PDMS TRAINING MANUAL

Revision 0
Issued for For Info.
Date 01-03-2006
Originator SBT
Checked By
Approved By
Pages revised

Aker Kvaerner Powergas Pvt. Ltd.

177, Powergas house, Vidyanagari Marg, Kalina, Santacruz (East), Mumbai – 400 098
 CONTENTS

CHAPTERS PAGE NO.

1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
1.1 What is PDMS? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
1.2 Why PDMS? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
2 PDMS Hierarchy, Modules & Database, Project Structure,
Menu structure. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
2.1 What does PDMS offer? ……………………………………………………………………………………. 5
2.2 Types of Database (DBs) ……………………………………………………………………………………. 6
2.3 Modules of PDMS …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
2.4 Elements and Attributes ……………………………………………………………………………………. 8
3 PDMS Modeling (Design Module) …………………………………………………………………………………. 11
3.1 Model Origin …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
3.2 Elements in Design Hierarchy …………………………………………………………………………… 11
3.3 Naming of Elements in Design Hierarchy ………………………………………………………. 12
4 Structural Application ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
4.1 Civil works & Introduction to Steelwork ………………………………………………………… 12
4.2 Procedure for Creation of Gridlines ………………………………………………………………… 12
4.3 The Administrative Elements ……………………………………………………………………………. 13
4.4 How PDMS represents Structures? ………………………………………………………………… 14
4.5 Nodes ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14
4.6 Sections …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14
4.7 Panels ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17
4.8 Storage Area ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18
4.9 Default Specification …………………………………………………………………………………………. 18
5 Equipment Application ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19
5.1 Model Content ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19
5.2 PDMS Modeling elements ………………………………………………………………………………….. 20
5.3 What is a P-point? ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 20
5.4 Creation of Standard Equipment ……………………………………………………………………… 20
5.5 Origin of Equipment …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 21
5.6 Positioning the Equipment ………………………………………………………………………………….. 22
5.7 Altering the orientation of Equipment ……………………………………………………………. 22

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5.8 Creation of non-standard Equipment …………………………………………………………….. 23
5.9 Naming of Nozzles …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23
5.10 Renaming of Nozzles …………………………………………………………………………………………. 23
5.11 Querying P-point Information …………………………………………………………………………. 23
5.12 How to measure? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 23
5.13 How to create Reserve Volumes? ……………………………………………………………………. 24
5.14 How to set Obstruction levels? ………………………………………………………………………. 24
6 Piping Application …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 25
6.1 What is a Pipe and what is a Branch? ……………………………………………………………. 25
6.2 Valid PDMS Piping elements ……………………………………………………………………………. 26
6.3 Naming Convention ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 26
6.4 How to Start Routing a pipe? …………………………………………………………………………. 27
6.5 Creation of Components …………………………………………………………………………………… 27
6.6 P-point details of Components ………………………………………………………………………… 27
6.7 Orientation of Components that change direction …………………………………….. 27
6.8 Difference between Distance / Spool Options …………………………………………… 28
6.9 How to reselect a component? ………………………………………………………………………… 28
6.10 How to choose an out-of-spec item? …………………………………………………………….. 29
6.11 Common Attribute of piping components …………………………………………………….. 29
6.12 Special attributes, which makes difference ………………………………………………. 30
6.13 Branch attributes ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 30
6.14 How to work Backwards? …………………………………………………………………………………. 30
6.15 Pipe creation by specifying explicit positions ……………………………………………… 31
6.16 Playing with ATTA ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 31
6.17 Slopped Pipe ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 32
6.18 Running Inter-DB Macros ………………………………………………………………………………… 33
6.19 Component connection ………………………………………………………………………………………. 34
6.20 Data Consistency Check ……………………………………………………………………………………. 34
6.21 Map Build ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 36
6.22 Clash Checking ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 36
7 HVAC & Cable Tray Application …………………………………………………………………………………. 38
7.1 What is a HVAC Main or Cable Tray Main (Pipe) and
What is a Branch? ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 38
7.2 Valid PDMS HVAC & Cable Tray elements …………………………………………………… 38

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8 HVAC A pplication ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 39
8.1 Creation of HVAC Main …………………………………………………………………………………… 39
8.2 Creation of Components …………………………………………………………………………………… 41
8.3 Position ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 41
8.4 Connection …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 41
9 Cable Tray Application ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 43
9.1 Creation of Cable Tray Main …………………………………………………………………………… 43
9.2 Creation of Components …………………………………………………………………………………… 43
9.3 Orientation of Components, which change direction
of HVAC and Cable Tray Components …………………………………………………………… 44
9.4 Common Attributes of HVAC & Cable Tray Components …………………………. 44
9.5 HVAC & Cable Tray Branch Attributes ……………………………………………………….. 44
9.6 How to Work Backwards? ……………………………………………………………………………….. 45
10 Isodraft ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 46
10.1 What are the different types of Isometrics,
Isodraft can produce? …………………………………………………………………………………….. 46
10.2 Customizing Isodraft ………………………………………………………………………………………. 46
10.3 Setting-up ISODRAFT ……………………………………………………………………………………. 46
10.4 Bolting …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 47
10.5 Design Requirements ………………………………………………………………………………………… 47
10.6 Piping Components in ISODRAFT …………………………………………………………………… 48
10.7 Customising the Drawing Sheet ……………………………………………………………………… 48
10.8 Materials List and Reports ……………………………………………………………………………… 49
10.9 The Isometric Drawing ……………………………………………………………………………………. 50
11 Drawing Production – DRAFT …………………………………………………………………………………….. 53
11.1 DRAFT Database Hierarchy ……………………………………………………………………………. 53
11.2 Dept / REGI ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 54
11.3 Drawing (DRWG) ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 54
11.4 Sheet (SHEE) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 54
11.5 View ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 54
11.6 Layers (LAYE) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 55
11.7 Different types of view creation : …………………………………………………………………. 55
11.8 User Defined View ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 56
11.9 Drawlist (IDLI) …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 57
11.10 Draft Dimensioning ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 58

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11.11 Linear Dimension (LDIM) …………………………………………………………………………………. 58
11.12 Angular Dimension (ADIM) ……………………………………………………………………………… 59
11.13 Radial Dimensions (RDIM) ……………………………………………………………………………….. 59
11.14 Pitch Circle Dimensions (PDIM) ……………………………………………………………………… 59
11.15 DPPT ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 59
11.16 Draft Labelling …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 60
11.17 General Label (GLAB) ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 60
11.18 Symbolic Label (SLAB) ……………………………………………………………………………………… 60
11.19 Creating Sections ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 61
12 PDMS Commands ………………………………………………………………….……………………………………….. 64
12.1 Setting PDMS attributes …………………………………………………………………………………. 64
12.2 Navigation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 64
12.3 Query Commands ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 64
12.4 Positioning Commands (General) ……………………………………………………………………… 65
12.5 Positioning Commands (Piping) …………………………………………………………………………. 65
12.6 Orientation Command (General) ……………………………………………………………………… 66
12.7 Orientation Command (Piping) …………………………………………………………………………. 66
12.8 Creating things ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 66
12.9 Deleting things ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 67
13 PSEUDO Attributes ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 67
13.1 General Queries …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 67
13.2 Piping Attributes ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 67
13.3 At Branch Level ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 68
13.4 Steelwork …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 68
13.5 The Construction Syntax ………………………………………………………………………………….. 68
13.6 Reporting Syntax ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 68
13.7 Evaluating Selected DB Elements …………………………………………………………………… 69
13.8 IF ALL ELSE FAILS! …………………………………………………………………………………………. 69

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 INTRODUCTION
1.1 What is PDMS?
PDMS (Plant Design Management System) is a specification-driven, Multi-Discipline
3-dimensional (3D) modeling. PDMS is a 3D plant modeling system that combines a powerful
multi-user project database with a full scale 3D modeling system.

1.2 Why PDMS?

z Intelligent 3D modeling capabilities
z Easy modification to 3D model based on catalogues and specification.
z Capacity to handle full range of piping attributes.
z Error free interface with ISOGEN.
z Automatic extraction of isometrics and MTO
z Clash Free Design
z Reduced Site Re-work
z Fast Project Implementation
z Unlimited Project Size
z Portability of project data
z Proven Project Savings

2. PDMS Hierarchy, Modules & Database, Project Structure,

Menu Structure.
2.1 What does PDMS offer?
z Full size, 3-D modeling system
z Design based on specification driven catalogues.
z Concurrent user accesses within a single project
z Multi-discipline environment
z On-line 3D clashes detection
z Design consistency check.
z Automated isometrics
z Various reports generation
z Drawing extraction & management
z DXF and IGES drawing exchange.
z Programmable Macro Language (PML)
z User definable Attributes (UDAs)
z Interfaces to third part software

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2.2 Types of Database (DBs)
There are eight types of databases used by PDMS. They are
z SYSTEM DB contains
- Information about modules, databases, users, teams etc.

z COMMUNICATION DB contains
- Information on current users – for the STATUS and SYSTAT commands.

z MISCELLANEOUS DB contains
- Data for inter-user massages and inter-db macros

z CATALOGUE DB contains
- Dimensional standards for nozzles, piping components and structural
profiles/fittings etc..
- Details of connection types
- Bolting Data
- Specifications

z DESIGN DB contains
- All information regarding the 3-D model being developed, This DB will have
references to all other DBs to access information.

z PADD DB contains
- Stands for Production of Annotated and Dimensioned Drawings

z ISOD DB contains
- All information of spool drawings produced by SPOOLER

z DICT DB contains
- Definitions for User Defined Attributes.

z PROPERTIES DB contains
- Material property data normally used for stress analysis
z COMPARATOR DB contains
- Used by Design Manager

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2.3 Modules of PDMS (Sorted Alphabetically)
ADMIN : Used by Project coordinator or administrator to control / monitor a
project in terms of areas, teams, users, modules and database.

DATAL : Database Lister. This module will generate macros (listing of commands)
for recreating any entity in a project. Macro can be generated for any
element from any of the DB.

DESIGN : 3-D modeling module using which structure, Equipment, Pipework, Cable
trays, HVAC components can be modeled. It also has a pipe spooling
applications and Hangers & supports application.

