Benefits: (from AutoPIPE help)
More efficient checking process of the input data.
Duplicate and incorrect data can easily be identified e.g. multiple flanges or support displacements.
Global changes can be made to the model e.g. change gaps or friction across multiple supports, edit all the valve or flange weights in one list, change pipe properties e.g. corrosion, insulation, specific gravity across all pipe identifiers, change all beam section IDS, or select and apply soil properties.
Review the updated data changes during model creation.
Selections in the grid are dynamic with the graphic and vice versa.
Accurate placement of components using the point grid either by offsets or global coordinates.
Ability to 'slide' points e.g. supports along pipe to optimize support configuration (Apply Offset Option).
Review Pressure and Temperature data for all thermal cases in one location.
The Tee Input grid provides a very useful SIF design calculator Tool to achieve lower Tee SIF's and acceptable piping code stresses.
Print complete grid to PDF file including useful custom page settings and 'Fit to page' option.
Option for easier viewing of data without zeros.
Ability to export data to MS Excel or MS Access from AutoPIPE
When segments / components are unselected / hidden, then the data on all input grids will not be shown for these items except for the pipe properties, beam, soil ID, and Segment grid tabs.
Grid Tabs:
Notes:
i. Select the tab name hyperlink below for more related information.
ii. Hyperlinks are added when content is added.
Tab Name | Description | |
1 | Pres/Temp/PipeID | Pressure and Temperature data or change pipe identifier over a range of points |
2 | Pipe Properties | Any of the pipe identifier properties. |
3 | Segment | Hide or Select Segments and assign Line Numbers |
4 | Point | Component lengths, point offsets, global coordinates or point names. |
5 | Design Pres/Temp | Design Pressure and Temperature (ASME NB only) |
6 | Anchor | Anchor Stiffnesses, hanger releases and option to transfer loads for local stress analysis using AutoPIPE Nozzle |
7 | Support | Support identifier, Type, support stiffness, gaps, friction and support direction |
8 | Tee | Tee type, additional tee parameters including automatic SIF's |
9 | Bend | Bend point name, bend radius, Type, define bend midpoint. |
10 | Valve | Length, Type, pressure rating, weight, weld connection type and weld SIF |
11 | Flange | Type, pressure rating, weight, weld connection type, weld SIF, ANSI flange definition |
12 | Flex. Joint | Length, flexible joint stiffnesses, weight and pressure area |
13 | Reducer | Length, SIF, cone angle, weld mismatch. |
14 | Beam | Beam offsets, section and material identifiers, Beta angle, rigid lengths and end releases |
15 | Section ID | Beam section ID |
16 | Imposed Disp. | Load case, translational and rotational displacements |
17 | Concentrated Force | Load case, applied forces and moments. |
18 | Cut Short | Load case, amount of cut short or cut long. |
19 | Joint Type, SIF | In-plane and out-plane SIF, override option, flexibility factor |
20 | Weight | Additional weight and offsets. |
21 | Thermal Anchor Movements | Thermal anchor translational and rotational displacements |
22 | Soil | Soil defined over range of points, length, max soil spacing and number of soil points |
23 | Soil Identifier | Properties of any soil identifier |
24 | Gross Disc | Gross point discontinuity (ASME NB only) |
25 | Out Of Roundness | Out of roundness (ASME only) |
26 | Static EQ | Static earthquake factors |
27 | Reference Point | Properties of reference points |
28 | Hydrodynamic Data | Hydrodynamic data defined on points |
29 | Distributed Loads | Distributed load defined on a range of points |
30 | Rigid Options | Rigid options defined on a range |