousands, a materials catalog is much larger, with several thousand
individual components. You can think of a specification as a subset of all of the components in a
materials catalog. A catalog includes all of the components you can use at any given time, but
the specification includes only those components you can use in a particular piping design
project. The table below outlines the basic differences between a piping specification and a
materials catalog.

Piping Specification Materials Catalog

Contains hundreds or thousands of components. Contains several thousand components.

Contains only those components you can use in a Contains all of the components that you can use at
particular project any given time.

Keeping Pipeline Components Up-To-Date

You can synchronize the pipeline model with changes that you make in the material database.
For example, when you modify the material description of a pipe or change the dimension of a
component in the active specification, the pipeline model can be updated automatically to reflect
those changes. The Synchronize Specification command compares pipeline model objects
against what is currently defined in the active specification and looks for discrepancies between
the material descriptions, dimensional data, and attribute data, excluding the material SKEY or
item code.

 The software does not check for changes to the material SKEY or the item code.
 Synchronization can be performed on a single piping file or on multiple piping files in batch
mode.

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 Getting Started

After evaluating the pipeline, the software then displays a list of those pipeline components
whose dimensions or material attributes do not match what is defined in the active specification.
A component with material properties that have changed can be updated without any issues.
However, a component with dimensions that have changed can be updated only if the
neighboring pipe can accommodate the new dimensions. In situations where the dimensional
changes cannot be accommodated, such as when the neighboring pipe is too small, the
component is considered out-of-spec and is made generic during the synchronization process.

 For more information about using SmartPlant Material Editor to define your reference data,
see the SmartPlant Material Editor User's Guide, which is available using the Help >
Printable Guides command in the software.
 Alternatively, you can use SmartPlant Isometrics I-Convert to convert piping specifications
contained within a plant design system database to SmartPlant Isometrics format. For more
information about converting piping specifications, see the SmartPlant Isometrics I-Convert
User's Guide. You can access this document using the Help > Printable Guides command
in the software.
 For information about generic component properties, see Define generic component
properties (on page 99).

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Getting Started

Create the Tutorial project

The Create Tutorial Project utility, which is installed with the software, is used to create a
sample isometric directory (SampleIsoDir) that contains a sample project (SPITutorial). By
default, the SPITutorial project contains a complete set of sample isometric styles that are used
to determine the content and appearance of an isometric drawing..
Although you can use the template styles, sample material data, and sample piping
specifications out-of-the-box, this data is intended for instructional purposes while learning the
software and should not be used for live projects. We recommend that you create your project
hierarchy using I-Configure, configure your project-specific styles using ISOGEN Configuration,
and create project-specific reference data using SmartPlant Material Editor.
1. Click Start > All Programs > Intergraph SmartPlant Isometrics > Create Tutorial
Project.
When you run the Create Tutorial Project utility, it deletes the current Tutorial
project structure. To avoid accidentally deleting "live" project data, do not create projects
under the sample isometric directory or project structure.
The software opens a window that allows you to view processing progress.
2. When processing completes, click OK in the Create Tutorial Project Log window.
The software creates a fully configured project hierarchy, similar to the example shown
below, on the local computer.

To run the utility from the command line, type -a SPIsometrics.

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Log in to a project
SmartPlant Isometrics works in a project environment. All piping engineers working on the
pipeline model log in to the same project, thus ensuring consistency of drawing and report
deliverables. Selecting a project is typically a one-time action. Because the software remembers
the project from one session to the next, you do not need to re-select the project to re-establish
the connection.
1. Click Project > Login.
The Select Project dialog box (on page 63) appears.
2. In the Isometric Directory list, select the isometric directory that contains the project to
which you want to connect.
3. Select the required project in the Project List, and then click OK.

 The name of the current project displays on the status bar.

 A set of projects is stored in a folder referred to as the isometric directory. There can be any
number of isometric directories on your computer, and an isometric directory can hold any
number of projects.

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Getting Started

Create a new pipeline model

You can use SmartPlant Isometrics to create one or more pipelines in a single file. Each pipeline
consists of a set of connected components, but the pipelines themselves do not need to connect
together. ISOGEN processes each pipeline is separately and creates one or more isometric
drawings for each.
The diagram below shows the basic organizational structure of a standard pipeline model in
SmartPlant Isometrics:

You can split a single pipeline into one or more sheets. Each sheet can contain a different yet
connected portion of the entire pipeline. When modeling a standard pipeline, the software forces
you to observe the following rules:
1. Each sheet can only contain objects from one single pipeline.
2. The software does not consider components in differing pipelines as being connected.
3. The software always produces pipeline isometrics.
Alternatively, it is possible to create a single piping system consisting of multiple connected
pipelines. The entire system is processed by ISOGEN and, depending on system model content
and complexity, one or more isometric drawings containing all the pipelines are produced.

 Click New on the Standard toolbar. Alternatively, click File > New, or press CTRL+N.
The software opens a new Detail window, and the Pipeline Explorer adds the pipeline
reference for the pipeline.
If you have not defined a default specification in the project defaults for the current
project, the software prompts you to connect to a specification. For more information about
defining project defaults, see the I-Configure User's Guide, available with the Help > Printable
Guides command in the software.

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Create a new piping system

A system is a special type of piping file, capable of holding a number of connected pipelines in a
system. Using SmartPlant Isometrics, it is possible to create a single piping system consisting of
multiple connected pipelines. The entire system is processed by ISOGEN and, depending on
system model content and complexity, one or more isometric drawings containing all the
pipelines are produced.
The diagram below shows an example of the basic organizational structure of a piping system in
SmartPlant Isometrics:

Unlike those that are inherent when modeling a standard pipeline, the software observes the
following rules when you model a piping system:
1. Each sheet can contain objects from several pipelines.
2. Components can be connected across multiple pipelines.
 Click File > New System.
The software opens a new Detail window, and the Pipeline Explorer adds the pipeline
reference for the first pipeline in the system.

 If you have not defined a default specification in the project defaults for the current project,
the software prompts you to connect to a specification. For more information about defining
project defaults, see the I-Configure User's Guide, available with the Help > Printable
Guides command in the software
 The software always produces system isometrics.

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Open an existing pipe sketch

1. Click Open .
The Open dialog box appears.
2. Navigate to and then select the piping file to open.
The Open dialog box is a standard multi-select dialog box, allowing you to select one
or more files. To select consecutive files, click the first file, press and hold down SHIFT, and
then click the last file. To select nonconsecutive files, press and hold down CTRL, and then
click each file.
3. Click Open.
The software opens the Detail window and displays the contents of the selected file.

 The software remembers the current project between sessions.

 You can open one of the last edited pipe sketches by selecting it from the list of recently
opened files at the bottom of the File menu.
 If you want to connect to a different specification, click File > Connect to Specification. For
more information, read Change the material specification (on page 60).

Change the material specification

Each piping object data file has a primary specification associated with it. When you first open a
piping file, the software attempts to connect to the default specification defined in the project
defaults. At any time while working in the pipeline model, you can change to a different
specification.
If you have not defined a default specification, the software prompts you to connect to
one.
1. Click File > Connect to Specification.
2. In the Open dialog box, verify that the Make Primary box is checked.
If the Make Primary box is cleared, the software loads the selected specification,
but it does not make it the primary specification.
3. In the Existing Components list, specify how you want the software to treat existing
components. You can select from the following:
 Leave Alone - All existing components in the sketch are left as they are.
 Make All Generic - All existing components are made generic, meaning that they have
no item code assigned.
 Make "Out of Spec" Generic - All existing components that do not exist in the new
specification are made generic.

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4. Navigate to and then double-click the specification to load.

 In the Pipeline Explorer, the Primary Spec attribute displays the name of the specification
that is currently loaded.

 For additional information about piping specifications, refer to the SmartPlant Material Editor
User's Guide. The guide is available with the Help > Printable Guides command in the
software.
 The software fills in the piping specification properties for the pipeline and all the current
components as appropriate.

Update the model with material specification changes

You can update the pipeline model with material specification changes in interactive mode or in
batch mode. Interactive mode synchronizes only the pipeline model in the currently opened file.
Batch mode updates several piping files simultaneously.

Interactive Mode
1. Open the pipeline model, and click File > Synchronize Specification.
The Synchronize Specification dialog box (on page 63) appears and lists those
components that are out-of-sync with the active material specification. In the example below,
dimensional data for all of the listed components has been modified in the active
specification, as indicated by Changed appearing in the Dimension column. In addition to
changes in their dimensional data, the valve components have had some of their property
data modified as well.

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2. Click Update.
The software updates those components that display True in the Update Possible column.
A component that displays False in the Update Possible column cannot be updated and is
considered out-of-spec. During synchronization, any out-of-spec component is replaced with
a generic component. In the example above, the two elbow components that display False
in the Update Possible column are replaced with generic components, as indicated by the
default blue color in the example below.

Batch Mode
1. Click File > Batch Synchronize Specification.
The Open dialog appears.
2. Locate and select the piping object data files that you want to synchronize with the material
specification, and click Open.
The software begins the batch synchronization process, updates the components to match
the material specification, and writes the results to a log file, which is stored in the Temp
folder.
3. Click Yes in the message box to view the log file.
The software opens the log file using your default text editor.

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 A component typically becomes out-of-spec when the pipeline cannot accommodate

dimensional changes to a component.
 Because no catalog information exists for a generic component, you must manually define
its properties, including setting the dimension and end connection type. For more
information, see Define generic component properties (on page 99).

Select Project Dialog Box

Specifies the I-Configure project with which you want to connect. Project-based software
requires that you connect to a project before you can work with any piping data files. As such, all
piping engineers working on the pipeline model log in to the same project, thus ensuring
consistency of drawing and report deliverables.
Isometric directory - Lists the isometric directories that exist on the local computer. An
isometric directory represents any folder designated to contain one or more projects. Isometric
directories are created using I-Configure. For more information, see Isometric Directories in the
I-Configure User’s Guide.
Project List - Lists the isometric projects that are available in the selected isometric directory. A
project represents a set of styles and associated data used by ISOGEN to create specific types
of drawings and reports. Projects are created using I-Configure. For more information, see
Isometric Projects in the I-Configure User’s Guide.
You can access the I-Configure User’s Guide using the Help > Printable Guides
command in the I-Configure software.

Synchronize Specification Dialog Box

Displays a list of components in the current pipeline model that are out-of-sync with what is
defined in the active material specification. This dialog box opens automatically when you click
File > Synchronize Specification.
The Synchronize Specification command compares pipeline model objects against what is
currently defined in the active specification and looks for discrepancies between the material
description, dimensional data, and attribute data. Model objects with dimensional data or
material attributes that do not match what is in the active specification are listed in table format.
The software does not check for changes to the material SKEY or item code.
Component - Displays the fly-text for the out-of-sync component. The information displayed in
the fly-text depends upon the type of component.

Component Type Information Displayed Example

Pipe Bore - SKEY - Item Code - Length 6" PIPE PA5BX Length 103.8mm

Component Bore - SKEY - Item Code 4" VBBW B_Ball_Valve_0

Dimension - Indicates whether the dimension of the listed component has been modified in the
active material specification. If so, Changed is displayed in this column.

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Properties - Indicates whether the material description or any attribute data for the listed
component has been modified in the active material specification. If so, Changed is displayed in
this column.
Update Possible - Indicates whether the component can be updated to match what is defined
in the active material specification. True indicates that the component can be updated. False
indicates that the component cannot be updated. A component whose material properties have
changed can be updated without any issues. However, a component whose dimensions have
changed can be updated only if the neighboring pipe can accommodate those changes. In
situations where the dimensional changes cannot be accommodated, such as when the
neighboring pipe is too small, the component is considered out-of-spec and is made generic.
Update - Replaces those components that display True in the Update Possible column.
Components that display False in the Update Possible column are made generic.
Cancel - Closes the dialog box without making any updates.

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SECTION 4

SmartPlant Isometrics Workflow

The key steps that lead up to the creation of a fully annotated ISOGEN isometric drawing
generated from a simple sketch designed in SmartPlant Isometrics are listed below.
1. Layout the basic pipeline configuration. For more information, see Route Pipe (on page 66).
2. Add a 3D coordinate. For more information, see Add 3D Coordinates (on page 81).
3. Place components to populate the pipeline, and assign item codes as needed. For more
information, see Place Components (on page 90) and Assign an Item Code (on page 103),
respectively.
4. Dimension the basic pipe route. For more information, see Define Dimensions (on page
107).
5. Add design elements, such as notes and remarks. You can also insert details sketches. For
more information, see Detail the Drawing (on page 125) and Detail Sketches in Isometric
Drawings (on page 143).
6. Ensure that the pipe sketch satisfies the rules define in the associated specification. For
more information, see Verify Design Integrity (on page 138).

For information about generating the isometric drawing, see Isometric Drawing
Generation (on page 241).

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In This Section
Route Pipe ..................................................................................... 66
Add 3D Coordinates ...................................................................... 81
Place Components ........................................................................ 90
Define Dimensions......................................................................... 107
Detail the Drawing ......................................................................... 125
Verify Design Integrity.................................................................... 138

Route Pipe
Routing pipe is the process by which you define the basic layout and configuration of the
SmartPlant Isometrics pipeline model. You must route at least some pipe before doing anything
else.
The plane on which you place the pipe is used to define the direction of the pipe. By default, you
place pipe on one of the three isometric planes (N-S, E-W and U-D) as indicated by the direction
of the North Arrow in the upper left corner of the Detail window. The pipe shown in the following
illustration is running North-South.

The color of the pipe as it appears in the Detail window is significant. In the previous illustration,
the pipe is blue - the default No Length color, meaning that the direction of the pipe is defined,
but its dimension is unknown. Because the isometric is unscaled, the software is unable to
derive any information about the dimension of the pipe when you place it. You will need to
dimension the pipe after you place it. For more information about dimensioning, read Define
Dimensions (on page 107).

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Route Skewed Pipe

A skewed, or non-orthogonal, pipe is one that does not run in one of the principle directions (N-
S, E-W, U-D). Since SmartPlant Isometrics normally constrains you to route pipe in one of these
directions on the grid, special action is needed if you want to create a skewed pipe.
You can route skewed pipe using the Route 2D Skew and Route 3D Skew commands, or by
holding down the CTRL key while in normal routing mode. The software displays skewed pipe
sections with their associated skew components, which are placed automatically by the
software, shown in the principle directions by dotted lines.

 When initially placed, the software displays skew components dotted in blue (the default
sketch color), meaning their directions are known but their dimensions are not.
 When initially placed, the software displays the skewed pipe that connects the ends of the
two components in red (the default sketch color), meaning that neither the dimension nor the
direction of this pipe is known.
 You can define sketch colors using the options on the Colors tab in the Options dialog box.
For more information, see Change the color of sketch status (on page 36).
 You can dimension the skew using either of the following methods. For more information
about skew dimensions, see Define Dimensions (on page 107).
 Manually set the length of the skew components, which implies the angle for the skew.
 Use the Properties window to define the angle between the skew and the first axis (the
axis order) and the overall length.

What do you want to do?

 Route a section of pipe (on page 68)
 Add a bend element (on page 69)
 Add a branch element (on page 72)
 Route a 2D skew (on page 74)
 Route a 3D skew (on page 75)
 Route skewed pipe using the keyboard (on page 76)
 Set a fall (on page 78)
 Terminate pipe routing (on page 80)

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Route a section of pipe

1. Click Route Pipe .
2. In the Bore Box, select the bore and item code from the list.

 After you select the bore (and therefore the pipe item code), all subsequent pipe is
placed at this bore (and with this item code).
 To view the material description for the currently selected pipe code, place the cursor on
the Bore Box.

 If you do nothing or choose to terminate pipe routing, the bore you selected continues to
display in the Bore Box. To start routing pipe again, without re-selecting the bore, click
Route Pipe .
3. Click in the Detail window to select the starting point, and then move the mouse in the
direction in which you want to route the pipe.
As you move the mouse around the Detail window, a routing line is drawn, which is
constrained to the isometric grid of points, and snaps to lie on the closest isometric plane.

 To register a change of direction and automatically insert a bend element, click again in the
Detail window and move the mouse in a different direction. Each time you click in the Detail
window, the software registers a change of direction and automatically inserts a bend
element.
 To terminate routing, right-click anywhere in the Detail window where there is no object
under the cursor.

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Add a bend element

While in routing mode, each time that you click in the Detail window, a change of direction is
registered, and a bend element is automatically inserted.

 The bend element is any component or fitting that implies a change of direction, including an
angle valve, instrument, or pulled bend.
 At this stage of sketching the pipeline, no information about the bend element is needed.
You will assign a specific item code later to define whether this particular component is a
bend or an elbow.
 You can also insert a bend element by routing away from an existing pipe in a non-parallel
direction.

1. Click Route Pipe .

2. Click a point in a section of the pipeline to indicate placement of the bend element.

To indicate that it is permissible to insert a bend element in the location you specify,

the cursor changes to ,as shown in the example above. If a bend element cannot be

placed in that location, the cursor changes to .

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3. Continue to route in the same way.

The software automatically inserts a bend element to connect the two pipes.

In the example above, the bend element appears green, which is the default color the
software uses to indicate that an element is fully defined. In other words, the orientation, item
code, and dimensions of the element are fully specified. If a default choice exists in the
specification to which the project is connected, the software assigns the item code automatically.

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Connect two pipes with a bend automatically

Connect Bend Automatically allows you to connect two pipes with a bend element or
elbow, presuming that the two pipes meet the following conditions:
 Both pipes have open ends.
 Both pipes have the same bore.
 The pipes are perpendicular to each other, meaning that one pipe, if projected, intersects the
other.

1. Click Select on the Edit toolbar. Alternatively, click Edit > Select.
2. In the Detail window, select the two pipes to connect.
Hold down CTRL while clicking to select multiple drawing items.

3. Click Connect Bend Automatically on the Dimension toolbar. Alternatively, click Edit
> Connect Bend Automatically.
The software joins the pipes with an elbow component.

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 The software automatically applies the elbow item code from the specification to which the
current project is connected,
 The software extends or shortens the pipes as necessary to accommodate the connection.
 If the software is unable to compute the dimensions, you must dimension the pipeline
manually.

Add a branch element

If a length of pipe starts or finishes within another length of pipe placed perpendicular to it, a
branch element is automatically inserted. The branch element is any component or fitting that
implies a connection between the end of one pipe and the middle of another, such as an olet, a
3-way valve or a fitting tee. The exact type of branch element is not specified until the item code
is assigned.
As with other components, the software can automatically assign the item code using the
Default Choice reference table, or you can manually assign it using the Item Code dialog box.

1. Click Route Pipe .

2. Click a point in a section of the pipeline to indicate placement of the branch element.

To indicate that it is permissible to insert a branch element in the location you specify,

the cursor changes to ,as shown in the example above. If a branch element cannot be

placed, the cursor changes to .

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3. Continue to route in the same way.

The software automatically inserts a branch element to connect the two pipes.

 In the example above, the branch element appears green, which is the default color the
software uses to indicate that an element is fully defined. In other words, the orientation,
item code, and dimensions of the element are fully specified. If a default choice exists in the
specification to which the project is connected, the software assigns the item code
automatically.
 If no entry is present in the Branch Table reference table for the required bore combination,
the software automatically places a tee.

Connect two pipes with a branch automatically

Connect Branch Automatically allows you to join two pipes together with a branch
element, presuming that the two pipes meet the following conditions:
 Both pipes have open ends.
 The pipes are perpendicular to each other, meaning that one pipe, if projected, intersects the
other.

1. Click Select on the Edit toolbar. Alternatively, click Edit > Select.
2. In the Detail window, select the main pipe and the branch pipe.
Hold down CTRL while clicking to select multiple drawing items.

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3. Click Connect Branch Automatically on the Dimension toolbar.

The two pipes are joined together with the appropriate branch element.

 The branch element that the software creates (tee, olet, tap, and so on) is dependent upon
the definition in the Branch Select table in the specification. For more information about the
Branch Select table, see the SmartPlant Material Editor User's Guide, available using the
Help > Printable Guides command in the software.
 The software automatically applies the item code from the specification to which the current
project is connected.
 The software extends or shortens the pipes as necessary to accommodate the connection.
 If the software is unable to compute the dimensions, you must dimension the pipeline
manually.

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Route a 2D skew
The pipe connecting the 2D skew is uni-directional, meaning direction is shown in one plane
only. The two end points, which define the skew length, share one common coordinate, for
example, the Easting coordinate
If you are currently in normal routing mode, you must click once in the Detail
window to place the end point of the last section of orthogonal pipe before beginning to route the
2D skew.

1. Click Route 2D Skew on the Place toolbar. Alternatively, click Place > Route 2D
Skew.
2. Click once In the Detail window to place a start point.
3. Click some distance away from the first point, but in the same direction, to place an
intermediate point.
4. Click again in the grid some distance away from the intermediate point, but in a different
direction in the same plane, to place the end point.
The intermediate and end points define the first and second skew components,
respectively.
The software places the 2D skew and its associated skew components.

For information about defining dimensions for skewed pipe, see Dimension a 2D skew
(on page 117).

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Route a 3D skew
The pipe connecting the 3D skew is bi-directional, meaning direction is shown in two planes.
The two end points, which define the skew length, do not share any common coordinates.
If you are currently in normal routing mode, you must click once in the Detail
window to place the end point of the last section of orthogonal pipe before beginning to route the
3D skew.

1. Click Route 3D Skew on the Place toolbar. Alternatively, click Place > Route 3D
Skew.
2. Click once in the Detail window to place a start point.
3. Place three more points in the Detail window to place the skew components:
a. Click some distance away from the start point, but in the same direction, to place the
first intermediate point.
b. Click some distance away from the first intermediate point, but in a different direction in
the same plane, to place a second intermediate point.
c. Click some distance away from the second intermediate point, but in a different direction
and in a different plane, to place the end point.
The two intermediate points and the end point collectively define the three skew
components.
The software automatically places the 3D skew and its associated skew components.

For information about defining dimensions for skewed pipe, see Dimension a 3D skew
(on page 120).

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Route skewed pipe using the keyboard

You can override normal pipe routing mode using the keyboard CTRL key to route either a 2D or
3D skew.
Create a 2D Skew that Runs N/S and U/D
1. In the Detail window, click to place the end point for the last orthogonal section of pipe.

2. Hold down the CTRL key, and click some distance away from the end point of the
orthogonal section of pipe to create the N/S skew component.

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3. Release the CTRL key, and click again in the same plane but some distance away from the
previous point to place the end point of the skew and the U/D skew component.

4. Click in the Detail window again to place the end point of the next orthogonal section of pipe
and continue routing.

Create a 3D Skew that Runs N/S and U/D

1. Use the same technique as when routing a 2D skew to place the first two skew components.
2. Release the CTRL key when you click to place the third skew component.

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Set a fall
A pipe with a fall is one that has a slight change in elevation along its length. Conventionally, a
falling pipe is drawn on the isometric as if it were horizontal, with a symbol indicating the fall.
Before setting a fall, route the pipe as normal and dimension it. At any stage in this process, you
can use Set Fall to define the magnitude of the change in elevation.
1. Select the straight section of pipe to which to apply the fall.

2. Click Set Fall on the Dimension toolbar. Alternatively, click Dimension > Set Fall.
The Set Fall dialog box appears.
3. Type a value for the fall.
Although five options are available (Angle in Degrees, Ratio (1:n), Percentage,
Gradians, and Incline (mm/m)) you only set a value for one of the options. The software
automatically calculates the corresponding values for the remaining four options based on
the value you enter. In the example below, a value of 1.0 is entered in the Angle in
Degrees box. The software calculates the remaining four values and enters them
automatically into their respective boxes.

4. In the Fall to the section, specify which end of the pipe is higher. In the example above, the
pipe will fall to the south making the north end higher.
The available options in the Fall to the section are dependent on the route direction
of the selected section of pipe. If the straight runs N-S, the options are North and South; if
the pipe runs E-W, the options are East and West.

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5. Click OK.
The software updates the model to show a small triangular Fall symbol, indicating that a fall
is applied to this straight section of pipe.

 The fall that you specify is applied to all components of the straight section. It is only
necessary to select one piece of pipe on the same straight for the fall to be applied to all the
pipe and components.
 The Existing dimensions options are available only if the pipe is already dimensioned.
These two options allow you to specify whether the existing dimension is to be taken as the
orthogonal or hypotenuse dimension:

 If you select Make Orthogonal, then the dimensions of existing straights in the pipe will
change (component lengths are fixed).

Terminate pipe routing

You can use any of the following actions to terminate pipe routing and return SmartPlant
Isometrics to its default mode.
 Right-click anywhere in the Detail window where there is no object under the cursor.

 Click Select on the Edit toolbar. Alternatively, click Edit > Select.
 Double-click in the Detail window at the point where you want to end the pipe run.
The difference between these three methods is the treatment of the last section of pipe.

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As you move the mouse after clicking for a change of direction, the software displays the next
section of pipe, as shown in the following illustration.

If you right-click in the Detail window, or click Select , the section is terminated at the point
where you last clicked. However, you remain in routing mode, meaning that you can click in
another section of the Detail window and continue routing.

However, if you double-click, the software registers the change of direction, places the last
section of pipe, and terminates routing mode. If you want to route again in another area of the
Detail window, you must click Route Pipe .

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Add 3D Coordinates
To calculate the absolute position of all components in the pipeline, the software needs to know
the coordinates of at least one point in the pipeline model. You can use the Place Origin
command or the Add Origin function of the Query 3D Coordinate command to specify and
position 3D coordinates anywhere in the pipeline. After this point is defined, the software is able
to compute all other relative coordinates from that single point.
SmartPlant Isometrics treats the origins that you add as the most significant data it has. After
you define an origin, the software never changes it, either through the entry of a conflicting
dimension or the addition of new coordinates.

Origins and Start Points

There are no rules for adding origins. You can place them at any keypoint in the pipe sketch.
You can identify any origin that you add as a start point using the Set as Start Point option in
the Add Origin dialog box.
You can place a start point only at the open end of a component.
In the pipeline model, the start point appears as shown in the example below:

Normal origins that you place subsequent to the start point are represented in the pipeline model
as follows:

While defining a start point has little significance in sketching terms, it is a powerful tool in terms
of generating the final isometric drawing. During drawing generation, ISOGEN uses the start
point of the pipeline model and bases all part, weld, and spool numbering on this start point.
Regardless of how you modify the pipeline, the same numbering sequence is used as long as
the start point remains in the same location. As a result, using a start point is a powerful tool for
revision control and management.

Add Origin Dialog Box (on page 90)

What do you want to do?

 Query a 3D coordinate (on page 83)
 Add an origin (on page 84)
 Edit an origin (on page 86)
 Connect multiple sheets (on page 86)

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Query a 3D coordinate
Query 3D Coordinate is a useful tool for inspecting the pipeline when coordinate errors are
detected in the configuration.

1. Click Query 3D Coordinate on the Dimension toolbar. Alternatively, click Dimension

> Query 3D Coordinate.
2. Click in the pipeline or on a component on the pipeline.
The Properties window displays the 3D coordinates at this position.

 You can "walk" the 3D coordinate marker along the pipeline by pressing the Z and X keys on
the keyboard. Press Z to move the marker initially to the right or up, and press X to move the
marker initially to the left or down. As each keypoint in the pipeline model is "visited", the
Properties window updates to reflect the current 3D coordinates.

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 If the software cannot calculate the exact 3D coordinate, it displays a minimum or maximum
allowable value or even a range of possible values based on the known lengths of any
components in the system.

Add an origin
An origin specifies the absolute location of a point on the pipeline. You can specify as many of
these points as needed, and you can place them at any position on the pipeline.
1. Click Place Origin on the Dimension toolbar. Alternatively, click Dimension > Place
Origin.
2. Click in the pipeline or on a component to place a flag.
The Add Origin dialog box appears.
3. Specify the Type of origin, and type values for the coordinates.
To define the 3D coordinate as the start point, you must place it at the open end of
the pipeline, and select Set as Start Point.
4. Click OK to place the origin on the pipeline at the current marker position.

 Alternatively, you can access the Add Origin function using the Query 3D Component
command:

a. Click Query 3D Coordinate on the Dimension toolbar.

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b. Click in the pipeline or on a component to place a flag and view the 3D coordinate at this
position.

c. Click Add Origin at the bottom of the Properties window to open the Add Origin dialog
box, and then define the options as needed.

 To remove an origin from the pipeline, right-click it, and then select Delete.

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 When you place a second or subsequent origin, the software is able to limit part or all of the
new coordinate based on existing geometry and dimensions. You can view these limits in
the Add Origin dialog box. In the example below, the North/South and Up/Down
coordinates are fixed, so you cannot specify them. The software has calculated the
maximum allowable value for the East/West coordinate, which is based on the known
lengths of any components in the model.

 A partial origin that you place on the pipeline appears as shown in the example:

Edit an origin
1. Right-click the origin in the pipeline model, and then select Edit.
The Add Origin dialog box appears.
2. In the Add Origin dialog box, modify the options and values as needed.
3. Click OK.

 You can set a normal origin as a start point only if it is placed at the open end of the pipe
route. Otherwise, the Set as Start Point option is unavailable.
 To remove an origin from the pipeline, right-click it, and then select Delete.

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Connect multiple sheets

Sheets enable you to control the piping content documented by ISOGEN on each sheet. You
can use the Connect Sheets command to connect coincident pipeline end points so that
pipeline connectivity is maintained across sheets. Otherwise, ISOGEN detects disconnections
and generates disconnected drawings.
In the example below, two pipelines routed on two separate sheets are connected to create a
continuous pipeline. In the example pipeline sketch, a start point is defined at one of the
pipeline, and a flange and gasket have been placed on the other end:

1. Click Place > Sheet to add a second sheet to the sketch.

Alternatively, right-click the pipeline reference of the active pipeline in the Properties
window, and then click Add Sheet.

2. In the Pipeline Explorer, right-click the new sheet (Sheet_2), and then click Activate
Sheet.
When multiple sheets or piping files are open, Activate Sheet brings the selected
sheet to the front of all the others.

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3. Route a pipeline, and place a flange on the left-hand open end of pipe as shown in the
example below:

4. In the Pipeline Explorer, right-click Sheet_1, and then click Activate Sheet.

5. Click Zoom Window , and zoom in on the flange and gasket.

6. Click Query 3D Coordinate on the Dimension toolbar, and then select the gasket.
7. In the Properties window, click Connect Sheet.

The Sheet Connect dialog box appears.

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8. Select the flange entry, and then lick Connect.

 In the previous example, the Sheet Connect dialog box displays the possible points in
Sheet_2 to which the open gasket in Sheet_1 can be connected.
 As you select each point in the dialog box, the software displays a red circle on the
corresponding point in the sketch.
The software automatically places a split point on the connect component.

 When you dimension the pipeline, make sure Shift Mode is set to Move Active so that
dimensioning passes automatically between the connected sheets.

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 During drawing generation, ISOGEN produces two drawings. Click Show on the 3D
View toolbar to open the 3D View window so you can view the output as a continuous
pipeline.

 To disconnect previously connected sheets:

a. Click Query 3D Coordinate .

b. Select a sheet boundary, and then click Disconnect in Properties window.

Add Origin Dialog Box

Type - Sets the origin. A Standard origin has fixed coordinates in all directions (E/W, N/S, and
U/D). When you select Partial, you must use the check boxes to specify which direction has a
fixed coordinate.
Set as Start Point - Defines the 3D coordinate as the start point. This option is available only
when the origin is placed at the open end of the pipe route.
Coordinates - Sets the units for each direction. To specify a West, South, or Down coordinate,
type a negative value. For example, to specify "1000mm West", type -1000 in the East/West
box.
Offset - Specifies how the software interprets the coordinates you enter. If you select Global
Offset, the software determines the actual coordinates of the origin by adding the global offset
defined for the pipeline to the Coordinates settings that you define. If you select Absolute, the
Coordinates settings that you define are the actual values of the origin. The dialog box displays
this option only if a global offset is defined for the pipeline.

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Place Components
After you define the pipe route, you can begin to place components using the commands on the
Place toolbar.

Flange

Instrument

Weld

Valve

Miscellaneous

Gasket

Support

Fitting

Bolt

Tapping Point

The Place toolbar organizes components by group, such as flange or valve. If a component
group consists of multiple component types, you use the list next to the component group to
select the specific component--such as ball valve or gate valve--that you want to place.

You can also place components using the commands on the Place menu.
The placement of most components works in much the same way--you select the required
component object, place it on a section of pipe, and then slide it into position. While all
components can be placed "fitting to fitting" (that is, they do not require sections of pipe between
them), components that force a change of direction--such as offsets or bends--can only be
placed at an open end of an existing fitting or section of pipe. Components that are out of
network, such as supports, bolts, and additional materials, can only be placed on other existing
components, meaning there is no actual connection.

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Automatically Place Components

While creating the pipeline model, you can make use of some powerful tools that help automate
the sketching process.
Autoplace Bolts
The software can assign bolt sets automatically (on page 97) for components based on
information in the specification. The bolt set that the software applies is determined by the item
code and bore of the component. The software scans the entire pipeline and assigns a bolt set
based on the following:

If ... Then ...

No adjacent component exists The software places a bolt at an open end if one is
assigned for it in the specification.

No bolt assignment on adjacent component exists The software does not create a bolt set.

Bolt assignments match (bolt code, quantity, and bore) The software creates a single bolt set based on the Bolt
Assignment reference table.

Bolt assignments do not match (bolt code, quantity and The software does not create a bolt set.
bore)

For more information about the specification of bolt sets for SmartPlant Isometrics, refer
to the SmartPlant Material Editor User's Guide, available using the Help > Printable Guides
command in the software.
Autoplace Gaskets and Flanges
The software can also place gaskets and flanges automatically (on page 96). The software
scans the entire pipeline and assigns gaskets and flanges based on the following:

If ... Then ...