DICE : An administrative module for database integrity checks.

DRAFT : Module for creation of orthographic drawings. Eg. Equipment layouts,

Piping layouts, Cable tray layouts, HVAC layouts etc…

EXPORT : Module for exporting the 3-D models generated to REVIEW.

ISODRAFT : Used to produce automated Isometrics with Bill of Materials.

LEXICON : To define User Defined Attributes.

MONITOR : This is an entry-level module, which monitors the entire project, gives
proper notification to users about their access rights as defined by the
administrator. As soon as a user logs into PDMS, he enters MONITOR
module. This module controls the entry and exit of users from PDMS.
PARAGON : Used to create or modify Catalogues and Specifications for piping
elements, structural elements, nozzles, hangers & supports. Provides an
user interface for creation of specification also.

PROPCON : Used to create or modify Properties DB, wherein the properties used for
stress analysis / any other engineering application can be stored. These
properties can be linked to the design elements using specifications.

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RECONFIGURE : Used to compact the database at periodic intervals to upgrade PDMS

projects, to transfer database between different computers, to copy

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 parts of a database to other etc..

REPORTER : Used for extraction of Reports.

SPECON : Used to create specifications, but does not provide an user interface.

Now, let us use the computer,

Step – 1
Start PDMS by double clicking on the PDMS icon on your Desktop. In the form that appears
on screen, select the Project, user name than type the appropriate password. Next select the
MDB and than select the Module. Finally select the mode of loading and click OK button.
Step-2
See the following menu structures of the frequently used model DESIGN.
1. Graphic windows
2. Main menu
3. Applications like Equipment, Structures, Piping, etc..
4. Command window
5. Members list
6. Status bar

2.4 Elements and Attributes

z Each identifiable element of data is known as PDMS element. All that is shown in the
hierarchy sheet (Figure 2-1) are elements. The same will be displayed in the member list
window.
z Each element has a number of associated pieces of information which together
completely define its properties. These are known as Attributes. Some examples of
attributes and their value are listed in Figure 2-2. The maximum number of attributes,
which a PDMS element can have, is above 1000, which make it virtually unlimited.
z Every element is identified by a system given reference number (mandatory).
z For easy of purpose each element can be given a meaningful name (user given).

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 Figure 2-1

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/PIPING
Type SITE
Name /PIPING
Ref =56/40098
Owner /* (Indicates the world)
POS E0N0U0
Lock True (Indicates that all elements under this hierarchy are locked and cannot be
modified)

CYLI 1 of /V-1210
Type CYLI
Name unset
Ref =345/50056
Owner /V-1210 (Indicates the Equipment name)
Ori Y is N and Z is U
Height 4000 (Primitive Height)
Diameter 800 (Primitive diameter)

VALVE 3 of BRAN 1 of PIPE /200-P-1234-A1A-01

Type VALV
Name unset
Ref =500/40099
Owner BRAN 1 of PIPE /200-P-1234-A1A-01
POS E 289760 N 34560 U 5000
Ori X is N and Z is U (Indicates the local orientation of Component)
Spref /A1A/200:GA (Indicates the specification reference)
Lock False

Figure 2-2

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3 PDMS Modeling (Design Module)

This section defines the method of working and requirements for each discipline
when modeling in PDMS. The requirements defined in the following sections are mandatory,
unless the project states otherwise. All modeling activities must be actioned using the
application ware. It is important that users are aware that Site and Zone creation is actioned
using the correct application. For Structure, Site and Zone creation must be actioned using
the structure application. The users must also set the correct zone type.

3.1 Model Origin

On each project there is a requirement to determine a construction datum point, this
point is generally set at SITE level. All disciplines must work with this same point. This point
is therefore fixed at the beginning of each project and must not be changed by ANY PDMS
user.
For e.g., the PDMS SITE co-ordinate / Datum Point for a sample Project is set at N0
E0 U0. PDMS Datum point N0 E0 U0 is equal to N0 E0 U0.

3.2 Elements in the Design Hierarchy

Sufficient number of design elements (Site, Zone, Stru, Subs, etc.) shall be created
to ensure a well-structured hierarchy and to facilitate ease of operations, such as copying
design elements between areas.
Separate Sites are recommended for different sub-modules such as Equipment,
Pipework, HVAC, Structural, Civil, etc. Thus all equipment in a particular area may be clubbed
under one Site.
The hierarchy level in an Equipment Site would be:
SITE—ZONE—EQUI—primitives
On similar grounds, the hierarchy in a Structural Site would be:
SITE—ZONE—STRU—FRMW—SBFR—section

Group elements need to be created and maintained in Group Worlds for isometric
production/ reporting, etc
Temporary sites and zones have to be created for all development items to be
replaced at some later stage
All Sites and Zones shall be allocated the correct Purpose attribute and areacode.
All new SITEs and/or ZONEs have to be reported to the PDMS Co-ordinator, to ensure that
PDMS REVIEW macros can be maintained.

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3.3 Naming of Elements in the Design Hierarchy
All design elements shall be named consistently, and shall reflect the purpose for
which they are created.
For e.g., an Equipment site for a particular area (say, 300) in a plant could be named as:
SITE /EQUI – 300 - A

Sequential Character (may reflect the user name)

AREA; 00, 10, 20, 22,556
ACTIVITY; PIPE, TEMP, EQUI, FIRE, HVAC,
STRU, CIVI, ELEC, INST
A similar philosophy can be followed for naming other elements in the design
hierarchy.
The naming of Groups and Group worlds should be uniform, and reflect the purpose
for which the Group is created.

4 STRUCTURAL APPLICATION
4.1 Civil works & Introduction to Steelwork :
In this session we will create the Grid Lines, which will be our reference lines for
future modeling purpose. After this we will understand the Structural Administrative
Elements in detail, then we will create the model using those elements.

4.2 Procedure for Creation of Gridlines

1 Select Utilities > Reference Data from the main menu.
2 Select Create > Grid-line > Area from the reference data menu.
2.1 Give the name of your Grid-line Area. A STRU element will be created with the
name entered.
3 Select Create > Grid-line > Grid from the reference data menu.
3.1 Fill up the form.
3.2 Grid Position : This entry is always with respect to the world. At this position, a
datum element will be created.
3.3 Grid lines : There are three grid lines X, Y and Z. Each grid line can have a key and
a position. This position is always with respect to the datum point mention above.
The position is the distance in the respective direction from the datum point.
3.4 Length of Grid-line : The length of each X grid-line is the difference between the
least position among Y gridlines and largest position among Y gridlines.

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Similarly, the length of each Y gridlines is the difference between the least

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 position among X gridlines and the largest position among X gridlines.

Figure 4-1
THE STRUCTURAL DESIGN DATABASE
4.3 The Administrative Elements
The first elements, which are created in any new projects, are the administrative elements.
They are used to subdivide the overall structure model into manageable parts. The
administrative hierarchy is as shown in Figure 4-2 below :

Figure 4-2
The principal attributes that will be set for these elements are the name of the element and
it’s position. In some cases, we will also be setting the orientation of the elements. The
element SBFR is an optional element, which is very useful in grouping the structural elements.

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4.4 How PDMS represents Structures?

Although most of the attribute settings are set automatically while using the structural

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application to create or modify parts of the model, an understanding of their functions is
required to interpret what is happening to the design data as we build the model.

4.5 Nodes :
Primary Nodes (PNOD) and Secondary Nodes (SNOD) represent the basic analytical points
within a structure.
Primary Nodes
A Primary Node has its position defined explicitly in teams of a set of co-ordinate axes within
the design model. It has no orientation or size. PNOD’s have three main functions :
1. To define the start and end points for sections to string between them (a PNOD may be
common to two or more section).
2. To own Primary joints, used to connect sections together (a PNOD may own more than
one PJOI).
3. To define how the part of the Structure at the Node can react under stress (properly
known as the fixity of the Nodes, used for stress analysis).
NPOS - Node Position
Defines the XYZ co-ordinates of the PNOD’s position

Secondary Nodes
A Secondary Node has similar functions to a Primary Node, but differs in that, whereas a
PNOD is positioned independently, an SNOD is owned by a section and is positioned along the
Neutral Axis (Z-axis) of the section. This enables us to position and connect another Section
(an Attached section) at any point along the length the first section (the Owning Section.)

ZDIS – Distance Along Z-axis of Owning section

An SNOD is positioned by specifying its distance from its owning Section’s Start Position
(POSS), measures along the Section’s Neutral Axis.

4.6 Sections :
Sections (SCTN) represent the individual lengths of material, which make up a structure
model. The geometry of a section is defined by two types of settings:
z Its cross section is defined by reference to a Catalogue profile element I-beam, Channel,
etc.)

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z Its length, orientation, etc. are defined by setting specific design attributes. These are
automatically set by the application when the model is manipulated graphically.

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SPRE Specification Reference
The SPRE attribute of a section must point to a valid profile element in a Catalogue DB in
order for the section to be given a physical representation. This is achieved by setting SPRE
to point to a Specification Component in a Project Specification.

GTYP Generic Type

The GTYP attribute may, optionally, be set to indicate the purpose of the Section Within the
structure. For Example, BEAM, BRAC, etc…

POSS Start Position

POSE End Position
POSS and POSE define the start and end positions of a Section. These may be derived from
the position of primary or Secondary Nodes, or they may be set explicitly. The derived length
of the Section is determined by calculating the distance between POSS and POSE.

DRNS Cutting Plane Direction at Start

DRNE Cutting Plane Direction at End
The directions of start and end cutting planes of a section (that is, the direction of
perpendiculars to the planes, which define the ‘cut’ ends of the Section) are usually defined
automatically when the section is connected within the structural model. The settings of the
corresponding DRNS and DRNE attributes are then derived automatically from the
directions of the associated Joints cutting Planes.

It is possible to set DRNS and DRNE specifically for example, where a Section extends into
free space, with at least one end unconnected. In this case cutting plane direction must be in
the general direction of the other end Section.

BANG Beta Angle

The orientation of a Section about its Neutral Axis is defined in terms of an angular clockwise
rotation when viewed in the POSS to POSE direction as shown in Figure 4-3. The
angle of rotation from the default orientation is held as the setting of the Beta Angle
(BANG) attribute of the section.

