IDEAS Y CREENCIAS SOBRE LA MUERTE

All AutoPIPE commands can be accessed from the menu system. For a detailed description of the capabilities and functionality of a specific command, refer to the AutoPIPE On-line Help Menu Reference. The top menu that is displayed above the drawing area depends on the current mode of the program:

The standard Menu is displayed when building or editing a model

AutoPIPE can be placed in a Worksheet Mode, which displays a model’s data in spreadsheet format.

Note that each of these menus has a toolbar associated with it.

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AutoPIPE has three types of toolbars: command, view and components. Command toolbars are always docked directly beneath the main menu, and cannot be moved from this location. The component and view toolbar, on the other hand, can be moved from its position along the right and left side of the screen respectively and positioned as a “floating toolbar” in the modeling area of the screen. To reposition it, simply “drag” the title bar of the toolbar into the screen area. The toolbar will resize.

Hint If you forget the use of a particular button, position your cursor over it and wait a second or two. A ToolTip description is displayed beneath the button.

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A number of AutoPIPE commands can be accessed directly from the keyboard using hotkeys. In AutoPIPE hotkeys are executed by holding down the control and then pressing a letter key.

Additionally, AutoPIPE also uses the function keys for some operations. Note that these hotkeys are displayed in the AutoPIPE pull-down menus next to the item it executes.

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PIPE

Experienced users of AutoPIPE have come to appreciate the speed and efficiency with which detailed, data-rich models can be created, modified, and reviewed. If you are a novice user, it is important to understand some basic concepts of the program.

Models are created from individual pipe segments

Components are attached to the active point (cursor location) The piping system geometry and properties can be modified

AUTOPIPE MODELING CONCEPTS

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Each piping system is divided into a number of segments. As an example, the sample model shown below contains five segments labeled A through E. Piping models are entered into the program, segment by segment. They may be extended or modified at any time by either adding more segments or changing existing ones. The segments are labeled automatically (A through E in the example). If more than twenty-six segments are entered, the additional ones are labeled AA, AB, AC and so on.

Although most of the piping segment definition is handled automatically with AutoPIPE, in some circumstances it is advantageous to plan the model in advance and divide it into logical “segments”

before creating the system (see ‘Rules for defining Pipe Segments’). Typically, a segment would begin and end at anchor points or a branch connection. However, as shown in Figure 2-1 on the facing page, at point D02, a pipeline may be divided into two or more contiguous segments. Whenever a tee/branch is inserted, AutoPIPE automatically assigns a new segment identifier. Each new segment begins with a different alpha character, making it easier for node numbering and easier to keep track of segments when reviewing input listings or output results.

When defining a new system, AutoPIPE automatically displays the first Segment screen (the first segment is segment A). In this screen, the user must specify starting X,Y, Z coordinates of the Segment and input a Pipe identifier name. A Pipe identifier is used to assign properties. The Pipe identifier can be any name that the user wishes to use. It is a good idea to choose a meaningful name such as the first few letters of a line ID or something like 8”std (indicating 8” nominal diameter, standard schedule wall thickness) to help you keep track of pipe properties when reviewing the model.

These properties will be applied to all components attached to that pipe identifier until otherwise specified by inputting a new pipe identifier name in one of the component dialogue screens. After inputting a new Pipe identifier name, the Pipe properties dialogue screen will automatically be displayed for input. For example, if you define a Pipe identifier as a 4-inch line, then all following components will default to those same properties until the user types in a new Pipe identifier name on a component dialogue. A segment can be made up of multiple pipe identifiers.

Existing Pipe properties can be easily modified using either Modify/Properties of Pipe Identifier (which modifies that Pipe Identifier throughout the entire model, wherever it was used) or by graphical selection of a range of points and Modify/Pipe Properties Over Range.

Note AutoPIPE makes extensive use of dialogs to obtain user input. A discussion of techniques for navigating throughout the fields of a dialog is provided later in this chapter.

AUTOPIPE MODELING CONCEPTS

Figure 2-1: Pipe Segments

AUTOPIPE MODELING CONCEPTS

RULES FOR DEFINING SEGMENTS

A number of rules govern the definition of piping segments; they are listed as follows:

1. Each segment has a forward and backward direction and is entered as a sequence of points.

AutoPIPE automatically keeps track of the local axis of the segment, making it convenient to insert intermediate points or components using the Length field. These points are automatically assigned alphanumeric names (which the user can override), with a maximum of four characters each. For example, in Figure 2-1, segment B is defined by points A03, B01, B02, B03, B04, and B05, all of which have default names. The default increment in point names is 1. This increment can be changed under Tools/Model Options/Edit. AutoPIPE can automatically renumber point names after editing using the Renumber button or Edit/Renumber.

2. Wind loads and Hydrotest can be turned on and off on a segment by segment basis, so keep that in mind when creating your model. Also, AutoPIPE provides options to view the model, graphically select, delete, or view output results on a segment by segment basis.