The software finds a gasket with pipe on one side One flange is assigned.

The software finds a gasket with pipe on both sides Two flanges are assigned

The software finds an open end of pipe One gasket and one flange are assigned (if the
Automatically place flanges with gaskets option must be
selected on the Preferences tab of the Options dialog box).

When automatically placing gaskets and flanges, the software always uses the default
choice.

Default Choice
The specification to which your project is connected acts as a filter that reduces the number of
components in a catalog to a small, relevant set. However, for any given group (flange, valve,
instrument) and configuration (angle, tee, inline), more than one choice can arise. If the
specification contains information on a default choice, the software automatically assigns the
correct item code. This default choice information is contained in the Default Choice reference
table, which is created and managed using SmartPlant Material Editor. For example, if there are
a number of 4" flanges in the specification, the default choice table allows you to specify which
flange the software should use.

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If only one choice is available, the software automatically selects that component.
In either case, the software automatically assigns the item code as you place the component.
The component appears green in the sketch, which is the default color for a fully specified
component.

If there is no choice available, the software places a generic component, which has no item
code, and consequently, no other catalog information, such as dimension. Generic components
display as blue in the sketch, which is the default color for no defined length.

After placement, you can reposition components within the pipe

 When placing components, the default behavior is for the software to remain in "place" mode
so that you can continue to place additional objects of the same type without re-selecting the
command.
 Although most components in SmartPlant Isometrics are placed, some components can also
be implied as the pipeline is routed, including:
 Bends/Elbows - Implied when a change in direction is drawn.
 Reducers - Implied when a change in size in the same direction is drawn.
 Tees - Implied when a branch is drawn from another line.

Physical Dialog Box (on page 106)

Item Code Dialog Box (on page 106)

Dimension Tap Dialog Box (on page 106)

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What do you want to do?

 Place a component (on page 94)
 Place gaskets and flanges automatically (on page 96)
 Assign bolt sets automatically (on page 97)
 Place a generic component (on page 98)
 Define generic component properties (on page 99)
 Place a concentric reducer (on page 100)
 Place a fitting cross (on page 102)
 Place a set-on cross (on page 102)
 Assign an item code (on page 103)
 Insert and dimension a tap (on page 104)

Place a component
The placement of most components works in much the same way--you select the required
component type, place it on a section of pipe, and then slide it into position. The software places
the component in the specified location according to the following:
 If a default choice is available in the specification, or only one possible component available,
the software automatically assigns the required item code. The component appears as
green, the default sketch color for a fully specified component.
 If no default choice is available in the specification, the software places the component as
generic which requires you to manually assign an item code (on page 103).

 It is also possible to place a generic component and assign a user-defined length,

description and item code. For more information, read Place a generic component (on page
98).
 Components that force a change of direction--such as offsets, bends, and returns--must be
placed at the open end of a pipe or component.
1. On the Place toolbar, click the down arrow next to the component group for the component
type you want to place. For example, to place a globe valve, click the arrow next to Valve
and then click Globe-Valve.

You can also use the Place menu. Click Place > Valve> <Type of valve>.
2. Click the section of pipe where you want to place the component.

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To indicate that it is permissible to insert the component in the location you have

specified, the cursor changes to ; if a component cannot be placed in that location , the

cursor changes to .
If you are placing a component into a pipe that is dimensioned, the software
displays the Dimension box so that you can specify the length of the pipe on either side of
the component, as shown in the following illustration:

3. Repeat the previous step to place as many components of the same type as needed.
To exit "place mode", click anywhere in the Detail window where there is no object.

 When placing a 2-way or a 3-way component at the end of a section of pipe, right-click the
mouse to cycle through the available orientations for an "end" (marked in red on the cursor).

 While placing a 3-way component at the end of a section of pipe, you can press SHIFT to
change the connecting end of the component.
 You can dynamically move an inline component, such as a valve, by pressing CTRL and
dragging the component along the pipeline. The 3D View window updates automatically to
show the location change.

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Place gaskets and flanges automatically

Place Gaskets and Flanges Automatically places gaskets and flanges on all components
in the pipeline that require them.
If you have selected any components in the pipeline, the software only places
gaskets and flanges on those items. If you have selected a pipeline or a sheet, the software
places gaskets and flanges for the components on the selected pipeline or sheet. If no
components are selected, the software places gaskets and flanges on all components.

1. Click Place Gaskets and Flanges Automatically .

The software examines the pipeline and looks for the following conditions:
 If the software finds a pipe with open ends, it places a flange.
If the Automatically place gaskets at open ends option is selected on the
Preferences tab of the Options dialog box, the software also places a gasket.
 If the software finds a component with flanged ends, it inserts a gasket and a flange to
each flanged end.
 If the software finds a solitary gasket on pipe, it places a flange on either side of the
gasket.
2. If necessary, assign an item code (on page 103) to each gasket and flange that requires
one.

 If one is available, the software assigns the current default choice gasket and flange to those
automatically placed.
 You can configure SmartPlant Material Editor to allow for a more complex arrangement of
flanges and gaskets, such as those used for adding backing flanges and lapjoint stud ends.
For more information, see the SmartPlant Material Editor User's Guide, available with the
Help > Printable Guides command in the software.
 You can also require the software to automatically place a flange each time you manually
place a gasket on a section of pipe. Click Tools > Options, and then select Automatically
place flanges with gaskets on the Preferences tab. For more information, see
Preferences Tab (Options Dialog Box) (on page 42).
 After placement, you can dynamically dimension a connected group of components, such as
a flanged valve, by pressing CTRL+ALT and dragging the assembly along the pipeline. For
more information, see Define Dimensions (on page 107).

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Assign bolt sets automatically

1. On the Tools toolbar, click Place Bolts Automatically . Alternatively, click Tools > Place
Bolts Automatically.
In cases where the bolt assigned to a component is not the required length, the software
must compute the necessary bolt length. After the software determines the length, it then
locates the next longest bolt in the catalog that is of the same type and diameter. Two examples
are shown below.
 Two flanges of different thickness:

flange1_bolt_length + flange2_bolt_length/2

 Wafer fitting between two components:

 If you repeat the Place Bolts Automatically command, the software first deletes all the bolt
sets that were previously assigned automatically. Next, the software re-runs the Place Bolts
Automatically command to take account of any changes in the pipeline configuration.
The software does not delete any user-defined bolt sets.

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Place a generic component

A generic component is one whose item code was generated by the software and not the
specification; as such, it has no catalog information, such as dimensions. However, the
component group and component type are known, such as "ball valve", weld neck flange, and
so on.
When you place a component, or one is implied through routing, it is placed as a generic
component unless there is a default choice in the specification or it is the only available
component in the specification.

Override Default Choice

You can, when necessary, override the automatic assignment of an item code from the
specification either by placing a generic component or by making a regular component generic.
Both options require that you manually assign an item code (on page 103).
You must define dimensions for all generic components before they are output on
the isometric drawing. For more information, read Define generic component properties (on
page 99).

1. Click Place Generic .

You can also click Place > Place Generic.
2. On the Place toolbar, select the required component type.
3. Place the component as usual in the appropriate location on the pipe.
It appears as blue in the sketch, the default sketch color for generic items, meaning its
dimensions are still undefined.

 While the Place Generic command is active, you can place any component as a generic
component.

To stop placing generic components, click Place Generic to return to the "place" mode.

 You can right-click a previously placed component and select Make Component Generic to
override its assigned item code.
 You define sketch colors using the Colors tab on the Options dialog box. For more
information, see Change the color of sketch status (on page 36).

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Define generic component properties

Because no catalog information exists for a generic component, you must use the Physical
dialog box to manually define its properties, including setting the dimension and end connection
type. The left side of the dialog box displays a graphical representation of the component
selected in the sketch. The right side of the dialog box contains property information, including
keypoints and leg lengths.
Defining properties for a generic component creates an item code that you can
apply to other components in the sketch. You only need to define a particular type of generic
component once. Afterwards, you can use the Item Code dialog box to assign it as if it were in
the specification. For more information, see Assign an item code (on page 103).
You can choose to manually define properties when you want to use a component other than
what is available in the specification. Typically, though, you manually define properties when
there is no component available in the specification and you want to reserve space for it, such
as for a specialty item that is required in the pipeline but its data is not defined in the
specification.
In the following illustration, a by-pass has been routed around the valve. The software has
placed both tees as generic components because there is nothing available in the specification.

1. Right-click the generic tee component and then click Physical.

2. In the Physical dialog box, expand the Legs node.
Physical Dialog Box (on page 106)
3. Under the Legs node, expand each Leg_n node and type a value in the Length field.
After you define the leg lengths for a generic component, the component
becomes like any other component in the specification. The material is available in the Item
Code dialog box, and only the end preps can be edited in the Physical dialog box.

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4. Click OK.
The tee in the sketch now appears green, which is the default color for fully a specified
component.

You can define leg lengths in meters (m), millimeters (mm), and feet/inches (ft/in).

Place a concentric reducer

When first placed, the concentric reducer is undefined. It is necessary to apply a bore change to
one side of the reducer to set both the direction and bore size for either the inlet or outlet.
You can place a reducer in both orthogonal and skewed pipe.

1. On the Place toolbar, click the Fitting list, and then select a concentric reducer.
2. Click the location on the pipe where you want to place the reducer.
To indicate that it is permissible to insert the component in the location you have

specified, the cursor changes to ; if a component cannot be placed in that location , the

cursor changes to .

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3. Right-click to exit place mode.

An equal bore reducer is displayed:

Placing a reducer in this way now requires you to make a corresponding change of bore to
one of the sections of pipe.
4. Right-click the section of pipe to which want to apply the change of bore, click Change
Bore, and then select the size of bore in the list.
The software applies the bore change and updates the reducer accordingly.

As shown in the previous illustration, if the side of the reducer that has the lower
bore becomes the higher bore, the software automatically flips the reducer to accommodate
the change in pipe bore.
5. If necessary, assign an item code to the reducer to complete its placement.

 If there is an entry for the reducer in the Default Choice reference table, the software
automatically assigns the appropriate item code and the reducer appears green in the
sketch, which is the default sketch color for a fully specified component; otherwise, you must
assign an item code.
 Review the Errors window for any issues that the software encountered when applying the
bore change.
 When changing bore, the software updates all the parts of the sketch to which the bore
change will be applied.
 If no reducer of the type needed to accommodate the change of bore is in the current
specification, the software replaces it using generic material.
 If you delete a reducer before applying the change of bore, the pipe is shown broken. To
reconnect it, drag one of the pipes to connect it to the other. Doing so reinstates the pipe
and removes the pipe break.
 If you want an eccentric reducer, use the replace material method to provide one.

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Place a fitting cross

1. On the Place toolbar, click the Fitting list and then select Fitting Cross.

2. Click the section of pipe where you want to place the fitting cross.

 When placing a fitting cross, as well as any 3-way components, right-click the mouse to
cycle through the available orientations for an "end" (marked in red on the cursor).

 While placing a fitting cross, as well as any 3-way component at the end of a pipe, you can
press SHIFT to change the connecting end of the component.

Place a set-on cross

1. On the Place toolbar, click the Fitting list and then click Set On Cross.

2. In the Bore Box, select the bore of the branch of the set on cross.
3. By default, the bore size is the same as the original pipe.
4. Click a section of pipe and route again.
The resulting sketch appears similar to the following:

Notice that instead of placing a set on cross, the software places a set on tee - a set
on cross must connect two elements.

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5. Click Fittings again to route the second element.

The software remembers your previous selection, so it is unnecessary to expand the
Fittings list and click Set On Cross again.
6. Click near the set on tee you placed previously, and then move away from the set on tee
and click again.
The resulting sketch is similar to the following:

As indicated in the Pipeline Explorer, both components are set on crosses (CRSO).
Upon placement of the second element, the software automatically converts the set on tee to a
set on cross.

Assign an item code

In many cases, the software automatically assigns an item code as you place a component,
either because there is a default choice in the specification or because there is only one choice
in the catalog. It is also possible to assign an item code manually using the Item Code dialog
box.

Automatic Assignment
Item codes are determined by the configuration of your specification. Whenever you place a
component, including when routing or changing bore, the software uses the following rules to
determine item code assignment.
 If there is only one candidate in the specification, the software uses it.
 If there are multiple candidates in the specification, the software uses the default choice (if
there is one)
 If there are multiple candidates in the specification but no default choice, the component
becomes generic.

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Manual Assignment
In instances where the software does not assign an item code, use the following procedure to
assign one manually. Alternately, you can also use the following steps to override the item code
assigned to the component by the software when it was initially placed.
1. Right-click the component and then click Item Code.
2. In the Item Code dialog box, select the item code.
Item Code Dialog Box (on page 106)
3. Click OK.

 If you have made changes to the active material specification but have not yet synchronized
the pipeline model with those changes, the software displays a message similar to the one
below.

Click Yes to update all instances of the component.

 By default, the Item Code/Description/Component Type/Spec grid is sorted by item code.
Click one of the other column headers to sort by that field instead.
 If you select more than one component, the item code you choose is applied to all of them,
whether or not they already have an item code assigned
 Normally, changing the item code on a component changes the component dimension.
When this happens, the software tries to preserve the existing overall dimensions.

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Insert and dimension a tap

Taps are added to pipes and components for venting, drainage, and for the connection of
another component, such as instruments. After inserting a tap, you must then use the
Dimension Tap dialog box (on page 106) to dimension it.

1. Click Tapping Point on the Place toolbar. Alternatively, click Place > Tapping Point.
2. Do one of the following:
a. Select the section of pipe to be tapped.
b. Select the component to be tapped.
As you point to a pipe or a component, the shape of the cursor changes to reflect
the following:

Insert a tapping point in the pipe below the cursor.

Insert a tapping point in the component below the cursor.

No tapping point can be inserted in this location.

3. Select a second point in the Detail view to indicate where to start routing the other end of
the tap.
Upon placement, the software displays the tapping point as a circle at the end of a dotted
line, which represents another connection from which you can route pipe.

4. If needed, click Route Pipe on the Place toolbar, and then route away from the tapped
object to place another section of pipe.
5. Right-click the tapping point, and then select Dimension Tap.
The Dimension Tap dialog box appears.
6. Define the required dimensions, and then click OK.
You can make tapping points the default branch component by editing the branch table
in SmartPlant Material Editor. For more information, see SmartPlant Material Editor User's
Guide, which is available with the Help > Printable Guides command.

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Physical Dialog Box

Material Properties - Lists the industry standard material attributes for the selected pipe or
component, along with the values that are defined in the active specification. Industry standard
material attributes include properties such as Item Code, Description, Material of
Construction, SKEY, and Geometric Standard.
Keypoints - Displays properties of all component keypoints. The software cross-references
each keypoint to the component graphic in the dialog box. When you select a keypoint in the
dialog box, such as Centre_1, Run_1, or Run_2, the corresponding location displays in the
component graphic.
You can change the Actual End Prep setting. All other values are read-only.
Legs - Displays dimensions for each leg of the selected component. As with keypoints, the
software cross-references each leg to the component graphic. In the Length box, type a
dimension for the leg.
You can set the leg length for generic components. The software places a component as
generic if no material of the placed type exists in the active specification or if multiple materials
exist but have no reference within the active specification’s select tables. For more information,
see Default Choice in Place Components (on page 91).
Material Attributes - Displays user-specified attributes and their corresponding values in the
active specification. You use the Material Editor software to define user-specified attributes. For
more information, see the Material Editor User's Guide. You can access this document with the
Help > Printable Guides command.

Item Code Dialog Box

Item Code - Lists all the possible item codes for the currently selected component. These item
codes are based on the component group, configuration and bores for placed components, such
as valves and flanges, and on the component configuration and bores for implied components,
such as elbows, reducers and tees.
Description - Displays the component description as read from the specification to which the
current project is connected.
Component Type - Displays the type of component associated with the listed item code.
Spec - Displays the type of specification for the component associated with the listed item code.
By default, the data that displays in this column is read from the default, or primary, specification
to which the current project is connected. If the Additional specification folder setting is
defined in I-Configure, the software also displays data from any secondary specifications. For
more information, see SmartPlant Isometrics Project Defaults (on page 49).

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Dimension Tap Dialog Box

Provides options for defining specific dimensional information regarding the placement of a tap
on a pipe or a component.
Tap Offset Tab - Define the offset along an object in the direction of the pipe. Typically, this is
used when tapping a component.
Polar Plane Tab - Defines the coordinates of the tapping point off the centerline a pipe.
Plane Tab - Defines the coordinates for moving a tapping point off the centerline of a
component.
The Tap Offset and Plane tabs are recommended for tapping components, and the
Polar Plane tab is recommended for tapping pipe. However, you can use the options on any tab
with any component.

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Define Dimensions
Although you can dimension isometrics in many different ways, it is extremely rare for a
dimension to be given for a particular length of pipe. Usually, overall dimensions are used, which
include all or part of a component. You can use Dimension Pipeline to specify these
overall dimensions quickly and conveniently.
The basic principle of dimensioning in SmartPlant Isometrics is to define the span of the overall
dimension. The software uses markers to indicate the scope of the dimension, that is, they
display the start and end points of the length that you will define. You can place markers only at
discrete points on the pipeline - the ends of pipe, or the ends or middle of components - and the
points can span only one length of unknown pipe.
In the example below, the span of the overall dimension runs from one end of a pipe to the
middle of the elbow at the end of the straight. The value displayed in the Dimension box (114.3
mm) is the minimum length allowed for the pipe, which the software has calculated based on the
known length of the elbow leg.
The software also displays the known length of the elbow leg in the Length box in the
Properties window.

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To complete the dimension, you must type a value in the Dimension box that defines the overall
dimension. In the example below, the overall dimension is defined as 2000mm, which means
that the length of the pipe is 1885.7mm.
You can also define a dimension value by typing a value in the Length box in the
Properties window.

The software calculates the length of the pipe based on the following:
Overall dimension - Length of non-pipe components = Length of pipe
Using the above example, the length of the pipe is based on subtracting 114.3mm (the minimum
allowed length of pipe) from 2000mm (the overall dimension).

 You can dynamically dimension connected pipe or the open end of a pipe by pressing CTRL
and dragging the pipeline to lengthen or shorten it. The display of the pipeline in the 3D
View window updates automatically.
 You can dynamically dimension a connected group of components, such as a flanged valve,
by pressing CTRL+ALT and sliding the assembly along the pipeline. In the example below,
the valve assembly is in the wrong position (1) as depicted in the 3D View and Detail
windows.

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When you drag the valve assembly to the correct location in the Detail window (2), the 3D
View window dynamically updates (3).

Understanding Dimension Markers

When you dimension the pipe route, you use dimension markers to identify two keypoints on the
model, such as the end of a length of pipe or the end or mid-point of a component. These
keypoints, in turn, define the span of the overall dimension. When you place a pair of dimension
markers, one of them is active (solid arrow point), and the other is inactive (hollow arrow point).

After you place a dimension marker, you can use X and Z on your keyboard to adjust, or move,
it. To move the active marker ahead to the next available keypoint on the pipe route, press X. To
move the marker back to the previous keypoint, press Z.
Use the Switch Marker toggle at the bottom of the Properties window to switch which
marker is active and which is inactive. Alternatively, press S on your keyboard to switch which
marker is active and which is inactive.

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Shift Mode
The Shift Mode option in the Properties window controls the behavior of the dimension
markers after a dimension is defined. Three options are available: Shift, Move Active, and
Clear:

 Shift - After you define a dimension, the inactive and the active markers move as a pair
along the pipe according to the following:
 The inactive marker moves to the start of the next section of un-dimensioned pipe. In
the case of a flange or intersection (such as a tee, branch, or elbow), the position of the
inactive marker is then adjusted to the face of the flange or the center of the
intersection.
 The active marker moves to the end of the next section of un-dimensioned pipe. In the
case of a flange or intersection, the position of the active marker is then adjusted
forward to the face of the flange or the center of the intersection.
Shift is the default mode.
 Move Active - The inactive marker becomes a fixed point, and its appearance updates as
shown below:

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After you define a dimension, the inactive marker remains at the same position while the
active marker moves forward along the pipe according to the following:
 The active marker moves to the end of the next section of un dimensioned pipe so that
you can continue to incrementally dimension the pipe. In the case of a flange or
intersection, the position of the active marker is adjusted forward to the face of the
flange or the center of the intersection.
 If the active marker is at the end of a straight, the software performs a Shift operation
and moves both markers to the next un-dimensioned section of pipe.
 Clear - After you define a dimension, the software exits the Dimension Pipeline command
Track
When the Track option is set to True, the software updates the view of the pipeline model to
ensure that both dimensioning markers remain visible in the Detail window as the pipeline is
dimensioned.
You can re-dimension a defined section of pipe provided that only one variable length of
pipe is within the selected span. If there is more than one - or none at all - you can still place
dimension markers, but the span length is read-only.

Smart Dimensioning
One of the powerful features of the SmartPlant Isometrics is its ability to automatically dimension
lengths that it can calculate itself. The following illustrations of a bypass routed around a valve
show a simple example of the smart dimensioning capabilities of the software.

Obviously, the left and right sides of the bypass must be the same distance, which means that
the software will automatically apply the dimension value you define for one side of the bypass
to the other side of the bypass.

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For a more complicated example of the smart dimensioning capabilities of the software,
consider the following illustration:

The Properties window displays key information about the scope of this dimension--the Start
point is the center of the elbow, and the End point is the flange. Within that scope are three legs:
the elbow, the section of pipe, and the flange. The Properties window also displays the known
dimensions of the elbow and flange, .0238m and .0063m, respectively.
Because the software knows the dimensions of the elbow and the flange, it calculates
the minimum allowable length of the pipe section and displays that value in the Dimension box
(0.0301m). The minimum allowable length for the selected pipe leg is also displayed in the
Length field of the Properties window.
The length of the selected pipe leg along the top of the bypass is constrained by the distance
along the bottom of the bypass, meaning that it can be no longer than the distance along the
bottom of the bypass. As a result, the software calculates that the maximum allowable length for
the pipe leg is 1.3655m, as displayed in the Legs pane of the Properties window.

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When you type a value for the overall dimension in the Dimension box and press ENTER, the
software dimensions the section accordingly, and then automatically calculates and dimensions
for the next section of pipe.

Skewed Pipe
Pipe that does not run in one of the principal orthogonal directions (E,W,N,S,U,D) is said to be
skewed. When you dimension a 2D or 3D skew, you are defining the information the software
requires to calculate the skew geometry: the pipe length and the skew length.
You can dimension a skew in two ways:
1. Set the lengths of the individual skew components
2. Specify a combination of definition parameters in the Properties windows (2D skew only).

Reference Dimension Dialog Box (on page 125)

What do you want to do?

 Dimension the entire pipe route (on page 115)
 Dimension a section of pipe (on page 116)
 Dimension a 2D skew (on page 117)
 Dimension a 3D skew (on page 120)
 Define the length of a skew component (on page 121)
 Modify a dimension (on page 121)
 Query a dimension (on page 121)
 Place a reference dimension (on page 123)
 Delete a dimension (on page 125)

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Dimension the entire pipe route

The basic principle of dimensioning is to place two points that define the span of an overall
dimension.

1. Click Dimension Pipeline .

2. Select a section of pipe to define the start point.
You can only select discrete points on the pipeline: the ends of pipe or the ends or
middle of components. Te points can span only one length of unknown pipe.

3. Click again to define the end point.

Several things happen after you define the end point:

 The software displays markers to indicate the span of the dimension.
 The software automatically calculates the length of any inline components and fittings it
finds and displays the sum in the Dimension box. In the preceding illustration, the
software displays 76.2mm, which is the known value of the leg of the elbow. The value
you ultimately specify for the dimension must be greater than this value.

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 The Properties window populates with dimension-specific information about the

dimension span, including the start and end points of the dimension, the minimum
allowable length for the pipe, and the dimensions of the legs included in the dimension
span:
4. Type the length for the pipe leg, and press Enter. For example, you can type 100mm.
The software applies the dimension and moves the dimension markers to the next logical
position in the pipe model.

5. Repeat the previous step until the all of the pipe route is dimensioned.

 The Shift Mode specified in the Properties window, controls how the markers behave after
you define a dimension. The default Shift Mode is Shift. For more information about
dimension markers and how they function in the software, read Dimension Markers.
 You can edit the dimension by right-clicking the Dimension Line and typing in a new value
in the Dimension box. Alternately, you can delete the dimension by right-clicking the
dimensioned pipe and selecting Clear Length.

 Click Show Automatic Dimension Lines on the Tools toolbar to toggle on and off the
display of dimension lines for the selected pipe or component. Dimension lines are
interactive: you can right-click a dimension line, and type a new length directly into the
Dimension box.
 To exit the Dimension Pipeline command, press Esc, or right-click in the Detail window.
 You can click the Switch Active toggle in the Properties window or press the S key on the
keyboard to change which marker is active and which is inactive.

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Dimension a section of pipe

An alternative to dimensioning the entire pipe route is to dimension individual sections of pipe.
The Dimension Selected command allows the placement of two dimensioning lines with a
single click. The Set Length command allows you to specify the length of a single section of
pipe or multiple sections of pipe simultaneously by entering a value in a dialog box.

Place Dimensions with the Set Length Command

1. Right-click the section of pipe to dimension, and then click Set Length.
The Set Length dialog box appears.
2. Type a value for the length, and then click OK.
To set the length of multiple sections of pipe simultaneously, press CTRL as you
select each pipe section. The software applies the value you enter in the Set Length dialog
box to each selected pipe.

Place Dimensions with the Dimension Selected Command

1. Right-click a section of pipe, and then lick Dimension Selected.
Alternatively, select the section or pipe, and then click Dimension > Dimension
Selected.
A Dimension box appears next to the selected section of pipe.
2. Type a value into the box, and then press Enter.
By default, Shift Mode in the Properties window is set to Clear. If you want to
continue dimensioning, you must change it. For more information, read Define Dimensions
(on page 107).

 You can specify units of dimension for length in millimeters (mm), meters (m) or feet/inches
(ft/in). You can define these values for the current pipe sketch using the Working Units tab
(Options dialog box) (on page 41).

 Click Show Automatic Dimension Lines on the Tools toolbar to toggle on and off the
display of dimension lines for the selected pipe or component. Dimension lines are
interactive: right-click a dimension line, and then type a new length directly into the
Dimension box.

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Dimension a 2D skew
When you dimension a 2D skew, you must define values for any combination of two definition
parameters. Four parameters are available: Length, Angle, and two Axis Length parameters,
one for each axis. After you define the two parameters, the software automatically calculates the
remaining parameters and dimensions the 2D skew.
You can dimension a skewed section of pipe only if at least one 3D coordinate has
been added, and the orthogonal pipe on either side of the skew is dimensioned.

Dimension a 2D Skew Using Axis Length

1. Select a skew component.
The Properties window displays the appropriate attribute information.
2. Under Axis Length, type a value for each axis. For example, type 3m and 4m, respectively.
The software calculates values for the skew Length and the skew Angle and dimensions
the 2D skew.

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 Use the Axis Order to convert to the other skew angle. For example, if you set Axis Order
in the previous example to South, East, the software displays the complementary angle as
shown below:

 When Axis Order is set to Box, the skew angle does not display.
 You can also set the length of each skew component individually. For more information, see
Define the length of a skew component (on page 121).

Dimension a 2D Skew using Length and Angle

1. Select a skew component.
The Properties window displays the appropriate attribute information.
2. Type a value in the Length field, and then press ENTER.
3. Type a value in the Angle field, and press ENTER.
The software calculates the two Axis Length values, and dimensions the skew.

Dimension a 2D Skew Using Angle and Axis Length

1. Select a skew component.
The Properties window displays the appropriate attribute information.
2. Type a value in the Angle field, and press ENTER.
3. Under Axis Length, type a value for one of the axes, and then press ENTER.
The software calculates the remaining parameters (the skew Length and the remaining
Axis Length), and dimensions the skew.

Click Show Automatic Dimension Lines on the Tools toolbar to toggle on and off
the display of dimension lines.

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Dimension a 3D skew
Unlike the options for dimensioning a 2D skew, the options for dimensioning a 3D skew are
deliberately restricted. You can only specify skew component lengths. Other parameters, in
particular the skew angles, are calculated and displayed automatically by the software.

Dimension a 3D Skew Using Skew Length and Axis Length

1. Select a skew component.
2. In the Properties window, type a value for the skew Length, and then press Enter.
3. Type values for any two of the Axis Length parameters, and then press Enter.
The software calculates values for the remaining axis length and the skew angles and
dimensions the 3D skew.

 For 3D skews, skew angles display only when Axis Order is set to Box.
 The software displays two skew angles: the flat angle (1) and the declination angle (2).

 By default, the software displays the value of the flat angle in green and the value of the
declination angle in black.
 If you change any Axis Length value, the software automatically recalculates the skew
angle values.
 You can also set the length of each skew component individually. Right-click a skew
component, and then click Set Length. Type a value in the Set Skew Axis Length dialog
box, and then click OK.
 Skew angles cannot be user-defined.

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Dimension a 3D Skew Using Axis Length

1. Select a skew component.
2. In the Properties window, type a value for each Axis Length, and then press Enter. For
example, type 3m, 12m, and 13m to define the length of each skew axis.
The software calculates the remaining parameter values and dimensions the 3D skew.

Define the length of a skew component

1. Right-click a skew component, and then select Set Length. Alternatively, click Dimension >
Set Length.
The Set Skew Axis Length dialog box appears.
2. Type a value for the length, and then click OK.

 You can use Set Length to dimension a 2D or 3D skew. For both, you must specify the
length of two skew components for the software to calculate the dimension of the skew.
 You can specify units of dimension for length in millimeters (mm), meters (m) or feet/inches
(ft/in). You can define these values for the active pipe sketch using the Working Units tab
(Options dialog box) (on page 41).

Modify a dimension
The dimension lines that display in the sketch are interactive. You can use the dimension lines
that display in the sketch to modify the dimension of any section of the pipe route.

Click Show Automatic Dimension Lines on the Tools toolbar to toggle on and off
the display of dimension lines.
1. Right-click the dimension line for the length of pipe to modify.
The software displays the Dimension box with the current length highlighted.
2. Type the new length directly into the Dimension box, and then press Enter.

Query a dimension
You can use Dimension Pipeline to query a dimension between two keypoints on the
same straight or a dimension over several components or objects.
Use the dimension markers in exactly the same way as when you are dimensioning the pipe
route. The Properties window reports the distance between two markers as you move them
throughout the model using the keyboard.

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The Properties window displays pertinent information related to the selected dimension scope,
including the Start and End points of the dimension (center of the elbow to the center of the
tee), the Length of the overall dimension (186 mm), and the lengths of the individual Legs that
make up the span of the selected dimension:

When you press the X key, the software moves the active marker to the next keypoint, and the
information in the Properties window updates accordingly:

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You can continue to press the X key to "walk" the active marker along the pipe route, or you can
query a dimension in another part of the model by defining a different start and end point:

Place a reference dimension

You can use reference dimensions to indicate the relative position of an object compared to
some fixed point, such as a wall or steel column.
The ability to place or edit a reference dimension using relative coordinates is only
available if the 3D coordinates of the referenced point are fully defined.
1. Click Place > Reference Dimension.
2. Click the pipe, component, or open end to define the location of the reference dimension.
3. Click a second point in the Detail window to indicate the location of the reference dimension
flag.

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4. In the Reference Dimension dialog box, define the values as necessary and click OK. The
software places the reference dimension in the sketch and displays its attribute information
in the Properties window.
Reference Dimension Dialog Box (on page 125)

5. In the Properties window, define reference dimension attributes as necessary.

The following table lists attribute data for reference dimensions:

Attribute Name Description

Referenced Item Select from the list of referenced objects. ISOGEN uses annotation for each of the
items.

Referenced Item Direction Select the orientation of the symbol drawn by ISOGEN for the referenced object.

LineStyle Select the line type of the symbol drawn by ISOGEN for the referenced object.

Message Type the name or some other identification for the referenced item.

Style Select how the message text is displayed.

Status Show the referenced item dimensioned or undimensioned. If you select

Dimensioned, ISOGEN displays the dimension; if you select Undimensioned, it
does not.

Type of Dimension Select either the orthogonal dimension style or the skew dimension style.

You can use the Properties window to edit the coordinates of a referenced object using
absolute or relative coordinates. Alternatively, you can right-click the origin on the referenced
object and then click Edit.

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Delete a dimension
You can delete dimensional data from orthogonal pipe and from skewed pipe.

Orthogonal Pipe
 Right-click the dimension to delete, and then click Clear Length. Alternatively, click
Dimension > Clear Length.
The selected dimension is deleted.

Skewed Pipe
 Right-click a skew leg, and then click Clear All Skew Dimensions.
All of the skew dimensions are deleted.
Clear All Skew Dimensions is available for 2D and 3D skews.

Reference Dimension Dialog Box

Type - Select the type of reference dimension you want to place. For an absolute reference
dimension, you must specify the exact coordinates of the referenced object. For a relative
reference dimension, the software calculates the exact coordinates using the values you define
which are offset from the reference point.
Reference point - Type the units you want to set for each direction. To specify a West, South,
or Down coordinate, use a negative value. For example, to specify "1000mm West", type -1000
in the East/west box. For an absolute reference dimension, you can use the Global Offset list
to determine how the software interprets the coordinates you enter. If you select Global Offset,
the software determines the actual coordinates of the reference dimension by adding the global
offset defined for the pipeline to the Coordinate values you enter. If you select Absolute, the
Coordinate values you enter are the actual values of the reference dimension.