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 Figure 4-3
P-LINES
To provide a method for refining to individual edges and faces of a Section, each is identified
by named line running along the length of the Section called as P-lines. As an example, some
of the mostly used p-lines for an I – shaped profile might be positioned and named as follows
in Figure 4-4.

Figure 4-4
JOIS Joint Reference at Start
JOIE Joint Reference at End
Section ends, which have been connected in the structure, have their JOIS and JOIE
attributes set that they cross-refer to the Joints to which those ends are connected. (The
joints have a similar cross-reference, the CREF attribute.)
CTYS Connection Type at Start
CTYE Connection Type at End
Section ends, which have been connected in the Structure, have their CTYS and CTYE
attributes set such that they match those of the joints to which those ends are connected.
Setting CTYS/CTRE to a word does this, which matches the joints CTYA attribute in the
Catalogue.

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JUSL Justification Line
The JUSL setting specified the P-line, which is to be used as a datum for aligning the section
with a node. By default, JUSL is set to NA (Neutral Axis).

SREL Start Release

EREL End Release
The two Release attributes, Section Start Release (SREL) and the Section End Release
(EREL), may be used to define how the Section behaves under the effect of applied forces
and moments. They are relevant only for stress analysis of the structure.
The attribute settings allow for two types of movement of the Section ends when external
forces are applied, namely :
z Linear movement along a specified axis (DX, DY, DZ)
z Rotation about a specific axis (RX, RY, RZ)

DESP Design Parameter

Design Parameters are array attributes of Sections, Joints or Fittings, each of which may
store up to ten real values. They may be used to transfer design data to corresponding
catalogue components, or to component’s attached or owning design elements.

4.7 PANELS
Panels (PANE) represent any sheet materials used to clad a structural model. The geometry
of panel is defined by a subsidiary Panel Loop (PLOO) element. The 2D shape of the Panel Loop
is defined by linking together a set of Panel Vertex (PVER) elements, each of which has a
specific position in the panel’s co-ordinate system. The polygon thus formed defines the
shape of the panel in the same way as a Profile defines the cross sectional area of a section.
The Height (HEIG) attribute of the PLOO defines the distance through which this 2D

Figure 4-5

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shape is extruded to form the 3D Panel, that is, it defines the Panel thickness, as shown in
Figure 4-5.
Each PVER can have an optional fillet radius, which defines a circular arc, which bulges into
(negative radius), or out of (positive radius) the PLOO area. The default fillet radius of zero
denotes a point.

4.8 Storage Areas

We can specify where the principle structure elements are to be store in the design database
hierarchy using Storage Areas. The buttons “NODE” and “SECTION” in the main menu
indicate the Storage Areas. Where the Storage Area is set the Node and Sections will be
positioned properly under the appropriate hierarchy levels.
Example : If we define the Storage Areas, using the Storage Area option in settings menu like
this –
Storage Area for NODE : /N_S_A FRMW
Storage Area for SETN : /S_S_A FRMW
Than all the Sections will be placed under /S_S_A and all the Nodes under /N_S_A. it is a
very good utility to develop assemblies / groups of Structural elements.

Automatic Profile and Primary Node allocations

There are two gadgets near the lower right hand corner of the main menu bar. If these two
gadgets are put on than :
z By default, each time a new Section is created, it will be automatically be associated with
a profile from the Catalogue.
z By default, primary nodes will be created automatically at unconnected section ends.

4.9 Default Specification

The Specification selected using this option (on the main menu bar) will be used by default for
creating sections. We can always modify the selected Specification at a later stage.

As a part of our exercise, we will create Structural elements in the following manner ;
1. Create Sections using Explicit option
2. Create Sections using Graphical option
3. Modify Specification / Justification
4. To create a regular Structure
A detailed description of each Icons is given in Structural Design Using PDMS Reference
Manual, before starting go through it and understand.

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5. EQUIPMENT APPLICATION
The purpose of this section is to ensure a common approach to the input of
equipment to the PDMS model. The standard option in the equipment application can be used
for equipment modeling wherever possible. If standard options are not available, primitives
may be used to construct equipment shapes.

5.1 Model Content

It is mandatory that when modeling equipment that the following attributes have the
following minimum information input :
Description (Desc)
Vendor drawing number (:Vdn)
Vendor drawing revision (:Vdr)
P&ID status (:Lpid)

The PDMS model must be kept simple, only modeling the overall shapes required to represent
the equipment on drawings and for space management is necessary.
As a minimum the model will include :
a) The basic model geometry
b) Nozzles
c) Man-ways
d) Withdrawal areas / maintenance areas / drop out zones
e) Insulation / fire-proofing

For package items of equipment, it is necessary only to represent the package as a block, the
connection points to package must also be modeled.

Any operating platform connected to the equipment shall also be modeled in a separate Site
meant for that purpose. The Civil Deptt shall model equipment operating platforms that are
self-standing and not connected to the equipment in the Structural Site.

Equipment items consist of a collection of PDMS primitives, assembled in such a way that they
physically model the real life object. When we build equipment, we need to decide how we
want to model the object, just as we would if we were building a prototype model. The only
difference in PDMS terms that we model the object at full size rather than working to a
scale.

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5.2 PDMS Modeling Elements
Equipment Application in PDMS has the following primitives

Figure 5-1

Positive Primitives Negative Primitives

Nozzle Cylinder
Cylinder Box
Box Cone
Cone Dish
Dish Snout
Snout Circular Torus
Circular Torus Rectangle Torus
Rectangle Torus Pyramid
Pyramid Sloped Cylinder
Sloped Cylinder

5.3 What is a P-Point?

P-point is identifiable primitive points in any PDMS primitive. A BOX has got seven primitive
points (P-points). We can query a lot of information from P-points. Any PDMS element can be
moved, rotate positioned, measured, or connected using P-points.

5.4 Creation of Standard Equipment

Let us select a pump (P-1501A) given in the drawings and try to model it using the Standard
equipment creation menu. Select Create > Standard from the main menu. From the equipment
creation form select the Pumps sub-classification and select the Center-Line Mounted,
Vertical Nozzles Pump

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 Figure 5-2
Fill in the various parameters from the drawing. Do not worry about the position of the
equipment. We will be discussing it later in this session.

5.5 Origin of Equipment

The Equipment will be positioned based on its Origin. The origin of the equipment will be as
indicated in the standard equipment creation form. If we want to know the origin of the
equipment :
1. Navigate to any primitive belonging to the equipment.
2. Type ‘AXES AT CE’ in the command window.
If we want to position the axes at a p-point of any primitive, we can do so by typing
‘AXES AT IDP@’ in the command window.

If we want to modify the origin of any equipment, we can do so by selecting Modify >
Equipment Origin > ID P-point from the main menu. Please note that if the origin of the

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standard equipment is altered, it becomes difficult to modify the equipment later on.
The guidelines outlined below list out preferred origin points of common equipment:
Horizontal Vessels : Intersection of tan-line and CL at fixed support end of the vessel
Vertical Vessels : Intersection of CL and bottom tan line.
Heat Exchanger : Intersection of the CL of channel nozzles and the Exchanger.
Pump : CL of discharge nozzle and CL of pump or underside of base-plate.
Storage Tanks : Intersection of CL and top weld line.

5.6 Positioning the Equipment

By default, equipment will be positioned with respect to the owner, (i.e. a Zone). However if
we want the equipment to be positioned with respect to any other PDMS entity we can do so.
Let us look at the Position > Explicitly At and Position > Relatively BY menus.

5.7 Altering the Orientation of Equipment

Orientation of equipment is also with respect to the Owner. Equipment can be oriented any
time as per our choice. When we type ‘Q ORI’ at the command prompt, prior to modifying the
orientation we normally get :

Orientation Y is N and Z is U

Let us have a look at the Box primitive. We have attributes :

XLEN, YLEN and ZLEN

Let us try to correlate these two. The Y direction of the BOX is towards the North of the
Plant and Z direction of the BOX is towards the upward direction of the plant. We can always
rotate the box along any axis.

First let us try it out on the command line. If we type in the command prompt ‘ORI Y is E and
Z is U’, we will have the Y direction of the BOX towards the East Direction of the plant and
Z direction of the BOX towards the Upward Direction still.

Now, we will try to do the same operation using the menu – which is more User friendly and in
more layman terms. Select Orientate > Rotate from the main menu. Feed direction, Angle and
Rotation details.

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5.8 Creation of Non-Standard Equipment :
Let us model the equipment (STABILIZER REFLUX DRUM Z-1201) given in the drawings
without using menus. We will use the menus to create the Nozzles. However, we will be
positioning the nozzles using the command line only. We will see about creating nozzles also
without using the menus later.

5.9 Naming of Nozzles

Normally, the nozzle names should be prefixed by the equipment name for ease of
identification. We can prefix the name of any element to anything by following these steps :
1. Navigate to the element whose name has to become the prefix. (Assume the name as
/E-1201)
2. Type ‘SET’ in the command window.
3. Navigate to any element (preferably a nozzle) to which this name to be prefixed. Type
‘NAME */N1’ in the command window. The name of the nozzle will become ‘/E-1201/N1’.

5.10 Renaming of Nozzles

This is needed, when equipment is renamed. The names of the nozzles remain the same with
the earlier name still prefixed. To overcome such a situation navigate to the equipment,
whose name is to changed (let us say /E-1201 to /E-1202)
Type ‘RENAME ALL /E-1201 /E-1202’

This command can be used for any such similar situations, not only limited to nozzles.

5.11 Querying P-pint Information

Type ‘Q IDP@’ in the command window and identify any P-point. This will list out all the details
about the P-point.

We can try several variations of this command, like

Q IDP@ wrt/* Details of identified point with respect to the world.

Q POS IDP@ Give only the Position of the Identified P-point.
Q P1 wrt/* Details about P-point no: 1 with respect to the world.

5.12 How to Measure?

Select Graphic > Measure from the main menu. The same can be done with various
combinations of elements and let us try with them.

