Dropping and Connecting

When a shape is dragged and dropped onto the drawing, it will respond differently depending on where it is dropped:

1. Dropped onto an empty space in the drawing: The shape will not be defined (refer to Define / Undefine) until it is subsequently connected to a member of a branch.

2. Dropped onto a tube shape: The tube will be divided into two and the dropped shape will be inserted in between and defined (Define / Undefine) in the database.

   Note:
   This only happens if the connections points related with Arrive and Leave (point 1 and 2 in the shape) will both be in line with the tube shape. Also, Arrive and Leave will if necessary also be automatically switched so that they will be consistent with the flow direction of the branch that the shape is dropped into.

   Note:
   If the connector has more than one angle and the connector style is set to Reroute Freely, then each time when the user is trying to drop something on that connector the line is immediately rerouted, avoiding the dropped shape. This is an MS Visio behavior that unfortunately cannot be changed by AVEVA. To prevent connector reroute during that operation the user has to set the reroute style to Reroute on Crossover or Never Reroute using the Layout & Routing group on the Home Tab.

3. Dropped onto a free end of a tube shape: By aligning one of the connection points of the part and a free end of a tube when the shape is dropped, they will be connected and the shape will be defined (Define / Undefine) and added to the branch.

When an inline component is connected to a branch, the Arrive and Leave will automatically be set to follow the flow of the branch. However, the visual appearance of the shape will not be changed. There are two ways to make sure that the shape gets the right direction in the branch:

4. Drop the shape onto an empty area of the drawing, and use the rotation handle to properly align it with the branch it should be connected to. Then connect it to the branch end or drag it over a tube to insert it.

5. Drop the shape into the branch (connect or split on drop), and if it gets the incorrect orientation, use the Reverse Direction command.

When connecting a branch/tube to an item (valve, inline fitting, equipment, nozzle .), which is a grouped shape, the connection points must be on the group and not on the members of the group. Otherwise the connection operation will fail and the message 'Not a valid pipe piece and/or pipe connection' is shown.

It is not possible to directly connect tube/branch shapes to each other, a Visio 2D shape is required in between. For example, to connect one branch to another, a fitting such as a Tee, Olet or Coupling must be inserted, and the branches connected to this.