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Detail the Drawing

Design elements are model items used to insert detail sketches, add notes, remarks, and other
information to your drawing. You can use design elements to include any type of information.
Design elements include everything from geometric shapes to extension and dimension lines.
Placing design elements works like placing any other component in a pipe model. When you
place an annotation, which has an item type of item note, on a drawing, you can then place a
label on the item note. These labels allow you to enter the remarks, notes, and other information
that you need to effectively annotate your drawings.

Additional Materials
You can place any component from the active specification into the model as an additional
material, and then have it display in the material list when the drawing is generated. You can
associate an additional material with a component or a section of pipe, or you can append it to
the overall material list.
The Place Additional Material dialog box can display the contents of the active
specification and is therefore useful for reviewing all of the materials available in the current
project.

Place Additional Material Dialog Box (on page 131)

Information Items
Information items allow you to provide specific details about various parts of the model.
Information Items that you place in the model are represented by a small square flag. By default,
the flag displays an abbreviation of the type of information item it represents. In the following
illustration, the following information items have been placed on the model: two messages (M)
and a detail-sketch-identifier (DSI).

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The table below lists the information items that you can place in the model. The table also
includes information regarding any item-specific attributes that you can define.

Information Item Type Description Item-Specific Attributes

Flow Arrow Indicates the direction of a fluid  SKEY - Defines the SKEY override.
flow.  Status - Specifies either
Dimensioned or Undimensioned.
If set to Undimensioned, no
coordinate information is displayed
on the drawing for this item.
 Flow Direction - Specifies the
direction of flow. By default, the flow
is assumed to start from the Start
Point. Positive = With the normal
flow; Negative = Against the normal
flow; Both = Either direction.

Floor Symbol Indicates that the pipeline breaks  SKEY - Defines the SKEY override.
through a floor.  Status - Specifies either
Dimensioned or Undimensioned.
If set to Undimensioned, no
coordinate information is displayed
on the drawing for this item.

Wall Symbol Indicates that the pipeline breaks  SKEY - Defines the SKEY override.
through a wall.  Status - Specifies either
Dimensioned or Undimensioned.
If set to Undimensioned, no
coordinate information is displayed
on the drawing for this item.

Insulation Symbol Indicates the start/end of insulation  SKEY - Defines the SKEY override.
or that the section of pipe is  Status - Specifies either
actually insulated. Dimensioned or Undimensioned.
If set to Undimensioned, no
coordinate information is displayed
on the drawing for this item.

Location Point Displays the location point. During SKEY - Defines the SKEY override.
drawing generation, ISOGEN plots
a location point at the specified Status - Specifies either Dimensioned or
position. If the relevant data is Undimensioned. If set to Undimensioned,
available in an external file, the no coordinate information is displayed on the
software can draw up a table of drawing for this item.
the location points with reference
to a local coordinate system, such
a floor plan or steelwork grid.

Message Displays textual information about Text - Specifies the message required to be
the drawing within an enclosure. displayed on the isometric drawing output.
An enclosure can have different
style settings - square or round
ends - or have a different shape,
such as round, diamond or
triangular.

BIP Identifier Shows the location point where Text - Specifies the message required to be
existing pipe-work is to be broken displayed on the isometric drawing output.
in with new pipe-work. You can
specify a piece of text to be plotted
on the drawing. (BIP = Break in
Point)

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Induction Start / Indicates that a weld is to indicate Text - Specifies the message required to be
Induction End the start or end of an induction displayed on the isometric drawing output.
bend,

System Split / Iso Split Splits the drawing at this point, Indicator - Identifies the location of the
Point overriding the normal automatic isometric split.
drawing splitting behavior. You can
use this information item to control
the production of drawings,
ensuring consistent drawing
content.
Isometric split points are
only valid on pipeline isometrics
and system split points are only
valid on system isometrics.

Cut-Piece Allowance Specifies the cutting allowance for Allowance - Specifies the cut-piece
a pipe. allowance for the end of the pipe where it is
placed.

Repeat Weld Identifier Identifies a component as having a Weld Number 1 through 9 - Specifies weld
specific set of weld numbers. numbers for each of the component.

Detail-Sketch-Identifier Specifies the identifier of a detail Identifier - Specifies the identifier of a

sketch to be plotted on the detailed sketch.
ISOGEN drawing associated with
the component.

Client-Drawing Identifier Specifies the user-defined Identifier - Specifies the user-defined drawing
identifier used as the drawing identifier.
identifier when ISOGEN generates
the isometric.

ByPass Closure Recommends a suitable point for

ISOGEN to break a complicated
bypass.

For more information, refer to the

documentation delivered with
ISOGEN.

End Connection Specifies that pipe is connected to  Pipeline Reference - Specifies the
Pipeline another pipeline at the indicated pipeline reference of the connected
point. pipeline.
 Connection Reference - Specifies
the connection reference, if
required.

End Connection Specifies the pipe is connected to Connection Reference - Specifies the
Equipment a nozzle at the indicated point. equipment reference, if required.

End Position Closed Indicates that the pipe has a

closed end. End coordinates are
reported.

End Position Open Indicates that the pipe has an

open end. This is the default
setting if no information is
provided.

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End Position Null No information. End coordinates

are reported.

End Position Vent Specifies pipe ends at a vent.

End Position Drain Specifies pipe ends at a drain.

Thickness- Specifies the location where  Name or Tag - Specifies a unique

Measurement- inspection points are required. identifier, such as T-001.
Location  Text - Specifies supplementary text
that can be output with the Name or
Tag attribute.
 Enclosure - Specifies the enclosure
type used to display the unique
identifier and supplementary text.
 Status - Specifies whether the TML
is dimensioned. By default, TML is
dimensioned where appropriate,
unless Status is set to
Undimensioned.
 Measurement Type - Specifies the
type of measurement.
 Measurement Points - Defines the
number of placement points.
 Information Attribute - Specifies
an additional user-defined attribute.

Dimensioned Special Symbols

The software includes a handful of items that it identifies as special symbols:
 Flow arrow
 Floor symbol
 Wall symbol
 Insulation symbol
 Reference dimension

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Special symbols are placed and positioned in exactly the same way as other components and
objects; however, some of them require that you specify a dimension in order to locate them
within the pipeline model.

 Reference dimensions, flow arrows, floor, wall, and insulation symbols each have their own
notation in the sketch.
 Floor and insulation symbols do not require an item code.
 Reference dimensions are handled differently than the other special symbols; they require
you to specify a dimension, as well as define additional information in order to place them. A
reference dimension can also act as an origin. For more information, see Place a reference
dimension (on page 123).

What do you want to do?

 Place additional material (on page 130)
 Place an information item (on page 132)
 Place a thickness measurement location (TML) (on page 133)
 Edit an information item (on page 134)
 Remove an information item from the model (on page 134)
 Place a flow arrow (on page 135)
 Place a floor symbol (on page 136)
 Place a wall symbol (on page 137)
 Place an insulation symbol (on page 138)

Place additional material

1. Click Place Additional Material on the Place toolbar. Alternatively, click Place > Place
Additional Material.
If the Place toolbar is not visible, click View > Toolbars > Place.
2. Select the component or the pipeline on which to place the additional material.
To indicate that you can add the additional material in the specified location, the

cursor changes to . If you cannot place additional material in that location, the cursor

changes to .
The Place Additional Material dialog box appears.
3. Select the component group in the Group list.
The software updates the dialog box to display only those component types that belong to
the selected group.

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4. Select the material to place in the model.

5. In the Quantity box, type the number of items to place, and then click OK.
If you are placing pipe as additional material, you must define the length of the
associated pipe by typing a value in the Length box. For example, if you define the
Quantity as 2 and the Length as 1000mm, the software creates two lengths of 1000mm
pipe.
The software places the additional material. Components and pipe are placed in the model
at Run_1. Supports are placed at Center_1.

 The additional material appears in the model as a flag. When you select this flag, the
Properties window displays the properties information for the additional material.
 To delete additional material, select its flag in the model, and then press DELETE.
 Additional material is indicated in the Pipeline Explorer with the icon.

 The Place Additional Material command stays active so that you can continue placing
additional material in the model. To exit the command, double-click or right-click an empty
space in the Detail window.
 When you generate the drawing, any additional materials that you place in the model appear
in the material list.
 Use the steps below to place additional material on multiple items simultaneously:
a. Press CTRL while selecting each item in the model on which to place additional
material.
b. Right-click, and select Place Additional Material.
c. Use the options in the Place Additional Material dialog box to specify the additional
material to place, and then click OK.

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Place Additional Material Dialog Box

Lists the contents of the active specification from which you can select additional material.
Group - Lists the component groups. Selecting a component group filters the contents of the
dialog box so that only those items that belong to the selected group display. For example, if you
select Fittings in the Group list, only fitting-type items, such as half coupling, elbow, or latrolet,
are displayed. To displays all the item types in the active specification, select Show All Items.
Length - Specifies the length of the additional material. This option is available only for items in
the Pipe component group.
Quantity - Indicates the amount of additional material to add.
Item Code - Displays the material item code.
Description - Displays a description of the material, such as VALVE, BALL, CS ASTM A105,
150#, FL. GEAR OP.
Component Type - Displays the type of material, such as tee, slip-on flange, or gate valve.
Nominal Size - Displays the material nominal size.
Specification - Displays the name of the specification to which the material belongs.
OK - Closes the dialog box and places the selected item as additional material in the model.
Cancel - Closes the dialog box without placing the selected item as additional material in the
model.

Place an information item

1. Click Information Item or click Place > Information Item.
2. Click a point on the pipeline to position a flag for the item.
The software snaps the flag to the nearest keypoint.
3. In the Properties window, select the information item you want to place in the Type list.

The software updates the model to display the item.

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4. In the Properties window, specify the properties for the information item. For example, you
can assign text to the information item using the Text property box.

 Depending on the type of information item you select, the Properties window displays user-
definable attributes specific to the information item or no attributes.
 Because information items are positioned at the ends of components or pipe, they do not
need dimensioning.

Place a thickness measurement location (TML)

A thickness measurement location, or TML, is a special kind of information item that identifies
the location on a pipeline that requires inspection on a regular basis. Although the TML is
basically a message that is output on the isometric drawing, it carries additional attributes
relevant to inspection, such as a tag that uniquely identifies the TML (and is used as the content
of the message) and an enclosure style, which controls how the TML is plotted.

1. Click Information Item , or click Place > Information Item.

2. Click a point on the pipeline to position a flag for the item.
The software snaps the flag to the nearest keypoint.
3. In the Properties window, select Thickness-Measurement-Location in the Type list.
The software updates the model to display the item. The example below shows several TML
identifiers placed on the pipeline.

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4. In the Properties window, specify the properties for the TML. For example, you can assign
a unique identifier using the Name or Tag box. For information about the supported
properties, see the Information Item Type table in Information Items.
After a TML is placed, it is visible in the 3D View window as a cone, making it easy to
visualize the location of each TML.

Edit an information item

1. Click Select on the Edit toolbar
2. In the model, select the information item you want to edit.
3. In the Properties window, modify property information as needed.
Press the Tab key to move to through the list of properties.
4. Press Enter to save your changes.
You cannot move an information item from its current location. To reposition an
information item, you must delete it and then place a new information item (with the same
properties) at the required location.

Remove an information item from the model

1. Click Select on the Edit toolbar.
2. Click the information item you want to remove.
3. Press the Delete key.
The software deletes the flag representing the information item.

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Place a flow arrow

A flow arrow is associated either with a length of pipe or a component and as a “sense” of
direction. When you place a flow arrow into a sketch, you can use the Properties window to
define its direction initially or modify its direction later.
1. Click Place > Flow Arrow.
2. In the Detail window, click in the sketch to position the flow arrow.
3. Type a value in the dimension box and press Enter.
The Dimension box only appears if you are placing a flow arrow on pipe that is
dimensioned. If the pipe is not dimensioned, you can dimension it later using Dimension
Pipeline .
4. In the Properties window, use the Flow Direction list to define the direction.
The flow arrow is represented in the sketch and in the Properties window as shown in
the following illustration:

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Place a floor symbol

1. Click Place > Floor Symbol.
2. In the Detail window, click in the sketch to position the floor symbol.
3. Type a value in the dimension box and press Enter.

 The Dimension box only appears if you are placing a floor symbol on pipe that is
dimensioned. If the pipe is not dimensioned, you can dimension it later using Dimension
Pipeline .
 The floor symbol is represented in the Properties window as shown in the following
illustration:

 You can override the item code using the Physical dialog box. For more information, see
Assign an item code (on page 103).

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Place a wall symbol

1. Click Place > Wall Symbol.
2. In the Detail window, click in the sketch to position the wall symbol.
3. Type a value in the dimension box and press Enter.
The wall symbol is represented in the sketch and in the Properties window as shown in the
following illustration:

 The Dimension box appears only if you are placing a wall symbol on pipe that is
dimensioned. If the pipe is not dimensioned, you can dimension it later using Dimension
Pipeline .
 You can override the item code using the Physical dialog box. For more information, see
Assign an item code (on page 103).

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Place an insulation symbol

1. Click Place > Insulation Symbol.
2. In the Detail window, click in the sketch to position the insulation symbol.
3. Type a value in the dimension box and press Enter.

 The Dimension box appears only if you are placing an insulation symbol on pipe that is
dimensioned. If the pipe is not dimensioned, you can dimension it later using Dimension
Pipeline .
 The insulation symbol is represented in the Properties window as shown in the following
illustration:

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Verify Design Integrity

Consistency checking verifies the suitability of work that a designer has performed in creating
the pipe sketch. The software verifies if the composition of a sketch and the underlying data
model satisfy rules that are defined in the associated specification. As checks are performed,
the software displays all the inconsistencies, describes specific problems, and offers hints.
Using these solutions, you can decide the best method to resolve an inconsistency.

What do you want to do?

 Check minimum pipe lengths (on page 139)
 Check component end connections (on page 140)
 Check network integrity (on page 140)
 Check for consistency (on page 141)
 Perform design checks automatically (on page 142)

Check minimum pipe lengths

The Check Minimum Tube Lengths command verifies all pipe lengths in the pipeline against
the minimum length defined in the specification attached to the current project.
The specification connected to the current project is shown in the Pipeline Explorer
window.

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Check Minimum Tube Lengths does not modify any lengths. As the software performs the
check, it highlights any problem pipes using the error color and automatically displays the
Errors window which lists the errors.
By default, the software displays the Errors window at the bottom of the Detail window.
 Click Tools > Check Minimum Tube Lengths.
The software does not attempt to resolve any of the conflicts that it detects. You
must take appropriate corrective action by reviewing the errors and examining the pipe
sketch.

Check component end connections

The Check Component End Connections command checks adjacent components to
determine whether they are compatible. The check is based on the "End Preparations" of the
components involved and a connectivity table that is defined in the specification connected to
the current project.
The example below shows part of the End Connection reference table:

 Click Tools > Check Component End Connections.

If the software finds any combination of components that are not allowed by the connectivity
table, it displays a warning message in the Errors window.
The software does not attempt to resolve any of the conflicts that it detects. You must
take appropriate corrective action by reviewing the errors and examining the sketch.

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Check network integrity

The Check Network Integrity command highlights parts of the pipeline that cannot be exported
to a PCF, and consequently, cannot be processed by ISOGEN. While network integrity can fail
for many reasons, the basic checks that the software performs to determine network integrity
are summarized as follows:
 Are all the dimensions defined?
 Are there coordinates for all points?
 Are all the components connected to the network (systems) or to the pipeline (non-
systems)?
1. Click Tools > Check Network Integrity.
The software displays a message similar to the following when it is not clear where the
disconnection has taken place:

POD files imported into earlier versions of the software can contain un-dimensioned
flow arrows which result in network integrity error messages even when the isometric drawing
generates correctly. To suppress the network integrity check for flow arrows in older imported
POD files, do the following:
1. Click Edit > Select Information By.
2. Click Flow Arrow in the list and then click Select.
3. In the Properties window, change the Status property to Undimensioned.

Check for consistency

The Consistency Check command verifies that all end connection information items are placed
at the correct position on the pipeline. If the software determines that an end connection is
placed incorrectly, it allows you to determine if it should be moved or not.
 Click Tools > Check Consistency.

 If the software determines that all end connections are placed correctly, it displays a
message informing you as such.
 If problems are encountered, the software displays a message similar to the following:

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If you click Yes, the software moves the end connection to the end of the line and displays a
message in the Errors window similar to the following:

If you click No in the message box, the software displays a message in the Errors window
similar to the following:

Perform design checks automatically

The Perform All Checks command automatically runs the following design checking tools,
rather than you having to select each one individually from the Tools menu.
 Check Minimum Tube Lengths (on page 139)
 Check Component End Connections (on page 140)
 Check Network Integrity (on page 140)
 Consistency Check (on page 138)
1. Click Tools > Perform All Checks.
2. After each check is run, click OK in each message box that displays to acknowledge the
completion of the check

 Errors and inconsistencies are reported in the Errors window.

 If errors or inconsistencies are detected in the pipeline configuration, you must resolve them
before running the check again.

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Detail Sketches in Isometric Drawings

Detail sketches provide additional details for components. The sketches are typically used to
show more information about branch connections, support lugs, and special welds. To include
detail sketches on your isometric drawing, you must first create symbols in a graphics package
such as SmartSketch or AutoCAD. Then, use the Detail Sketch Manager to view the detail
sketch and specify options that control its various characteristics, such as the text formatting and
placement. When you place the detail sketch in the drawing, the software prints a callout, or
detail sketch identifier, next to the component. The detail sketch is then output on the isometric
drawing. An example detail sketch is shown below:

The Detail Sketch Browser allows you to view detail sketches as they are placed on the
isometric drawing. When you click Place > Detail Sketch, and then select a pipeline component
in the SmartPlant Isometrics Detail Window, the browser opens automatically. You can also
open the browser by editing the Identifier property of an existing detail sketch.

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To display properties for a pipeline item, click the item in the Detail Window. Alternately,
you can right-click a pipeline item, and then select Properties in the shortcut menu.

The Detail Sketch Browser consists of a toolbar (A), a list of available detail sketches (B), and
a viewing area (C).

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A - Detail Sketch Browser Toolbar

Search - Filters the list of available detail sketches based on user-defined criteria. As you type
text into the Search box, the feature responds with an implied wild card at the beginning and at
the end of the character string. For example, if you type B, the list of available sketches updates
to display only those sketches with a B in the filename based on the defined criteria, *B*.
Add - This option is not available in SmartPlant Isometrics.
Delete - This option is not available in SmartPlant Isometrics.

Zoom - Increases or decreases the display size of detail sketch objects in the viewing area.
You can zoom in to get a closer view of an object, or zoom out to view more of the detail sketch
at a reduced size. Click the left mouse button and drag the pointer upward in the window to
increase the view of an object as though you were moving closer to it. Drag the pointer
downward in the window to reduce the view as though you were moving further away from the
object.

Zoom Area - Increases the view magnification of an area in the detail sketch that you
define with two points.

Zoom All - Displays the entire detail sketch in the viewing area.

Pan - Repositions the detail sketch in the viewing area so that you can view another section
of the sketch without changing the view magnification.
Style - Displays a list of all the styles that have been defined in I-Configure. When you select a
style in the list, the software reads the output drawing type set for the style, extracts the path to
the detail sketch folder, and populates the detail sketch list view with the available sketches.
Much of the configuration for detail sketches is done using ISOGEN Configuration in I-
Configure. For information about defining the output drawing type, see the Overview section in
Drawing Generation. For information about defining the path to the detail sketch folder, see the
Settings section in Detail Sketches. Both of these topics are in the ISOGEN Configuration
Guide, accessible with the Help > Printable Guides command in SmartPlant Isometrics.
OK - Places a detail sketch identifier for the currently selected sketch on the selected pipeline
component, and exits the Detail Sketch Browser.
Cancel - Exits the Detail Sketch Browser without placing the detail sketch identifier.
Apply - This option is not available in SmartPlant Isometrics.

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B - Detail Sketch List

Displays the detail sketches that are available for the active style. When you select a detail
sketch in the list, a graphical view of the sketch displays in the detail sketch viewing area, as
shown below.

 When you open the Detail Sketch Browser and select a style in the Style list, the software
extracts the path to the detail sketch folder from the selected style, and populates the detail
sketch list with detail sketches that match the defined files type. The folder location and file
format are defined by the Drawing Area > Detail Sketches > Settings > Path and Drawing
Area > Detail Sketches > Settings > Format settings in ISOGEN Configuration.
 The current version of the software does not support DGN V8 CELL libraries. All other file
formats--DWG, DGN (CELL Library), and SYM (IGR/SHA)--are fully supported.
 You can use the Search box on the Detail Sketch Browser toolbar to limit the list of
available sketches.

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C - Detail Sketch Viewing Area

Displays a graphical view of the selected detail sketch. Use the viewing commands on the
toolbar to change the view or orientation of the detail sketch.

Place a detail sketch

1. Click Place > Detail Sketch.
2. Select a component on which to place the detail sketch.
The software opens the Detail Sketch Browser.
3. Select a style in the Style list on the toolbar.
The software extracts the path to the detail sketch folder from the style and populates the list
with the detail sketches that are available for the selected style. For more information, see
"Detail Sketch Manager" in the ISOGEN Configuration User's Guide. You can access this
document using the by Help > Printable Guides in the software.
4. Select a detail sketch in the list.
The software displays a graphical view of the selected detail sketch in the viewing area.

 If needed, use the Search box to narrow down the list of available sketches.
 Only DWG, IGR, and SYM (SHA) file types are fully supported by the software.

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5. Click OK to place the currently selected detail sketch and return to the model.
The software places a detail sketch identifier (designated by DSI and the detail sketch
filename) next to the component you previously selected in the model.

 For more information about detail sketches, see Detail Sketches in Isometric Drawings (on
page 143).

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 When you generate the isometric drawing, the resulting detail sketch output resembles the
example below. The parameters for direction and angle that are displayed in the detail
sketch are defined using the ISOGEN Configuration Detail Sketch Manager. For more
information, see Configure a detail sketch in the ISOGEN Configuration User's Guide. You
can access the document using the Help > Printable Guides in the software.

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Weld and Part Number Management

As an alternative to allowing ISOGEN to automatically assign weld and part numbers,
SmartPlant Isometrics delivers a group of commands on the Tools menu that allow you to
manage them directly.
Welds and parts, or components, are numbered in groups. Each group has an information item
that indicates the highest number in the group. Weld and part numbers for specific items are
stored in the Weld Number and Part Number properties. The exact grouping of items within the
groups depends on the numbering scheme used. There are several different possible
numbering schemes.
The software also provides a feature to check for duplicate weld or part numbers. The software
scans the file and reports any welds or components that have incorrectly duplicated numbers.

 In the PCF, weld number and part number properties are defined using REPEAT-WELD-
IDENTIFIER and REPEAT-PART-NUMBER attributes, respectively.
 In SmartPlant Isometrics, use the Properties window to define the Part Number and Weld
Number attributes.

 The current version of the software does not allow you to create Highest Weld Number or
Highest Part Number information elements directly in the software. However, these
information elements are required by ISOGEN to number any un-numbered items, such as
implied welds. Consequently, when numbering welds manually, you must do one of the
following:
 Verify that all welds are numbered and that drawing generation does not cause any
implied welds to be created.
 Use the Assign to New command to indirectly create a Highest Weld Number
information item.

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Assign Part Numbers Dialog Box (on page 153)

Assign Weld Numbers Dialog Box (on page 154)

What do you want to do?

 Assign part numbers manually (on page 152)
 Assign weld numbers manually (on page 152)
 Check for duplicate part numbers (on page 153)
 Check for duplicate weld numbers (on page 153)

Assign part numbers manually

1. Click Tools > Part Numbers.
2. Select the appropriate command in the sub-menu:
 Clear - Deletes all existing part numbers from the current piping object data (POD) file,
and sets the Highest Property Number property to 0.
 Check - Scans the current drawing for duplicate part numbers. For more information,
see Check for duplicate part numbers (on page 153).
 Assign to New - Assigns a new number to any un-numbered component.
 Assign to All - Assigns new numbers to all components, overwriting any existing
values.
The Assign to New and Assign to All commands display a dialog box in which you can
specify how components are numbered. For more information, see Assign Part Numbers Dialog
Box (on page 153).

Assign weld numbers manually

1. Click Tools > Weld Numbers.
2. Select the appropriate command in the sub-menu:
 Clear - Deletes all weld numbers from the current piping object data (POD) file, and sets
the Highest Property Number property to 0.
 Check - Scans the current drawing for duplicate weld numbers. For more information,
see Check for duplicate weld numbers (on page 153).
 Assign to New - Assigns a new number to any un-numbered weld.
 Assign to All - Assigns new numbers to all welds, overwriting any existing values.
The Assign to New and Assign to All commands display a dialog box in which you can
specify how welds are numbered. For more information, see Assign Weld Numbers Dialog Box
(on page 154).

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Check for duplicate part numbers

1. Click Tools > Part Numbers > Check.
After scanning completes, the results of the scan are displayed in the Duplicate Part
Numbers window.
If no duplicates are found, the window is empty.
2. Select a duplicated part number in the Duplicate Number list.
The software highlights the component in the Detail window and the Pipeline Explorer.
3. Modify the stored part number as needed.
4. When all duplicated part numbers are resolved, click Tools > Part Numbers > Check.
The software rescans the drawing for duplicate part numbers and displays the results in the
window. If no duplicates are found, the window is empty.

Check for duplicate weld numbers

1. Click Tools > Weld Numbers > Check.
After scanning completes, the results of the scan are displayed in the Duplicate Weld
Numbers window.
If no duplicates are found, the window is empty.
2. Select a duplicated weld number in the Duplicate Number list.
The software highlights the weld in the Detail window and the Pipeline Explorer.
3. Modify the stored weld number as needed.
4. When all duplicated weld numbers are resolved, click Tools > Weld Numbers > Check.
The software rescans the drawing for duplicated weld numbers and displays the results in
the window.

Assign Part Numbers Dialog Box

Controls how components are numbered.
The software displays this dialog box automatically when you click Tools > Part
Numbers > Assign to New or Tools > Part Numbers > Assign to All.
Sheet - Number components on a per sheet basis. To number components across the POD,
leave this option unchecked.
See Also
Assign Part Numbers Manually (on page 152)

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Assign Weld Numbers Dialog Box

Controls how welds are numbered. Select as many options as needed.
The software displays this dialog box automatically when you click Tools > Weld
Numbers > Assign to New or Tools > Weld Numbers > Assign to All.
Sheet - Groups weld numbers based on the drawing sheet.
Category - Groups weld numbers based on the weld category.
Type - Groups weld numbers based on weld type.
See Also
Assign Weld Numbers Manually (on page 152)

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Modify and Move Pipeline Objects

SmartPlant Isometrics provides several simple methods for manipulating sketch objects. You
can quickly move or copy a object or group of objects onto a sheet. Moving or copying objects
saves you time by eliminating the need to re-create information, as well as help you maintain
accurate data throughout a project.

Selecting Objects
Before you can modify or move an object, you must select it. You can select individual or
multiple objects using the Select commands on the Edit toolbar and Edit menu. You can select
more than one object at a time by clicking Select and then holding the CTRL key as you click
the objects you want to select. Or, you can use the Select command to drag the mouse to fence
elements. For more information, see Select Objects (on page 156).

Moving Objects
SmartPlant Isometrics provides several methods for moving objects. You can reposition a
component within the model using the Select command to slide it along the pipe. You can also
use Select to drag bend elements in order to modify the pipeline configuration, or drag the end
points of pipe to extend or shorten its length, connect two pipes together to connect a single
straight, or connect them to make a branch.
You can use the Move Pipeline command to move a section of pipe and all its connected
components. For more information, see Move Objects (on page 197).

Mirroring and Rotating Objects

Using the software tools, you can easily mirror and rotate the pipelines in your sketch. You begin
by selecting and then copying the pipeline. During the paste function, you use the arrow keys on
your keyboard to mirror or rotate the selection of pipe. For more information, see Mirror and
Rotate Pipe (on page 168).

Copying Objects
You can select an object and click Copy on the Edit toolbar. The selected item is placed on
the Clipboard. Then, when you click Paste the Edit toolbar, the item is placed in the
location you specify. The object loses its 3D coordinates, but all other properties remain
unchanged. For more information, see Copy and Paste (on page 162).

Cutting and Deleting Objects

You can cut an object using the Cut command. The object is placed on the Clipboard. You can
then use Paste to place the object in the current document or into other documents.
If you do not Paste the element after cutting, it will be permanently removed from
the sketch.

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You can permanently remove an object by selecting the object and clicking the Delete
command. For more information, see Cut and Delete (on page 166).

Modifying Sketch Objects

You can modify the properties of each object by selecting the object and changing individual
properties in the Properties window. You can also change orthogonal pipe into skewed pipe
and vice-versa. For more information, see Modify Sketch Objects (on page 177).

Select Objects
To select an object, you must click Select on the Edit toolbar. You can select any object in
the Detail window that makes up the pipe model. Most actions apply to the currently selected
object.

Selecting a Single Object

To select an individual object, click Select on the Edit toolbar.
You can also click Edit > Select.
When you select an individual object, the following things happen:
 The element changes to the selection color. You can change the selection color using
Options on the Tools menu.
 The element's important properties are displayed in the Properties window.
When you select multiple elements or grouped elements, they change to the selection color.

Incremental Selections
On either side of Select are Select Minus and Select Plus . You can use these
commands for the incremental - or stepped - selection of objects. Depending on which
command you click, the selection either advances or reverses along the pipeline.

Selecting Multiple Objects

A powerful function is the ability to select and operate on more than one object. Many
manipulation commands, like delete, move, copy, and rotate, act upon all elements in the
selection set. For example, you can select a set of flanges and change the item code assigned
to all of them in one operation, or set the insulation on several lengths of pipe and various inline
fittings and components.
The following selection commands select multiple objects based on the properties they share.
 Select Like
 Select Component By
 Select Information By

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Also, you can manually select more than one object at a time by clicking Select and then
holding the CTRL key as you click the objects you want to select. Or, you can click Select
and then drag the mouse to create a selection window around the objects.

When you release the mouse, all the items in the selection window are selected.

Regional Select Commands

In addition to being able to select multiple sketch objects based on shared properties, you can
use the regional select commands to select multiple sketch objects that occupy the same region,
such as a straight, pipeline, or sheet.

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De-selecting Objects
To de-select an object or group of objects, click any point on the Detail window where no there
is no pipe geometry. You can also hold down CTRL and click an object to de-select it.

Select Component By Dialog Box (on page 161)

What do you want to do?

 Select like components (on page 158)
 Select multiple information items (on page 159)
 Select multiple components by filter (on page 160)
 Select multiple components by region (on page 161)

Select like components

You can use Select Like to rapidly select multiple components based on the selected (or
current) component.

1. Click Select and then click a component in the model. In the following illustration, the
currently selected component is a 4" globe valve

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2. Click Edit > Select Like.

You can also right-click the selected component and click Select in the pop-up menu.
The software selects all other 4" VVGCF150-FLO globe valves that are in the model.

Select multiple information items

You can use Select Information By to rapidly multiple information items based on the
information type. In the following example, there are two message information items and one
end connection.

1. Click Edit > Select Information By.

2. In the Select Information By dialog box, select an information item type in the list. For
example, select Message.
Only those information item types that exist in the model display in the list.

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3. Click OK.
The software selects the two message items in the model.

4. Click Cancel to close the dialog box and exit the Select Information By command.
While the Select Information By dialog box is open, you can select other information
item types in the list. When you click OK, the software conducts a new search to locate and
select the new information item types.

Select multiple components by filter

1. Click Edit >Select Component By.
The software opens the Select Component By dialog box.
Select Component By Dialog Box (on page 161)
2. Use the Material lists to select the component properties you want to software to match.
If you click Edit > Select Component By while a component is selected, its
properties are used to initialize the search.
3. Click OK.
The software searches the pipeline for components that match your criteria and selects
them. The selected components display in the default sketch color for Selected
Components. You can modify sketch colors using Options > Tools.
4. Click Cancel to close the dialog box and terminate the command.
As long as the Select Component By dialog box remains open, you can continue to
select items from the lists and click OK to search for additional components.

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Select multiple components by region

The Edit > Select > <Regional Select> commands allow you to select multiple components
based on their location within the pipe sketch. There are five regional select commands:
All - Selects all the components across all sheets that make up the current sketch. For example,
if a sketch consists of multiple pipelines which span multiple sheets, the resulting selection
includes everything.
Straight - Selects all the components and pipe that make up the straight.
Network - Selects all the parts of the pipeline that make up a network. A network is any series
of connected components.
Sheet - Selects all the components on the currently active sheet.
Pipeline - Selects all the components that make up the active pipeline.
1. Select a component in the sketch.
2. Click Edit > Select and then select the appropriate command in the sub-menu.

 Alternatively, you can use the Pipeline Explorer to access any of the regional select
commands. Right-click a component and then click Select > <Regional Select> command.
 You can access the commands by right-clicking a component in the Detail window and then
clicking Select > <Regional Select> command on the shortcut menu.

Select Component By Dialog Box

Provides options for setting up a filter to locate only those components in the pipeline that share
the properties you specify. You can limit the search based on material and bore size. The list of
items that displays for each option is restricted to those that currently occur in the pipeline
model.
Material - Specifies the required material properties. You can specify search criteria for Item
code, Component type, Group, and Configuration.
Bore - Specifies component bore size. Select the required size using the the Bore A, Bore B, or
Bore C lists. Only those components that meet the specified bore size are selected.
OK - Initiates the search based on the user-specified criteria.
Cancel - Closes the dialog box and exits the Select Component By command.