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5.13 How to create Reserved Volumes?
On few instances reserved volumes have to be created for the operator mobility, Overhaul of
equipments etc., using primitives. PDMS has the facility of indicating representation levels.
Every basic primitive shape in the design has associated drawing level range attribute (0 - 10).
Normally, the level range 9 – 10 is used for Reserved Volumes.

Let us create one reserved volume primitive and try this out. Create a cylinder of Dia 1500
and Height 10000 in equipment /E-1201. Than type LEVEL 9 10 in the command window. You
can see the cylinder vanishing from the screen. Select Graphics > Representation from the
main menu and toggle the Obstruction button and Update graphics button to ON. You can see
the cylinder reappearing on the screen again.
The practical effect of this facility is that it allows you to control the visible detail when
representing Design items. The same level attribute is also useful in generating Plan /
Elevation Drawings. We can decide above the level of information to be shown in the drawings
based on the levels given in Design database. The level attribute plays an important role while
creating catalogue components also, which we will be discussing later.

5.14 How to set Obstruction levels?

The obstruction attributes indicates how a primitive should be considered during clash
detection facility depending upon their real time obstructions. Obstructions can be specified
as HARD, SOFT or NONE, or alternatively, they can be specified numerically, as indicated
below :
0 No Obstruction
1 Soft Obstruction
2 Hard Obstruction
Exercise
Let us try and finish all the equipment given in the drawings. As we go on, more commands
about Move, Rotate, Connect etc. will be explained.

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6. PIPING APPLICATION
6.1 What is a Pipe and what is a Branch?
The site and zone are the administrative elements in Piping Application. A PIPE should be
creating under a Zone. Each PIPE element in PDMS has got several attributes, the principle
attributes among them are listed below :

NAME The name of the pipe. For easy of purpose, in most cases, the line designation
will be used as the name.
BORE The default bore of the pipe. It determines the connection compatibility. It
is more useful in generating reports / Drawings.
PSPE Piping Specification
ISPE Insulation Specification
TSPE Tracing Specification
TEMP Very important attribute, as it decides the insulation thickness, based on the
insulation specification.
PTSPE Paint specification. It is more useful in generating isometrics.
REVISION The revision attributes can be incremented automatically by Isodraft, during
Isometric generation, if chosen by the user.

Each pipe should have at least one branch to create the components. Take a case of a neem
tree. Assume the trunk as the MAIN PIPE and the various branches as BRANCH. But, the
trunk is also considered as one BRANCH by PDMS. The attribute PSPE, ISPE, TSPE and TEMP
are cascaded down from the pipe automatically. We will be discussing about the other
important attributes of the branch later on.

The PDMS model must be accurate, complete and adhere to P&IDs.

The following minimum attributes that must be entered when creating a Pipe :
Line Size (:Lsiz)
Line Number (:Lsno)
Line Service (Serv)
Plant Area, when applicable (Area)
P&ID reference (:Lpid)
P&ID status revision ( )
Operating temperature(Temp)
Design temperature ( )
PGA number (:Pga)

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Pipe bore
Hold status (:Hold)
Hold description (:Holddesc)
In this case of Vessel Trims, 'TRIM' is filled in as the Line Service and 'VT' is filled in as the
Line Size.
6.2 Valid PDMS piping elements
The valid PDMS piping elements are listed in Figure 6-1. These piping elements can appear
under a branch in the hierarchy. Observe in the Figure that there is no TUBE or PIPE element.
Pipe or Tube is always implied in PDMS. If two components are placed in a straight line and
they can be oriented (rotated) so that the leave direction of the first element and arrive
direction of the second element are opposite to each other, a pipe is drawn between them
automatically to fill the gap.

Figure 6-1
6.3 Naming Convention
The pipeline name should match the naming conventions used on the P&ID.
For e.g., for a line HC-2066-2”-1E3-IH-01 significant attributes such as Pipe Name, Branch
Name, :Isoref, :Mtoref, :Mtodrwg, :Mtoarea get built as follows for a sample project :

PIPE NAME < MEDIUM >-< LNUM >-< SIZE >-< SPEC >-< ISPEC >-< SUFF >
e.g. : HC-2066-2”-1E3-IH-01
BRANCH NAME < MEDIUM > -< LNUM > -< SIZE > -< BNUM > -< SUFF >
e.g. : HC-2066-2”-B1-01
ISOREF < MEDIUM > -< LNUM > -< SUFF >
e.g. : HC-2066-01
MTOREF < MEDIUM > -< LNUM > -< SUFF >
e.g. : HC-2066-01
MTODRWG < MEDIUM > -< LNUM > -< SUFF >
e.g. : HC-2066-01
MTOAREA < PNUM >
e.g. : 30

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6.4 How to start routing a pipe?
Select Create > Pipe from the main menu. Let us route the pipe ‘HC-2066-2”-1E3-IH-01’ given
in the drawings and select the piping specification (in this case 1E3 as per the line summary
given) and the insulation, tracing specifications if required. Click OK and a branch creation
menu will appear on the screen. Click OK and identify any nozzle from were the pipe starts (e.g.
E-1201/N1) Then toggle the Head option to Tail option in the branch connection menu and
click the Nozzle where the pipe End (e.g. P-1501A/SUCT)

A branch is created and it is visible on the screen by means of a dotted line from the head
nozzle to the tail nozzle. It is time now to create components and position them along the
route we decide.

6.5 Creation of Components

Select Create > Components from the main menu. Toggle the defaults button to OFF and Auto
Connect Button to ON in the create component menu. Select the component to be created and
click the Create button. Similarly complete this pipe by positioning all the components
including the gaskets.

6.6 P-point details of Components

For any component there has to be at least two P-points (Arrive and Leave). Components like
tee or multi-way components will have more P-points. Select any TEE and type in the command
window the following commands and study their results. A typical example of the P-point
details of a TEE is given in Figure 6-2.
Q PA
Q PA BORE
Q PA OD
Q P3

6.7 Orientation of Components that change direction

The components that change the direction of flow are ELBO, BEND, TEE, CROS etc. if the
direction of ELBO and BEND has to be change to N 45 E we can do so by typing
DIR N 45 E
If we want to change the direction of the p3 of a TEE to W, wee can do so typing
ORI and P3 is W

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 Figure 6-2

6.8 Difference between Distance / Spool Options

When we place a component by specifying a distance of 1000mm, the origin of component is
placed at a distance of 1000mm from the origin of the previous component.

When we place a component by specifying a spool of 1000mm, the component is placed in such
a way that a pipe spool of 1000mm can be inserted between it and the previous component.

6.9 How to reselect a component?

If we have model a gate valve and that needs to be changed to a globe valve, we can do so by
navigating to the corresponding valve in the database and typing CHOOSE ALL in the
command window or by clicking the Reselect button in the create component form. This is
shown in Figure 6-3. The amount of information which is displayed in the choose selection
form can be controlled. We get all the details when we type CHOOSE ALL. If we type
CHOOSE, we get the bare minimum information required to choose the component.

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 Figure 6-3

6.10 How to choose an out-of-spec item?

In PDMS, we cannot create any piping component without a specification reference. It should
be part some specification. Whenever, we say out-of-spec item in PDMS, we mean that the
item is not part of the specification indicated in the pipe, but which belongs to some other
specification. To do so, choose the specification from which the component has to be
selected in the piping component menu and click the create button. We will get the warning
indicated in Figure 6-4. On clicking YES, the component is created.

Figure 6-4

6.11 Common Attribute of piping Components

SPRE The Specification reference
LSTU The Specification reference of the leave size tube.
CREF The reference of the branch which is connected to this element
ISPEC Insulation specification. This is useful when a portion of the pipe need not
be insulated.
ARRIVE The p-point number, which has to be made as arrive. (Usually 1)
LEAVE The p-point number, which has to be made as leave. (Usually 2)

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MTOREF Reference array holding up to 4 additional SPREFS. This is useful to inform
ISODRAFT to add in its MTOLIST a set of components, which have to
appear along with this owning element.
BUILT/SHOP To indicate whether Shop / Field item.

6.12 Special Attributes, which make a difference

BEND / ELBO
Angle The bend angle
Radius The bend radius. It has to be specified for a bend. For an elbow (elbo), if
the radius is mentioned as ‘0’, it is modeled with the radius, which has been
specified in the catalogue. If it has to be altered, it has to be specified in
absolute terms and not as the factor or bore.

FLANGE
Loose Used by Isodraft to indicate where flange is to be supplied loose and also
to increase indicated cut length to allow for field fitting.

6.13 Branch Attributes

HREF The reference of the element to which the branch head is connected.
TREF The reference of the element to which the branch tail is connected.
HPOS The head position
TPOS The tail position
HDIR The direction of the flow from the branch head.
TDIR The directions of the flow from the branch tail end.
HCON The connection type at branch head.
TCON The connection type at branch tail.
HSTU The specification reference of the tube emanating from branch head.

6.14 How to work Backwards?

It is not always possible for us to work from head to tail of the pipe. We may have to work
backwards also. To do so, toggle the Backward button in the Create component form or type
BACKWARDS in command window. You can immediately see that the members list got
reversed. The New component will be created next to the last component from Tail end.
To revert back to the forward mode of working type FORWARDS in the command window or
toggle the Forward button in the Create Component form.

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A word of Caution :
Please make sure that the appearance of the pipe has not changed once this command
executes. It may create problems when you have eccentric reducers in the branch.

6.15 Pipe creation by specifying explicit positions

Until now, we have been seeing to create pipes, which start from a nozzle, tee, or some
element. If we have a pipe which have no identifiable head or tail reference Select Create >
Pipe from the main menu and in the create branch form Select Explicit in the Connection.
Than we get a form as shown in Figure 6-5 Where in we can feed in the exact co-ordinates of
the head and tail positions, head and tail directions, head and tail bores of the branch, which
in turn fixes the corresponding pipe attribute.

Figure 6-5
6.16 Playing with ATTA
The ATTA (Attachment point), which is a zero length, no-shape element (notional element)
has three main applications.

z To allow pipe hangers to be connected to a point in the branch.

z To indicate a special point on the branch which can be dimensioned, labeled, tagged etc.
z To indicate to ISODRAFT about the user defined pipe-splitting point.