3. Global coordinates must be entered for the first point of the first segment (default global

coordinates of Segment A is 0,0,0). AutoPIPE automatically displays the first segment screen for the user. This is point A00 in the example. Then, each point along the segment is typically located by offsets from the preceding point, until the whole segment has been defined (e.g. points A00 to A06 for segment A).

4. Subsequent segments typically begin at points which have been defined previously (point A03 in segment B is an example). These points are either branch points or continuation points (see #6 below). Since these points have already been defined, entering coordinate data for them is not necessary.

5. Although Subsequent segments typically begin or end at an existing point, this is not necessary for the program to function correctly. It is often more convenient to start a disconnected segment in space using Insert/Segment or clicking on the Segment button, typing in the name of the first point (in this case, make sure that the name of the first point on the segment is not the name of a previously defined point), and assigning the starting X,Y,Z coordinates of that new Segment. For example, it may be more convenient to define suction and discharge sections as disconnected segments without having to model the equipment (see Pump Modeling Example in AutoPIPE on-line help). Also, the ability to handle disconnected segments is a big advantage when importing sections from a CAD model.

6. A continuation point is established when a new segment is defined to begin at the end point of an existing segment (see point D02 in the Figure 2-1). This is typically done to divide a long length of pipe into shorter segments or to turn on and off wind loads or hydrotest on a segment by segment basis.

7. A tee branch connection point is any point which joins two or more pipe segments, and requires a multiple pipe connection (see points A03, and B05 in the Figure 2-1) such as a tee or cross. A continuation point can be made into a branch point using Modify/Convert Point to/Tee.

8. Cut and paste automatically creates a new segment.

AUTOPIPE MODELING CONCEPTS

When defining a segment, proceed from point to point along the segment. Check that everything at the current point has been specified before moving on to the next point.

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In previous versions of AutoPIPE, users would have to insert a new segment at an existing run point in order to insert a tee branch connection. With the new Tee element, this procedure is no longer required (although users can still input a tee branch by inserting a segment at a run point if desired).

The Tee element automates the insertion of tees and includes the offset distance from the previous point. For example, if a user wishes to insert a tee point on a header 5 feet away from his current point (active point), he clicks on the Tee button or Insert/Tee and inputs an offset of 5 feet as well as the tee type information for stress intensification purposes. The Tee element will automatically assign a new segment once the user begins to input the branch. AutoPIPE will keep this point a tee for stress intensification, even if the user does not create a branch. In some cases, users may choose not to input small diameter vent or drain pipe branches, but still want the stress intensification factor at the tee connection point. AutoPIPE displays a graphical symbol at Tee points enabling users to visually review tee locations. Users can also click on Tee arrows to easily switch between the header and branch side of the tee.

Users can convert an existing run point to a Tee using Modify/Convert point to/Tee command.

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After defining and inserting a segment, you’ll notice that a small crosshair appears in the drawing area.

This crosshair represents the currently active point. The active point is also displayed in the status area immediately below the drawing area.

When placing components, you should remain aware of the active point. After selecting a component type for insertion, AutoPIPE will automatically assume that you want the starting point of the

component to be inserted at the active point. By default, AutoPIPE will increment the point to the next value and concatenate this with the letter that defines the current segment. For example, if you are inserting a run point on Segment A that contains nothing but an anchor point, the Run Point dialog will contain the value A01 in the Name of Point field.

To designate an existing point as the active point, simply click on it with the mouse. The crosshairs should redisplay over that point and the Active Point status area should reflect the new point as well.

In a complex model, you can click on the Go To Point button and type in your desired active point

AUTOPIPE MODELING CONCEPTS

location. You can also use the arrow keys to control the location of the active point as described below.

It is important to note that a given point may have two or more different segments. For example, in Figure 2-1, point A03 is a tee connection point, and is made up of point A03 segment A and point A03 segment B. The active point name and segment location is displayed in the bottom right hand corner of your screen. In order to toggle between multiple segments on the same Point location, it is usually more convenient to use the up and down arrow keys (see following section on keyboard commands).

CONTROLLING THE ACTIVE POINT WITH THE KEYBOARD

As an alternative to the mouse, the “Active Point” crosshairs can be controlled using the keyboard.

KEY TASK

Move to the next point in the current segment (forward segment direction).

 Move to the previous point in the current segment (backward segment direction).

When at a segment junction, move to the next segment that connects to the current point (more than 2 segments are possible).

When at a segment junction, move to the previous segment that connects to the current point (more than 2 segments are possible).

Move to the first point of the next segment.

Move to the last point of the previous segment.

Move to the next intermediate soil point for the current soil region.

Move to the previous intermediate soil point for the current soil region.

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It is not necessary for a piping system to be defined completely in a single AutoPIPE session, because AutoPIPE allows a wide variety of additions, deletions, and changes to be made. In particular:

1. New segments can be added at any time.

2. Previously defined segments can be extended at any time.

3. Existing segments can be modified, or can be deleted and replaced.

4. A complete system, or sections of a system, can be copied within the same job or between separate jobs with automatic renumbering.

5. Components can be inserted, deleted, or modified at any time.