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Copy and Paste

You can copy any object that you place in the sketch - components, sections of pipe, or even an
entire pipeline. Copying an object makes it possible to use something that is already in place as
a starting point for placing a new object. Several methods exist for doing this, such as using
Copy on the Edit toolbar or clicking Edit > Copy. Copying places the selected object or
objects on the Clipboard. When you click Paste , the software places a floating copy of the
object underneath the mouse pointer allowing you to place it in the appropriate location.

What do you want to do?

 Copy an object (on page 162)
 Paste an object (on page 162)
 Copy and paste 3D coordinates (on page 163)

Copy an object
1. Select an object in the sketch.

2. Click Copy on the Edit toolbar.

You can also click Edit > Copy, right-click the object and click Copy, or press
CTRL+C.

 After you copy an object, it is placed on the Clipboard. You can then use Paste to
paste it onto the current sheet sketch, other sheets, or other pipelines.
 When you paste the object, it is placed underneath the mouse pointer. Click the appropriate
location to place the object.

Paste an object
You can place objects on the Clipboard with Copy or Cut, then paste those objects into the
current sketch or another sketch.
1. Open the sketch or switch to another sheet in the current in which you want to paste the
contents of the Clipboard.

2. On the Edit toolbar, click Paste .

You can also click Edit > Paste, right-click the object and click Paste, or press
CTRL+V.

 The contents of the Clipboard remain unchanged until you use Copy or Cut again.
 You cannot run Paste if the Clipboard is empty.

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 You can click Undo to reverse the results of Paste.

Copy and paste 3D coordinates

You can make pipelines coincidental using the Copy and Paste commands. Consider the
following dimensioned sketch:

The following procedures outline the steps to create a second pipeline coincident to the one in
the previous illustration.

1. Click Edit > Select All to select the entire pipeline, and click then click Copy on the
Edit toolbar.
2. Click Place > Pipeline to add a new pipeline. By default, the second pipeline is active.
Alternatively, right-click the POD in the Pipeline Explorer, and then click Add
Pipeline.

3. Click Paste on the Edit toolbar to place a copy of the original pipeline.
4. On your keyboard, press the right arrow key twice to rotate the pipeline 180-degrees.

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5. Click once in the Detail window to place the rotated pipeline.

Click Window > Cascade so that you can view both pipelines simultaneously.

6. Click Query 3D Coordinate on the Dimension toolbar, and then click the stem of the
origin in P-1.

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7. In the Properties window, click Copy Coordinates.

8. Right-click Sheet_1 in the second pipeline (P-2), and click Activate Sheet.

9. Click Query 3D Coordinate , and then select the open end of the 1.5" bore pipe.
10. Click Paste Coordinates in the Properties window, and then click OK in the Add Origin
dialog box.
The two pipelines are now coincidental.

11. Click Show to open the 3D View window.

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The display of the pipes resembles the example below:

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Cut and Delete

You can delete an object or select set from a sketch by selecting it and clicking Cut on the
Edit toolbar or by pressing Delete. Clicking Cut places the selected item on the Clipboard. This
action allows you to paste the item in another location as appropriate. Pressing Delete removes
the object permanently. Consequently, you cannot reinsert or paste objects that you delete. You
can, however, retrieve the data by immediately clicking Edit > Undo.

What do you want to do?

 Cut an object (on page 167)
 Delete an object (on page 167)

Cut an object
1. Select an object in the sketch.

2. Click Cut on the Edit toolbar. Alternatively, click Edit > Cut, press CTRL+X, or right-
click the object, and then click Cut.

 After you cut an object from the sketch, it is placed on the Clipboard. You can then use
Paste to place it in another location.
 The selected object replaces the previous contents of the Clipboard.
 If you select a component that has an associated component, such as a support or bolt, the
Cut command is unavailable unless the associated component is also selected. This
behavior ensures that you do not leave components merely floating in the model on their
own.

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Delete an object
1. Select an object.

2. Click Delete on the Edit toolbar. Alternatively, click Edit > Delete, press the Delete
key, or right-click the object, and then click Delete.

 When you delete an object from the sketch, it is removed permanently and cannot be
reinserted. However, you can restore an object by immediately clicking Undo .
 You can select all like objects using Edit > Select Like, and then delete all of them in a
single operation.
 When you delete a component from a pipeline, the break is repaired.
 When you delete a component, the software also deletes any information items and out of
network components, such as supports or bolts, that lie on it.
 When you delete a pipe with a tap, set-on, or olet, the software also deletes the appropriate
component.

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Mirror and Rotate Pipe

You can mirror and rotate both orthogonal and skewed pipe.
In orthogonal pipe, before the mirror and rotate functionality delivered with the software is
available, the selection of pipeline must be contiguous. That is, there must be no selection gaps.
If more than one component is selected, then every component must be connected to at least
one other selected component; otherwise, the functionality is unavailable.
To illustrate the difference between mirroring and rotating orthogonal pipe, consider the
following sketch:

When you mirror this pipeline through the E/W axis, the resulting sketch resembles the
following:

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When you rotate the original pipeline counter-clockwise about the vertical axis, the resulting
sketch resembles the following:

In a 2D skew, the Rotate commands rotate the selected axis 90-degrees around the other axis.

What do you want to do?

 Mirror orthogonal pipe (on page 170)
 Reflect a skew axis (on page 172)
 Rotate orthogonal pipe (on page 173)
 Rotate a skew axis (on page 175)
 Rotate a pipeline about a different axis (on page 176)

Mirror orthogonal pipe

Consider the following illustration:

1. Select all the components of the pipeline.

Click Edit > Select > Select All. Alternately, you can use the mouse to create a
select set. For more information, read Select Objects (on page 156).

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2. Do one of the following:

 Click Cut . Removes the original selection from the sketch when you paste the copy
in a different location

 Click Copy . Retains the original selection in the sketch when you paste the copy in
a different location.

3. Click Paste . The software displays a representation of the pipeline selection and the
rotation axis in black and white.

4. Press the Space Bar. The software displays the pipeline representation around the E/W
axis.
5. Click once in the Detail window to place the mirrored pipeline.

The software always mirrors the selection around the E/W axis. If you need to
mirror around the N/S axis, you must use a combination of the mirror and the rotate functionality.
First, rotate the original pipeline 180-degrees, and then mirror the resulting pipeline about the
E/W axis, which is the equivalent to mirroring about the N/S axis of the original pipeline.

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Reflect a skew axis

In a 2D skew, the Reflect command reflects, or mirrors, the selected axis around the other axis.
Consider the following illustration:

1. Right-click the vertical skew axis and then click Reflect. The result is as follows:

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 Alternatively, if you click the E/W skew axis in the original illustration and then click Reflect,
the result is as follows:

 You can use the same technique to reflect a 3D skew. The selected axis is reflected through
the plane formed by the other two axes.
 The Reflect command is available only on the shortcut menu.

Rotate orthogonal pipe

Consider the following illustration:

1. Select all the components of the pipeline.

Click Edit > Select > Select All. Alternately, you can use the mouse to create a
select set. For more information, read Select Objects (on page 156).

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2. Do one of the following:

 Click Cut . Removes the original selection from the sketch when you paste the copy
in a different location

 Click Copy . Retains the original selection in the sketch when you paste the copy in
a different location.

3. Click Paste . The software displays a representation of the pipeline selection and the
rotation axis in black and white.

4. On your keyboard, press the right arrow key to rotate the selection 90-degrees and then
click once in the Detail window. The resulting sketch resembles the following.

 Press the left arrow key to rotate the selection counter-clockwise. Press the right arrow key
to rotate the selection clockwise.
 The arrow keys rotate the selection in 90-degree increments.
 You can press the left and right arrow keys several times in any combination to perform
multiple rotations.

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Rotate a skew axis

You can rotate a skew axis clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Consider the following illustration. The vertical (N/S) skew axis is selected:

1. Right-click the vertical skew axis and then click Rotate > Clockwise.

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 Alternatively, if you right-click the E/W axis in the original illustration and then click Rotate >
Anti Clockwise, the result is similar to the following:

 Both Rotate commands are available only on the shortcut menu.

Rotate a pipeline about a different axis

By default, the software rotates the selection about the vertical axis. Pressing the up and down
arrow keys change which axis the software uses.
Consider the following illustration:

1. Select all the components of the pipeline.

Click Edit > Select > Select All. Alternately, you can use the mouse to create a
select set. For more information, read Select Objects (on page 156).

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2. Do one of the following:

 Click Cut . Removes the original selection from the sketch when you paste the copy
in a different location

 Click Copy . Retains the original selection in the sketch when you paste the copy in
a different location.

3. Click Paste . The software displays a representation of the pipeline selection in black
and white.

4. On your keyboard, press the Up arrow to change the axis.

5. Press the Right arrow. The software rotates the pipeline selection clockwise about the E/W
axis.
6. Click once in the Detail window to place the pipeline. The resulting representation
resembles the following:

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Modify Sketch Objects

After you place objects in the model, you can modify the objects in several ways. You can
convert skewed pipe to orthogonal pipe or convert orthogonal pipe to skewed pipe. You can
change the bore on all or part of a pipeline, resulting in consequent changes to existing
components and dimensions. You can also modify the properties of each object by selecting the
object either in the Detail window or the Pipeline Explorer and changing individual properties in
the Properties window.

What do you want to do?

 Change bore (on page 178)
 Convert orthogonal pipe to skewed pipe (on page 180)
 Break a section of pipe (on page 181)
 Convert a 2D skew to a 3D skew (on page 185)
 Deactivate a skew component (on page 186)
 Edit object properties (on page 188)

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Change bore
You can set a different bore on part or all of a pipeline on-the-fly, such as when you need to
introduce a component such as a reducer.
Begin by selecting the pipe or component you want to change and then specify the bore. The
software changes the bore of all connected components, stopping at any branches or reducers
and changing their materials as indicated in the specification.
Consider the following sketch. The bore size of the section of pipe labeled A is 6-inches:

1. In the Detail view, right-click a pipe or component, and then click Change Bore > <Bore
Size>. For example, right-click the pipe marked A, and then click 8".
Alternately, click Tools > Change Bore > <Bore Size>.
2. Review the warnings in the Errors window.
As the software changes the bore of each component, it looks for the default material for
that bore and component type in the specification. If it does not find a default, it uses a generic
material. The software reports each of these actions as a warning in the Errors window. In the

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following illustration, the software has replaced the fitting tees (T1RCFST-BW) with generic
material because it was unable to find a default defined in the attached specification.

The default sketch color for generic material is blue, indicating that no length has been
defined.

Convert orthogonal pipe to skewed pipe

Consider the following sketch:

1. Click Make Skew on the Dimension toolbar.

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2. In the Detail window, place your mouse over a change of direction component, such as a
bend element.

The cursor changes from to .

3. Click and drag the mouse in the direction of the skew, either up or down.

4. Release the mouse button when you have the skew you want.
After creating the skew, use the Properties window to dimension it. For more
information, see Dimension a 2D skew (on page 117) and Dimension a 3D skew (on page 120).

Break a section of pipe

The Break Tube command allows you to blow a hole in a section of pipe. Breaking a section of
pipe is useful when you need to make a substantial design change to your original pipe sketch.
You can break a section of move, move it to another location in the Detail window, and then use
the routing and editing tools to create a new pipeline configuration. You can also use the Break
Tube command to place a pipe separator. A pipe separator is useful if you need to terminate
insulation at a set distance along a pipe.

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Consider the following sketch:

1. Click Break Tube on the Dimension toolbar.

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2. Click the section of pipe to be broken.

Look for the cursor to appear as .

The software inserts a gap and breaks the pipe into two sections.

3. Click Move Pipeline , and reposition the two sections of pipe as shown in the following
illustration:

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4. Click Route Pipe and route a new branch that joins the two sections together and
results in a new pipeline configuration.

 You can also use the Disconnect command to break a section of pipe.
 To insert a pipe separator, press SHIFT while clicking on the section of pipe to be broken.

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Convert a 2D skew to a 3D skew

By adding an axis, you can convert a 2D skew to a 3D skew. Consider the following sketch:

1. Right-click a skew component, and click Add > <Axis direction>.

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2. Click the axis you want to add. For example, click Up.
The contents of the Add sub-menu depend on the skew direction. In the example
above, the Axis Order is East-North (as shown in the Properties window), and the choices
in the Add sub-menu are Up and Down.
The software adds the selected axis (East-North-Up), converting the original 2D skew to a
3D skew.

 You must re-dimension the skew axis. For more information about dimensioning skewed
components, see Dimension a 3D skew (on page 120).
 You can add the axis at the other side of the skew by changing the skew axis order before
dimensioning.

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Deactivate a skew component

When you deactivate a skew component on a 2D skew, the pipes on the skew snap into place
on the remaining axis. The result is a section of orthogonal pipe. When you deactivate a skew
component on a 3D skew, the result is a 2D skew.
To convert a 2D skew into an orthogonal pipe, consider the following sketch:

1. Do one of the following:

 Right-click the vertical axisn and click Collapse. The resulting sketch resembles the
following:

 Right-click the horizontal axisn and click Collapse. The resulting sketch resembles the
following:

Deactivating a skew axis forces the skew components to run along the
remaining axis; in the previous illustration, the software was required to move the branch of
the tee in order for the pipes to "snap" into place. To control what moves where when you
deactivate a skew component, use the Properties window to change the axis order of the
skew.

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Edit Object Properties

When you use the software to produce isometric drawings, it is important to be able to specify
and change the properties of the objects that you place in your diagram. You can review and
edit the properties of an item in the Properties window.

What do you want to do?

 Edit POD properties (on page 188)
 Edit pipeline properties (on page 189)
 Edit component properties (on page 190)

Edit POD properties

1. In the Pipeline Explorer, select the POD name.
2. In the Properties window, edit the properties as needed.
POD Property Data

Property Name Description

Name Displays the name of the POD file. The information is read-only.

File Version Displays the file version of the POD.dll file.

System Isometric Reference Displays the name of the drawing generated from a system POD. For
non-system PODs, this information is read-only.

Equipment Trim Reference Displays a reference for a specific type of isometric drawing.
Do not edit.

North Arrow Displays the direction on the sketch that represents North defined as
top left, top right, bottom left, or bottom right.

Primary Spec Displays the primary specification for the POD file. If you connect to a
different specification, Primary Spec updates accordingly. This
information is read-only.

Major Revision Displays the document revision (Major). This information is read-only.

Minor Revision Displays the document revision (Minor). This information is read-only.

Revision Scheme Displays the document revision scheme. This information is read-only.

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Edit pipeline properties

1. In the Pipeline Explorer, select a pipeline.
2. In the Properties window, edit the pipeline properties as needed.
Pipeline Property Data

Property Name Description

Name Displays the name of the pipeline. By default, the software sets the
pipeline reference for the first pipeline to P-1, the second pipeline to P-
2, and so on. If you type a new name, the software also displays the
name in the Pipeline Reference box.
If you type a new name for a single, non-system POD, the
change cascades up the tree and changes both the pipeline and the
POD accordingly.

Global Offset Specify the difference (offset) between the global origin and the model
origin in XYZ coordinates.

Pipeline Reference Displays the name of the pipeline. By default, the software names the
pipeline. If you type a new name, the software also displays the name
in the Name box.

Pipe Spec Displays the reference of the connected piping specification.

Tracing Spec Type the Tracing Specification reference.

Insulation Spec Type the Insulation Specification reference.

Painting Spec Type the Painting Specification reference.

Misc Spec (1-5) Type the Miscellaneous Specification reference (you can specify up to
five).

Jacket Spec Type the Jacket Specification reference.

Jacketed piping design is not supported in SmartPlant
Isometrics 2008.

Revision Type the revision identifier.

Project Identifier Type the project number or name.

Batch/Area Type the plant area.

Date Type the date.

Nominal Class Type the pipeline design class.

Nominal Rating Type the pressure rating of the pipeline.

Pipeline Temp Type the pipeline operating temperature.

Pipeline Type Type the pipeline construction.

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Property Name Description

Specific Gravity Specific the gravity of pipeline contents.

Spool Index Type the index to be used on spool identifiers.

Replot Specify whether there is a single isometric re-plot request. If you

select True, the re-plot request is enabled. If you select False, the re-
plot request is disabled.

Weld (General) Type the prefix the software uses for the identification of all welds.

Weld (Fab) Type the prefix the software uses for the identification of all fabrication
welds.

Weld (Erec) Type the prefix the software uses for the identification of all erection
welds.

Weld (Offs) Type the prefix the software uses for the identification of all offshore
welds.

Support Weld Prefix (Fab) Type the prefix the software uses for the identification of all fabrication
pipe support welds.

Support Weld Prefix (Erec) Type the prefix the software uses for the identification of all erection
pipe support welds.

Support Weld Prefix (Offs) Type the prefix the software uses for the identification of all offshore
pipe support welds.

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Edit component properties

1. In the Pipeline Explorer, click a component type.

 Components are grouped within the Components node

 Alternately, you can click a pipe or component in the Detail view to display its properties
in the Properties window.

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2. In the Properties window, edit the component properties as needed.

Component Property Data
Although most of the properties that display in the Properties window are common to all
components and pipes, some are specific to only certain component types.

Property Name Description

Fly Text Displays a concise summary of the properties of the object currently
selected. The information displayed differs depending on the type of
object.
Pipes: Bore - SKEY - Item Code - Length, such as 6" PIPE PA5BX
Length 103.8mm (SKEY is always PIPE)
Components: Bore - SKEY - Item Code, such as 4" VBBW
B_Ball_Valve_0

External UCI Displays the system-generated unique identifier. This information is

read-only and cannot be modified.

External Index Displays a unique number that is used by ISOGEN to distinguish

components that have identical External UCIs.

Name or Tag Type a name or identifier for the component.

Category Select the category - None, Erection, Fabrication, or Offshore. The

category determines where in the Material List the pipe or component
is displayed.
Erection - Defines the component to be placed or constructed in the
field. An erection component also creates a spool break.
Fabrication - Defines the component to be fabricated in a workshop.
Offshore - Defines the component to be placed or constructed in the
field as part of an offshore operation.

Status Select the status of the component.

Normal - Pipe with a Normal status have no special status of any kind
applied. They are fully dimensioned on the isometric and are included
in the Material list.
Special - Components with Special status are drawn dotted, are fully
dimensioned on the isometric, and are not included in the Material list.
Continuation - Components with Continuation status are drawn
dotted, are un-dimensioned on the plotted isometric and are not
included on the Material list.
Undimensioned - Applies only to supports. Support is un-
dimensioned but still included in the Material list. The pipe is
dimensioned as normal.

Part Number Specify a part number for use by ISOGEN instead of its automatically
generated one. SmartPlant Isometrics has a part numbering tool that
allows you to use a user-defined part numbering system in the sketch.

Pipe Spec Displays the primary specification to which the component belongs.

Tracing Spec Type the Tracing Specification reference.

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Property Name Description

Insulation Spec Type the Insulation Specification reference.

Painting Spec Type the Paining Specification reference.

Misc Spec (1-5) Type the Miscellaneous Specification reference. You can specify up to
five.

Jack Spec Type the Jacket Specification reference.

Insulation Select whether the component is insulated. If you select Yes, the
isometric drawing displays a single dotted line to indicate that the pipe
or component is insulated. If you select No, the pipe or component is
not insulated.

Tracing Select whether the component is traced. You can choose from the
following:
Off - No tracing shown.
On - Dot/dash format line shows pipe and components traced.
Single - One dot/dash format line shows pipe and components traced.
Double - Two dot/dash format lines show pipe and components
traced.
Treble - Three dot/dash format lines show pipe and components
traced.
Quadruple - Four dot/dash format lines show pipe and components
traced.

Item Description Type a description for the pipe or component. Overrides the material
description assigned from the specification.

Plant Area Type an identifier for the area. Typically this property is specified for a
pipe when it is used in conjunction with the Waste property.

Component Remark Number Type the number that identifies the remark - or user-defined comment
- that is contained within a remarks file. The remark is plotted on the
isometric drawing

Waste Type the Basic Wastage Factor to be applied when the software
calculates pipe lengths. Factor is expressed as a percentage. For
example, type 1 for 1%, 1.5 for 1.5%, and so on.
If the property is not set, the software uses 0% by default. Waste is
used in conjunction with the Plant Area property.

Weight Type the component weight.

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Property Name Description

Weight (1-2) Type the component weight. This attribute is used in place of Weight
for fabricated tees and crosses that have unequal bores. Weight 1
applies only to the following components:
Set on cross
Stub cross
Set on tee
Stub tee
Fabricated Y-Piece
Weight 2 applies only to the following components:
Set on cross
Stub cross
Fabricated Y-Piece

BOP Elevation Defines the Bottom of Pipe elevation. Typically used to provide
additional information for construction.

Flow Direction Specify the direction of fluid flow for the pipe run.

UCI Unique component identifier.

Suppress Item Code Specify whether or not the component displays in the Material List. If
you select False, the software displays the component on the Material
List. If you select True, the item code is suppressed and does not
display on the Material List.

Material List Specify how the pipe or component is to be handled on the Material
list in the generated isometric drawing.
Include - Includes component item code on Material list only.
Exclude - Excludes the component item code from the ISOGEN
Piping Component File, and subsequently on the Material list on the
generated drawing.
Include with Iso - Shows the item code local to the component on the
isometric and in the Material list on the generated drawing. This option
applies only to inline components only.

Jacket Specify whether the component is part of a jacketed system.

Component Attribute (1-10) Type any additional properties for the pipe or component. You can
specify up to ten user-defined properties. You can output user-defined
properties on the Bill of Materials in the isometric drawing. You can
also output component attributes next to the component within the
isometric drawing.

Welding Allowance The Welding Allowance property is only available for pipes.

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Property Name Description

Ignored Tube Specify whether the pipe is ignored; that is, the software neither
considers it in the computation of system dimensions nor displays it in
the final isometric drawing. If you select True, the pipe is ignored; if
you select False, the pipe is not ignored. The Ignored Tube property
is only available for pipes and is typically used to define fitting to fitting
components.

Gasket Class This property is only available for Gaskets.

Gasket Rating This property is only available for Gaskets.

Gearbox Specify the gearbox orientation direction. This property is available

only for Instrument and Valves.

Spindle Direction / Direction Specify which direction ISOGEN uses when plotting the spindle
symbol. You can choose East, North, Up, West, South, Down. In
addition, you can type a direction string--such as E 35 N--that appears
on the isometric drawing as a message. The Spindle Direction and
Direction properties are only available for Valves.

FlangeCutPlus Specify the positive cutting allowance required in length units. The
software uses the flange cut allowance when calculating cut pipe
length. The FlangeCutPlus property is only available for Flanges.

FlangeCutMinus Specify the negative cutting allowance required in length units. The
software uses the flange cut allowance when calculating cut pipe
length. The FlangeCutMinus property is only available for Flanges.

Flange Left Loose Specify whether the flange is left loose for site fitting. If you select On,
the flange is left loose; if you select Off, it is not. The Flange Left
Loose property is only available for Flanges and is typically used in
conjunction with a field fit weld to add extra length to the pipe.

Support Direction / Direction The Support Direction and Direction properties are only available for
Supports.

Flat Direction / Direction Specify the direction the flat of the eccentric reducer is pointing. You
can choose East, North, Up, West, South, Down. In addition, you
can type a direction string--such as E 35 N--that appears on the
isometric drawing as a message. The Flat Direction and Direction
properties are only available for Eccentric Reducers.

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Bolt Properties

Property Name Description

Fly Text Displays a concise summary of the properties of the bolt currently selected.
SKEY - Item Code, such as BOLT G_Bolt_0.

External UCI Displays the system-generated unique identifier. This information is read-
only and cannot be modified.

External Index Displays a unique number that is used by ISOGEN to distinguish

components that have identical External UCIs.

Bolt Length Displays the units of dimensions (in or mm) currently used for bolt length as
defined in the .MDB. This property is read-only and cannot be modified.

Bolt Diameter Displays the units of dimensions (in or mm) currently used for bolt diameter
as defined in the .MDB. This property is read-only and cannot be modified.

Quantity Specify the quantity of bolts.

Bolt Item Description Type a description for the bolt.

Part Number Specify a part number for use by ISOGEN instead of its automatically
generated one. SmartPlant Isometrics has a part numbering tool that allows
you to use a user-defined part numbering system in the sketch.

Assembly ID Identifies the site assembly ID number. Used to assign a number to bolted
assemblies.

Category Select the category - None, Erection, Fabrication, or Offshore. The

category determines where in the Material list the bolt is displayed. The
default category for bolts is Erection.

Material List Specify how the bolt is to be handled on the Material list in the generated
isometric drawing.
Include - Includes component item code on Material list only.
Exclude - Excludes the component item code from the ISOGEN Piping
Component File, and subsequently on the Material list on the generated
drawing.
Include with Iso - Shows the item code local to the component on the
isometric and in the Material list on the generated drawing. This option
applies only to inline components only.

Weight Type the bolt weight.

UCI Unique component identifier.

Auto Generated Specify whether the software automatically assigns and creates bolt sets in
the model. If you select False, automatic generation is turned off. If you
select True, automatic generation is turned on.

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Move Objects
Components
You can reposition a component without changing its coordinates by moving it along the pipe.
The movement is constrained by the components or fittings that exist on either side of the
component being moved. As such, the actual dimensions of the pipe that runs to and from the
component are not affected by changing position of the component.
Alternatively, you can change both the graphical and the real world position of the component
simultaneously.

Pipeline
You can move pipe to make an entirely different pipeline configuration. For example, you can
move a branch and all connected components to a new location within the sketch instead of
sketching the branch again from scratch. You can also move a section of pipe so that it merges
with another section of pipe to create a single straight.
Another technique is to move - by dragging - the open end of a pipe to lengthen or shorten it.
You can also drag bend elements to increase the available space on a pipe so that you can
place additional components or alter the general configuration of the pipeline.
In short, you can move any pipe that you place in the model providing that it meets the following
rules:
1. Everything you expect to move is selected.
2. The pipes connected to the ends of the selection are parallel.
Thus, using the following illustrations, you can move the selected selections in the direction of
the arrows.

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What do you want to do?

 Reposition a component (on page 198)
 Move a pipeline (on page 199)
 Extend or shorten a length of pipe (on page 201)

Reposition a component
When you re-position a component, you can simply change its graphical position within the
pipeline, or you can change both its graphical and real world position within the pipeline. The
former has no impact on pipeline dimensions, whereas the latter requires you to update
previously defined dimensional information.
Change the Graphical Position of a Component

1. Click Select .
2. Click the component and drag it along the pipeline to its new position.
Change the Graphical and Real World Position of a Component

1. Click Select .
2. Click the component you want to re-position.

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3. While pressing the CTRL key, drag the component along the pipeline.
The software displays current dimensional information for the pipeline.

4. After you re-position the component, type the new dimension in the Dimension box and
press Enter.

Move a Pipeline
You can use Move Pipeline to move a section of pipe and all of its connected elements.
For example, you can use Move Pipeline to merge two separate sections of pipe to form a
single straight. You can also use Move Pipeline to drag skewed pipe.

Example 1
In the following illustration, two pipes are running towards each other. You can use Move
Pipeline to move one section of pipe until the two end points merge together to form one
complete straight.

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1. Click Move Pipeline on the Edit toolbar. Alternatively, click Edit > Move Pipeline.
2. Select the pipe to move.
3. With the mouse button depressed, drag the pipe toward the open end of the other pipeline.
4. Release the mouse button when the two end points merge together.

 The cursor appears as when the two points merge together.

 The cursor appears as when a branch is created.

When you merge two individual pipe lengths to form a single straight length of pipe, the
software recalculates the total dimension based on the total dimension of both sections of pipe.
Consider the following examples:
 One section of pipe is dimensioned (2000mm), while the other section of pipe is
undimensioned (0mm). The software calculates the final pipe length to be 2000mm
(2000mm+0mm).
 Both sections of pipe are dimensioned--one is 500mm and the other is 2000mm. The
software calculates the final pipe length to be 2500mm (2000+500mm).
 Both sections of pipe are undimensioned. After merging the two pipe sections, you must
enter an appropriate dimension.
 If the pipes have different bores, the software automatically inserts a reducer (or expander)
to join the two pipe sections.

Example 2
You can use the Move Pipeline command to adjust the 2D representation of skews in the
sketch. Consider the following sketch of a 2D skew:

1. Click Move Pipeline .

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2. With the mouse, drag from the center of the bend at the end of the skew.
The resulting sketch resembles the following:

Extend or shorten a length of pipe

You can shorten or extend in the same direction an existing pipe that has at least one open end.
This technique is useful when you need to make new connections, especially if design changes
to the pipeline configuration are necessary.
1. Click an open end of pipe.
2. Drag the end point of the pipe to extend or shorten it as necessary, and then release the
mouse button.
If the pipe bumps up against another open end, the software places a bend element,
reducer, or branch element as appropriate.

Move a pipe branch

Another useful pipe editing technique is the ability to slide a branch and all of its connected
components along the main run of pipe to which it is connected. This is particularly useful when
it is necessary to make room for other components, so that you can increase the amount of pipe
available in order to place additional components.
The implied fittings at each end of the pipe act as natural barriers, preventing
movement beyond that point. In fact, even if no components exist, just an open end of pipe, the
software does not allow you to move the branch beyond the end point of the pipe.
1. Click the tee that connects the branch to the main pipe run.
2. Press ALT and drag the mouse along the pipe run in the appropriate direction.
3. When the branch is repositioned, release ALT.

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SECTION 8

Import and Export Piping Data

ISOGEN is a popular and widely-used way of automatically generating 2D piping isometric
drawings. It is integrated with most major plant design systems, many of which create either the
Piping Component File (PCF) or the Intermediate Data File (IDF) as their main data input to
ISOGEN.
Because of ISOGEN's popularity, there are countless pipeline descriptions in PCF and IDF
formats. Because SmartPlant Isometrics is frequently used in conjunction with a 3D plant design
products, its importing capabilities allow you to load piping data from other plant design systems,
such as PDS, PDMS and AutoPlant, and then edit the data using the tools available in
SmartPlant Isometrics. For example, you can bring as-design isometrics, in either IDF or PCF
format, up to as-built status, by adding modifications such as vents and drains. When you import
piping data, the resulting model is identical to the one that you would create if you were starting
from scratch. After import, all SmartPlant Isometrics commands are available: you can route
pipe, place components, and detail the isometric as usual, and then generate a new drawing
showing your modifications.
Prior to importing a PCF or IDF into SmartPlant Isometrics, see Appendix:
Considerations for Importing Piping Data (on page 309).

Exporting Data from SmartPlant Isometrics

You can export piping data from SmartPlant Isometrics that can be imported into Smart 3D
using the File > Export > XMpLant command. The transfer of as-built data between SmartPlant
Isometrics and the 3D design model is a multi-step operation:
1. Define the required project defaults in I-Configure.
2. Edit the XML configuration file to reflect the necessary POD to XMpLant mapping
definitions.
A sample mapping file is delivered with the software, but it is only intended as
starting point. For more information, see Appendix: POD to XMpLant Mapping File
Definitions (on page 313).
3. Export the piping data from SmartPlant Isometrics to an XML-formatted file for import to
Smart 3D.
4. Import the XML file data using the appropriate File > Import command in Smart 3D. For
more information about importing data into Smart 3D, refer to the documentation delivered
with that software.

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Export to XMpLant Dialog Box (on page 207)

What do you want to do?

 Import a single piping data file (on page 203)
 Import a file using the command line (O_571471on page 205)
 Batch import piping data (on page 205)
 Define the project default for exporting piping data (on page 206)
 Export piping data (on page 207)

Import a single piping data file

1. Click File > Import > File.
2. Browse to the folder location containing the piping data file you want to import.
By default, SmartPlant Isometrics looks in the Inputs folder of the current project for
the data files. After you have located and loaded a file, the software remembers this location
and uses the same location for subsequent imports.
3. Select the file you want to import from the list of available piping data files.

 SmartPlant Isometrics imports IDF, PCF, and other file formats.

 Use the Files of Type list to switch between the supported piping file formats.

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4. Click Open.
After the file is successfully imported, the software displays the fully defined sketch
representation in the Detail window, as shown in the following illustration:

 The imported file is automatically saved as a POD file in the Pipes and SPIImport folders of
the current project.
 If the software fails to import the pipeline due to bad data or some other inconsistency within
the piping data file, it displays an appropriate error message.
 Import processing results are also written in the SPIImport.mes file and saved to the
SPIImport\Messages folder of the current project. This message file reports any
irregularities or errors that the software encountered while importing the piping data file and
is useful in troubleshooting import failures. To view its contents, open the message file with
any standard text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad.
 You can also import a piping data file from the command line. For more information, see
Command Line Options.

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Import a piping data file using the command line

You can use the command line to import piping data into the software. Optionally, you can also
use command line options to specify the isometric directory and project. Typically, the software
opens subsequent to performing the specified operation. However, you can perform command
line processes and also suppress the software from opening.
1. Open the Command Prompt window.
To display the Command Prompt window, click the Start button, and then type
command in the Search box. Select Command Prompt in the search results listing.
2. Type the required command line parameters. For example, type:
"SmartPlant Isometrics.exe" /import
"C:\SampleIsoDir\S5Tutorial\Imports\SG-T1.IDF" /isodirectory
C:\SampleIsoDir /project SPITutorial
/isodirectory and /project specify the isometric directory and project.
3. Press ENTER.
The software imports the file and saves it to the specified isometric directory and project.