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The ATTA is created, selected and consistency-checked in the same way as other
components. However, it is ignored as an in-line fitting by the CONNECT command and is
ignored by REPORTER when calculating TUBE lengths.

ATTA Attributes
ATTY :
Comment ATTAs : to add a drawing note with leader line for general comments, (ATTA type
ATTY = CCCC)
Non-dimensional general comment ATTAs : to add a note at the beginning or end of a pipeline
if not connected to equipment, at tie-ins etc. (ATTY = CCNN)
Floor penetration ATTAs : to indicate floor penetrations. (ATTY = FLOR)
Support ATTAs : are used to mark the position of a support on the pipe. Comments on pipe
supports can be added using ATTY = CCCC.
Insulation symbol ATTAs are used to set the start and stop points of insulation on the
isometric. The insulation specification note will be shown at the start point of the insulation
only. (ATTY = INPP)
ATTAs for FLOW arrows. (ATTY = FLOW)

STEX :
Used by Isodraft to generate information note. An STEX could be added for the ATTA to
indicate the floor level, For e.g., the STEX for a floor penetration at El. 103400 would be:
STEX ‘PIPE THRU FLOOR
AT EL. 103400’

CSTREF :
Constraint reference, used in stress analysis

CREF :
Connection reference to a hanger or pipe clamp, which is connected to it

6.17 Slopped Pipe

There are two methods of creating a sloped pipe. The first method is to route the pipe
without a slope and use the Auto Slope option in the main menu. Navigate to the Branch and
Select Modify > Slope from the main menu. We will get a form as shown in Figure 6-6. We can
give either the Fall ratio or the Fall angle. The other method is to go in for Elbow trim as
explained below.

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 Figure 6–6
Select the Elbow from which the Slope starts and select Orientate > Component > Leave
from the main menu. If the direction of the Slope is known, we can key in the direction or use
the other tools available in the same menu. We should not forget the toggle the Angle change
option to ON as shown in Figure 6-7. If the angle change toggle option is not toggled, the same
menu is useful to change the direction of the elbow or the bend without trimming it. We can
do the same by command also by typing ORI and PL is N45D in the command window. If we
Query the pleave direction of the elbow after this command, we can see a change and all
further components placed in this branch will maintain the same slope.

Figure 6-7
6.18 Running Inter-DB Macros:
When a branch in one DB is connected to a reference (nozzle, tee, etc.) in a second DB,
inter-DB macros get generated. These are to be run in the latter DB, so that proper
connectivity is indicated in the isometric. The macro should then be deleted in MONIT mode.

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6.19 Component connection:

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The PDMS Co-ordinator should ensure that all possible connections are available in the COCO
tables. The FCON (force-connect) option should never be used, since FCON does not check on
compatibility of BORE or COCO Connection Type. All connections shall be made using the
CONN (connect) option only.
Before routing pipes and placing elements, ensure that the AUTO CONNECT function is
always switched on, and Default off in order to avoid wrong selection.

6.20 Data Consistency Check

Navigate to any hierarchy for which the data consistency has to be checked and type CHECK
CE in the command window. If we get the response ‘NO DATA CONSISTENCIES‘ as shown in
Figure 6-8. The pipe route is consistent. The check made confirm that :
z Adjacent items are connected and no gaps exist.
z Connection types are compatible as per the COCO table.
z Connected components are not skewed with respect to one another.
z Branch and Equipments connections are properly terminated.
z Hangers are correctly connected to Fittings and Attas.
z Tubes joining components are not less than minimum acceptable lengths.
z Angles of bends and Elbows fall within the limits set in the relevant specification.

Figure 6-8

The other method is select Utilities > Data Consistency Check from the main menu. Select
pipe and on clicking Apply, the Data Consistency Report will generate. .

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z Incorrect Design

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 Figure 6-9
Fabrication of this pipe should not proceed until the errors have been corrected. With the
information from the report the user can re-align the tee and insert the missing gaskets.
z Model corrected

Figure 6-10

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This information shows that there are no data inconsistencies with the pipe and its

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associated branches. Data consistency reports are a valuable sign off document to ensure
that pipes are correctly modeled before going for fabrication.

6.21 Map Build

A MAP Build should be done on the project in the DESIGN databases on a daily basis, or after
every catalogue update. This routine should be followed by all disciplines. Map builds become
more essential when the project reaches the stage where clash checking and drawing
production commences. If these map builds are not done on a regular basis this will cause
problems with the Clasher program. The PDMS user should either use the MAP BUILD
command in the DESIGN menus, or use the command line with the following syntax:
MAP BUILD MDB.

6.22 Clash Checking

PDMS has complete multi discipline clash detection, which may be run on line, which will flag
up any clashes that are created during the design of the plant, prompting the user to amend
the design. If the PDMS user does not wish to run their design session with clasher on a global
clash report is run which will list all clashes within the model. The project administrator to
allow for differing design practices and standards controls all the definition of clashes. An
example of the global clash reporting is shown in Figure 6-11.

Figure 6-11

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The results show a total of 3 clashes that are of the type HH (Hard/Hard) i.e. metal to metal.

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NB clash items are highlighted in red. The types of clashes detectable involve a combination
of:
H – Hard e.g. metal object
S – Soft (reserved volume) e.g. walkway
I – Insulation
The clash detection takes seconds to run, thus providing a quick and efficient analysis of the
model.
More detailed information can be queried, as shown in Figure 6-12.

Figure 6-12

Any of the above data can be looked at graphically and clashes can then be investigated. The
PDMS User will resolve some clashes, others can be "approved" by the administrator or Area
Lead. Clash detection is used frequently throughout the project life but at the end all clashes
will be fixed or approved.

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7. HVAC & CABLE TRAY APPLICATION

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7.1 What is a HVAC Main or Cable Tray Main (Pipe) and What is a Branch?
Similar to piping Application, Site and Zone are the same the administrative elements. In the
HVAC Designer Application the next hierarchical element is HVAC in HVAC Application,
While in Cable Trays is Pipe. The HVAC and Pipe are similar to the pipe in Piping Application.
The important attribute of HVAC and Cable Tray is listed below ;

NAME The name of the Duct/Tray. In most cases, the line designation will be used
as the name
BORE The default bore of the pipe. It is more useful in generating
reports/drawings (Applicable only for circular Ducts)
PSPE Duct/Cable Tray Specification
ISPE Insulation Specification
TSPE Tracing Specification
PTSPE Paint Specification
REVISION The revision attribute

Each pipe should have at least one branch to create the components. Take the case of neem
tree. Assume the trunk as the MAIN PIPE and the various branches as BRANCH. But, the
trunk is also considered as one BRANCH by PDMS. The attributes PSPE, ISPE and TSPE are
cascaded down from the main automatically. We will be discussing about the other important
attributes of the branch later on.

7.2 Valid PDMS HVAC & Cable Tray elements

In HVAC a sub branch can be connected to the main branch. Other valid PDMS HVAC
elements are listed if Figure 7-1. These HVAC elements can appear under a main branch or
sub-branch in the hierarchy. The ducts between the elements are drawn automatically.

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 Figure 7-1
8. HVAC APPLICATION
8.1 Creation of HVAC Main
In the HVAC Designer Application, Select Create > HVAC from the Main menu. In the HVAC
form Obtained, HVAC System Element among the available types in the PDMS branches
category and name it.
Then select main branch in the same Category and set the Duct specification, Shape, Size,
Start Position, Start Direction and Insulation Thickness as per the requirement. The
mandatory member Main branch is created and it is visible on the screen as a dotted line from
the head position. It is time now to create components and position them in the route we
decided.

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 Figure 8-1
Select create > Main from the main menu. In the form obtained give the name as
‘HVAC-MAIN-1’. Using the HVAC specification button, the specification can be changed.
Click Apply, then a HVAC branch creation menu appears on the screen. In this form, give the
name of the branch and set the specification for this branch. After the settings of this

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form, click Apply, then a HVAC branch Connection form will be displayed automatically. Use
this form to connect Branch Head or Tail to inlet or outlet. In this form, the width and depth
of the duct, direction, connection type and position of head or Tail can also be set.
The component type that constitutes the Branch is also selected from the categories list.
Rectangular, Circular, Flat Oval, Transformations, Branch Connectors, Inline Pipe Equipment,
Extra Plant Equipment and PDMS Equipment Nozzle are the various categories available. Each
category has a set of dynamic HVAC Components under it.

8.2 Creation of Components

Of the available types let us start with Rectangular Components. Select Rectangular under
Categories List, now in the available types all the Rectangular Components will be listed. Pick
the component to be created. A definition form appears with the inlet and outlet dimensions
extracted from the Main branch Dimensions or from the previous component and other
components from the default file. Any of these values can be changed, but care should be
taken so that to maintain the connection compatibility. Each component creation form has a
picture file, which shows the parameterized diagram of the component.

Main HVAC form also has provision to modify, Position and Connect the HVAC Elements. The
Modify button gets the component creation form in the modify mode with the existing
dimensions of the components, when we intend to change any of the values of the component.
Connecting Options of the main branch or sub-branch and the individual components are also
available in the main HVAC form.

8.3 Position:
Two position Options are available in the main form :
At Position the component at the point of selection from the options.
Through Position the component with reference to a specified point. Through has
some more options.
The options available are Cursor, ID Element, ID Point, Next and Previous (At Only)

8.4 Connection:
Connection options for the branch and the components are also available in the Main form.
The branch can be connected at the appropriate branch termination point (viz. Head/Tail) of
another branch or the suitable components (viz. Threeway, AHU). The components can be
connected and oriented appropriately either by setting the leave direction.

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 Figure 8-2

TIP : Avoid killing the main HVAC form, as several options are available in it, which make your
work very flexible.

