Pipework Spool

The Spool module works with spooling networks, which are created by selecting pipework elements to be added to a Spool Drawing (SPLDRG). The selected elements must form an interconnected piping network but are not limited to a single branch or pipe in the design model.

Spooling networks consist of interconnected spools and fields. Where a Spool is defined as a run of piping components and tube that is connected during fabrication and a FIELD is an individual or group of piping components that are connected during the erection phase.

Spools and fields are defined by picking an element in the 3D View window. If the element has been defined as a fabrication element (For example, the SHOP Flag is true) it generates a Spool. Whereas, if the selected element has been defined as being fitted on site (For example, the SHOP Flag is false) it generates a FIELD.

When an element is picked, the software searches all connected piping components and tube and then adds all adjacent components that have the same SHOP Flag status to that spool or field. The ends of the spools, called SPOOL BREAKS, occur when the SHOP Flag status changes.

SPOOL BREAKS can be forced by defining Field Welds or Joints at the required point in the SPOOL. Field welds can be used to split a piping section at a particular component or at some defined point along a length of tube. The forced spool break is used to create a break at joint that does not have a field element in it (for example: a flanged joint with no gasket).

By setting the SFLimit (Spool/Field Limit) attribute for a SPLDRG to either BRAN, PIPE, ZONE or SITE (the default is WORLD), a spool break is enforced at any change at the corresponding element level.

SPOOLING NETWORKS can be defined by picking each SPOOL and FIELD in sequence, to add to the SPOOL DRAWING or by picking two ends of a continuous piping network. SPOOL checks that it is an interconnected network before it adds all the spools and fields to the SPOOL DRAWING.