Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
(OP)
Hi,
I've been searching for piping software for several months now and don't understand why the software I would like doesn't seem to exist.
Functionality I want:
-Easily create isometrics
-Produce BoM
-Pipe flow design (produce system curve, etc)
-Nice to have: input our fluid service/pipe specs for material/gasket/valve/etc selection
What I've found:
I can find software that does EITHER pipe flow OR isometric, but not both. Am I out of luck?
Thanks for your time,
Mike
I've been searching for piping software for several months now and don't understand why the software I would like doesn't seem to exist.
Functionality I want:
-Easily create isometrics
-Produce BoM
-Pipe flow design (produce system curve, etc)
-Nice to have: input our fluid service/pipe specs for material/gasket/valve/etc selection
What I've found:
I can find software that does EITHER pipe flow OR isometric, but not both. Am I out of luck?
Thanks for your time,
Mike





RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
I should also mention that we have Autodesk mechanical and Inventor already. I've briefly looked into using AutoPlant 3D and Autodesk Simulator but haven't been sold on it yet. Mainly I just haven't spoke to someone who used it for these purposes.
Mike
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
Solidworks can do BOM and 3D piping layouts and fluid calculations. I don't think it can do isometrics in the usual sense for piping, certainly not 'easily'.
The barebones version includes just enough fluids capability to show that it's possible, but not enough to do real work; for that, you need an add-on that costs more than your budget.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
For now I'll have to take this as the reason why:
"Those people know little of your world, or of mine."
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
David
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
We will design everything from now on using only S.I. units ... except for the pipe diameter. Unk. British engineer
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
These tools exist independently because a combination impairs the operation of each.
have you ever tried using a "swiss army knife" as a screwdriver ?
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
It is only the specialist smaller consultancies where the same person would be responsible for both the hydraulic and mechanical aspects of the piping design. I personally believe that you will get the best design when the same person does both, because the hydraulics can impact on the mechanical design, and vice versa. Often this feedback between the functions is missing or weak in a large company where the functions are separated.
These specialist consultancies will want the best software for each function and MJCronin has captured their probable attitude with his "swiss army knife" comment. And for the big companies there is no demand for them to be combined because they are used by different people.
Katmar Software - Engineering & Risk Analysis Software
http://katmarsoftware.com
"An undefined problem has an infinite number of solutions"
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
We will design everything from now on using only S.I. units ... except for the pipe diameter. Unk. British engineer
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
Every single time I've started a new model since about 1998, I've built the pipe layouts in ArcView to honor terrain, rivers, highways, etc. then got my lengths from the query feature in ArcView. It is by far the easiest way to build a gathering system model, but the hydraulic guys think that a map is an imposition.
If they can't get their heads around a map, then it is unlikely that they'll be able to see the benefit of a link to CAD.
David
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
We will design everything from now on using only S.I. units ... except for the pipe diameter. Unk. British engineer
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
Dan
www.eltronresearch.com
Dan's Blog
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
But you see what I mean? I've got my system laid out in some GIS and I want to dump it to a pipeline model, make any pipe size/material modifications and dump the final model back into GIS. The modeling guys thought that was stupid.
David
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
Eltron - Have you looked at Intergaph? They might have something for you.
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
zdas, Its relatively easy to write VBA programs to translate files back and forth, if you have the file specs. In fact that's what I did. Google Earth (*.kmz) -> <- input modifications in Excel spreadsheet -> <-Stoner Pipeline Simulator.
If your pipeline is long, it now fits the curved Earth on a great circle track. The Earth is no longer FLAT!
We will design everything from now on using only S.I. units ... except for the pipe diameter. Unk. British engineer
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
David
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
We will design everything from now on using only S.I. units ... except for the pipe diameter. Unk. British engineer
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
Dan
www.eltronresearch.com
Dan's Blog
RE: Piping Software with multi-functionality, doesn't exist?
""Yes, I can't imagine adding a whole new CAD platform to our company just to do some piping. Is what I ask for that unique?""
that's what You said, do you think you can simplify piping?
I would suggest you buy Autoplant as add-in to Autocad.
With ísogen you can generate isometrics with material,
when you have the right pipespecs of course.
Greetings.