 The software accepts either / or -. For example, you can type /import or -import.
 When specifying a file, you must include the full path location and filename.
 You can specify multiple files on the command line. You must specify the full path location
and filename for each file. In the following example, four files are being imported:
"SmartPlant Isometrics.exe" /import
"C:\SampleIsoDir\S5Tutorial\Imports\SG-T1.IDF"
"C:\SampleIsoDir\S5Tutorial\Imports\SG-T2.IDF"
"C:\SampleIsoDir\S5Tutorial\Imports\SG-T3.IDF"
"C:\SampleIsoDir\S5Tutorial\Imports\SG-T4.IDF" /isodirectory
C:\SampleIsoDir /project SPITutorial
 In the example above, the software opens after the command is executed. To keep the
software from opening, you can use the /silent command line option.

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Batch import piping data

1. Click File > Import > File.
2. Browse to the folder location containing the piping data files you want to import.
3. Select multiple files by holding the CTRL key while you click each individual file and then
click OK.

 SmartPlant Isometrics imports IDF, PCF and other file formats.

 Use the Files of Type list to switch between the supported piping file formats.
 Each pipeline is processed in turn and automatically saved as a POD file in the Pipes
and SPIImport folders of the current project.
4. After import processing completes, the software displays a message box. You can click Yes
to view the log file, or click No to close the message box without viewing the log file.

 The log file, SPIBatchImport.log, is saved to your local Temp folder. To view its contents,
open the log file in Notepad.
 If the software fails to import the pipeline due to bad data or some other inconsistency within
the piping data file, it will display an appropriate error message.
 Import processing results are also written in the SPIImport.mes file saved to the
SPIImport\Messages folder of the current project. This message file reports any
irregularities or errors that the software encountered while importing the piping data file and
is useful in troubleshooting import failures. To view its contents, open the message file with
any standard text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad.
 You can also import multiple piping data files from the command line. For more information,
see Command Line Options.

Define the project default for exporting piping data

When you install the software, the file POD_XM_SP3D_MappingFile.xml is delivered to
C:\SampleIsoDir\SPITutorial\Data\Processing by default. Unless you specify otherwise, the
software uses this file when it exports piping data to the Smart 3D-supported XML format.
1. Open I-Configure.
Click Start > Intergraph SmartPlant Isometrics > I-Configure.
2. Select the current isometric project in the Project View panel, and then click Project
Defaults on the horizontal toolbar. Alternatively, select the project, and then click Edit >
Project Defaults.
The <Project Name> Project Defaults dialog box appears.
3. Locate XMpLant Mapping File in the list of project defaults on the Project Defaults tab.

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4. Click in the Value box for XMpLant Mapping File, and then click .
The Specify File dialog box appears.
5. Navigate to the file, and then click Open.
6. Click OK to close the <Project> Project Defaults dialog box, and then click File > Exit to
exit I-Configure.

Export piping data

1. Click File > Export > XMpLant.
The Export to XMpLant dialog box appears.
Export to XMpLant Dialog Box (on page 207)
2. Specify the names and full path locations of the XML file to create, the mapping file on which
to base the XML file, and at what location in the Smart 3D hierarchy you want to create the
piping data.
3. Click OK to export the piping data.

Export to XMpLant Dialog Box

XML file to create - Type the file name and full path location of the XML file you want to create.
If necessary, you can click Browse and navigate to the appropriate file and folder location. By
default, the software saves the new XML file to the Pipes folder in the current project and
appends the name of the current POD file with .xml. For example, if the current file is named
Isometric1.POD the software saves the exported XML file as Isometric1.POD.xml.
Configuration file - Type the file name and full path location of the configuration file that
controls the POD to XMpLant mapping. If necessary, you can click Browse and navigate to the
appropriate file and folder location. By default, the software uses the XMpLant Mapping File
setting defined in I-Configure. For more information, see SmartPlant Isometrics Project Defaults
(on page 49).
System hierarchy location - Specify at what point in the Smart 3D system hierarchy you want
the piping data to be created. By default, the software uses Piping as the default location.
See Also
Appendix: POD to XMpLant Mapping File Definitions (on page 313)
Define the Project Default for Exporting Piping Data (on page 206)
Export Piping Data (on page 207)

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SECTION 9

Point Cloud Integration

Point clouds are created by 3D laser scanners. These devices measure a large number of
points on the surface of an object and output a point cloud as a data file. The point cloud
represents the visible surface of the object that has been scanned or digitized. Using point
clouds saves redrawing a piping model, while still being able to add to it or build on top of it.
When merged with digital photographs, point clouds can produce nearly photo-realistic 3D
views, as shown in the example below.

CloudWorx for SmartPlant Isometrics is an add-on for efficiently creating as-built piping
isometrics from laser-scanned point cloud data using the industry-leading ISOGEN software.
When piping isometrics are needed for inspection, maintenance, or repair activities, this add-on
makes it possible to do a traditional "walk down" without leaving the office.
Pipe centerlines and diameters are automatically calculated by selecting a single point on the
pipe surface. Using these construction lines and the SmartPlant Isometrics native sketching
tools, you can create intelligent as-built piping models. Leica Geosystems' CloudWorx and the
powerful Cyclone™ point cloud engine let you efficiently visualize large point cloud data sets.
You can create accurate 2D as-builts, check proposed designs against existing conditions, and
perform critical construction and fabrication quality assurance all directly within SmartPlant
Isometrics.
To begin using the point cloud integration functionality in SmartPlant Isometrics, you must set up
at least one point cloud database. You can set up the point cloud so that it is available only on a
single local computer or so that both the local and remote computers are able to access the
data.

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Each time that you connect to a point cloud data set, the software immediately displays it in the
3D View window. The SmartPlant Isometrics 3D View commands allow you to navigate around
the point cloud and search for an area of interest. Next, you use the SmartPlant Isometrics
standard routing and placement commands to create a sketch of the piping configuration as it
appears in the point cloud.
After you have completed the basic pipeline model sketch, you must then take measurements
from the point cloud and transfer them to the referenced sketch. Only a few measurements are
needed because SmartPlant Isometrics can do many of the calculations automatically. The
software performs the calculations based on the defined pipeline configuration and the known
dimensions for the piping components in the currently active pipe specification.
At a minimum, a single user-specified point is required on the pipe in the point cloud. The
software takes this point and searches for other points in the same region that lie on the surface
of the cylinder. Provided that the fit is good and the centerline is accurate, measurements can
then be taken from the centerline and used to complete the referenced piping isometric sketch.
The system supports two measurement points: one that indicates the measurement start point
(red), and one that indicates the measurement end point (green). These points are constrained
to move on the fitted pipe centerline and are used to capture key coordinates and
measurements.

Three key types of measurements can be transferred between the point cloud and the
referenced sketch:
 A point or a coordinate.
 A length to an individual section of pipe.
 A length to a dimension spanning more than one component.
To transfer measurements, the software supports the methods listed below.

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 Drag and Drop - Transfer a value from the Point Cloud Measurements window by clicking
the appropriate icon on the left side of the window, dragging it into position in the pipeline
sketch, and then releasing it.

 Copy and Paste - Copy a value to the clipboard by clicking the appropriate icon on the left
side of the window, and then pasting it into the destination dialog box. When you copy a
measurement point in this way, all three coordinate values (E/N/U) are copied to the
clipboard.

To copy only one of the coordinate values, select the value, and then press CTRL+C to
copy it. Alternatively, right-click the value, and select Copy in the pop-up menu.

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Point Cloud Toolbar

The Point Cloud toolbar displays automatically when you connect to a point cloud database.
The toolbar includes two categories of commands: those that control the view of the point cloud
display and those that facilitate measuring the pipeline.

 Use View > Toolbars > Point Cloud to manually toggle on and off the display of the
toolbar.
 Select a command on the Point Cloud toolbar, to make the 3D View window active.
 If you are not currently connected to a point cloud data set, the commands on the Point
Cloud toolbar are not available.

View Commands:

Density - Specifies the density of the displayed point cloud data. Select Maximum unless
there are severe performance problems. Other available settings are High, Medium, Low,
or Minimum.

Select - Cancels the current command and returns to the default Select mode.

Seek- Centers the view of the point cloud display on a user-specified point. You can rotate
and zoom in and out from this point to quickly find the required piping.

Increase Point Size - Increases the size of the dots that represent each data point. When
the view is zoomed in close to the model, increasing the point size can make point cloud
features easier to see.

Decrease Point Size - Reduces the size of the dots that represent each data point. When
the view is zoomed out from the model, decreasing the point size can make point cloud
features easier to see.

Define Working Region - Defines a rectangular-shaped area in the point cloud based on
two user-specified points. The working region allows you to focus on a specific area in the
point cloud, such as a pipeline. This command includes the two options listed below:
 Crop - Excludes points outside the defined rectangle from view.
 Reset - Restores the full point cloud.
When using the crop feature, it is recommended that you view the point cloud using
plan or elevation view. For more information, see Change the view orientation (on page 29).

Orthographic - Sets the 3D View window in Orthographic mode.

Perspective - Sets the 3D View window in Perspective mode. This is the default setting

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Measurement Commands:

Pipe Measurement - Fits a cylinder and pipe centerline to a user-specified straight length of
pipe. You must select at least one point on the pipe. This command includes the following
options:
 Show Fitted Pipes - Toggles on and off the display of the cylinder fitted to the pipe.
 Show Fitted Centerlines - Toggles on and off the display of the centerline fitted to the
pipe.
 Undo Fit - Reverses the last fitting operation so that you can select a different point and
repeat the calculation. You can also press ALT+Z to undo the last fitted pipe.
 Clear Fittings - Clears all fitted cylinders and centerlines.

Set Start Point - Sets the measurement start point along the fitted pipe centerline.

Set End Point - Sets the measurement end point along the fitted pipe centerline.

Point Measure - Records the distance between user-specified measurement start and end
points and displays them in the Point Cloud Measurements window.

Lock Vertical Alignment - Eliminates camera roll regardless of the viewpoint. When
camera roll is disabled, the software locks the vertical alignment so that the model remains
visually horizontal or vertical.

View as 1st Person - Enables the camera view to mirror the movement of the mouse as it
is dragged to the left or right. Rolling the mouse wheel moves the camera view forwards and
backwards.

View as 3rd Person - Orients the camera view on a centered point. Dragging the mouse
rotates the view around the centered point. Rolling the mouse wheel zooms in and out on
the centered point.

Hide/Show Window - Toggles on and off the display of the Point Cloud Measurements
window.

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Point Cloud Measurements Window

Displays measurement and coordinate data from the point cloud. The software opens this
window automatically when a point cloud data set is loaded and displayed in the 3D View
window. Use copy and paste or drag and drop to transfer the coordinates and lengths from the
Point Cloud Measurements window to the sketched pipeline in the SmartPlant Isometrics
Detail window.

Start Point Coordinates - Displays the current E/N/U coordinates of the measurement start
point along the fitted pipe centerline This coordinate data is defined by the location of the point
on the pipe that you select using Set Start Point on the Point Cloud toolbar.

End Point Coordinates - Displays the current E/N/U coordinates of the measurement end
point along the fitted pipe centerline. This coordinate data is defined by the location point on
the pipe that you select using Set End Point on the Point Cloud toolbar.

Start/End Points Delta - Specifies the difference in E/N/U coordinates between the start and
end measurement points along the fitted pipe centerline.

Start/End Points Distance - Specifies the distance between the start and end measurement
points along the fitted pipe centerline.

Pick Point 1 Coordinates - Displays the current E/N/U coordinates of the first selected point in
the point cloud. This coordinate data is defined by the first point that you select in the point
cloud using Point Measure on the Point Cloud toolbar.

Pick Point 2 Coordinates - Displays the current E/N/U coordinates of the second selected
point in the point cloud. This coordinate data is defined by the second point that you select in
the point cloud using Point Cloud Measure on the Point Cloud toolbar.

Pick Points Delta - Specifies the difference in E/N/U coordinates between the first and second
points that you select using Point Cloud Measure .

Pick Points Distance - Specifies the distance between the first and second points that you
select using Point Cloud Measure .

Information - Displays status messages about the point cloud and the measurement options
being performed.

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Common Tasks
The following tasks are frequently used when working with point cloud data.

Set up a data set and define settings

Each client computer on which SmartPlant Isometrics is installed, must be set up to access point
cloud data on the local computer or on a remote server. Also, to make a point cloud database
available for use in SmartPlant Isometrics, you must add it to the list of databases on the
computer where it is stored. For more information, see Set up access to a point cloud data set in
the SmartPlant Isometrics Installation Guide. You can access this document using the Help >
Printable Guides command in the software. After the local computer is set up, you can define
settings that control how the point cloud is loaded and displayed in the software. Adjusting the
settings can also help improve performance.
Define point cloud settings (on page 216)

Connect to a data set and locate the required objects

Select which of the available point clouds you want to use. Then, use the commands on the
View and 3D View toolbars, along with the Seek and Define Working Region commands on
the Point Cloud toolbar, to navigate the point cloud and isolate the part of the data set that
contains the section of pipeline that you want to model. This involves cropping the point cloud to
reduce the volume of data so that you can focus on a specific part of the point cloud.
Connect to a point cloud data set (on page 217)
Locate objects in the point cloud (on page 218)

Compute the pipe centerline

The first step in building an as-built isometric for the selected pipeline is to fit cylinders to the
selected piping in the point cloud. This is done by placing a single point on the surface of each
pipe in the configuration. With each user-specified point, the software searches for associated
points in the same region and uses this data to calculate measurements.
Fit the pipe (on page 221)

Create a referenced pipe sketch

Use the standard routing and component placement commands and tools in SmartPlant
Isometrics to create the basic pipe sketch and flesh out any fittings that exist in the point cloud
data set.
Sketch the piping configuration (on page 223).

Define the pipeline

Use drag and drop or copy and paste to transfer coordinate data and dimensions from the point
cloud to the SmartPlant Isometrics model to completely define the pipeline.
Transfer measurement points (on page 225)
Transfer a length to a section of pipe (on page 228)
Transfer a length to a dimension (on page 231)
Define measurements with two points (on page 232)
Measure to a point off the centerline (on page 233)

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Generate drawings
After all of the pipeline and component dimensions are fully defined, use the Generate
Drawings command to run the referenced piping sketch through ISOGEN and create a
high-quality, standard drawing deliverable.
Isometric Drawing Generation (on page 241)

What do you want to do?

 Define point cloud settings (on page 216)
 Connect to a point cloud data set (on page 217)
 Locate objects in the point cloud (on page 218)
 Fit the pipe (on page 221)
 Sketch the piping configuration (on page 223)
 Transfer measurement points (on page 225)
 Transfer a length to a section of pipe (on page 228)
 Transfer a length to a dimension (on page 231)
 Define measurements with two points (on page 232)
 Measure to a point off the centerline (on page 233)

Define point cloud settings

1. Click Tools > Options.
The Options dialog box appears.
2. On the Point Cloud tab, define the settings as needed.
Point Cloud Tab (Options Dialog Box) (on page 41)
3. Click OK.

 If you specify a value for Load limit that is below the number of points in a point cloud data
set, the overall density of the data or the density of portions of the data is reduced to best
match the defined limit. The recommendation is to set this value above the size of the point
clouds to be used but below the amount of memory the computer has available. For
example, loading a dataset of 250 million points requires approximately 2GB of main
memory. If your computer does not meet this requirement, set the Load limit value
accordingly.
 If you specify a value for Display limit that is below the number of points in a point cloud
data set, the overall density of the data or the density of portions of the data is reduced to
best match the defined limit. For example, if your graphics hardware comprises twin 8GB
graphics card or a single 16 GB graphics card, you set the maximum value of 640. For a
256MB graphics card, 10 is a good setting for fast, interactive display.

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Connect to a point cloud data set

1. Click File > Point Cloud Data > Connect.
The Connect to Cyclone HDS Data dialog box opens.
2. In the Cyclone HDS Data tree, expand the nodes as needed to locate the required
ModelSpaces view. In the example below, Plant 1 View 1 Registered is selected.
You must select a registered ModelSpaces view in the point cloud data set.
Registered views are located under a Registration node in the Cyclone HDS Data tree.

3. If needed, select the coordinate system from the list. If a user-specified coordinate system
was defined in the Cyclone software, it is available in this list. Otherwise, the software uses
the default coordinate system.

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4. Click OK.
The software opens the SmartPlant Isometrics 3D View window and displays the selected
point cloud data set.

 The connection to the point cloud data set remains active throughout the current session. To
terminate the connection, click File > Point Cloud Data > Disconnect.
 If the 3D View window is displaying an active pipeline, the software updates the view to
show the pipeline and the point cloud data set. Make sure that any pipeline that you are
currently viewing is associated with the point cloud load. Otherwise, the pipeline and the
point cloud can appear very small when they are both fitted to the 3D View window.
 The standard View and 3D View commands work on any visible pipelines and the point
cloud data set. For more information about these commands, see Control the Display of
Data (on page 24).

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Locate objects in the point cloud

1. Connect to a point cloud data set (on page 217) if you are not already connected to one.
2. Click Orthogonal on the Point Cloud toolbar to view the point cloud in orthogonal
mode.
3. Use the commands on the View and 3D View toolbars to located and isolate the section of
pipeline that you want to model.

 Click Standard View on the 3D View toolbar, and set the viewpoint to be plan or
elevation. Select one of the following options: Look Down, Look Up, Look East, Look
West, Look North, or Look South.

 Use Zoom Tool and Pan on the View toolbar to isolate the part of the point
cloud that contains the pipeline you want to model. Alternatively, select the required
commands from the View menu.

 As you zoom in on and out from the point cloud, using Increase Point Size and
Decrease Point Size on the Point Cloud toolbar can make the features in the
point cloud easier to see.
 For more information about the View and 3D View commands, see Control the
Display of Data (on page 24).

4. Click Seek on the Point Cloud toolbar, and then select a visible feature on the pipe
around which to center the view.
The software centers the viewpoint on the object allowing you to rotate the point cloud
model around the selected point.

Click Lock Vertical Alignment to lock the vertical axis. As you rotate the point
cloud, it remains aligned horizontally.
5. Continue using the Seek and Standard View commands until you have a clear view of the
required pipeline section.
6. Click Define Working Region on the Point Cloud toolbar, and define a rectangular box
around the area of interest in the 3D View window.

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7. In the Define Working Region list, select Crop.

Points outside the rectangular box are no longer visible.

8. Use the SmartPlant Isometrics routing and component placement tools to sketch the piping
configuration (on page 223).

 If needed, select Reset in the Define Working Region list to reverse the effect of the
crop and restore the full point cloud so that you can redraw the rectangle.
 The views that you create, such as cropping of the image and the pipes you fit, are
remembered between sessions. When you reconnect to a point cloud that you have
previously used, the software restores those settings.

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Fit the pipe

1. Click Pipe Measurement on the Point Cloud toolbar.
The 3D View window becomes active automatically when you select a command on the
Point Cloud toolbar.
2. Select a point on the pipe surface.
The software fits a cylinder and pipe centerline to the selected straight length of pipe. The
fitted cylinder (1) and its centerline (2) are shown in gray on the point cloud.

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 If needed, use the Undo Fit option to undo the fitting operation so that you can select
another point on the pipeline and repeat the calculation. Alternatively, press ALT+Z.

 If the pipe measurement operation fails, the software remains in pipe fitting mode so
that you can select another point. The software also displays a message in the
Information box on the Point Cloud Measurements window, similar to the
example below.

3. Continue placing a single point on each pipe surface until all pipes in the configuration are
fitted.

The software computes coordinate and measurement data based on the initial start ( )
and end ( ) measurement points on the pipeline. The Point Cloud Measurements window
automatically updates to show the current position of the start and end measurement points,
along with delta values for the E/N/U coordinates and the overall distance between the start
and end points.

4. Sketch the piping configuration (on page 223) so that you can begin transferring
measurements as needed to create fully defined pipeline.
To delete a fitted pipe, double-click the fitted pipe in the 3D View window and then press
Delete.

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Sketch the piping configuration

1. Use the Pipe Measurement list on the Point Cloud toolbar to turn off Show Fitted
Pipes. The fitted cylinders are useful for seeing the accuracy of the fit calculations, but now
only the centerlines are needed.

2. In the Detail window, sketch the pipe layout as it appears in the point cloud. For more
information about routing and placing components, see Route Pipe (on page 66) and Place
Components (on page 90).

To determine the bore size to use for pipe routing, place the mouse cursor over one of
the fitted cylinders. The software displays the calculated outside diameter (OD) and the
nominal size (Bore) as defined in the currently active piping specification.

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 Set the point cloud viewpoint so that it matches the isometric area. For example, if the
North arrow points to the top left, use the Standard View command to set the viewpoint
to Iso North: Top Left.
 While sketching the pipeline model, the currently active SmartPlant Isometrics pipe
specification controls many of the default settings, such as the default branch
component.
3. Continue using the component placement commands to add any fittings that you can
identify in the point cloud to finish the pipeline model.

When fittings are butted up together, use the Properties window to set Ignored
Tube to True. This represents the logical connection between the fittings, and the pipe does
not appear in the final ISOGEN-generated drawing.

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4. Click File > Save to save the new piping data file. Saving this file effectively creates a
reference to the selected point cloud data object.
5. Using the data in the Point Cloud Measurements window, transfer the measurements as
needed to fully define the pipeline.
Transfer measurement points (on page 225)
Transfer a length to a section of pipe (on page 228)
Transfer a length to a dimension (on page 231)

Transfer measurement points

Use Standard View to orient the view of the 3D model so that you can see the
centerlines more clearly. For more information, see Control the Display of Data (on page 24).

1. Click Set Start Point on the Point Cloud toolbar.

2. In the point cloud, position the measurement start point on a feature, such as a flange face,
a weld, or the center of an elbow. In the example below, the weld line is used to locate the
tee.
Left-click to lock the position of the measurement point.

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3. Drag Start Point Coordinates from the Point Cloud Measurements window, and
drop it on the corresponding location of the pipe sketch in the Detail window
The pipe highlights in the 3D View window, and the new origin that is placed on the pipe
sketch is indicated. SmartPlant Isometrics uses the new point data to calculate additional
measurement data.
Because the components that appear on sketched pipe in the Detail window are
selected from an active piping specification, their dimensions are known. As such, they
appear green in the example below, which is the default color for a fully specified
component.

4. Click Set End Point on the Point Cloud toolbar.

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5. In the point cloud, position the measurement end point on as needed.

6. Drag End Point Coordinates from the Point Cloud Measurements window and drop it
in the appropriate location on the pipe sketch in the Detail window.
7. Continue placing measurements in the point cloud and transferring them to the pipe sketch
until all of the dimensions of the pipeline configuration are fully defined.
8. Click File > Save to save your changes.
By default, coordinate averaging is turned on. To turn off this feature, you must clear the
Enabled check box on the Point Cloud Tab (Options dialog box) (on page 41).

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Transfer a length to a section of pipe

1. Use Set Start Point and Set End Point on the Point Cloud toolbar to position
measurement points over the ends of the pipe. An example is shown below.

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The software displays the coordinate values in the Point Cloud Measurements window
accordingly, and computes the distance between the two measurement points.

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2. Drag Start/End Points Distance from the Point Cloud Measurements window to the
corresponding location on the referenced piping sketch in the Detail window.
The selected pipe highlights so that you can confirm where the data is applied.

3. Click File > Save to save your changes.

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Transfer a length to a dimension

1. Use Set Start Point and Set End Point on the Point Cloud toolbar to position
measurement points over the ends of the pipe. An example is shown below.

2. Switch to the referenced piping sketch in the Detail window, and click Dimension Pipeline
on the Dimension toolbar. Alternatively, click Dimension > Dimension Pipeline.
3. Define a start point by selecting the section of the pipe to dimension.
You can only select discrete points on the pipeline, such as the ends of a pipe or the
ends or the middle of a component. The points can span only one length of unknown pipe.
4. Click the pipe again to define the end point.
The software displays markers to indicate the span of the dimension, and displays an empty
Dimension box.

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5. Drag Start/End Points Distance from the Point Cloud Measurements window and
drop it in the Dimension box.

6. Click File > Save to save your changes.

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Define measurements with two points

1. If it is not already open, click File > Open to locate and open the referenced piping sketch.
2. Click Point Measure on the Point Cloud toolbar.
3. Select two points on the point cloud.
The software records the coordinates and the distance between them in the Point Cloud
Measurements window.

4. Open the referenced piping sketch, and transfer the measurements as needed to fully define
the pipeline.
Transfer measurement points (on page 225)
Transfer a length to a section of pipe (on page 228)
Transfer a length to a dimension (on page 231)

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Measure to a point off the centerline

The workflow below is useful when you need to accurately measure where a weld, valve, or
flange needs to be placed on the sketched pipeline.
1. Click Point Measure on the Point Cloud toolbar.
The cursor shape changes to a cross-hair.
2. In the point cloud, select an existing centerline measurement point. In the example below
the green measurement end point is selected.

3. Move the mouse along the centerline to relocate the measurement point so that it is
perpendicular to the location that you want to measure. In the example below, the
measurement point has been moved so that it is perpendicular to the end of the valve.

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Because you are using Point Measure to define additional measurement

points, the software updates the Point Cloud Measurements window with values for the
selected points.

4. Click a point in the point cloud to finish the measurement. In the example below, the new
measurement point has been fixed in the center of the valve operator

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5. To transfer the new measurement to the pipeline, drag Pick Points Distance from the
Point Cloud Measurements window and drop it in the appropriate location in the sketch.

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SECTION 10

Custom Symbols for Isometric Drawings

A drawing generated by SmartPlant Isometrics produces standard symbols for all components.
These symbols can be customized to suit your specific project requirements using the
companion product SmartPlant Symbol Editor.

All components generated by ISOGEN are defined by a unique code called a symbol key
(SKEY). The graphical symbols drawn on the isometric are based on these component SKEYs.
To change the shape of the symbol, you must modify its SKEY. ISOGEN has a standard library
of SKEYs, most of which can be redefined. It is also possible to create your own SKEY,
presuming that it is based on an existing standard SKEY.
The symbol editor software provides a convenient way of redefining existing XML-based or
ASCII symbol files and saving the changes to a project XML file. SmartPlant Isometrics can read
the redefined symbol data in the project XML file and display the redefined symbols during the
creation and editing of the piping object data file. Redefined symbols can also be output on
SmartPlant Isometrics-generated drawings, depending on the settings you define on the
Generate Drawings dialog box (on page 248).

 In order to retrieve the symbol data stored in the project XML file, SmartPlant Isometrics
must be connected to the same project that was used by the symbol editor software to
redefine the symbol.
 Not all symbol shapes can be redefined. This restriction applies mainly to pipe-based fittings
such as elbows, pulled bends, tees, and crosses.
 SmartPlant Symbol Editor is installed automatically during a default setup of SmartPlant
Isometrics. If you did not perform a default setup of the software, see Add Individual Tools
After Installing the Core Product in SmartPlant Isometrics Installation Guide, which is
accessible using the Help > Printable Guides command in the software.

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Understanding SKEYs
All components generated by ISOGEN are defined by a two to four character code called an
SKEY, or symbol key. The first two characters define the type of component, such as globe
valve or concentric reducer, and the last two characters define the end type, such as flanged,
butt welded, or screwed. For example, the SKEY VGFL denotes a flanged (FL) globe valve
(VG). You can specify an appropriate end condition by replacing the ** characters in the SKEY
with one of the set of characters listed in the table below.

SKEY
End Condition
Characters

BW Butt Weld

CP Compression

SW Socket Weld

FL Flanged

SC Screwed

PL Plain End

LN Liner Nut

LC Liner / Clamp

LR Reducing Liner / Nut

MP Male Part

PF Push Fit

GL Glued

CL Clamped

FA Flared

BS / SB Ball and Socket (used on fixed length type pipe work)

GF Gland (used on fixed length type pipe work)

 Components such as miter bends and pulled bends can have special characters in the
SKEY to affect its shape, as detailed below.
 To denote the number of segments, replace the At sign (@) in the SKEY with an integer
value in the range 1 to 9, inclusive.

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 To denote the bend radius, replace the Plus sign (+) in the SKEY with an integer value
in the range 1 to 9, inclusive. This is for identification only and is not used for pipe length
calculations.
For more information about the ISOGEN SKEY library, see ISOGEN Symbol Key Definitions
Reference Guide. You can access this document using the Help > Printable Guides command
in the software.

Redefine a symbol for isometric drawings

1. Click Start > All Programs > Intergraph SmartPlant Isometrics > Symbol Editor.
The symbol editor software opens.
2. Click File > Select Project.
The Select Project dialog box appears.
Select Project Dialog Box (on page 63)
3. In the Isometric Directory list, select the isometric directory that contains the project to
connect.
4. Select the required project in the Project List, and then click OK.
5. Right-click a component in the Library Explorer, and select New Symbol from the context
menu. Alternatively, select a component type in the Library Explorer, and click Symbol >
New Symbol.
The New Symbol dialog box appears.
6. Specify the required options for the new symbol.
 Use the Original SKEY list to specify the standard symbol on which the new symbol is
to be based.
 Select Copy original symbol graphics to make the standard symbol shape available
for editing.
 If the symbol to be redefined is a valve or instrument, use the Spindle SKEY list to
specify the required spindle. For example, select the 01SP spindle.
7. Click OK.
8. Modify the symbol as needed.
 Use the commands on the Symbol menu to modify the symbol shape or add tapping
points.
 Click in the Edit window, and use the commands on the toolbar and the Symbol menu
to draw additional lines for the symbol. Click Undo to correct any mistakes. Right-click
to stop drawing lines.
After you have redefined the symbol, click File > Save to Project
The redefined symbol data is stored in the project XML file. SmartPlant Isometrics can read
this XML file and display the redefined symbol shapes in the pipeline model or output them
on the isometric drawing.

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9. Click File > Exit to close the editor.

 For more detailed information about using the tools and techniques in this workflow, see
SmartPlant Symbol Editor User’s Guide, which is available using the Help > Printable
Guides command in the software.
 To display redefined symbols in the pipeline model, you must connect to the same project as
was used to redefine the symbol in SmartPlant Symbol Editor.
 To output redefined symbols on the isometric drawing, you must select Use project
symbols on the Generate Drawings dialog box.

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SECTION 11

Isometric Drawing Generation

After the sketch is completed and fully dimensioned, the final stage in creating an isometric is to
generate the drawing using ISOGEN. The following graphic illustrates the various tasks that the
drawing generation process can include:

You can generate your isometrics one drawing at a time, or you can use the batch functionality
delivered with the software to generate multiple drawings simultaneously. After the drawing
generation process finishes, you can view and print the isometric drawing using either the
software associated with the output drawing file type or by using the SmartSketch View software
that is software delivered on the SmartPlant Isometrics product CD.
For more information regarding how to install SmartSketch Viewer, read the SmartPlant
Isometrics Installation Guide, available with the Help > Printable Guides command in the
software.

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While the process of creating a drawing is usually trouble-free, occasional problems, such as
disconnected or inconsistent pipelines, can occur. In these instances, depending on the severity
of the problem, the software does one of the following:
 Generates the drawing and alerts you of the inconsistency or incidence of disconnected pipe
so that you can take appropriate corrective action.
 Fails to complete the drawing generation process altogether until the problem is corrected.

Generate Drawings Dialog Box (on page 248)

What do you want to do?

 Define drawing output format (on page 242)
 Generate an isometric drawing (on page 245)
 View an isometric drawing (on page 247)
 Print an isometric drawing (on page 248)
 View a drawing message file (on page 248)

Define drawing output format

By default, SmartPlant Isometrics creates drawings in DXF (AutoCAD) format. However, you
can use I-Configure to define your project settings so that you can create other drawing output
formats, such as DWG (AutoCAD), DGN (MicroStation), SHA (Shape2D), and IGR
(SmartSketch).
1. Open I-Configure.
Click Start > Intergraph SmartPlant Isometrics > I-Configure.
2. Select your project in the Project View Panel.

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3. Select the style whose drawing output format you want to change. In the example, Check is
selected.

4. In the Properties panel, click Edit.

Alternatively, right-click the style in the Project View panel, and then select Edit.
ISOGEN Configuration opens and displays the Home screen.
5. Click Drawing Generation in the Drawing Manager panel.

The Configuration view appears and displays the Drawing Generation panel .

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6. Expand Overview, and set Output Format to the required drawing output format.

7. Click .
Repeat steps 3-7 to change the drawing output format for other styles in your
project.

8. When you are finished, click to close ISOGEN Configuration. and then click File >
Exit to close I-Configure.

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Generate an isometric drawing

You initiate the drawing generation process in one of two ways:

1. Click Generate Drawings to generate a single drawing.

2. Click File > Batch Generate Drawings to generate multiple drawings simultaneously.
During the drawing generation process, ISOGEN automatically lays out the drawing, computes
and displays all dimensions, annotations and material take off. The exact form of the drawing,
however, is controlled by the project to which you are currently connected and the isometric
style and other options that you select in the Generate Drawings dialog box.

 By default, SmartPlant Isometrics outputs isometric drawings in DWG (AutoCAD) format.

However, you can generate other drawing output formats such as DGN (MicroStation), DXF
(AutoCAD), SHA (Shape2D), and IGR (SmartSketch). The drawing output format for the
isometric drawings you generate is determined by the project settings you define using
ISOGEN Configuration in I-Configure. For more information, see Define drawing output
format (on page 242).
 If any errors are detected during the drawing generation process, such as inconsistent or
disconnected pipelines, the software generates the drawing and displays a message
prompting you to review the drawings carefully.

Generate a single isometric drawing

1. Click Generate Drawings on the Standard toolbar.
Alternately, you can also click File > Generate Drawings, press CTRL+G, or right-
click in the Detail Window and click Generate Drawings.
2. In the Generate Drawings dialog box, specify the settings for Isometric style, Output
units and North arrow as needed.
3. Click OK to generate the isometric drawing.
After ISOGEN has run successfully, the software displays the Drawing Generated dialog
box.