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9. CABLE TRAY APPLICATION
9.1 Creation of Cable Tray Main
Select Create > Main from the main menu, in the form obtained give the name as
‘C-TRAY-MAIN-1’. Using the specification button, the specification can be changed. Below,
this is the button to change attributes of Cable Tray, if required the change the attributes.
Click OK in the Cable Tray main form, and then create Cable Tray branch form appears on
screen. The default name of the new branch is shown in the text box, which consists of the
Cable Tray name with the suffix /B1. Here also, the Attribute of the Specification buttons
is provided to change the Attributes and Specification respectively, if required. Now select
OK on this form, to get Branch at Explicit Position form. With this form the Head or Tail or
both of the branch can be positioned as required. Note that if the Branch is to be connected
to an existing Cable Tray, use the Connect option and identify the item with the cursor.
In this form, fill in the coordinates for the Head and for the Tail. Set the direction of the
branch. Set connection to Open or Boxing, as required. Select the size of the Tray. After
setting these items, select Apply. Now, a yellow line running from Head position to Tail
position of the Cable Tray branch could be seen in the graphics window.

9.2 Creation of Components

On main menu Select Create > Component, which brings Cable Tray Components form as
Shown in Figure 9-1.

Figure 9-1

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Note that, this form looks almost similar to the Piping component form.

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This form could be used to :
z Change the specification for a component
z Set Forwards or Backwards mode
z Switch default Selection and Auto Connection criteria ON and OFF
z Select the type of Cable Tray component required. The types available are those in
current Cable Tray Catalogue.
z Create the component. Position and orientate the component using basic facilities.

9.3 Orientation of Components, which change direction of HVAC and Cable

Tray Components
The components, which change the direction of flow are ELBO, TEE, etc. If the direction of
ELBO and BEND has to be changed to N 45 E we can do so by typing
DIR N 45 E
If we want to change the direction of the p3 of a TEE to W, we can do so by typing
ORI and P3 is U

9.4 Common Attributes of HVAC & Cable Tray Components

SPRE The Specification reference
LSTU The Specification reference of the leave size Duct or TRAY
CREF The reference of the branch which is connected to this element
ISPE Insulation Specification. This is useful when a portion of the Duct / Tray
need not be insulated.
ARRIVE The p-point number, which has to be made as arrive. (Usually 1)
LEAVE The p-point number, which has to be made as leave. (Usually 2)

9.5 HVAC & Cable Tray Branch Attributes

HREF The reference of the element to which the branch Head is connected.
TREF The reference of the element to which the branch Tail is connected.
HPOS The Head position
TPOS The Tail position
HDIR The direction of flow from the branch Head
TDIR The direction of flow from the branch Tail
HCON The connection type of branch Head
TCON The connection type of branch Tail

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9.6 How to Work Backwards?

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It is not always possible for us to work from head to tail of the HVAC main. We may have to
work backwards also. To do so, toggle the Backward button in the Create Component form or
type BACKWARDS in the command window. Immediately members list will be reordered.
To revert back to the Forward mode of working type FORWARDS in the command window or
toggle the Forward button in the Create Component form.

Figure 9-2 (View of Cable Tray run and erection Isometric)

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10. ISODRAFT

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10.1 What are the different types of Isometrics, Isodraft can produce?
z Combined Fabrication and Erection Isometric (standard)
z Fabrication-only isometric (for shop floor use)
z Erection-only Isometric (for field use)
z Spool drawing Isometric

10.2 Customizing Isodraft

We can control the following important aspects apart from various other minor aspects in
Isodraft :
z View direction
z Layout and units of dimensions
z Annotation of the components shown on the isometric (type, part number, specification,
etc.
z Welding information
z Insulation and tracing information
z Material list position (either on the drawing sheet or separately)
z Material list format
z Symbols used to represent different types of piping components
z Drawing sheet size
z Drawing sheet annotation (title block text, company logo etc.)
z Scaling of the Isometric within the sheet (window size)
z Reference dimensions
z Providing alternate texts
z Controlling revisions
Normally ISODRAFT will be setup to use macros, to help produce Isometrics for each
project. See the CADCENTRE Software Customisation Guide for information about using
macros in PDMS. A brief listing of the commands and their functions are listed below :

10.3 Setting-up ISODRAFT

COMMAND Brief description
ADD Adds named elements to the list of elements to be processed by
the CHECK or DETAIL command.
CHECK Extracts isometric data from the database but does not pass it to
the plotting function. This is used to check the data or create a
transfer file.

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COMMAND Brief description

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DETAIL Generates and plots isometric drawings for the elements in the
list.
FILE Specifies the name of the plot file to which the isometric drawing
output is sent.
INSTALLSETUP Restores the settings to those saved in the macro or binary file
using the RECREATE command.
MESSAGEFILE- Specifies the name of the file to which messages about the
NAME progress of the detailing are sent.
OPTIONS Allows you to reset all options to their default settings.
QUERY Allows you to find the current settings of the options.
RECREATE Creates a macro or binary file which can be read into ISODRAFT
to restore the current settings.
REMOVE Removes elements from the list to be detailed.

10.4 Bolting
COMMAND Brief description
BOLTFILE Specifies the name of the bolt report file, produced using the
BOLTREPORT command.
BOLTING Specifies where and how the bolt lengths are to be shown in the
material list.
BOLTREPORT Allows you to output a report on the bolting containing identical
information to that displayed in the material list.

10.5 Design Requirements

COMMAND Brief description
JOINTNUMBERS Allows you to display the joint numbers created in SPOOLER on
the isometric.
MATERIAL Allows you to select whether to use the part numbering from the
PARTNUMBERS DB.
FROMDB
PBENDNUMBERS Allows you to display the pulled bend numbers created in
SPOOLER on the isometric.
SPOOLNUMBERS Lets you specify whether to use the numbers created by
FROMDB SPOOLER or let ISODRAFT number the spools itself.

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COMMAND Brief description

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WELDNUMBERS Lets you decide whether to use the numbers created by FROMDB
SPOOLER or let ISODRAFT number the spools itself.

10.6 Piping Components in ISODRAFT

COMMAND Brief description
LOOSEFLANGE- Allows you to specify an additional length on cut tube to
ALLOWANCE compensate for field-fitted welds and loose flanges, where the
ALLO attribute has not been set.

10.7 Customising the Drawing Sheet

COMMAND Brief description
ATEXT Allows you to change the standard text on isometric drawings.
CUTMARKS Draws cut marks at each corner of the overall drawing sheet.
DATE Allows you to specify the format for showing the date in the
drawing’s title block.
DISTANCES Allows you to specify the units to be used for input of lengths and
distances.
FRAME Specifies whether or not drawing frame lines and text are drawn.
ISO Defines the view direction to be used for generating the
isometric plot.
ISOTYPE Defines whether the isometric will show fabrication information,
erection information or both.
MARGIN Specifies the width of the margin on each side of the drawing.
MARK Allows you to define whether the pipe revision attribute (REV)
should be incremented and the Branch detail attribute should be
set to true after successful detailing.
PLOTDETAILDATA Allows you to define whether and how to display parameterised
attribute data in the detail plot files.
PLOTTINGSCALE Defines the scale of the plot independently of the drawing sheet
size.
PROJECTNUMBER Writes the project number into the title block area.
RESERVE Allows you to specify a blank area at the bottom of either the
drawing or material list areas.
SIZE Specifies the overall dimensions of the drawing sheet.

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COMMAND Brief description

STACKINGARRAN- Allows you to define how to position multiple plots on a single

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GEMENTS sheet.
TITLEBLOCK Allows you to add extra text to the title block.
UNDERLAYPLOT- Allows you to define a background plot file; letting you plot NAME
directly on top of this background plot.

10.8 Materials List and Reports

COMMAND Brief description
ATTEXTS Defines selection rules and expressions (typically attribute
values) for appending attached text to descriptions in material
lists.
CLLENGTHFILE Specifies that a pipe centreline length summary, with or without
an insulation centerline summary, should be output as a report.
CUTPIPELISTFILE Produces a customisable report giving details of all cut pipes in
the isometric.
CUTTINGLIST Defines a table in the material list showing details of all the cut
pipes in the isometric.
DELIMITER Specifies which character ISODRAFT recognizes as the
itemcode suffix delimiter.
DTEXTS Controls the material description part of the item description.
EQUIPMENTNUM- Controls numbering of items on materials list for an equipment
BERING trim isometric.
INSTNAME Allows you to define how instruments are described in the
materials list.
ITEMCODE Allows you to label certain types of fitting with their itemcodes
on the isometric drawing.
KEYS Allows components with specified SKEYs to be treated like
instruments
MATERIALLIST Allows you to control whether the material list is drawn on the
isometric and alter the display format if required.
MATLISTFILE- Specifies the name of the file into which the materials list can
NAME be saved.
MTEXTS Controls the complete material description part of the item
description.

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COMMAND Brief description

SUPPORTFILE- Specifies the name of a file into which the schedule for pipe

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NAME supports is saved.
WASTAGEAREA Defines wastage areas that can be given different wastage
factors for cut pipe lengths.

10.9 The Isometric Drawing

COMMAND Brief description
ANGLEACCURACY Allows you to specify the degree of accuracy for the reporting of
angles.
ATTANAME Specifies the ways in which support ATTAs are identified.
AXES Specifies the coordinate system to be used for showing 3D
positions on drawings
BENDRADIUS Specifies when radii of pulled bends will be shown and in what
units.
CHARSIZE Specifies the character size to be used for annotating text on
drawings.
CONTINUATION- Plots continuation symbols where pipes are connected to nozzles
SYMBOLS on plant equipment.
CONTNOTES Specifies continuation notes at the end points on drawings for
when the connection goes to another isometric.
COORDINATES Specifies the drawing locations at which spatial coordinates are
shown
DIMDIST Specifies the ‘standout’ distance, between dimensioning lines and
pipe/ component centerlines.
DIMENSIONS Specifies dimensioning style
ELEVATION Specifies whether or not elevation coordinates are to be shown.
FALLINGLINES Defines the maximum rate of fall allowed in a pipeline before it is
shown as a skew.
FALLSKEWS Controls how dimensioning boxes for skewed/falling pipelines are
shown.
FLOWARROWS Allows flow arrows to be shown on isometric plots.
INSULATIONCON- Specifies whether or not insulation is to be plotted.
TROL
LEGLENGTH Allows you to specify the plotted leg length of elbows, tees and
crosses.

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COMMAND Brief description

MESSAGEACCUR- Controls how arrowed messages on the isometric are positioned.

