PFD Explorer

Provides an easy to use graphical method for exploring the PFD database elements.

On the Simulation tab, in the View group, click PFD Explorer to display the PFD Explorer.

The PFD Explorer displays the PFD elements in a hierarchy. Click on an element in the tree view to navigate to the element in the database and make it the current element.

Alternatively, you can press and hold Ctrl or Shift to select multiple elements. Actions can be performed on the selected elements using the right-click drop-down menu. For example, copy, delete, modify attributes and highlight. Multiple elements can only be selected below the same node.

To expand an element hierarchy, click to the left of the element name. To contract an expanded element, click to the left of the element name.

The PFD Explorer element contains items that are on a drawing. The drawing items are grouped into folders. If an item is removed from a drawing, it is removed from the element structure.

To display only elements on the current active sheet, right-click on the PFD Explorer element and select Show Current Sheet Content from the dropdown menu.

Equipment

Displays equipment items that are on a drawing. For example, pressure vessels and pumps.

Streams

Displays stream elements that are on a drawing.

Inline Items

Displays inline item elements that are on a drawing.

Instruments

Displays instrument items that are on a drawing. For example, indicating instruments.

Modify/View PFD Explorer Elements

To modify or view elements in the PFD Explorer, right-click an element to display a drop-down menu.

Copy

Copies the currently selected elements. If the currently selected elements are located on a drawing that is not open, the option appears dimmed and is inactive.

Delete

Deletes the currently selected elements.

Attributes

Displays the attributes for the currently selected elements.

Highlight

Highlights the currently selected elements on the drawing canvas. If the currently selected elements are located on a drawing that is not open, the option appears dimmed and is inactive.

To clear the highlight from the currently selected elements, on the Drawings tab, in the Tools group, click Clear Highlight.

Open Datasheet

Opens the datasheets that are associated with the currently selected element.

If multiple elements are selected, the option appears dimmed and is inactive.

If the currently selected element is not associated with any datasheets, the option appears dimmed and is inactive.

If the currently selected element is associated with a single datasheet, the datasheet opens.

If the currently selected element is associated with multiple datasheets, the Open Datasheet window displays which allows you to select the datasheets to open.

Open Drawing

Opens the drawings that are associated with the currently selected element.

If multiple elements are selected, the option appears dimmed and is inactive.

If the currently selected element is associated with multiple drawings, the Open Related Drawings window displays which allows you to select the drawings to open.

Open Grid

Opens the grids that are associated with the currently selected element.

If multiple elements are selected, the option appears dimmed and is inactive.

On the Select List window, use the Category and List drop-down lists to navigate to the required grid.

Refer to Open Datasheet and Open Grid for further information.