Define a New Signal Line Type

Simple signal line styles can be created and edited using the Signal Styles Configuration Category of the AVEVA P&ID Project Administration program.

More complex line styles can be created using the following procedure.

This procedure is based on the AutoCAD functionality for defining complex Line Styles.

1. The first step is to open a project drawing and draw the shape that is going to be used in the new line type (by using AutoCAD geometries: circles, lines, arcs, etc.). For instance:

   

2. Next, use the "MKSHAPE" command to convert the geometry into a Shape object. The application will ask for the location to save the file. Specify the Bin directory at:

   C:\...........\AVEVA\P&ID\Install\AutoCad\Bin

   Type the name of the file and click Save:

   

   At the command prompt, the application will ask for the name of the shape and other parameters:

   • "Enter the name of the Shape: TCI" - (e.g. "TCI").

   • "Enter resolution <128>:" - "Enter" to select the default option.

   • "Specify the insertion point:" - select at the screen the insertion point, for instance the west quadrant of the circle.

   • "Select Objects:" - select the circle and the line and press "Enter".

   The command prompt will display "Shape "TCI" created. Use the SHAPE command to place shapes in your drawing".

3. The next step is to insert the previously defined shape in the drawing area by using the SHAPE command. After the command is entered the application will display:

   "Enter Shape name or [?]" - in this case enter TCI. Press "Enter".

   "Insertion point" - select any point in the drawing area.

   "Specify height <1.0000>" - press "Enter" to use the default value.

   "Specify rotation angle <0>:" - press "Enter" to use the default value.

4. Once the Shape is inserted into the drawing area, the next step is to use the command "MKLTYPE" to define the parameters of the line type in a ".lin file". In this case save the.lin file at the "Projmet" folder at (in this example under the IPE project):

   C:\........\AVEVA\P&ID\Project\IPE\Autocad\Projmet

   For example:

   

   The command prompt will then display:

   • "Enter linetype name: LTN" - e.g. LTN.

   • "Enter Linetype description: Circle and Line" - e.g. Circle and Line.

   • "Specify starting point for line definition:" - e.g. at the screen left end, west quadrant of the circle.

   • "Specify ending point for line definition:" - e.g. select any point near to the right end point of the line. For example:

   

   • "Select Objects:" -select the previously inserted shape and press Enter.

   The command prompt will the display "Linetype "LTN" created and loaded".

5. Delete from the drawing area the previously inserted geometries and shape and save and close the P&ID application.

6. The Style Lines used by each project are defined in the "acad.lin" file at:

   C:\AVEVA\P&ID\Project\IPE\Autocad\Projmet

   For example:

   

   Next, open the next ".lin" files located at the "Projmet" folder by using Notepad:

   • "acad.lin"

   • "TST.lin" previously defined

   Copy (Ctrl-C) all the lines from the "TST.lin":

   

   Paste them at the end of the "acad.lin" file:

   

   Save the "acad.lin" file and close it.

7. The next step is to configure the new Signal Style using the Project Administrator. In the Signal sub-category of the Item Types Configuration Category, create a new Signal Type by selecting the "insert row".

   

   Then define:

   • The name of the new Signal Type, in this case "STS"

   • The Drawing layer: for instance "AS_INST"

   • The colour: for instance "2"

   • Description: for instance "Signal Line (demo)".

   Save the Project Administrator.

8. The next step is to define the Signal Style using the Signal Styles Configuration Category. Insert a new Signal Style by using the "Insert row" button and enter the signal name, for instance "CIRDEMO":

   

9. The next step is to define the parameters of the new Signal Style:

   • In the P&ID Type field, select the previously configured STS Signal Type

   • In the Line Type field select the previously configured LTN Line Type

   • Finally, in the Signal Type field enter the name displayed in the "Signal Styles" dropdown menu in the P&ID application, for instance "DEMO":

   

10. Finally save the Project Administrator, open the P&ID application and test the new Signal Style in a drawing. It will be available for selection from the list of signal styles in the Signal Line Group of the Home tab.