 To view the isometric drawing click View Drawing.

 To view the log file the software created during drawing generation, click View Messages.

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Generate multiple isometric drawings simultaneously

1. Click File > Batch Generate Drawings.
2. In the Open dialog box, select the files for which you want to generate an isometric drawing
and click Open.
3. In the Generate Drawings dialog box, specify the settings for Isometric style, Output
units and North arrow as needed.
4. Click OK to generate the isometric drawing.
After ISOGEN has run successfully, the software displays the Drawing Generated dialog
box.

 To view the isometric drawing click View Drawing.

 To view the log file the software created during drawing generation, click View Messages.

Generate an isometric drawing using the command line

You can generate an isometric drawing from the command line using the following syntax:
<path>SmartPlantIsometrics.exe <full path location and filename of
POD file> -generate <name of drawing style>
1. Open the Command Prompt window.
To display the Command Prompt window, click the Start button, and then type
command in the Search box. Select Command Prompt in the search results listing.
2. Type the required command line parameters. For example, type:
"C:\Program Files\SmartPlant\Isometrics\SmartPlantIsometrics.exe"
C:\SampleIsoDir\SPITutorial\Pipes\Isometric1.POD -generate check
3. Press ENTER.
After the drawing generation process completes successfully, the software opens.
To generate an isometric drawing without opening the software, use the -silent
parameter as shown in the following example:
"C:\Program Files\SmartPlant\Isometrics\SmartPlantIsometrics.exe"
C:\SampleIsoDir\SPITutorial\Pipes\Isometric1.POD -silent -generate
check

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4. To view the isometric drawing, use Windows Explorer to navigate to the appropriate folder
location and double-click the isometric drawing filename.

 The software automatically saves the isometric drawing in the Drawings folder that
corresponds to the isometric style you specified in the command line parameters. For
example, if you specified Check, the software saves the isometric drawing in the
C:\SampleIsoDir\SPITutorial\Check\Drawings folder.
 As with the isometric drawings that you generate using the Generate Drawings
command within the software, you can use SmartSketch Viewer as your default drawing
viewer tool. For more information about using SmartSketch Viewer to view isometric
drawings, see View an isometric drawing (on page 247).
5. To view the drawing message file, use Windows Explorer to navigate to the appropriate
folder location and double-click the drawing message filename.
The software opens a default text editor, such as Notepad, and displays the message file.
By default, the software saves the message file in the Messages folder that
corresponds to the isometric style you specified in the Run dialog box. For example, if you
specified Check, the software saves the drawing message in the
C:\SampleIsoDir\SPITutorial\Check\Messages folder.

View an isometric drawing

If you do not have access to a 2D CAD system, such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, or
SmartSketch, you can install SmartSketch Viewer on any SmartPlant Isometrics workstation
computer. You can then use SmartSketch Viewer to view and print DXF and DWG drawings.

 SmartSketch Viewer also supports viewing drawing output in SHA and IGR file formats.
 SmartSketch Viewer software is delivered on the SmartPlant Isometrics product CD. For
information about installing SmartSketch Viewer, see the SmartPlant Isometrics Installation
Guide, available with the Help > Printable Guides command in the software.
1. In the Drawing Generated dialog box, click View Drawing to display the isometric drawing
in the SmartSketch Viewer drawing viewer window.

 If the Drawing Generated dialog box is not displayed, click View > Last Drawing.
 To view the isometric drawing created during command line processing for drawing
generation, see Generate an isometric drawing using the command line (on page 246).
2. Use the view commands available on the Standard toolbar and on the View menu to
navigate the view of the isometric drawing. For more information, see the SmartSketch
Viewer online Help.
3. When finished, click File > Exit to close SmartSketch Viewer.

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Print an isometric drawing

The following procedure presumes that you are using SmartSketch Viewer as your
drawing viewer software. If you are using something other than SmartSketch Viewer, refer to the
software documentation for that product for printing instructions.
1. In the Drawing Generated dialog box, click View Drawing to display the isometric drawing
in the SmartSketch Viewer drawing viewer window.
If the Drawing Generated dialog box is not displayed, click View > Last Drawing.
2. Click File > Print.
3. Click File > Exit.

View a drawing message file

During the drawing generation process, the software creates a message (or log) file and saves it
as a simple text file. In instances where the software reports a problem with the generated
drawing, reviewing this log file provides information regarding possible causes.
To access the message file, click View Messages in the Drawing Generated dialog box which
reports the success or failure of the drawing generation process.

 If the Drawing Generated dialog box is not displayed, click View > Last Drawing.
 To view the drawing message file created during command line processing for drawing
generation, see Generate an isometric drawing using the command line (on page 246).
The software uses a default text editor, such as Notepad, to display the message file.

By default, the software saves a message file in the Messages folder that corresponds
to the isometric style you specified on the Generate Drawings dialog box. Using the following
illustration as an example, if you selected Check as the isometric style, the software saves the
drawing message in C:\SampleIsoDir\SPITutorial\Check\Messages folder.

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Generate Drawings Dialog Box

Isometric directory - Displays the folder location containing the project to which you are
currently connected. This information is read-only.
Project - Displays the name of the project containing all configuration and isometric styles. This
information is read-only.
Isometric style - Select the isometric style the software will use to generate the drawing. The
style determines the ISOGEN settings, controls and drawing sheets that produce the isometric
drawing in a particular format. Only those styles that are available in the current project display
in the list.
Output units - Select the dimensional units displayed in the isometric drawing. By default,
ISOGEN creates the drawing with the same dimensional units used in the sketch; however, you
can select (on-the-fly) alternative output units. The output units you select only affect the output
drawing; they do not change the SmartPlant Isometrics project setting.
North arrow - Select the North Arrow orientation in the isometric drawing. By default, ISOGEN
creates a drawing with the same North Arrow orientation used in the sketch; however, you can
select (on-the-fly) an alternative orientation--either TOP LEFT, TOP RIGHT, BOTTOM LEFT or
BOTTOM RIGHT. The view point you select only affects the output drawing; it does not change
the SmartPlant Isometrics project setting.
Output Item Code Set - Lists the text map identifiers that are available in the specification. By
default, the software displays the default text map as defined in SmartPlant Material Editor. If no
alternate text maps exist in the specification, the Output Item Code Set option is unavailable.
Alternate text maps provide alternative item codes for the materials in the specification.
The software uses the default text map to populate the Materials List output in the isometric
drawing.
Generate Pipeline Isometrics - Forces ISOGEN to produce an isometric for each pipeline in
the system rather than a whole system isometric. This option is only available for systems.
Use project symbols - Generates the isometric drawing using any custom symbols that have
been redefined in SmartPlant Symbol Editor. For more information about using custom symbols,
see Custom Symbols for Isometric Drawings (on page 237).

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SECTION 12

SmartPlant Integration
SmartPlant integration standardizes and improves the communication among the various
authoring tools you use in the course of designing, constructing, and operating a plant.
SmartPlant Foundation acts as a central repository for data and a medium through which
information is shared among other authoring tools. SmartPlant Isometrics participates in an
integrated environment by allowing you to publish the materials data you create in the software.
After you publish this data, other authoring tools can then retrieve it, which enables sharing and
re-use of model data throughout the plant lifecycle.
The commands that provide access to SmartPlant integration functionality exist on the
SmartPlant menu.
Configuring the software to work in an integrated environment provides a platform for data
exchange, sharing, and integration across various software tools, enabling concurrent use and
rapid communication among all SmartPlant Isometrics project participants. Critical information is
stored only once in a data-neutral warehouse, eliminating duplication and ensuring that timely,
accurate data is always available.
To enable the software to work in an integrated environment, you must do the following:
 Verify the installation of all the software prerequisites. For more information, refer to the
SmartPlant Isometrics Installation Guide.
 Install SmartPlant Schema Component and the SmartPlant Client, both of which are
delivered with SmartPlant Foundation. For more information about installing these products,
refer to the SmartPlant Foundation Installation Guide.
 Use I-Configure to register the project with SmartPlant Foundation.

SmartPlant Registration Wizard (on page 253)

Publish Dialog Box (on page 255)

Revise Dialog Box (on page 259)

What do you want to do?

 Register a project (on page 252)
 Install the POD domain configuration file (on page 253)
 Publish BOM piping data (on page 254)
 Revise a POD document (on page 258)

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Register
Registers a project. Each project must be registered before you can connect to the integrated
environment to perform any specific tasks, such as publishing or revising documents. You can
register each project only once. To more efficiently distribute design work, you can register
multiple projects to a single SmartPlant Foundation plant.
During registration, the software maps the project and all of its associated data to a single
SmartPlant Foundation URL, which points to one SmartPlant Foundation database, and returns
a unique signature for the authoring tool/project combination being registered.
In an integrated environment, the term "project" is synonymous with the top level of the
PBS hierarchy.
The SmartPlant > Register command displays a wizard that steps you through the following
tasks:
 Specifying the node name and virtual folder for the SmartPlant Foundation database.
 Selecting the project you want to register.
 Providing a description for uniqueness when used in a multi-registration configuration.

Register a project
You must first configure the software to work in an integrated environment by
installing the Schema Component and the SmartPlant Client, which are both delivered with
SmartPlant Foundation, on your SmartPlant Isometrics workstation. For more information, see
the Integration Setup Guide, delivered on the SmartPlant Foundation product DVD.
A project must be registered before you can connect to the integrated environment to publish
materials data. To register an isometric project with a SmartPlant Foundation plant, you use the
SmartPlant Registration Wizard in I-Configure to define integration-specific project defaults.
If did not install I-Configure when you initially installed SmartPlant Isometrics, you must
do so using the Custom setup. For more information, see the SmartPlant Isometrics Installation
Guide, available with the Help > Printable Guides command in the software.
1. Click Start > All Programs > Intergraph SmartPlant Isometrics > I-Configure.
2. In the Project Panel, select the name of the project to register.
3. Click Edit > Project Defaults.

4. Scroll down to SmartPlant Foundation URL in the Application list, and click in the
Value cell to open the SmartPlant Registration Wizard.

You can also click in the Value cell for SmartPlant Foundation Plant or
SmartPlant Foundation Signature to open the SmartPlant Foundation Wizard.
The SmartPlant Registration Wizard opens.
5. On the SmartPlant Foundation URL page of the SmartPlant Registration Wizard, type
the node name and virtual directory of the SmartPlant Foundation database with which you
want to register. Use the following format: http://SPFServer/VirtualDirectory.
6. On the SmartPlant Foundation Plant page of the SmartPlant Registration Wizard, select
the plant in the Plant name list with which you want to register and click Finish.

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7. Click OK.
The three SmartPlant Integration project defaults are updated with the defined values. An
example is shown below.

8. Click File > Exit to close I-Configure.

In an integrated environment, the term plant is synonymous with the top level of the PBS
hierarchy.

SmartPlant Registration Wizard

Steps you through the process of associating projects with a valid SmartPlant Foundation plant.

SmartPlant Foundation URL Page

SmartPlant Foundation URL - Specifies the node name and virtual directory of the SmartPlant
Foundation database with which you want to register your isometric project. Use the following
format: http://SPFServer/VirtualDirectory.
Browse - Displays a list of available nodes. After selecting the node name, you must add the
name of the virtual directory to the end of the path.
Next - Opens the next page in the wizard: SmartPlant Foundation Plant.

SmartPlant Foundation Plant Page

Plant name - Specifies the SmartPlant Foundation plant with which you want to associate your
isometric project. This list reflects the SmartPlant Foundation plants available at the URL that
you specified on the previous wizard page.
See Also
Register (on page 252)
Register a project (on page 252)
Install the POD domain configuration file (on page 253)

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Publish
Publishes BOM piping data directly to SmartPlant Foundation. The first stage of the publish
operation involves generating an isometric drawing. The SmartPlant > Publish command
supports the output drawing formats listed below:
 Shape2d (SHA)
 Smart DGN (DGN)
 Smart DGN v8 (DG8)
 Smart DWG (DWG)
 SmartSketch (IGR)
Drawing output format is configured in I-Configure. For more information, see Define
drawing output format (on page 242).
After drawing generation competes, each pipeline in the piping data file--including its collection
of components--is published as a pipeline object. This piping data can them be retrieved by
other authoring tools, such as SmartPlant Materials.
Before you can successfully publish data, you must install the POD domain
configuration XML file (PODPublishedDomain.xml) on the SmartPlant Foundation server. For
more information, read Install the POD Domain Configuration File (on page 253).

Publish BOM piping data

1. In SmartPlant Isometrics, open a piping object data (POD) file or create a new one.
2. Click SmartPlant > Publish.
The SmartPlant menu is enabled only if you have registered the active project.
For more information, read Register a project (on page 252).
The Generate Drawings dialog box appears.
3. Click OK in the Generate Drawings dialog box.
4. After drawing generation completes, click Close on the Drawing Generated dialog box.
If you want to review the isometric drawing using your default drawing viewer
software, click View Drawing before closing the dialog box.
5. Click Yes in the Publish to SmartPlant Foundation message box.
If the drawing output format is something other than what the publish operation
supports, the message box is not displayed and the publishing stops.
6. Log in to SmartPlant Foundation, and click OK.
If the POD domain configuration XML file is not installed on the SmartPlant
Foundation server, the following error message displays in the Errors window:
Reason: EFSClient failed Error:Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
(SPFServerModuleTEF:SPFTEFPublishInstruction:CreatePublishedDocumentMaster)
The Publish dialog box appears.

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7. Select a Revision scheme, and then click OK

If the publish is successful, the software displays an informational message.

 The SmartPlant Schema file must be checked in to SmartPlant Foundation when you
publish. If the publish operation fails, contact your SmartPlant Foundation system
administrator to make sure the SmartPlant Schema is checked in to SmartPlant Foundation.
 After a successful publish, the software creates an attribute set called SPEnterprise
Attributes on the SmartPlant Isometrics piping data. This attribute set contains properties for
the plant name, server name, and piping data and file unique identifiers. These attributes are
used for subsequent Publish commands. After the attribute set is created and populated,
the piping data is automatically saved to store the information.
 During the publish process, the software uses attribute set data to verify whether or not the
piping data has been previously published. If it has, the software checks the plant and server
to which the data was previously published against the current isometric project. If they do
not match, the software displays a warning message advising that the piping data was
previously published to a different plant and that if the data is published to the new plant it
will be disassociated from the original plant.
See Also
Define Drawing Output Format (on page 242)
Generate an Isometric Drawing (on page 245)

Publish Dialog Box

Provides a list of documents selected to publish.
Publish Tab (Publish Dialog Box) (on page 256)
Issue Request Tab (Publish Dialog Box) (on page 257)
See Also
Publish (on page 253)
Publish BOM piping data (on page 254)

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Publish Tab (Publish Dialog Box)

Displays the properties of the selected document or documents. If only one document is
selected in the tree view, the properties displayed on this tab are the properties of that one
document. If multiple documents are selected, only the properties with the same value for all
documents appear. Any properties with varying values across the documents appear with blank
values in these fields.
Selected documents - Displays a list of the documents selected for publishing. You must
populate this list by selecting documents before you use the Publish command.
Last Published - Indicates the date on which the document or documents were last published.
Name - Displays the name of the document.
Source - Indicates the authoring tool in which the document was created.
Type - Displays the type of document or documents selected.
Issue Only - Allows you to issue request documents without republishing them. Use this option
when no changes were made to the drawing and you only want to add it to a contract.

 Even with this option set, you can still publish the documents. If any of the documents have
never been published, they must be published, regardless of this setting.
 You will receive an error message if you select multiple documents and activate this option
when one or more of the selected documents cannot be changed. For example, the error
message appears if the selected set of documents includes both a new document (for which
this field can be set only to No) and current or locked documents (for which this field can be
set only to Yes). The error message prompts you to select a smaller set of documents.
Revision - Displays the current revision number of the selected document or documents.
Revision Scheme - Displays the revision scheme applied to the selected document or
documents.
Version - Indicates the current version of the selected document or documents.
Workflow - Indicates the workflow to which the selected document or documents are assigned.
Check and publish released claims for previously deleted items - Specifies that you want to
resolve issues where deleted items were restored from an earlier version and the claim on them
was released. This check takes additional time and should only be used when deleted items
have been restored. This option is not supported in this release.
This check box should also be activated when publishing after a backup is restored or
when releasing the claim on an object forces another tool to release the claim on a related
object that was previously deleted. In this specific case, the tool fetches the object again from
As-Built and releases the claim.
Operation - Specifies the operation to perform on the selected document.
 Publish Now - Selected document is published immediately.
 Background publish - Selected document is published immediately as a separate process,
allowing you to perform other tasks at the same time.
Custom - Opens the Custom dialog box. This functionality is available only if defined by your
project implementation team.

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Issue Request Tab (Publish Dialog Box)

Displays the documents associated with a specific issue request and allows you to add
documents to or remove documents from a request.
Selected documents - Displays a list of the documents selected for publishing. You must
populate this list by selecting documents before you use the Publish command.
Issue to - Contains a list of all objects (contracts) that can support issue requests. When you
select an item from this list, the names of any documents associated with that object appear in
the table below.
Add - Creates a new item in the table for any documents highlighted in the Selected
documents tree view.
Remove - Deletes a selected document from the table.
Document Name - Displays the names of all documents associated with the object in the Issue
to box.

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Revise
Sets the document revision. The document revision process is separate from the publishing
process, making it possible to revise a document locally, and then save the data to the piping
object data (POD) file attributes without the need to re-publish. The Revise command is
available in the SmartPlant menu. In an integrated environment, SmartPlant Foundation
handles all revisions.

 You can apply revisions as a separate activity or as part of the publish process.
 Revision information is stored in the POD level Major Revision and Minor Revision
attributes.
 You can use the Revise command only if you have registered the project using the
SmartPlant Registration Wizard. For more information, see Register a project (on page 252).

Revise a POD document

1. In SmartPlant Isometrics, open a piping object data (POD) file.
2. Click SmartPlant > Revise.
The SmartPlant menu is enabled only if you have registered the active project.
For more information, read Register a project (on page 252).
The Revise dialog box appears.
3. Select the revision scheme in the Revision Scheme list. For example, select RevA1.
4. Use the Major and Minor list boxes to define the major and minor values, such as A and 1,
respectively.

5. When all of the values are set, click OK to apply the changes.
A progress bar shows the processing status. If the revision operations are successful, a
message displays.

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6. Click OK in the message box.

The POD file re-opens in SmartPlant Isometrics, and the POD attributes are populated with
the new revision values in the Properties panel.

Revise Dialog Box

Allows you to revise a POD document in SmartPlant Isometrics without republishing it.
Boxes with a shaded background are read-only and cannot be edited.
Selected documents - Displays a list of POD documents selected to be revised. You populate
this list by selecting PODs before you use the Revise command.
Revision Scheme - Specifies the revision scheme to be applied.
Current Revision in Tool > Major - For existing documents, this box displays the current major
revision of the document, as defined in SmartPlant Isometrics, in a read-only format. For new
documents, this box is empty.
Current Revision in Tool > Minor - For existing documents, this box displays the current minor
revision of the document, as defined in SmartPlant Isometrics, in a read-only format. If the
revision scheme does not use minor revision, or if the selected document has not yet been
revised, this box is empty.
Revise in Tool > Major - From this list box, select the major revision value for the document to
revise it locally and to reserve the revision in SmartPlant Foundation.
Revise in Tool > Minor - From this list box, if you want a minor revision value, select a minor
revision value for the document to revise it locally and to reserve the revision in SmartPlant
Foundation.
If you do not use the Minor field when revising a document for the first time, the
minor revision option will never be available for that document for future revisions.
Next Major - Updates the POD document revision to the next major revision.
Next Minor - Updates the POD document revision to the next major revision.
See Also
Revise (on page 257)
Revise a POD document (on page 258)

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SECTION 13

Attach External Data

Get External Data (GED) functionality is built into both SmartPlant Spoolgen and SmartPlant
Isometrics. Get External Data solutions can be very simple, or they can be extremely complex,
involving many database interactions. The instructions are contained in a text configuration file,
which follows the rules of XML. The basic purpose is to use data contained in spreadsheets or
databases to set the attributes or properties of the pipelines and components in Piping Object
Data (POD) files. To illustrate, the line list in Excel format shown below contains a range of data
that you would like to output on the isometric drawing:

LINE-REF PROJECT AREA PID FROM PID TO PAINT CODE

SG-T1 RM100 DISTILLATION 300-020 300-033 P12

SG-T2 RM100 DISTILLATION 300-021 300-034 P15

SG-T3 RM100 COOLING WATER 300-022 300-035 P20

SG-T3 RM100 DISTILLATION 300-023 300-036 P25

Using the Get External Data function, you can do the following:
 Establish a connection to the external data source, such as a spreadsheet or a database.
 Specify how to link the information in the external data source to the POD file. Using the
example line list, you can use the PIPELINE-REFERENCE attribute in the POD file to find
the row in the spreadsheet that you want to use, such as the row in which the LINE-REF
column contains a matching value.
 Specify how to map the data in the spreadsheet to the attributes in the POD file. For
example, you can map the PROJECT column in the line list to the PROJECT-IDENTIFIER
attribute in the POD file.
After you have populated the attributes, you can use standard ISOGEN features to plot the
values on the drawings or output them to a report.

What do you want to do?

 Configure the Get External Data configuration file (on page 262)
 Define an external data source (on page 266)
 Run the Get External Data command (on page 270)
 View the Get External Data log files (on page 271)

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Configure the Get External Data configuration file

The Get External Data configuration file follows a basic XML file structure. In XML terminology,
data is organized into a series of elements. An element is a series of text and child elements,
with each element being delineated by start and end tags enclosed in angle brackets (<…>).
The following illustration shows the six elements that make up the Get External Data
configuration file:

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Each element that makes up the configuration file performs a specific function as outlined in the
following table. For more information about these elements, including their basic syntax, see
Appendix: Get External Data Configuration File (on page 273).

1 - ROOT Element Provides data regarding version and diagnostic level.

2 - PIPELINE Element Contains instructions for populating attributes at the Pipeline level in
the POD file. A POD file can contain one or more pipelines.
Instructions in the PIPELINE element are processed once for each
pipeline in the POD file.

3 - COMPONENT Contains instructions for populating attributes at the Component

Element (and optionally Material) level in the POD file. A POD file can contain
one or more pipelines, each of which contains a set of components
(typically, tangible items such as flanges, valves and gaskets).
Instructions in the COMPONENT element are processed once for
each component in each pipeline in the POD file.

4 - INFORMATION Contains instructions for populating attributes at the Information Item

Element (messages and other annotations) level in the POD file. Pipelines in
a POD file can contain many Information Items. Instructions in the
INFORMATION element are processed once for each information
item in the POD file.

5 - MATERIAL Element Contains instructions for populating attributes at the Material level in
the POD file. Pipelines in a POD file can contain many materials.
Instructions in the MATERIAL element are processed once for each
material in the POD file.

6 - JOINT Element Contains instructions for populating attributes at the Component

and/or Material level in the POD file. The components are those
which form part of a joint in the pipeline. For example, a bolted
connection between two flanged components, including a gasket,
forms a single joint.

Configuring the Get External Data configuration file involves defining specific instructions for
each of the elements that are pertinent to your Get External Data solution and then defining how
you want to map the data in the external data source to the attributes in the current POD file. For
example, you can define mapping for only specific components, or you can create filters so that
certain components are excluded from the Get External Data solution.
To help you get started using the Get External Data function, a sample external data
source file, GetExternalData.xls, and a sample XML configuration file, GetExternalData.xml, are
delivered with the software. In a default SmartPlant Spoolgen installation, both files are
delivered to the [Install Drive]:\SampleIsoDir\S5Tutorial\Data\Get External Data folder. In
SmartPlant Isometrics, the two files are delivered to the [Install
Drive]:\SampleIsoDir\SPITutorial\Data\Get External Data

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How Mapping Works

In the example below, the pipeline attribute information for the currently opened POD file (SG-
T1.POD) is displayed in the Pipeline Explorer.
The example uses sample data that is delivered with the software to illustrate the
relationship between the Get External Data configuration file, the source external data, and the
current POD file.

To demonstrate how mapping works, review the following range of data from the Pipelines tab
of the GetExternalData.xls file:

To import the spreadsheet data into SG-T1.POD, you must configure the PIPELINE element
section of the Get External Data configuration file to define the following:
 The path to the external data source.
 The SQL statement that defines the query.
 The one-to-one mapping of the data in the spreadsheet to the appropriate pipeline attributes
in the POD file.

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The resulting PIPELINE element section of the XML configuration file should look similar to the
example below:

1 - <XLS> Tag
Defines the path to the source external data. In the example above, the sample
GetExternalData.xls file delivered with the software is defined as the external data source.
2 - <SQL> Tag
Defines the query that the software performs when you execute the Get External Data function.
In the example given, the SQL query instructs the software to look for a value in the LINE-REF
column (Pipelines tab) of the external data source that matches the PIPELINE-REFERENCE
attribute value in the current POD file (SG-T1.POD). When the software runs the query, it finds
that the value in cell A2 of the LINE-REF column (SG-T1) matches the PIPELINE-REFERENCE
in the POD file (also SG-T1). The software then applies the pipeline attributes as defined in the
<EXTERNAL-MAP> tags.
3 - <EXTERNAL-MAP> Tag
Specifies how you want the software to map the data in the spreadsheet to the attributes in the
POD file. As shown in the example XML configuration file, Name is the POD attribute to be
populated, and ExternalName is the field name in the external data source that contains the
value. The pipeline attributes in the POD file are mapped as shown in the table below:

Pipeline Attribute Original Value as Shown in Pipeline New Attribute Value as Mapped to External Data
Name Explorer Source

PROJECT-IDENTIFIER P-500 RM100

AREA AR-1 Distillation

PIPELINE-TEMP Undefined 100

PAINTING-SPEC PNT-1 P-12

MISC-SPEC1 Undefined 300-020

MISC-SPEC2 Undefined 300-033

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When you execute the Get External Data function, the software updates the attribute values as
defined in the XML configuration file and displays the changes under the Attributes node in the
Pipeline Explorer.

The structure of the remaining tags is largely identical to the <PIPELINE> tag. However,
there is an optional <FILTER> tag, which defines a supplementary filter to be applied at each
component. The FILTER statement is always used in conjunction with the SQL element and
serves to refine the results of evaluating the SQL expression. For more detailed information
about defining a FILTER tag, as well as detailed information about the elements that make up
the XML configuration file, see Appendix: Get External Data Configuration File (on page 273).

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Define an external data source

The Get External Data function supports a large range of external data sources through the use
of the DSN (data source name) and UDL (universal data link) options. You can use any data
source with an OLEDB or ODBC driver, which includes all commercially available database
systems, from SQL Server and Oracle to MySQL and DB2. The basic requirement is that data is
held in tables and can be accessed using SQL statements.
One of the most common data sources is an Excel spreadsheet. Because a spreadsheet is not
a true database, there are special considerations when using Excel spreadsheets as a data
source.
 Data must be contiguous with no blank rows or columns.
 There must be a single header row, containing field names.
 Field names must be alpha- numeric.
 Each table must be given a user-defined name (for use in SQL statements).
 If a column contains a mixture of numbers and strings, the values returned by SQL
statements can be unexpected. This is because the first few rows of data are used to
determine the contents of the column. For example, if the first 10 rows contain numbers, the
whole column is treated as if it contains numbers, and strings may be returned as zero or
blank as a result.

Create a data source using DSN

In the example below, an external link has been set up to the sample spreadsheet
(GetExternalData.xls) delivered with the Tutorial project.
For information about creating the Tutorial project to access the sample data, see
Tutorial Project in the SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide.
1. In the Control Panel, double-click Administrative Tools, and then double-click Data
Sources (ODBC).
2. On the User DSN tab of the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, click Excel
files in the User Data Sources list, and then click Add.
The type of data that is linked depends on the ODBC database drivers currently
installed on the computer. Drivers for Access, Excel, SQL Server and Oracle databases are
commonly available.

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3. Click Microsoft Excel Driver (.xls) on the Create New Data Source page, and then click
Finish.

4. In the ODBC Microsoft Excel Setup dialog box, type a name for the external data source in
the Data Source Name box. For example, type Project1.
5. Click Select Workbook. Navigate to GetExternalData.xls, and then click OK.
 When you create the Tutorial project, the sample GetExternalData.xls file is
delivered to[Install Drive]:\SampleIsoDir\SPITutorial\\Data\Get External Data.

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6. Click OK in the ODBC Microsoft Excel Setup dialog box.

The new data source appears in the User Data Sources list.

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Create a UDL file

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Navigate to the folder in which you want to store the .udl file.
3. Click File > New > Text Document.
A new file named New Text Document.txt appears in the folder.
4. Rename this file, removing all spaces and changing its file extension to .udl.
Disregard the warning that changing file extensions can cause files to become unusable.

Configure a UDL file

1. Double-click the UDL file.
2. On the Provider tab of the Data Link Properties dialog box, select a database provider.
3. On the Connection tab, do one of the following:
 Select the data source name (DSN) of an available provider.
 Type a custom connection string. Valid DSNs for providers that are pre-defined on your
system are displayed in the Use Data Source list.
4. On the Advanced tab, view and set other initialization properties for your data.
5. On the All tab, review and edit all OLE DB initialization properties available for your OLE DB
provider.
6. Click OK to save the connection string to the UDL file.

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Run the Get External Data command

You use I-Configure to control the point at which the Get External Data function is executed.
You can execute the Get External Data function in the three ways explained below. You can use
these methods individually or in combination on a project, with each using a different
configuration file.
Regardless of the method you choose, use I-Configure to define the required
project defaults prior to executing the Get External Data function. For more information, see
Project Defaults and Attributes in the I-Configure User's Guide. You can access the document
using the Help > Printable Guides command in the software.

Run the Get External Data Function on Import

After the intermediate data file (IDF) or piping component file (PCF) has been converted to POD
format, and before the resulting POD is opened in the application, perform the steps below.
1. Define the following project defaults in I-Configure:
 GED Configuration (Import) - Define the full path location and file name of the
configuration file.
 Set External Data on Import to True
2. In the Host application, click Project > Import.

Run the Get External Data Function Interactively

1. Define the following project default in I-Configure:
 GED Configuration (Interactive) - Define the full path location and file name of the
configuration file.
2. In the Host application, click Tools > Get External Data.

Run the Get External Data function on Generate

1. Define the following project defaults in I-Configure:
 GED Configuration (Generate) - Define the full path location and file name of the
configuration file.
 Set External Data on Generate to True
2. In the Host application, click Tools > Generate Drawings.

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View the Get External Data log files

The software writes the results of the get external data process to a log file. Depending on the
method you use to get external data, you can view the log file by doing one of the following:
 To view the log file created during import of a pipeline when the Get External Data function
is executed on import, click View > Log Files > Get External Data.
 To view the log file created by the execution of Get External Data just prior to drawing
generation, click View > Log Files > Get External Data on Generate.

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APPENDIX A

Appendix: Get External Data

Configuration File
The Get External Data configuration file follows a basic XML file structure. In XML terminology,
data is organized into a series of elements. An element is a series of text and child elements,
with each element being delineated by start and end tags enclosed in angle brackets (<…>).
The following illustration shows the six elements that make up the configuration file:

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Each element that makes up the configuration file performs a specific function as detailed below:

1 - ROOT Element
Provides data regarding version and diagnostic level.
Basic Syntax
<EXTERNAL-DATA Version="POD3" DiagnosticLevel="1">
<!-- These must be the first and last lines in the file -->
</EXTERNAL-DATA>
 Version="POD3" is mandatory.
 DiagnosticLevel:
 0 – Only critical errors are reported in the POD file.
 1 – Errors plus confirmation of attributes being successfully set.
 2 – Verbose output, showing full diagnostics.

2 - PIPELINE Element
Contains instructions for populating attributes at the pipeline level in the POD file. A POD file
can contain one or more pipelines. Instructions in the PIPELINE element are processed once for
each pipeline in the POD file.
Basic Syntax
<PIPELINE>
<!-- Multiple PIPELINE elements are allowed -->
<DSN|UDL|MDB|XLS|CSV/>
<FORMATS/>
<EXECUTE>
<SQL ../>
<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />
<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />
</EXECUTE>

</PIPELINE>

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3 - COMPONENT Element
Contains instructions for populating attributes at the Component (and, optionally, Material) level
in the POD file. A POD file can contain one or more pipelines, each of which contains a set of
components (typically, tangible items such as flanges, valves and gaskets). Instructions in the
COMPONENT element are processed once for each component in each pipeline in the POD
file.
Basic Syntax
<COMPONENT>
<!-- Multiple COMPONENT elements are allowed -->
<DSN|UDL|MDB|XLS|CSV/>
<FORMATS/>
<EXECUTE>
<SQL>
</SQL>

<FILTER/> <!-- OPTIONAL -->

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />

<PIPELINE>
<EXTERNAL-MAP … />
</PIPELINE>

<MATERIAL>
<EXTERNAL-MAP … />
</MATERIAL>
</EXECUTE>

</COMPONENT>
Use <PIPELINE> tags inside the COMPONENT element to set pipeline properties
from the Component level. This feature allows you to do such things as find maximum and
minimum values on a pipeline, keep running totals of a property such as InlineLength, or keep
a count of component types.
<COMPONENT>
<SQL> .... </SQL>
<PIPELINE>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="TRACING-SPEC" ExternalName="TracingType"
/>
</PIPELINE>
<COMPONENT>
You can use the same syntax to set the properties of the component material and override the
ItemCode or Description attribute.