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ACY
OUTCOM Defines the style in which attributes are shown on the isometric
drawing area.
OVERALLSKEWS Allows you to specify whether triangular skewboxes are shown as
overall skewboxes across branches, or as separate skewboxes
between branch connections.
PICTURESCALE Allows you to set the scale of the isometric drawing.
REFDIMENSIONS Switches the display of reference dimensions on and off.
REPEATABILITY Creates split ATTAs at automatically generated split points.
SKEWBOX Controls how skewed piping is shown.
SPECBREAK Specifies the level at which a change of pipeline specification is
noted, and which changes are shown.
SPLIT Controls the number of drawing sheets used when a pipeline is
split over more than one sheet.
SUPPORTS Defines whether support positions are shown and are
dimensioned as overall or string dimensions.
TAGGING Allows you to identify individual components on the isometric plot
by means of name tags.
TOLERANCE Specifies the maximum misalignment between components
regarded as having the same axis.
TRACINGCONTROL Specifies whether or not tracing is to be plotted.
TRUNCATE Stops rounding remainders of dimensions being added to the next
dimension.
TUBESPLITS Controls how splits in tube are placed.
UNITS Specifies units of measurement to be used for ISODRAFT’s
output.
WELDID Allows you to identify individual welds on the isometric by name.
WELDNUMBERS Controls numbering the welds on an isometric.
WELDTYPE Controls which types of end connection are shown on drawings.
ZEROLENGTHSKEWS Allows you to connect a vertical Branch to a falling line.

Taking data directly from the 3D design database allows production of isometric piping
drawings to your own required standards. These drawings are then used for the fabrication
or on-site erection of the prefabricated subassemblies.

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The Isometric drawings are again graphical reports taken from the 3D design and are
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the design and the 2D deliverables are created automatically and include full material list,
bolting lists, weld reports and cut pipe lengths. Isometrics are fully dimensioned and
annotated. Isometric drawings are controlled to give different representations by options
files. These files will allow erection only, fabrication only, or spool details to be output on
different drawings, taken from a single design source automatically.

Below (Figure 10-1) is a sample isometric (PIPE /W-150-SP-H) from the Demonstration
S3-Reactor Model.

Figure 10-1

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11. DRAWING PRODUCTION - DRAFT

A drawing is viewed to be a graphical report on the current 3D design data. Taking the data

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directly from the 3D design database ensures the drawings will reflect the model data
present in the design. A drawing may be created containing a number of scale views onto the
3D model. These views may be sections through the model, orthographic or isometric in any
direction and orientation.
Dimensions and annotation are created automatically and once created are dynamically linked
to the design such that name or position changes are automatically maintained.
Line styles and drawing conventions can be stored in libraries such that all drawings of a
particular type use the same pen and line style settings. Backing sheets and symbols are
contained in a library for each use.
Draft drawings can be output directly to a plotter or output in dxf format to input into other
CAD systems.
11.1 DRAFT Database Hierarchy

Figure 11-1

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 Figure 11-2
A brief description of important administrative elements is given below :
11.2 DEPT / REGI
The administrative elements in the Draft hierarchy, which is useful in grouping the drawings

11.3 Drawing (DRWG)

The drawing element in the database. Each drawing can own any number of sheets (SHEE
elements). The important attributes of the DRWG element are :
Size The drawing sheet size
Title The title of the drawing
Author Essentially, the drawn by attribute

11.4 Sheet (SHEE)

Each sheet can have several views. The important attributes of the SHEE element are :
Size The drawing sheet size
Title The title of the drawing
Bsrf The backing sheet reference

11.5 VIEW
This is the most important element in the database which holds the crucial information

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regarding the drawing being generated. The important attributes of this element are :
Direction The direction of view
Thpos The position through which the model is being viewed
Frpos The position from which the model is being viewed
Onpos The position on which the view center lies
Vscale The view scale
Adegree The rotation of the view on the paper. Useful to orientate the north
direction properly in the drawing
Vtype The type of the view (Wireline / Globle Hline / Hline etc)
Idlname The reference to the IDLI (Identified Drawlist) which stores list of the
elements to be shown in the view
Rrsf The rule set reference, which defines the rules for representation
Size The size of the view
Xypos The origin of the view
Lframe To toggle the border frame of the view
Lvisib To show / hide the view

11.6 Layers (LAYE)

Layers are used in PDMS to segregate the annotations like equipment dimensions in one layer,
piping dimensions in one layer, tagging in one layer, labels in one layer and 2-D annotation in a
separate layer. The important attributes of the LAYE element are :
Ucode To control the units of the dimension values
Purp To define the purpose of the layer
Xypos The origin of the layer. Can be useful if the whole layer has to be moved
Generally, we come across this situation in Labeling.
Lvisib To show / hide the layer

11.7 Different types of view creation :

Views can be of the following types in PDMS-DRAFT :
z Limits Defined view
z User Define view

Limits Defined View

To create a matchline view Select Create > View > Limits defined view from the main menu to
get the form as shown in Figure 11-3. Fill up the co-ordinate positions of the limits with
respect to the world and choose the scale of the drawing and the representation type of

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the view. Fill up the drawlist and the graphics can be updated.

Figure 11-3
11.8 User Defined View
When we talk about creating a User defined view, it is about creating a view within an
identified box where the system decides the scale of the view. This type of the views are
normally used for Key-plans, Isometric views etc. where the scale is not an important factor.
To create a user defined view Select Create > View > User Defined from the main menu.

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11.9 Drawlist (IDLI)
Drawlists are very important to create a proper view. To navigate to the IDLI reference of
any view, be at the VIEW element in the members list and type GOTO IDLN in the command
window.

Each IDLI is made of ADDE elements and REME elements. ADDE elements are those that
need to be added in the drawlist and REME elements are those, which need to be excluded
from the drawlist. To modify a drawlist, be at IDLI element and Select Modify > Drawlist
from the main menu. The form obtained is as shown in Figure 11-4.

Figure 11-4
Number of drawlists (IDLIs) can be grouped under one drawlist library (DLLB). These IDLIs
can then be referred by views. Generally, each drawing will have a DLLB of its own.
To add the elements appearing within a certain volume, we can type the command
ADD /XXXX within E 1000 N 1000 U 1000 to E 5600 N 2430 U 8000

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in the command window. This command will add all the elements appearing under /XXXX which
fall completely within the specified limits.
11.10 Draft Dimensioning
To create dimensions, Select DRAFT > Dimensioning from the main menu and Select Create
> Dimension Toolbar from the main menu. The form obtained is as shown in Figure 11-5.

Figure 11-5
11.11 Linear Dimension (LDIM)
The LDIM will consist of combination of DPPT, DPBA and DPOI. The important attributes of
a LDIM are :
Tsize Tick size – used to control the arrow size.
Dtchei Dimension text height
Ptchei Projection text height
Dpos Dimension position in the drawing
Pldir Projection line direction
Lchain Chained dimension (True / False)
Dterm Type of the terminator (Dot)
Pjust Justification of the projection line
Direction The direction of the dimension

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Plcl Projection line clearance
Dmtxt Dimension line text (Normally ‘#DIM’)
Pltxt Projection line text

11.12 Angular Dimension (ADIM)

The ADIM also consist of DPPT, DPBA and DPOI. The important attributes of an ADIM are :
Sense To toggle between clockwise and anticlockwise
Ddna The name of the item for which the dimension is attached to.
Osht The overshoot value of the projection line
Plcl The clearance value of the projection line

11.13 Radial Dimensions (RDIM)

This has no members and has the following important attributes :
Dflag Toggle between diameter / radius
Ddeg The angle at which the diametric dimension appears
Dtflag The position at which your dimension text appears
Dsty Toggle between center line type / Leader line type /
External type of dimension
Ddna The element to which the dimension is attached.

11.14 Pitch Circle Dimensions (PDIM)

This has two numbers of RPPT under it, the RPPT 1 will be the reference to center of the Pitch
Circle Dimension and RPPT 2 will be the reference to the item being dimensioned. The
important attributes are :
Asub Angle subtended
Ddeg The angle at which the PDIM appears.

11.15 DPPT
DPPT are the dimension points, which together make the dimensions. The important
attributes of the DPPT are :
Pltx The projection line text
Dtoff The dimension text offset, useful to position the dimension text
Ptoff The projection text offset, useful to position the projection text
Ptchei Projection text height
Plpen Projection line style

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Dlpen Dimension line style

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Gaps To create gaps in the dimensions to avoid crossing over graphics

Most of these values can be set at a higher level in the hierarchy itself and they will be
navigated down to all the elements. These can be overruled wherever required.

The other important attributes for DPBA and DPOI are :

Baindicator Toggle between Before / After (for DPBA)
Position The position wrt/* (for DPOI)

11.16 Draft Labelling

To create labels in Draft, Select Draft > Labelling from the main menu. Generally, there are
two types of labels, GLAB and SLAB.

11.17 General Label (GLAB)

The general label can be attached to any element and the attribute information can be
displayed as part of it. The important attributes of the GLAB are :
Ddna The reference to the element to which the GLAB is attached
Lfra Toggle between boxed label / unboxed
Llead Toggle to leader line
Lshape The shape of the leader line
Alignment The alignment of the text (vertical alignment)
Justification Justification of the text (horizontal justification)
Btex The intelligent text to be generated
Chei The character height
Xypos The position of the label
Oset Toggle to relate the location to the originator
Adeg The angle of the orientation of the label

11.18 Symbolic Label (SLAB)

The symbolic label can be attached to any element and the attribute information along with
some graphical representation can be displayed as part of it. The important attributes of the
SLAB are :
Ddna The reference to the element to which the SLAB is attached
Llead Toggle for leader line

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Xypos The position of the label

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Oset Toggle to relate the location to the originator
Tmrf Reference to the symbolic template
Xysca The scale-factor of the symbol

11.19 Creating Sections

Section are of three types in PDMS – Draft viz. Section Flat, Section Perpendicular and
Section Stepped. To create a section in PDMS, we create a view section (VSEC), section
planes (FPLA or PPLA or SPLA) and apply the section planes to the view. The important
attributes of VSEC element are :
Plrf The plane reference
Ldname The IDLI reference, which lists the elements to be sectioned.
Pmode The attribute, which can define whether the section is to be done
below the plane or above the plane.

