Functions

The application enables you to design a 3D computer model of a project. The application allows you to see a full colour‑shaded representation of the model as the design progresses, adding an extremely impressive level of realism to traditional drawing office techniques.

In the model you can store huge amounts of data referring to position, size, part numbers and geometric relationships for the various parts of the project. The model becomes a single source of engineering data for all of the sections and disciplines involved in a design project.

All this information is stored in databases. There are many different output channels from the databases through which information can be passed on. These range from reports on data stored in the databases, fully annotated and dimensioned engineering drawings, to full colour‑shaded 3D walk‑through capabilities which allow the user to visualize the complete design model.

Even with the advanced features of the application, the main form of communication between the designer and the fabricator remains the drawings. Without engineering drawings the task of building a project would be almost impossible. To meet this requirement, the application can produce numerous types of drawing, ranging from complex 3D illustrations to fully annotated and dimensioned arrangement drawings and piping isometrics.

All the data in a project design would be of little value without the ability to make sure that the quality of the design information contributes to the quality of the design in the following ways:

• Makes sure the component data is consistent and reliable.

  In a design environment which uses only 2D drawing techniques, the size of each fitting must be decided before it can be drawn, which is a time-consuming and error-prone process, where often the design errors are only found during the erection stage of the project. With the application, all piping component sizes and geometry are predefined and stored in a catalog, which cannot be changed by the designer, which makes sure that all items are true to size and are consistent throughout the design, no matter how many users there are on the project.

• Adheres to definable engineering specifications

  Piping specifications and steelwork catalogs, stating precisely the components to be used, are compiled for the purpose of ensuring consistent, safe and economic design. Design applications for Piping, HVAC, Cable trays and Steelwork all use specifications to assist component selection.

• Makes sure that the geometry and connectivity are correct

  There are many different ways of making design errors, such as incorrect fitting lengths, incompatible flange ratings, or simple alignment errors. The application can check all of these using data consistency procedures built into the system to check all or individual parts of the design model.

• Avoids component interferences

  Despite a wealth of skill and experience in project design, traditional drawing office techniques are still subject to human error. Laying out complex pipe runs and general arrangements in confined areas using conventional 2D methods, inevitably leads to clashes between elements, which are trying to share the same physical space. The application enables user to avoid such problems in two ways:

  • By viewing the design interactively during the design process, allowing visual checks on the model from different viewpoints. Potential problems can thus be resolved as they arise.

  • By using the powerful clash checking facility within the application, which will detect clashes anywhere in the project. Clash checking can be done interactively or retrospectively.

• Annotation and dimensions obtained directly from the design database

  Extracted information from the application database, such as arrangement drawings, piping isometrics and reports, will always be the latest available as it is stored only in one source. Through the course of a project, information is constantly changing and drawings need to be reissued. When this happens, drawings, reports etc can be updated and reissued with the minimum of effort.