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4 - INFORMATION Element
Contains instructions for populating attributes at the information item level in the POD file.
Information items include messages and other annotations related to pipelines,
components, and spools on the isometric drawing.
Pipelines and components in a POD file can contain many information items. The software
processes the instructions in the INFORMATION element once for each information item in the
POD file. Spool information is stored in an INFORMATION-ELEMENT at the pipeline level.
You can use EXTERNAL-MAP statements within the INFORMATION element to
write data to the <PIPELINE>, <COMPONENT> or <SPOOL> tag that owns the information
element. This allows the information element to write to its parent pipeline, component, or spool.
For more information, see EXTERNAL-MAP statement (on page 281).
Basic Syntax
<INFORMATION>
<!-- Multiple INFORMATION elements are allowed -->
<DSN|UDL|MDB|XLS|CSV/>
<FORMATS/>
<EXECUTE>
<SQL>
</SQL>

<FILTER/> <!-- OPTIONAL -->

<PIPELINE>

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />
</PIPELINE>

<COMPONENT>
<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />
<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />
</COMPONENT>

<SPOOL>

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />
</SPOOL>

</EXECUTE>

</INFORMATION>

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5 - MATERIAL Element
Contains instructions for populating attributes at the Material level in the POD file. Pipelines in a
POD file can contain many materials. Instructions in the MATERIAL element are processed
once for each material in the POD file.
Basic Syntax
<MATERIAL>
<!-- Multiple MATERIAL elements are allowed -->
<DSN|UDL|MDB|XLS|CSV/>
<FORMATS/>
<EXECUTE>
<SQL>
</SQL>

<FILTER/> <!-- OPTIONAL -->

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />

</EXECUTE>
</MATERIAL>

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6 - JOINT Element
Contains instructions for populating attributes at the Component and/or Material level in the
POD file. The components are those which form part of a joint in a pipeline. For example, a
bolted connection between two flanged components, including a gasket, forms a single joint.
The JOINT element has special syntax to refer to the components that form part of the joint –
C0, C1 and C2.
C0 is the connector component, such as the gasket or weld. C1 and C2 are the two
connected components, such as the flanges, the pipe and olet.
Basic Syntax
<JOINT Type="Joint Type">
<!-- Multiple JOINT elements are allowed -->
<DSN|UDL|MDB|XLS|CSV/>
<FORMATS/>
<EXECUTE>
<SQL>
</SQL>

<FILTER> <!-- OPTIONAL -->

<C0>

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />
</C0>

<C1>

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />
</C1>

<C2>

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />

<EXTERNAL-MAP ... />
</C2>

</EXECUTE>
</JOINT>
The C0, C1 and C2 component elements in the previous example can contain a
MATERIAL statement (on page 287), allowing an EXTERNAL-MAP statement (on page 281) to
refer to the material properties of the component. In the following two examples, Example 1 sets
properties of the C0 component itself, and Example 2 sets properties of the material assigned to
the C0 component. Both examples are valid

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Example 1:
<C0>
<EXTERNAL-MAP …. />
</C0>
Example 2:
<C0>
<MATERIAL>
<EXTERNAL-MAP …. />
</MATERIAL>
</C0>
The JOINT element also has special syntax that allows the selection of a particular type of joint
using the Type = "Joint Type" syntax, as shown in the above Basic Syntax example.

Joint Type String Defined By Connector (C0)

Welded Weld connected to a non-weld. No multiple welds at same Weld

point generate one connection per weld.

Flanged Flange connected to gasket or flange connected to flange Gasket (optional)

(no gasket).

Wafer Wafer component (XW) between two flanges or two flange Gasket (optional)
/ gaskets .

Screwed Screwed to Screwed or Screwed to Pipe Empty

Compression Compression/Compression or Compression/Pipe Empty

Clamped Clamped/Clamped or Clamped/Pipe Clamp

Glued Glued/Glued or Glued/Pipe Empty

PushFit Pushfit/Pushfit or Pushfit/Pipe Empty

BallAndSocket Ball and Socket/Ball and Socket or Ball and Socket/Pipe Empty

Flared Flared/Flared or Flared/Pipe Empty

Lap Joint Clamped/Clamped or Clamped/Pipe Empty

Hygienic LN-/LC-/LR-/ MP = one of group or XP Empty

PulledBend PulledBend component PulledBend

Unknown Any unrecognized connection Empty

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Within each element is a series of statements. These statements contain specific processing
instructions.
 EXTERNAL-DATA Statement (on page 280)
 EXTERNAL-MAP Statement (on page 281)
 EXECUTE Statement (on page 283)
 FILTER Statement (on page 285)
 FORMATS Statement (on page 286)
 MATERIAL Statement (on page 287)
 SET-ADDITIONAL-MATERIAL Statement (on page 288)
 SET-INFORMATION-ELEMENT Statement (on page 289)
 SQL Statement (on page 290)
As you use these statements to define processing instructions for each of the elements in the
configuration file, you can include macros. A macro is a string that is substituted with a value
taken from the current POD file when the Get External Data function is executed. A macro starts
and ends with a dollar sign ( $ ) character. For more information about the macros you can use
in the Get External Data solution, see Get External Data Macros (on page 292).
See also
Attach External Data (on page 261)
Configure the Get External Data Configuration File (on page 262)

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EXTERNAL-DATA statement
Basic Syntax:
<DSN> name of data source set up through Control Panel </DSN>
<MDB> path to Microsoft Access database </MDB>
<XLS> path to Microsoft Excel spreadsheet </XLS>
<UDL> path to Universal Data Link file </UDL>
<CSV> path to folder containing one or more comma delimited files
</CSV>
You can use any of the aforementioned elements to establish a connection to the external data
source. The DSN and UDL methods allow connection to any database supporting a OLE DB
connection, such as SQL Server and ORACLE, and several others.
To use DSN in Windows Vista, create a data source using Control Panel >
Administrative Tools > Data Sources (ODBC). The DSN statement must contain the name of
the data source that you create. To use a <UDL> statement, you must create and configure a
Universal Data Link file. For more information, see Define an external data source (on page
266).
The XLS and MDB statements are the simplest to set up. All that is required is a valid path to
the database or spreadsheet file, as shown in the examples below:
<XLS>C:\SampleIsoDir\SPITutorial\Data\Get External
Data\GetExternalData.xls </XLS>
<MDB>C:\SampleIsoDir\SPITutorial\Data\Get External
Data\GetExternalData.mdb </MDB>
The CSV statement treats a folder containing one or more comma delimited files as a database,
with the individual .csv files forming the tables within the database, as shown below.
<CSV> C:\SampleIsoDir\SPITutorial\Data\Get External Data\ </CSV>

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EXTERNAL-MAP statement
Contains the mapping between the external data source and the item in the POD file.
Basic Syntax:
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name='Attribute' ExternalName='Field'
Value=’Constant’/ >
 Name – Identifies the name of the attribute to be set.
 ExternalName – Specifies the field in the external data containing the value to be copied.
 Value - Defines a constant value to be assigned to the attribute. The Value entry is ignored
if an ExternalName entry is included.
In the example below, the contents of the Schedule field are copied to COMPONENT-
ATTRIBUTE1.
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE1" ExternalName="Schedule" />
In the next example, COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE1 is set to ABC:
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE1" Value="ABC" />
You can also use the EXTERNAL-MAP statement to apply attribute values to the current spool.
To do so, you must create a <SPOOL> section and use a criteria expression to select only spool
identifiers. An example is shown below:
<EXTERNAL-DATA Version="POD3">
<INFORMATION>
<MDB>C:\SampleIsoDir\S5Tutorial\WorkFlow.mdb</MDB>
<EXECUTE Criteria="'$I.Type$'='Spool-Summary'">
<SQL>SELECT 0 as zero</SQL>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="CENTRELINE-LENGTH" ExternalName="zero" />
</EXECUTE>
</INFORMATION>
<COMPONENT>
<MDB>C:\SampleIsoDir\S5Tutorial\WorkFlow.mdb</MDB>
<EXECUTE>
<SQL>SELECT 0 as zero</SQL>
<SPOOL>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="CENTRELINE-LENGTH" ExternalName="zero" />
</SPOOL>
</EXECUTE>
</COMPONENT>
<COMPONENT>
<MDB>C:\SampleIsoDir\S5Tutorial\WorkFlow.mdb</MDB>
<EXECUTE Criteria="">
<SQL>SELECT '$C.InlineLength$' as Length, $S.CENTRELINE-LENGTH$ +
Length as SpoolLength</SQL>
<SPOOL>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="CENTRELINE-LENGTH" ExternalName="SpoolLength"
/>
</SPOOL>
</EXECUTE>
</COMPONENT>
</EXTERNAL-DATA>

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You can use EXTERNAL-MAP statements within the INFORMATION element to

write data to the <PIPELINE>, <COMPONENT> or <SPOOL> that owns the information
element. This allows the information element to write to its parent pipeline, component, or spool.
<EXTERNAL-DATA Version="POD3">
<INFORMATION>
<MDB>C:\SampleIsoDir\S5Tutorial\WorkFlow.mdb</MDB>
<EXECUTE Criteria="'$I.Type$'='Message'">
<SQL>SELECT 0 as zero, 'PIPE' as Pipeline, '$I.TEXT$' as
SpoolName</SQL>
<PIPELINE>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="AREA" ExternalName="zero" />
</PIPELINE>
<COMPONENT>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="NAME" ExternalName="SpoolName" />
</COMPONENT>
<SPOOL>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="IDENTIFIER" ExternalName="SpoolName" />
</SPOOL>
</EXECUTE>
</INFORMATION>
<INFORMATION>
<MDB>C:\SampleIsoDir\S5Tutorial\WorkFlow.mdb</MDB>
<EXECUTE Criteria="'$I.Type$'='Cut-Piece-Summary'">
<SQL>SELECT $P.AREA$ + $I.LENGTH$ as NewLength</SQL>
<PIPELINE>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="AREA" ExternalName="NewLength" />
</PIPELINE>
</EXECUTE>
</INFORMATION>
</EXTERNAL-DATA>

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EXECUTE statement
Basic Syntax:
<EXECUTE Criteria='expression'>
<!-- processing instructions -->
</EXECUTE>
Multiple EXECUTE statements can be contained within a PIPELINE, COMPONENT,
INFORMATION, MATERIAL, or JOINT element. Each EXECUTE statement is separately
evaluated. If a Criteria expression is present, the evaluation is conditional on the criteria
expression being True.
A criteria expression consists of a mixture of macros and VBScript statements and functions.
For example, the following EXECUTE statement is evaluated only at pipe components:
<EXECUTE Criteria = "'$M.ComponentType$' = 'Pipe'">
The macro $M.ComponentType$ is evaluated at the current item, and the value of the
ComponentType attribute is inserted. At a flange, the expression evaluates as:
'Flange' = 'Pipe'
This is False, and the commands within the EXECUTE statement are not evaluated.
The following EXECUTE statement is only evaluated if the component ItemCode attribute
contains the string ABC and the component is a Weld Neck Flange.
<EXECUTE Criteria = "Instr(1,'$M.ItemCode$','ABC')>0 AND
'$M.ComponentType$' = 'Flange-Weld-Neck'">
The function Instr is a standard VBScript function and returns a value greater than zero if the
second string (ABC) is found in the first string (the ItemCode of the current component).
You can find documentation and other background information on VBScript at the
Microsoft web site.
An EXECUTE statement with no CRITERIA expression is always executed.
Use of a Criteria expression is much more efficient when an SQL statement is being evaluated
at each component in the POD. This is because the Criteria expression ensures that the SQL
statement is only executed at relevant components. In a pipeline with several hundred
components, of which only a few are of interest, this can be significant.

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FILTER statement
Refines the results of evaluation the SQL expression and is always used in conjunction with an
SQL element. The result of the FILTER statement must be to return one row from the result of
the SQL query.
Basic Syntax:
<FILTER> expression </FILTER>
Consider the following example:

LINE-REF ITEM_CODE Bore1 Bore2 Schedule Material Type

SG-T1 GCA150-RG2 6 6 STD NYLON GASKET

SG-T1 FCD150-WNRSTD 6 6 STD CS ASTM A105 FLANGE

SG-T1 PA5BSTD 6 6 STD CS API 5L PIPE

SG-T1 EEL90CFSTD-LBW 6 6 STD FRG CS A234 WPB ELBOW

SG-T1 VVGCF150-FLO 6 6 STD CS ASTM A234 VALVE

SG-T1 T1RCFSTD-BW 6 4 STD FRG CS A234 TEE

SG-T1 PA5BSTD 4 4 STD CS API 5L PIPE

SG-T1 EEL90CFSTD-LBW 4 4 STD FRG CS A234 WPB ELBOW

SG-T1 FCD150-WNRSTD 4 4 STD CS ASTM A105 FLANGE

SG-T1 GCA150-RG2 4 4 STD NYLON GASKET

SG-T1 VVGCF150-FLO 4 4 STD CS ASTM A234 VALVE

The following SQL statement returns all the rows in the table when PIPELINE-REFERENCE =
'SG-T1' and no rows otherwise.
<SQL>
SELECT * FROM COMPONENTS WHERE [LINE-REF] = '$P.PIPELINE-REFERENCE$'
</SQL>
The FILTER statement is evaluated at each component in turn.
<FILTER>
[ITEM_CODE] = '$M.ItemCode$' AND Bore1 = $M.SIZE1$
</FILTER>
It must return one row, based on the criterion in the FILTER statement. At a component with
ItemCode = VVGCF150-FLO and Size1 = 4, the only row that matches is the last one in the
table.

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A FILTER statement can contain simple comparisons (=, <, >, <>) and logical operators, (AND,
OR).

 If there is a SQL element and a FILTER element, the SQL element is evaluated only once.
The FILTER element is evaluated at each component, material, information item, or joint.
 Advantages - This is efficient when the SQL statement is slow to execute. The FILTER
element operates on the result of the SQL query.
 Disadvantages - It is not possible to use joint component properties in macros in the
SQL statement.
 If there is no FILTER element, the SQL element is evaluated at each joint.
 Advantages - Joint properties can be included in macros in the SQL statement.
 Disadvantages - Can be slow as the SQL statement is executed many times.

FORMATS statement
Contains a list of child FORMAT elements, which support units conversion and formatting of
results for values retrieved from the POD file. This list allows easier matching between results
from the POD file and data in the external source.
For example, if the data source contains nominal size information using a fractional
representation for inch bores, you can format the POD data the same way. For example, you
can format 2.5 as 2-1/2".

FORMATS Attributes Description

Data The name of the POD property to be formatted, which is mandatory. For example to
control the format of the component SIZE1 property, use Data = 'C.SIZE1'.

Units The units of the data in the POD. The default MM. Also allowed are , M, FT, IN, KG, LB.
For example, if the POD component attribute WEIGHT contains data in pounds, set
Units='LB'.

OutputUnits The units for the data when used in an expression. The default is MM. Also allowed are ,
M, FT, IN, FT-IN, KG, LB. For example, if the external data source contains a value in
inches that you want to match with, set OutputUnits='IN'.

Style Use DECIMAL or FRACTION. The default is DECIMAL. FRACTION is observed if

OutputUnits = IN or OutputUnits = FT-IN.

DecimalFormat A format string in the form "0.000" or "#.###". A 0 is replaced with a digit if there is one.
A # is replaced with a digit if there is one or blank. For example, 1.7 is output as 1.700
using the "0.000" format and 1.7 using the "#.###" format.

FractionSeparator A character or string to be used to separate the whole inches from the fractional inches
if the OutputUnits = 'FT-INS' or 'IN' and Style = 'FRACTION'. For example, to obtain
output in the form 2-1/2" set the following:
Style = 'FRACTION'
OutputUnits = 'IN'
FractionSeparator = "-"

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FORMATS Attributes Description

FtInSeparator A character or string to be used to separate the ft from the inches in FT-IN output. For
example, to obtain output in the form 1' 2-1/2", set the following:
Style = 'FRACTION'
OutputUnits='FT-IN'
FractionSeparator='-'
FtInSeparator = "' "

UnitsString A character or string to be appended to the output. For example to obtain output in the
form 1' 2-1/2", set the following:
Style = 'FRACTION'
OutputUnits='FT-IN'
FractionSeparator='-'
FtInSeparator = "' "
UnitsString = '"'

IfZero A character or string to replace the value if it is zero ( 0 ).

Basic Syntax:
<FORMATS>
<FORMAT Data='Property' Units='' OutputUnits='' Style=''
DecimalFormat='' FractionSeparator='' FtInSeparator=''
UnitsString='' IfZero='' />
</FORMATS>

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MATERIAL statement

Contains a set of EXTERNAL-MAP statements (when it is within a COMPONENT element). This

allows values to be written to the material linked to each component. This syntax results in
slightly different behavior to when the MATERIAL statement is present as a child of the root tag.
Basic Syntax:
<MATERIAL>
<EXTERNAL-MAP … />
</MATERIAL>

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SET-ADDITIONAL-MATERIAL statement
Allows you to create new additional materials or update, if Name matches an existing additional
material, existing additional materials. It can be contained within a COMPONENT or PIPELINE
element. When the statement occurs as part of a PIPELINE element, the new additional material
is created at the Pipeline level.
Basic Syntax:
<SET-ADDITIONAL-MATERIAL ComponentType='Additional-Item'
Configuration="Dimensionless" Name='Lug1'>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="ASSOCIATED" ExternalName="Positive" />
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="QUANTITY" ExternalName="Quantity" />
<MATERIAL>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="ITEMCODE" ExternalName="ItemCode" />
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="DESCRIPTION" ExternalName="Description" />
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="SKEY" ExternalName="SymbolKey" />
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="GROUP" ExternalName="ItemGroup" />
</MATERIAL>
</SET-ADDITIONAL-MATERIAL>
<SET-ADDITIONAL-MATERIAL ComponentType='Support-Weld'
Configuration="Inline" Name='SupportWeld1'>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="ASSOCIATED" ExternalName="Positive" />
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="QUANTITY" ExternalName="Quantity"/>
<MATERIAL>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="DESCRIPTION"
ExternalName="WeldDescription" />
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="SKEY" ExternalName="WeldSKEY"
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="GROUP" ExternalName="WeldGroup"/>
</MATERIAL>
</SET-ADDITIONAL-MATERIAL>
You must specify the ComponentType, and the Configuration of the material. In most
instances, the configuration is set to Dimensionless. After you have created the item, you can
use EXTERNAL-MAP statements to define material properties. Usually, these properties are
applied to the material (inside a <MATERIAL> tag), although they also can be applied as
attributes of the component.

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SET-INFORMATION-ELEMENT statement
Allows you to create or edit an existing information element that is on the component. You must
define the Type of information element and also include the Name so that you can update the
same information item later.
The SET-INFORMATION-ELEMENT statement can be used only within a
COMPONENT element.
Basic Syntax:
<SET-INFORMATION-ELEMENT Type='Detail-Sketch-Identifier'
Name='Sketch1'>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="IDENTIFIER" ExternalName="SketchPath"/>
</SET-INFORMATION-ELEMENT>
<SET-INFORMATION-ELEMENT Type='Message' Name='Mes1'>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="TEXT" ExternalName="JimMes"/>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="ASSOCIATED" ExternalName="Positive"/>
</SET-INFORMATION-ELEMENT>
Inside the SET-INFORMATION-ELEMENT statement, you can have EXTERNAL-MAP
statements that set properties on the information element.

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SQL statement
Basic Syntax:
<SQL> SQL expression </SQL>
The SQL statement contains standard SQL keywords and operators and Get External Data
macros. The SQL statement is evaluated and then executed against the current external data
source.
Get External Data macros are strings that are substituted at run time with values taken
from the POD file.
The following PIPELINES table illustrates a simple example:

LINE-REF PROJECT AREA PID FROM PID TO PAINT CODE

SG-T1 RM100 DISTILLATION 300-020 300-033 P12

SG-T2 RM100 DISTILLATION 300-021 300-034 P15

SG-T3 RM100 COOLING WATER 300-022 300-035 P20

SG-T3 RM100 DISTILLATION 300-023 300-036 P25

The SQL element is as follows:

<SQL>
SELECT * FROM PIPELINES WHERE [LINE-REF] = '$P.PIPELINE-REFERENCE$'
</SQL>
The SELECT * part of the statement returns all columns from the table PIPELINES that meet
the condition in the WHERE part of the statement. In this case, the macro P.PIPELINE-
REFERENCE is replaced with the PIPELINE-REFERENCE attribute of the current Pipeline. So,
if PIPELINE-REFERENCE = 'SG-T1', then the first row is returned. If the PIPELINE-
REFERENCE = 'SG-T5', no match is found and the SQL element does not return any rows.
In some cases, a SQL statement can return more than one row. This is acceptable, provided a
FILTER statement is used to further refine the selection. In other words, at a PIPELINE element,
or in a COMPONENT element with no FILTER statement, the SQL statement must return one
row only.

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Get External Data Macros

A Get External Data macro can appear in any of the following:
 EXECUTE criteria expressions
 <SQL> elements
 <FILTER> elements
The macro appears as a string between dollar signs, such as $P.PIPELINE-REFERENCE$.
When the element is evaluated, the macro is substituted with a value taken from a property of
the POD file being processed. The sample <SQL> statement shown below contains the macro
$P.PIPELINE-REFERENCE$.
<SQL>
SELECT * FROM PIPELINES WHERE [LINE-REF] = '$P.PIPELINE-REFERENCE$'
</SQL>
In this example, when the <SQL> element is evaluated at a pipeline, the $P.PIPELINE-
REFERENCE$ string is replaced with the PIPELINE-REFERENCE property of the current
pipeline. If this is SG-1, the SQL statement becomes
SELECT * FROM PIPELINES WHERE [LINE-REF] = 'SG-1'
See also
Available Macros (on page 292)
Attributes (on page 296)

Available macros
The following table lists macros and their respective properties that you can use in a Get
External Data configuration file. The most frequently-used macros are listed first.

Macro Description Properties Available Notes

P Pipeline Name
UID Unique identifier
Any pipeline attribute

C Component BranchLength
CharacteristicBore
CharacteristicAngle
HeaderOrientation
ExternalUCI
ExternalUCIIndex
FlyText
InlineLength
SequenceNumber
Size1
Size1Units
Size2
Size2Units
Size3
Size3Units
TotalLength
UCI
Any component attribute

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Macro Description Properties Available Notes

C0 The connecting component (such Same as for Component

as a weld) in a joint

C1 The first connected component

C2 The second connected component

M Material CharacteristicBore See below

ComponentType Pipe, Ball-Vvlve, and so on
ConfigurationAsString Inline, Angle_90
Description Descriptive text
Group Valves, Flanges, and so on
ItemCode Commodity or Item code
MaterialOfConstruction CS, Monel
Rating 150LB, XS, and so on
Size1 See below
Size1Units
Size2
Size2Units ISOGEN SKEY
Size3 ANSI, DIN
Size3Units UniqueiIdentifier
SKEY
Standard
UMI
Weight
Any material attribute

M0 The connecting component material Same as for Material

in a joint

M1 The material assigned to the first

connected component in a joint

M2 The material assigned to the

second connected component in a
joint

I Information element FlyText Short description

SequenceNumber Message, End-Connection
Type Unique identifier
UII
Any attribute of the information
element

PC Parent component properties Same as for Component

POD The root element in a POD file Name

UID
Any POD attribute

PGS Pipeline graphic sheets collection Count Number of sheets

NextSheetNumber Count + 1

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Macro Description Properties Available Notes

CKP[name]  Component keypoint, Bore

specified by name. For BoreUnits Units code
example, CKP[Run_1] BoreUnitsAsString MM or IN
refers to the component EndPrep FL, BW, and so on
keypoint called Run_1. Internal True if internal keypoint
 Coordinate keypoint using Name Coordinate
the following syntax: X, Y, Z
$CKP[Run_1].Z for the
Z-coordinate keypoint.

CL[name] Component leg, specified by name. Length Length (mm)

Name

CG[name] Component graphics, specified by SheetNumber Sheet number for component

name.

MKP[name] Material keypoint, specified by Bore See CKP[name]

name. BoreUnits
BoreUnitsAsString
EndPrep
Internal
Name

ML[name] Material leg, specified by name. Length See CL[name]

Name

S Spool Any spool attribute

Not every macro can be used at any element. For example, using a component, or C, macro at
a PIPELINE element is meaningless because it is not clear which of the many components in
the pipeline should be used to evaluate the macro. Conversely, a pipeline, or P, macro can be
used at a COMPONENT element because a component only belongs to one pipeline.

Element being evaluated Macros available

PIPELINE/SQL P, POD, PGS

PIPELINE/EXECUTE

COMPONENT/EXECUTE P, PC, POD, PGS, C, CG, CKP, CL, M, MKP, ML

COMPONENT/SQL P, PC, POD, PGS, C, CG, CKP, CL, M, MKP, ML,S

(No FILTER)

COMPONENT/SQL P, POD, PGS

(With FILTER)

COMPONENT/FILTER P, PC, POD, PGS, C, CG, CKP, CL, M, MKP, ML

INFORMATION/EXECUTE P, POD, PGS, I

INFORMATION/SQL P, POD, PGS, I

(No FILTER)

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Element being evaluated Macros available

INFORMATION/SQL P, POD, PGS

(With FILTER)

INFORMATION/FILTER P, POD, PGS, I

MATERIAL/EXECUTE P, POD, PGS, M, MKP, ML

MATERIAL/SQL P, POD, PGS, M, MKP, ML

(No FILTER)

MATERIAL/SQL P, POD, PGS

(With FILTER)

MATERIAL/FILTER P, POD, PGS, M, MKP, ML

JOINT/EXECUTE P, POD, PGS, C0, C1, C2, M0, M1, M2

JOINT/SQL P, POD, PGS, C0, C1, C2, M0, M1, M2

CharacteristicBore and Sizen properties:

CharacteristicBore (string)
SIZE1 (single), SIZE1Units (string)
SIZE2 (single), SIZE2Units (string)
SIZE3 (single), SIZE3Units (string)
These properties allow access to key nominal size information without requiring knowledge of
the keypoint structure and enable linking to data tables more straightforward. The examples
below show the derived properties for a flange and a tee:
 Flange
CharacteristicBore = 6in
SIZE1 = 6, SIZE2 = 0, SIZE3 = 0
SIZE1Units=in, SIZE2Units=in, SIZE3Units=in
 Tee
CharacteristicBore = 6x4in
SIZE1 = 6, SIZE2 = 4, SIZE3 = 0
In the case of olets, the component SIZE properties report SIZE1 as the size of the main pipe,
and SIZE2 as the size of the branch pipe. In contrast, the material SIZE properties report SIZE1
as the size of the branch pipe, and SIZE2 = 0. If the main paper size is needed, use the
component-derived properties.

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Attributes
Attributes
Objects in the POD file have intrinsic properties, as described in the previous macro table, and
user-definable attributes. Both are addressed using the same syntax.
P [Pipeline]
You can view the available pipeline attributes on the Attributes tab on the Project Defaults
dialog box in I-Configure. Use the Isogen Att column to determine the syntax to use in the Get
External Data configuration file.

For example, the following two attributes are valid entries because they are defined in the
Project Defaults dialog box. As such, any pipeline object created in this project automatically
has all of these attributes available.
$P.PROJECT-IDENTIFIER$
$P.ATTRIBUTE81$
However, $P.FRED$ is not valid because FRED is not a pipeline attribute.
$P.ATTRIBUTE1$ can be valid in a given POD file if the imported Intermediate Data File (IDF)
or Piping Component File (PCF) contains a –600 record. However, because it does not appear
in the Project Defaults dialog box shown, ATTRIBUTE1 is not automatically created for a
pipeline in this particular project.
POD [POD]
The only attributes of the POD object that are likely to be useful are listed below. These
attributes are set in a POD file within a SmartPlant Isometrics project.
$POD.WORKFLOW-PIPELINE-ID$
$POD.WORKFLOW-VERSION$
$POD.WORKFLOW-PROJECT-PATH$

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C [Component]
As for the pipeline object, the most convenient way to obtain a list of what attributes are
available in a particular project is to use the Project Defaults dialog box. When you select
Component in the Attributes list, the software displays a list similar to the one shown below:

Welds have a different list of attributes, as shown in the following example:

Regardless of the type of attributes, you can use any string that appears in the Isogen Att
column to access the attribute with this name.
M [Material]
By default, most material objects do not have attributes. However, they can have up to 100 user-
defined attributes, called MATERIAL-ATTRIBUTE1 to MATERIAL-ATTRIBUTE100.
Bolts have BOLT-LENGTH and BOLT-DIA attributes. Any material attribute that is available can
be used in constructing an SQL string.
I [INFORMATION]
Each information object usually has a unique set of attributes.
Messages have a TEXT attribute that can be used to set (or query) a message.

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More Uses of Get External Data

Get External Data implies that data from an external source is applied to the POD file being
processed, While this is the most common and obvious use, a Get External Data script, by virtue
of its SQL statements, can also be used to do any of the following tasks:
 Assign a globally unique sequence number to POD objects
 Perform calculations on data already in the POD file
 Write data from the POD file to a database (inserting, updating, or deleting records)

Unique Sequence Number

In the pipe fabrication industry, it is a common practice to track work in progress using unique
sequence numbers. You can use Get External Data to assign a unique sequence number to a
pipeline using the pipeline reference. This sequence number can then be mapped to the
SPOOL-PREFIX property so that spool drawings can be automatically assigned unique, but not
sequential, sequence numbers.

Pipeline Sequence Number Spool Spool-ID

A-0001 1 00011

A-0001 2 00012

A-0001 3 00013

B-0002 1 00021

B-0002 2 00022

You must use a Microsoft Access database to hold the list of sequence numbers. The Microsoft
Access database allows you to specify that the ID field must have a unique entry, which is
essential. The database must contain a table with at least the following two columns: the ID
column, which contains text, and the SeqNo column, which contains an integer. The ID column
is defined as the primary key and cannot contain duplicate entries.
Because there can be only one entry for each ID, the first SQL statement below will fail if there
is already a row in the database. If there is no row, a new one is added with the sequence
number set to the next available.
<PIPELINE>
<!-- This SQL statement will add a new ID if one does not already
exist -->
<MDB> c:\users\data\smoe\SequenceNumbers.mdb </MDB>

<SQL>
INSERT INTO SeqNoByID (ID,SeqNo)
SELECT
"$P.PIPELINE-REFERENCE$",
if(IsNull(Max(SeqNo)),1,Max(SeqNo)+1) From SeqNoByID
</SQL>
</PIPELINE>

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The following SQL statement is then used to return the sequence number (formatted as required
using the FORMATS statement (on page 286)) for the current ID.
<PIPELINE>
<!-- Connect to the Sequence Number database -->
<MDB> c:\users\data\smoe\SequenceNumbers.mdb </MDB>
<SQL>
<!-- Gets sequence number for current pipeline -->
<!-- Format statement gives four digits padded with leading
zeros -->
SELECT Format(SeqNo,"0000") As SN FROM SeqNoByID
WHERE ID = '$P.PIPELINE-REFERENCE$'
</SQL>
<!-- Put sequence number into SPOOL-PREFIX -->
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name="SPOOL-PREFIX" ExternalName="SN"/>
</PIPELINE>

Performing Calculations
Sometimes performing a simple calculation, such as appending two text strings or finding a
substring, on a property already in the POD file is required for reporting or other purposes. You
can do this with an SQL statement in the Get External Data script.
The following example illustrates how to append the first two characters of COMPONENT-
ATTRIBUTE1 to PIPING-SPEC. To begin, you need to use a Microsoft Access database with a
table that you can reference in the SQL query. This allows you to use the functions available in
Microsoft Access as SQL extensions. For more information, see the documentation delivered
with Microsoft Access.
The query you run must return a minimum of one row. The easiest way to achieve this is with
the TOP 1 qualifier, as shown in the following example:
<COMPONENT>
<MDB> C:\SampleIsoDir\SPITutorial\Data\Get External
Data\Dummy.mdb </MDB>
<SQL>
<!-- Query is executed once -->
SELECT TOP 1
Left('$C.COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE1$',2) + '-' + '$C.PIPING-
SPEC$' AS A1
FROM DUMMY_TABLE WHERE TRUE
</SQL>
<EXTERNAL-MAP Name='COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE2' ExternalName='A1' />
</COMPONENT>
When you run the Get External Data script, the SQL statement extracts the left two characters
from COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE1 and adds them, separated by a dash ( - ), to the component
PIPING-SPEC. The result--the field A1--is then copied into the COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE2
field.
The EXECUTE element has been omitted for clarity. It can be used to check for the type
of component.

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Updating Data
You can use INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE commands within a SQL statement to update
data in an external table. In these instances, no data is copied into the POD file.
Avoid using an Excel spreadsheet as the database. It does not support all SQL
statements.
Example 1: Delete database records
<PIPELINE>
<MDB> path_to_database </MDB>
<!-- Delete all entries associated with this pipeline -->
<SQL>
DELETE FROM TABLE WHERE PipelineReference = '$P.PIPELINE-
REFERENCE$'
</SQL>
</PIPELINE>
Example 2 and Example 3 use the conventions listed below:
 TABLE is the name of an existing database table.
 Field1, Field2, and Field3 are the names of the columns in the database that you want
to populate.
 POD_property1, POD_property2 are the values in the POD file that you want to store
in the external database.
Example 2: Insert new records into a table
<MDB> path_to_database </MDB>
<SQL>
<!-- Query is executed once -->
INSERT INTO TABLE (Field1, Field2, Field3)VALUES
("$POD_property1$",
"$POD_property2$","$POD_property2$") "$I.MEASUREMENT-POINTS$",
"$I.INSPECTION-DATE$",
</SQL>
Example 3: Update existing records in a table
<MDB> path_to_database </MDB>
<SQL>
<!-- Query is executed once -->
UPDATE TABLE
SET Field1 = "$POD_property1$", Field2 = "$POD_property2$",
Field3 = "$POD_property2$" WHERE PipelineReference =
‘$P.PIPELINE-REFERENCE$’
</SQL>

 In Example 3, the WHERE clause must identify a single row in the table to be updated.
 The DELETE, INSERT and UPDATE commands all cause an error message to be
displayed in the Get External Data log file. None of these commands return any data, which
Get External Data expects. Consequently, you can ignore this error.