FPLA /SPLA / PPLA

FPLA Flat Plane
PPLA Perpendicular Plane
SPLA Stepped Plane

The important attributes of these planes are :

Position The position of the plane
Direction The direction of extrusion (in case of stepped plane)
Normal The normal direction (in case of flat plane)
Gtype can be Open / Closed. (in case of stepped plane)

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 Defining a Stepped Plane (Figure 11-6)

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12. PDMS Commands
12.1 Setting PDMS attributes
In principle, any attribute can be set by specifying the attribute name and value you want it
to take. The following are examples :
XLEN 200
HEIGHT 300
NAME /FRED
ORI Y IS N
DESC ‘STABILIZER REFLUX DRUM’
TEMP 120
PURP ‘EQUIPMENT’

12.2 Navigation
Commands for moving around the PDMS database
/NAME Move to an element by name
=28/12956 Move to an element by its reference number
END Move up the database hierarchy by 1 level
5 Move to the Fifth element in the list of the current element
NEXT Move to the next element in the list at the same level
NEXT 2 Move to the second element after the current element
NEXT ELBO Move to the next elbo in the current list by passing any other elements
PREV Move to the previous element in the list
PREV 4 Move four elements back from ce (current element)

NOTE : NEXT and PREV commands work on the list according the modes Forwards or
Backwards. In backwards mode, the list is considered to be reversed so these commands have
the effect of working from the opposite end of the list.

12.3 Query Commands

Q ATT Query all the attributes of the current element
Q POS Query the position of the current element
Q POS IN SITE Query the position of the current element relative to the site position

NOTE : Normally, the Q POS command gives the position relative to the element’s owner.

Q NAME Query the name of the current element. This may either begin with ‘/’

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 character ‘/PIPING’ or may be by a list position name such as :
ELBO 2 OF /P1/B1
Q REF Query the database unique reference number ie = 234/746. This is the
best way of ensuring that you get to the element you want . Names can
change but reference numbers are fixed so you always get the same
element.
Q PPLINE TOS DIR Query the direction of the TOS pline on a SCTN

12.4 Positioning Commands (General)

AT E300 N400 U500 Position an element explicitly at the coordinates given relative to
the element’s owner. To position relative to some other element,
wrt can be added as follows :
AT E3333 N6000 U50 WRT SITE
AT N500 W300 U800 WRT WORLD
AT N4
AT N5000 WRT /FRED
BY N500 Move the element north from it’s current position by 500mm
MOVE N45E DIST 200 Move the element 200mm in the direction N45E
CONN P1 TO P2 OF PREV Positions P1 at the specified point and orientates the element
such that P1 is pointing in the opposite direction to the specified
P-point.

12.5 Positioning Commands (Piping)

NOTE : All the above commands can be used with piping components for exact positioning.
The following commands are specific to piping because they use the implied direction of the
previous component to determine the position. This implied direction is some times referred
to as the constrained centerline and is simply a line drawn in the direction of the previous
component. All of the following commands will move components along this line.

DIST 300 Position the current element 300mm away from previous component. The
direction is taken as the leave direction of the previous component.
CLEAR 400 Position the current element with a clearance of 400mm between it and the
previous element. For most types of component, this command gives a tube
spool length equal to the clearance value. For some components such as
level operated valves the clearance is likely to take the level length as the
obstruction length of the valve, so in this case the clearance might be

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 more unpredictable.
THRO N500 Position the origin through N500 in ZONE coordinates.
THRO PT Position the origin to intersect a line perpendicular to the implied direction,
which passes through the branch tail.
CONNECT Position the arrive point at the leave point of the previous component and
orientate the component to suit.

12.6 Orientation Commands (General)

ORI Y IS N AND Z IS U This is the default orientation for all elements which can be
oriented.
ORI Y IS E45N Specify that the Y axis is pointing E45N. When only one axis is
specified, the other tries to get to it’s default, so in this case, Z
will default to UP.
ORI P1 IS N Rather than specifying an axis, this command specifies that a
particular P-point is to be orientated in the direction specified.

12.7 Orientation Commands (Piping)

ORI This command orientates the arrive of the element in the
opposite direction to the leave of the previous element. It does
not change the position.
CONNECT DIR S Perform an ORI, then position the arrive at the leave of Previous. This
is a special command which is allowed to change the angle of a component.
It first performs an ori, then adjusts the angle to ensure that the leave
direction is in the direction specified.
ORI AND P3 IS U Used for valves, tees etc. this command performs an ori and then points
the ppoint in the required direction. It does not change the angle.
DIR AND P3 IS U This is another special command which is only used on tees with variable
angles. (Usually for sloping lines.) In this case, the tee is oriented and
the angle adjusted to allow p3 to point in the direction specified.

12.8 Creating things

NEW BOX To create anything in PDMS, you need to be at the right level in
the hierarchy and use the command NEW followed by the TYPE of
element you want to create.

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NEW ELBO CHOOSE For piping components, you need to create the element and then
link it to the catalogue via the spref attribute. The CHOOSE

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 command allows you to select components from the specification
by picking them from a displayed menu.
CHOOSE ALL Allows you to see more detail about the component then CHOOSE
on it’s own.

12.9 Deleting things

DELETE ELBO To delete an element, the syntax is DELETE followed by the TYPE
of element you are deleting.
DELETE BRAN MEM This deletes the members of an element without deleting the
element itself.

13. PSEUDO Attributes

In order to get specific information directly from the database, a number of keyword or
pseudo attributes have been introduced. Pseudo attributes are not attributes as such, but
they have the ability to extract data when queried.
Eg. ELBO 1 To elbo 1 of the branch
Q PARAM Query the parameters of the catref of the spref
Q DTXR Query the rtext of the spref
A few useful pseudo attributes appear below :

13.1 General Queries

Q LIST Query what you can create below the current element.
Q OLIST Query the type of elements which can own CE
Q ORDER Query the list position
Q PROP GLEN Query the data element with the dkey equal to GLEN in the
component’s dataset (Steelwork and Piping elements)
Q PRLS Query the list of properties in the component’s dataset
Q PURP XXX Query the purpose attribute of the property XXX

13.2 Piping Attributes

Q CHOICE Query the answers of the selectors of the spref
Q CHOICE STYP Query the styp used to select the component
Q PL BOP Query the bottom of pipe elevation of the leave point
Q PA INSU Query the insulation thickness at the arrive point

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Q PGRAD 1 Query the slope at ppoint 1

Q ITLE Query the length of implied tube (must navigate first by using ‘IL

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 TUBE’ at a component)
Q LBOR Query the leave bore
Q ABOR Query the arrive bore
Q APOS Query the arrive position
Q LPOS Query the leave position

13.3 At Branch Level

Q TULEN Query the length of tube in a branch
Q CLLEN Query the length through all components

13.4 Steelwork
Q ODESP Query the design params of the joint owner
Q ADESP Query the design params of the joint attached beam
Q DRPS Query the derived position of the beam start
Q NWEI Query the net weight (considering joint cut outs)
Q GWEI Query the gross weight (beam before cutting)
Q NCOF Query the net center of gravity for the beam
Q NSRF Query the net surface area
Q MIDP Query the mid point

13.5 The Construction Syntax

The construction syntax is described more fully in the Design reference manual and it is
worth looking at it in more detail. CONST allows distances and angles to be calculated from
the design data and is invaluable when you are writing applications.
Eg. Q CONST ANGLE N AND W gives 90
Q CONST DIST FROM P1 TO P2 OF/BOX 1 gives a distance

13.6 Reporting Syntax

You can create an array which includes a number of elements which all satisfy specific
selection criteria, as defined by yourself. The syntax is :

VAR !Array COLLECT selection criteria

!Array is the name of the array that will be created to contain the elements selected.

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The Following general Criteria can be used to defined the selection :

z A class of elements or types

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z A logical expression to be satisfied at all selected elements
z A physical volume in which all selected elements must lie
z A point in the hierarchy below which all selected elements must lie
Eg. VAR !PIPECOMPS COLLECT ALL BRANCH MEMBERS
This would create the array !PIPECOMPS and set it to contain the reference numbers of
every piping component in the MDB. Logical expressions use the WITH and WHERE option; a
volume is defined by the WITHIN keyword; and the hierarchy criteria is defined by the FOR
keyword.

13.7 Evaluating Selected DB Elements

Using the facilities described here you can create an expression and have it evaluated for all
elements, which satisfy particular selection criteria. The results of the expression are then
placed in a named array.
The command syntax is :
VAR !Array EVALUATE (Expression) FOR Select

!Array is the name of the array that will be created

(expression) is the expression that will be carried out for all elements that match the
select criteria
Select is the selection criteria
Eg. VAR !BOXES EVALUATE (XLEN * YLEN) FOR ALL BOXES

13.8 IF ALL ELSE FAILS!

As you can see, there are a lot of commands available to the PDMS user and the list above is
only scratching the surface. Almost all of the commands syntax is described in the reference
manuals but in some cases you might find it difficult to compose the required commands from
these alone. In this cases, it might be necessary to build a command by using the query syntax
itself, using $Q and $H syntax.

The command $Q gives a list of all possible commands at any one time. On it’s own, $Q gives
a complete list of top level commands in any PDMS module. When applied in the middle of a
command line, it lists the options available at that point.

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Eg. The Command:

SETUP FORM Yields an error incomplete command line

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SETUP FORM $Q List_name as required
SETUP FORM_FRED $Q List a number of options including:

‘BLOCK/ING’ ‘RESI/ZABLE’ ‘AT’ ‘Size’ ‘COPY’ and Newline

Each of the words in quotes can be used at this point. There may be further options after
these words and the same technique can be used to find the way through. The characters
before the ‘/’ indicate the minimum abbreviation which may be used for each part of the
command. The presence of the Newline keyword without the quotes indicates that the return
key may be pressed at this point thus ignoring the possible options.

Another form of syntax querying is the $H command. $H is a slightly more sophisticated

form of $Q which lists the available options numerically as the following example shows :
SETUP $Q
1 <create a new form>
SETUP $H1
‘FORM’
SETUP FORM $H
UNNAME
And so on..

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