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Appendix: Automated Selection of Detail Sketches Based on Component Rotation

APPENDIX B

Appendix: Automated Selection of Detail

Sketches Based on Component Rotation
This appendix describes a method of automating the selection of a detail sketch based on
component rotation, such as an olet with respect to the header pipe, to show fabrication
information from a library of possible sketches. There are several aspects to this problem:
 The convention used to calculate the angle, which must be consistently applied under all
piping configurations
 The convention used to represent the angle on the detail sketch, which must be consistent
with the calculation method with respect to the axis from which rotation is measured and the
direction of rotation
 The pipework orientations to which the automated sketch selection should apply, that is,
pipework can be vertical, horizontal, sloped and non-orthogonal or skewed.

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Conventions used in the calculation of rotation angle

The convention used follows that of a right-hand coordinate system as depicted in the illustration
below.

The direction of the rotation about each axis is as follows:

 Rotation about X (Rx) rotates the y-axis towards the z-axis. The rotation angle is measured
clockwise from the UP axis.
 Rotation about Y (Ry) rotates the z-axis towards the x-axis. The rotation angle is measured
clockwise from the UP axis.
 Rotation about Z (Rz) rotates the x-axis towards the y-axis. The rotation angle is measured
counter-clockwise from EAST (0-degrees).

In each case, the view direction of a 2D section view through the pipe at the point where there is
a branch (support, valve operator, and so forth) is along the pipe in the direction of the axis (E,N
or U).

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In the following example, the branch of tee is pointing EAST and has a 0-degree rotation.

Rotating the branch by 90-degrees about the UP/DOWN axis produces the following results:

In the next example, the pipe is running N-S, and the tee is inserted at 0-degrees (UP).

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After rotating by 90-degrees about the N/S axis, the tee appears as shown in the illustration
below.

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Conventions to be used in preparation of detail

sketches
View directions for sections look along a positive horizontal direction, that is, toward N or E. The
Y-axis for a horizontal section is always UP. The X-axis is orthogonal to UP, and the positive
pipe direction is E for a N/S header and S for an E/W header.
Because it is much more conventional to look DOWN on sections through vertical pipe, the view
direction for these sections is reversed, or along the negative direction. This has the advantage
that rotation will be clockwise and not counter-clockwise. The Y-axis for a vertical section is E,
and the X-axis is S.
The sketch below is a section through the header pipe showing the angle of rotation measured
clockwise from the reference axis--0 is at the top and 90-degrees of rotation is shown on the
right-hand side. A family of eight sketches is sufficient to show all possible orientations of a
branch or olet (at 0, 1-89, 90, 91-179, 180, 181-269,270, 271-359 degrees).

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 Appendix: Automated Selection of Detail Sketches Based on Component Rotation

Applying the conventions

Orthogonal pipe (aligned with axis)
 In a pipe running N-S, the view direction for a section sketch is NORTH, with UP being 0-
degrees.
 In a pipe running E-W, the view direction for a section sketch is EAST, with UP being 0-
degrees.
 In a pipe running U-D, the view direction is UP, with EAST being the 0-degree point.

Horizontal pipe (2D skew and falling / sloped lines)

Angle is measured clockwise from the UP axis looking along the pipe toward NORTH or EAST:

This convention is also applied for small falls / slopes in horizontal lines. There is still a clear
understanding of the U/D axis in a sloped line, even though in reality it is rotated by a small
amount from vertical.

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General non–orthogonal pipe

It is mathematically possible to compute the angle of rotation of a component in a general case,
where the pipeline is running at some arbitrary angle. However, it is extremely difficult to
interpret what the "rotation" angle means and difficult to see how it would be helpful to a
fabricator.

These situations are probably best left to manual annotation and selection of sketch with
appropriate fabrication details.

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APPENDIX C

Appendix: Considerations for Importing

Piping Data
Each SmartPlant Isometrics project that you create in I-Configure contains a single mandatory
style called SPIImport. This style contains the settings that control how ISOGEN pre-processes
imported piping data.
Although you can modify the SPIImport style in the same way as you can any other
style, doing so is only recommended for the most experienced users.
The SPIImport style, along with other project defaults that you define in I-Configure, control
many aspects of the SmartPlant Isometrics import behavior. When project attributes conflict with
pipeline properties in the imported file, you can use I-Configure to specify import behavior. To
illustrate, consider the following example:

Project Default Setting Imported Pipeline Property

ATTRIBUTE1 AA BB

ATTRIBUTE2 aa

On the Attributes Tab (<Project Name> Properties Dialog Box), use Set Value to define how
the software behaves when it assigns a value during import.

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When you assign a value during import, each attribute can have one of the following three
specific behaviors:
 Isogen - The software ignores any project default settings. A piping object data (POD) file is
created with all the same settings as the original imported file. Using the previous example,
the software assigns BB as the value of ATTRIBUTE1; the value of ATTRIBUTE2 remains
unset.
 Default - The software ignores any properties that are defined in the imported file. This
reproduces the values that would be obtained by creating a new model in SmartPlant
Isometrics. In the previous example, the value of ATTRIBUTE2 is AA, and the value of
ATTRIBUTE2 is aa.
 Isogen then Default - The software preserves all import file properties. However, if any
property is set only in the project default, it is added to the pipeline properties. Using the
previous example, ATTRIBUTE1 is assigned the value BB (from the imported file) and
ATTRIBUTE2 is assigned aa (from project defaults).

Other Considerations
Isometric Viewpoint and Dimension Units - When you import a pipeline, the software uses
the Isometric North and dimensional units that would be used if you are creating a new model.
Bore Units - The bore units in the imported piping data file are used to set the bore units of the
imported data.
Not all dimension/bore unit combinations are allowed, in which case the dimension units
are changed to an allowable setting and a warning message is displayed in the ISOGEN
message file.
 Bore units = inches - Dimension units can be either m/mm or ft/in.
 Bore units = mm - Dimension units can only be m/mm.
Supported SmartPlant Isometrics Features - All of the information items most commonly
used in piping data files are preserved during import, including:
 Messages
 Bolts
 Flow arrows
 End connection references
 Floor penetrations
Component Attributes: Component attributes that are set in piping data files are imported into
SmartPlant Isometrics.

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 Appendix: Considerations for Importing Piping Data

Accuracy of Piping Data during Import

Pipelines with Falls
SmartPlant Isometrics uses a default value of 5-degrees (as defined by the
Drawing.Format.FallCutOff SPIImport style setting), meaning that all lines which fall less than
this amount are drawn as orthogonal and have a fall applied as if sketched manually.
The software automatically displays a fall symbol in the imported sketch to indicate a falling line,
as shown in the following illustration.

Welds
Many of the design systems that are the sources for most of the piping data being imported into
SmartPlant Isometrics do not explicitly model welds. In fact, even ISOGEN, with its extensive
knowledge base, infers the existence of welds from adjacent components and the specified end
preparation. For example, a weld neck flange requires a weld between it and a connected pipe,
and it will be shown on the isometric drawing even if it is not present as a record in the imported
piping data file.
Because SmartPlant Isometrics pre-processes the input data file, the imported file includes all
the welds that are created by ISOGEN.
Bolts
Bolt sets that are present in the piping data file are imported into SmartPlant Isometrics and are
visible in the model. Bolt item codes and quantities are set. The bolt diameter is always set, but
bolts lengths are not always present in the input file.

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Appendix: Considerations for Importing Piping Data

Ensuring that the bolt length and diameter units are correct when importing an IDF requires that
you check Option Switch 41 and Option Switch 65 in the input IDF, and then act in accordance
with the following:
 If Option Switch 65 is set in the input IDF, then copy this value to Option Switch 65 in the
SPIImport.opl file that exists in the SPIImport folder of the current project.
 If Option Switch 65 is not set in the input IDF, then set the value of Option Switch 65 in
SPIImport.opl according to the value defined for Option Switch 41 Position 1 in the input IDF:
 If Option Switch 41 Position 1 = 0, then set Option Switch 65 Position 1 = 0.
 If Option Switch 41 Position 1 = 1, then set Option Switch 65 Position 1 = 1.
 If Option Switch 41 Position 1 = 2, then set Option Switch 65 Position 1 = 2.

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 Appendix: POD to XMpLant Mapping File Definitions

APPENDIX D

Appendix: POD to XMpLant Mapping File

Definitions
The POD to XMpLant mapping file is mandatory to the export process. Although a sample
mapping file is delivered by default to the local machine during setup, it is only intended as a
starting point and should be customized to meet your project requirements.
The file consists of two mapping sections--one for component data, and one for attribute data.
The Component mapping section consists of the following three sub-sections:
 Component-Component - Maps POD components to XMpLant components. The
COMPONENT-COMPONENT sub-section contains all the POD component names that are
available. Each POD component name is mapped to an XMpLant component name, as
shown in the following line from the SmartPlant Isometrics sample POD to XMpLantP
mapping file:
<COMPONENT Value="Ball-Valve" XMPValue="BallValve" />
In this example, COMPONENT Value defines the POD component name, and XMPValue
defines the corresponding XMpLant component name.

 The XMpLant component name is obtained from the NewValue definition in the Smart
3D-supplied class mapping file, Map_XMpLant_SP3D_Class.xml.
<Attribute Value="Ball Valve" NewValue="BallValve" />
The mapping file is delivered to C:\Program
Files\SmartPlant\3D\Translators\ConfigurationFiles\XMpLantSP3DMaps\Piping by
default when you install the Smart 3D software.
 Those components that have a clear one-to-one map between the POD file and Smart
3D are mapped in the delivered POD to XMpLant sample mapping file. Components
that do not have a clear one-to-one map require that you modify the mapping file
accordingly using the appropriate Smart 3D value.
 SKEY-Component - Maps components with a specific SKEY to an XMpLant component. In
the following example, SKEY Value defines the SKEY to be mapped to the XMpLant
component, BallValve, as defined by XMPValue.
<SKEY Value="ABCD" XMPValue="BallValve" />

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Appendix: POD to XMpLant Mapping File Definitions

 ItemCode-Component - Maps components with a specific item code to an XMpLant

component. In the following example, ITEMCODEValue defines the item code to be mapped
to the XMpLant component, BallValve, as defined by XMPValue.
<ITEMCODE Value="IC1" XMPValue="BallValve" />

 For the SKEY and ItemCode maps, only the example syntax is supplied. You will need to
modify the map according to your specific project requirements.
 During the export of data, the Component map is searched in the following order: ItemCode,
SKEY, and Component.
Immediately following the Component mapping section is the Attribute mapping section, which
consists of the following two sub-sections:
 Pipeline-Attributes - Maps pipeline attributes to an XMpLant segment attribute.
 Component-Attributes - Maps component attributes to an XMpLant component attribute.
Even though the output generated during export conforms to the XMpLant specification, a
customized map is potentially required for each system that will be importing the XMpLant file.
The Smart 3D class mapping file, while fairly comprehensive, is by no means complete; as such,
it may be necessary to add extra entries to it. In the following example, the NewValue definition
adds a new XMpLant component, Comp1, to the Smart 3D class mapping file:
<Attribute Value="SP3DComp1" NewValue="Comp1" />
When you define a component in the Smart 3D class mapping file, you must also add attribute
information for that component to the Smart 3D attribute mapping file,
AdditionalAttributesMap.xml. The following lines of example code, define five attributes for the
new component defined in the previous example:
<Attribute Value=" SP3DComp1">
<NewAttribute Name="GeometryType" Value="1" />
<NewAttribute Name="IsSpecificallyPlaced" Value="1" />
<NewAttribute Name="SP3DGeometryType" Value="15" />
<NewAttribute Name="IsRotationApplicable" Value="1" />
<NewAttribute Name="PortNumber" Value="0" />
</Attribute>

 You can obtain the values for each of these options, including any others that may be
necessary, using Smart 3D catalog information.
 Depending on units, it may be necessary to add/modify some entries in the SP3D
XMpLantPipingTranslator.ini file. For more information, see the appropriate Smart 3D
documentation.

314 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide

APPENDIX E

Appendix: SmartPlant License Manager

Checkout Utility
The SmartPlant License Checkout utility (License Checkout Utility.exe) allows you to obtain
licenses for SmartPlant products for use on a non-networked computer (for example, a remote
laptop). Each user on a server can check out an individual license on that machine.
When you check out a license, the license and expiration information are stored on your local
machine, separate from another user's license and expiration information. A license is available
only for the user that checks out the license. Each time you start the product during the checkout
period, a message displays the expiration date for the checked-out license.
When the checkout period for the license expires, the SmartPlant product attempts to request a
license using SmartPlant License Manager the next time you start the product. For example,
after the license expires at 11:59 PM on the expiration date, the next time you start the product,
it attempts to access the SmartPlant License Manager license machine for base and module
licenses prior to running.

 You must install and configure SmartPlant License Manager before checking out a license.
 You must have administrator privileges to setup and install the utility.

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 315

Appendix: SmartPlant License Manager Checkout Utility

Check Out a License for SmartPlant Isometrics

1. Be sure that the SmartPlant License Manager (SPLM) is installed and configured on your
computer.
2. Click Start > Programs > Intergraph SmartPlant License Checkout Utility > License
Checkout Utility.
License Checkout Utility Dialog Box (on page 317)
3. In the Application Group list, select SmartPlant Isometrics.
4. In the Available Modules list, click the SmartPlant Isometrics checkbox.
5. If necessary, select an expiration from the License Expiration list, and then click Check
Out.
The minimum length of time you can have a license checked out is for approximately 24
hours. You can cut this time down to approximately 12 hours if you check out the license just
before mid-day.

 A checked out license cannot be checked in. You must wait for it to expire.
 When running in remote license mode, you cannot use setup to modify the product
installation until the following conditions are met:
 The checkout duration expires.
 The system is working with SmartPlant License Manager in connected license mode
once again.
In other words, you cannot install or remove modules while running in remote license mode.
 If SmartPlant Isometrics is running in remote license mode but is unable to confirm for any
reason that it is running in that mode, SmartPlant Isometrics automatically returns to
connected license mode and attempts to obtain the licenses from SmartPlant License
Manager. SmartPlant Isometrics notifies you if it is unable to obtain licenses from SmartPlant
License Manager.

316 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide

 Appendix: SmartPlant License Manager Checkout Utility

License Checkout Utility Dialog Box

Allows you to select the product for which you want to check out a license.

Product - Displays the installed products available for license checkout. Select the product for
which you want to check out licenses.
Modules - Displays the modules available with your product. A grayed-out entry means that
module is not installed on your workstation. If no modules appear in the list, either your product
contains no supported modules, or no modules have been installed. Check the box beside the
module for which you want to check out a license. If you want to check out only the base
product, do not check any of the modules.
Duration - Specify the number of days that you want to check out a license. Remember that
after licenses are checked out, they cannot be checked in before the license period expires.
When the checkout period for the license expires, the product returns to normal, connected
licensing using SmartPlant License Manager the next time you start the product.

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 317

APPENDIX F

Appendix: Task Comparison for I-Sketch

Users
The following table outlines the functional differences that exist between I-Sketch version 2 and
SmartPlant Isometrics when performing commonly-used tasks.

Task I-Sketch v2 SmartPlant Isometrics

Place (inline component) at end  Select material by  Select material by component type
of pipe. group (using Place (using Place menu or toolbar)
menu or toolbar).  Move mouse to end of pipe and look
 Move mouse to end of for the connect cursor.
pipe or component and
look for the insert In v2 you could not be certain
cursor. that you were actually doing an insert and were
going to get a very tiny bit of pipe.

Place (inline component) at the Not possible in v2.  Select material by component type
open end of a component other (using Place menu or toolbar)
than a pipe.  Move mouse to end of pipe and look
for the connect cursor.

Place (change of direction Not possible in v2.  Select material by component type
material) at the end of a (using Place menu or toolbar)
component.  Move mouse to end of pipe and look
for the connect cursor.
 Use the right mouse button to orient
the component--each time you right-
click, the orientation changes.
For branches, you can change
the keypoint to which you connect by you will
connect to by pressing SHIFT while you right-
click.

 Select material by
Place (inline component)
group (using Place
 Select material by component
between another component type (using Place menu or
and a pipe, such as placing a menu or toolbar).
flange on a component.  Insert into the pipe and toolbar)
slide until you collide
with the component.
 Move mouse to the pipe and look
for the connect cursor.
Although the v2 method is still
functional, this updated method ensures that
the flange is oriented correctly.

Place a support on a component  Select support (using  Select support (using Place menu or
adjacent to a pipe Place menu or toolbar)
toolbar),  Move to a component and look for
 Insert the support into the insert cursor.
a pipe and slide until
you collide with the
component.

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 319

Appendix: Task Comparison for I-Sketch Users

Task I-Sketch v2 SmartPlant Isometrics

Place support on a component Not possible in v2  Select support (using Place menu or
not adjacent to a pipe toolbar)
 Move to a component and look for
the insert cursor.

Insert (inline component)  Select the material  Select the material (using Place
(using Place menu or menu or toolbar)
toolbar)  Move the mouse to the pipe and look
 Move the mouse to the for the insert cursor.
pipe and look for the  Slide into position.
insert cursor.
 Right-click the Dimension Line and
 Slide into position. type a value into the Dimension box.
 Update the Inline
Insertion dialog box as
necessary.

Insert (branch) Not possible in v2.  Select the material (using Place
menu or toolbar)
 Move the mouse to the pipe and look
for the insert cursor.
 Slide into position.
 Right-click the Dimension Line and
type a value into the Dimension box.

Insert (set-on/olet/tap) Not possible in v2.  Select the component from the
Fittings component group (using
Place menu or toolbar).
You automatically go into routing mode.
 Route a branch.
The branch table selection is
overridden with whatever component you
selected.

Insert (set-on cross)  Route a branch.  Select a set-on cross from the
 Route from the branch Fittings component group (using the
to form a cross. Place menu or toolbar).
 Edit the cross item You automatically go into routing mode.
code to be a set-on
cross.  Route a branch.
 You will get a set-on tee
even though you asked for a cross.
To make it a set on cross repeat the
above step opposite the 1st set-on.
Note the two components placed
have a CRSO SKEY, not a TESO.

Slide (individual components)  Select component.  Select component.

 Hold down left mouse  Hold down left mouse button and
button and slide the slide the component.
component.  Press CTRL while sliding.
 Press SHIFT while
sliding to display the In SmartPlant Isometrics, SHIFT
Slide dialog box. is used to select nearby small components.

Slide (assembly) Not possible in v2.  Select all the components in the
assembly.
 Hold down left mouse button and
move to new locations.

320 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide

 Appendix: Task Comparison for I-Sketch Users

Task I-Sketch v2 SmartPlant Isometrics

Slide (tee or bend)  Select the component  Select the tee or bend element you
 Hold down the left want to move, including all the
mouse button and components that you require to move
move to the new with it.
location.  Hold down the left mouse button and
move the object group to the new
location.

 This method allows you to put a

boundary on the slide and only slide
some of the components, which
means you can slide a bypass (not
possible in v2).
 An alternative way to slide a branch
(including the set-on or an olet) is to
press ALT while you select the
branch.

Move  Move Pipeline  Select all the components you want

command (using Edit to move.
menu or toolbar).  Hold down the left mouse button and
 Select the object you move the group of objects to the new
want to move. location.
 Hold down the left Although the v2 method is still
mouse button and functional in SmartPlant Isometrics, this
move object to the new updated method allows you to perform complex
location. drag operations not possible in previous
software releases.

Copy/Cut Not possible in v2.  Select the components (or select a

pipeline to get every component in it).
 Press CTRL+C, or use Copy
command (menu or toolbar).

Paste Not possible in v2.  Press CTRL+V or use Paste

command (menu or toolbar).
 If necessary, you can rotate (using
arrow keys) or mirror (using space
bar) while pressing the left mouse
button.

Select Left-click, window select, Select  Left-click, window select, Select By

By command. command.
 In Pipeline Explorer, click in tree
view to select all components in
straight, network, sheet, pipeline and
POD.

Break  Break Tube command  Break Tube command (using

(using Dimension Dimension menu or toolbar).
menu or toolbar).  Click on the section of pipe to be
 Click on the section of broken.
pipe to be broken.
Press SHIFT when you click on
the section of pipe to place a pipe separator.

Place as fixed pipe Place as a miscellaneous  Route Pipe command (using Place
component. menu or toolbar).
 Route as you would variable pipe.

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 321

Appendix: Task Comparison for I-Sketch Users

Task I-Sketch v2 SmartPlant Isometrics

Place a support weld Right-click the support and  Weld command (using the Place
change its properties. menu or toolbar).
 Select Support Weld from the sub
menu.
 Place in the sketch as you would any
other out of network component.

Place an end plate weld Not possible in v2.  Weld command (using the Place
menu or toolbar).
 Select Support Weld from the sub
menu.
 Place in the sketch as you would any
other out of network component.

Override an end preparation Place an end preparation flag.  Right-click the component and then
click Physical.
 Make necessary updates in the
Physical dialog box.

322 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide

Glossary

SYMBOLS & NUMERIC

3D view
A scaled, real-world three-dimensional graphical representation of the currently selected
pipeline.

A
absolute position
The position of an object in 3D space.

additional materials
Materials that are required on the material list of the isometric but are not graphically
represented.

adjacent components
Components that are next to one another.

as-built
The set of data that describes the existing conditions of a plant or site; the completed and
approved state of a project.

B
bolt diameter units
The units of dimensions (mm or in) currently being used for bolt diameter.

bolt length units

The units of dimensions (m, mm, or ft/in) currently being used for bolt length.

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 323

Glossary

bore
Nominal piping diameter.

C
change the bore
Set a different bore on part or all of a pipeline, making consequent changes to components and
dimensions.

connectivity table
A table that defines the allowable combinations for connecting two components together.

coordinate units
The units of dimensions (m, mm, or ft/in) currently being used for coordinates.

D
default radius
The bend radius to be used for all pulled (pipe) bends. Can be overridden by the user.

definition parameters
Values, which are a combination of lengths and angles, used to define a skew.

dimensions
The physical size (length) of a component or pipe, the former being read from the catalog and
the latter defined by the user.

G
global offset
An adjustment applied to avoid very large coordinates being used in a model. This can occur if
model coordinates are defined with reference to a distant origin perhaps a national or site grid.

324 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide

 Glossary

group
A classification of component into generic types, such as flange, valve, fitting, instrument, and
so on.

I
I-Configure
Application used by SmartPlant Isometrics and SmartPlant Spoolgen to create the projects and
styles that are used to produce isometric drawing and report file output.

IDF
Intermediate Data File - the original input file for ISOGEN.

isometric drawing
A line drawing, always shown in an isometric perspective, that is used for fabricating and
erecting piping systems. An isometric drawing usually shows a complete line from one piece of
equipment to another and provides all information necessary for fabrication and erection of
piping.

isometric north
The direction on the sketch that represents North defined as "top left", "top right", "bottom left" or
"bottom right".

isometric style
A set of ISOGEN settings, controls and drawing sheets that will produce a drawing in a
particular format.

item code
A code identifying a particular type of component, which defines uniquely the bores and
dimensions of the component.

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 325

Glossary

keypoint
The start, end, or middle of components and pipe.

L
literal
in a string or substring, the characters that appear in between wildcards

M
minimum length
The smallest allowable length of pipe constrained by the need to fabricate.

P
PCF
The ISOGEN Piping Component File. A PCF is a man-readable input file for ISOGEN.

pipeline reference
The identifier given to the pipeline.

POD
The default file format for SmartPlant Isometrics data. POD stands for piping object data.

S
shortcut menu
A context menu that the software displays when you right-click an object in the software. The
shortcut menu contains specialized commands and options for the selected object.

skew components
Coordinate translation represented by dotted lines showing change in E/W, N/S and U/D
coordinates.

326 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide

 Glossary

skew geometry
Pipe length and skew length.

specification
The filter that determines which subset of all the components in a catalog that can be used on a
pipeline.

straight
A number of lengths of pipe with in-line elements. All pipes have the same direction and bore
and are concentric. A straight is terminated by a bend (change of direction), a reducer (change
of bore) the leg of a tee (change of direction) or an offset or return (straight no longer
concentric).

U
unscaled 2D representation
A schematic representation of 3D data lengths of pipe are not scaled from their real lengths but
are calculated to give a good layout on the screen or drawing.

user-defined bolt set

A set of bolts created by the user rather than by the AutoPlace Bolts tool.

W
weight units
The units of dimensions (kg or lbs) used to express weights.

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 327

Index

3 C
3D view • 323 Center view on selection • 28
Change bore • 179
A change the bore • 324
Change the color of sketch status • 36
absolute position • 323 Change the graphical representation • 30
Add 3D Coordinates • 82 Change the material specification • 60
Add a bend element • 69 Change the view orientation • 29
Add a branch element • 72 Check component end connections • 140
Add an origin • 84 Check for consistency • 141
Add Origin Dialog Box • 90 Check for duplicate part numbers • 153
additional materials • 323 Check for duplicate weld numbers • 153
adjacent components • 323 Check minimum pipe lengths • 139
Appendix Check network integrity • 141
Automated Selection of Detail Sketches Check Out a License for SmartPlant
Based on Component Rotation • 301 Isometrics • 316
Considerations for Importing Piping Data Colors Tab (Options Dialog Box) • 40
• 309 Commands Tab (Customize Dialog Box) •
Get External Data Configuration File • 34
273 Common Tasks • 215
POD to XMpLant Mapping File Configure a UDL file • 270
Definitions • 313 Configure the Get External Data
SmartPlant License Manager Checkout configuration file • 262
Utility • 315 Connect multiple sheets • 87
Task Comparison for I-Sketch Users • Connect to a point cloud data set • 217
319 Connect two pipes with a bend
Applying the conventions • 306 automatically • 71
as-built • 323 Connect two pipes with a branch
Assign a keyboard shortcut • 33 automatically • 73
Assign an item code • 103 connectivity table • 324
Assign bolt sets automatically • 97 Control the Display of Data • 24
Assign Part Numbers Dialog Box • 153 Conventions to be used in preparation of
Assign part numbers manually • 152 detail sketches • 305
Assign Weld Numbers Dialog Box • 154 Conventions used in the calculation of
Assign weld numbers manually • 152 rotation angle • 302
Attach External Data • 261 Convert a 2D skew to a 3D skew • 185
Attributes • 296 Convert orthogonal pipe to skewed pipe •
Available macros • 292 181
coordinate units • 324
B Copy an object • 162
Batch import piping data • 206 Copy and Paste • 162
bolt diameter units • 323 Copy and paste 3D coordinates • 163
bolt length units • 323 Create a data source using DSN • 267
bore • 324 Create a new custom toolbar • 32
Break a section of pipe • 182 Create a new pipeline model • 58
Create a new piping system • 59
Create a UDL file • 270

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 329

Index

Create the Tutorial project • 56 EXTERNAL-MAP statement • 282

Custom Symbols for Isometric Drawings •
237 F
Customize a built-in toolbar • 33
Customize Dialog Box • 34 FILTER statement • 285
Customize Interface Elements • 35 Fit all objects • 27
Customize the Detail Window • 32 Fit the pipe • 221
Customize the window layout • 37 Fit view to selection • 27
Cut an object • 167 FORMATS statement • 286
Cut and Delete • 167
G
D Generate a single isometric drawing • 245
Deactivate a skew component • 187 Generate an isometric drawing • 245
default radius • 324 Generate an isometric drawing using the
Define an external data source • 267 command line • 246
Define Dimensions • 108 Generate Drawings Dialog Box • 249
Define drawing output format • 242 Generate multiple isometric drawings
Define generic component properties • 99 simultaneously • 246
Define measurements with two points • 233 Get External Data Macros • 292
Define point cloud settings • 216 Getting Started • 47
Define the length of a skew component • global offset • 324
121 group • 325
Define the project default for exporting
piping data • 206 I
definition parameters • 324 I-Configure • 325
Delete a dimension • 125 IDF • 325
Delete an object • 168 Import a piping data file using the command
Detail Sketches in Isometric Drawings • 143 line • 205
Detail the Drawing • 126 Import a single piping data file • 203
Detail Window • 21 Import and Export Piping Data • 202
Dimension a 2D skew • 118 Insert and dimension a tap • 105
Dimension a 3D skew • 120 Interface Overview • 19
Dimension a section of pipe • 117 isometric drawing • 325
Dimension Tap Dialog Box • 107 Isometric Drawing Generation • 241
Dimension the entire pipe route • 115 isometric north • 325
dimensions • 324 isometric style • 325
Documentation Comments • 12 Issue Request Tab (Publish Dialog Box) •
Documentation Set • 11 257
item code • 325
E Item Code Dialog Box • 106
Edit an information item • 134
Edit an origin • 86 K
Edit component properties • 191 Keyboard Tab (Customize Dialog Box) • 35
Edit Object Properties • 188 keypoint • 326
Edit pipeline properties • 189
Edit POD properties • 188
EXECUTE statement • 284
L
Export piping data • 207 License Checkout Utility Dialog Box • 317
Export to XMpLant Dialog Box • 207 literal • 326
Extend or shorten a length of pipe • 201 Locate objects in the point cloud • 219
EXTERNAL-DATA statement • 281 Log in to a project • 57

330 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide

 Index

M Preferences Tab (Options Dialog Box) • 42

Print an isometric drawing • 248
Magnify an area • 26
Properties Window • 46
MATERIAL statement • 288
Publish • 254
Measure to a point off the centerline • 234
Publish BOM piping data • 254
minimum length • 326
Publish Dialog Box • 255
Mirror and Rotate Pipe • 169
Publish Tab (Publish Dialog Box) • 256
Mirror orthogonal pipe • 170
Modify a dimension • 121
Modify and Move Pipeline Objects • 155 Q
Modify Sketch Objects • 178 Query a 3D coordinate • 83
More Uses of Get External Data • 298 Query a dimension • 121
Move a pipe branch • 201
Move a Pipeline • 199 R
Move Objects • 197
Redefine a symbol for isometric drawings •
239
O Reference Dimension Dialog Box • 125
Open an existing pipe sketch • 60 Reflect a skew axis • 172
Options Dialog Box • 40 Register • 252
Register a project • 252
P Remove an information item from the model
• 134
Pan views • 28
Reposition a component • 198
Paste an object • 162
Revise • 258
PCF • 326
Revise a POD document • 258
Perform design checks automatically • 142
Revise Dialog Box • 259
Performing Calculations • 299
Rotate a pipeline about a different axis •
Physical Dialog Box • 106
176
Pipeline Explorer • 43
Rotate a skew axis • 175
pipeline reference • 326
Rotate orthogonal pipe • 173
Place a component • 94
Route a 2D skew • 75
Place a concentric reducer • 100
Route a 3D skew • 76
Place a detail sketch • 147
Route a section of pipe • 68
Place a fitting cross • 102
Route Pipe • 66
Place a floor symbol • 136
Route skewed pipe using the keyboard • 77
Place a flow arrow • 135
Run the Get External Data command • 271
Place a generic component • 98
Place a reference dimension • 123
Place a set-on cross • 102 S
Place a thickness measurement location Select Component By Dialog Box • 161
(TML) • 133 Select like components • 158
Place a wall symbol • 137 Select multiple components by filter • 160
Place additional material • 130 Select multiple components by region • 161
Place Additional Material Dialog Box • 132 Select multiple information items • 159
Place an information item • 132 Select Objects • 156
Place an insulation symbol • 138 Select Project Dialog Box • 63
Place Components • 91 Set a fall • 79
Place gaskets and flanges automatically • Set user options • 36
96 SET-ADDITIONAL-MATERIAL statement •
POD • 326 289
Point Cloud Integration • 209 SET-INFORMATION-ELEMENT statement
Point Cloud Tab (Options Dialog Box) • 41 • 290
Preface • 11 shortcut menu • 326

SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide 331

Index

Show 3D View • 28
Sketch the piping configuration • 223
skew components • 326
skew geometry • 327
SmartPlant Integration • 251
SmartPlant Isometrics • 15
SmartPlant Isometrics Project Defaults • 50
SmartPlant Isometrics Reference Data • 54
SmartPlant Isometrics Tools • 16
SmartPlant Isometrics Workflow • 65
SmartPlant Registration Wizard • 253
specification • 327
Specify the display of working units • 36
SQL statement • 291
straight • 327
Synchronize Specification Dialog Box • 63

T
Terminate pipe routing • 80
Toolbars Tab (Customize Dialog Box) • 34
Transfer a length to a dimension • 231
Transfer a length to a section of pipe • 228
Transfer measurement points • 225

U
Unique Sequence Number • 298
unscaled 2D representation • 327
Update the model with material
specification changes • 61
Updating Data • 300
user-defined bolt set • 327

V
Verify Design Integrity • 139
View a drawing message file • 248
View an isometric drawing • 247
View the Get External Data log files • 272

W
weight units • 327
Weld and Part Number Management • 151
What's New in SmartPlant Isometrics • 12
Working Units Tab (Options Dialog Box) •
41

Z
Zoom in on an area or zoom out from a
point • 26

332 SmartPlant Isometrics User's Guide