10. Why is there nothing in the AutoPIPE model after importing a PXF file?


Applies To
Product(s):AutoPIPE,
Version(s):ALL 
Environment: N/A
Area: Import
Original Author:Bentley Technical Support Group

Dec 2014, AutoPIPE V8i 09.06.01.10

Problem:

Given the following model:

Why is there nothing in the AutoPIPE model after importing a PXF file?

Answer:

Reason #1:

Zoom Extents in the model to be sure that the the zoom factor is not to close or too far away. 

Reason #2:

On the Segment tab of the input grids, all segments are checked ON / visible.


Reason #3:

Confirm that all objects are visible to be viewed, all items should be checked OFF / disabled below:


Reason #4:

Confirm on the Points tab of the input grid that there are actual node points in the model with varying lengths and components, example below:


Note: this was the case for the model above.The PXF file can be opened by any text editor (i.e. Ultra edit, Note Pad, Ms Word, etc..).

Using the information in the PXF - Project Exchange Format.pdf,

There were no piping components in this particular PXF file. The file only had equipment call outs. 

At this time, AutoPIPE cannot import Structural component information or Equipment and nozzle information (items 4000 - 6000).

Reason #5:

Confirm on the Points tab of the input grid that the global coordinates are not excessively large or out o scale with the rest of the model. 

Example:


Work around suggestions for such models:

a. Open the original model in the original application that created this PXF file and confirm what is being exported is all within scale. Suggest to leave out a segment or node points that are not within scale of the rest of the model.

b. Manually open the PXF file or converted NTL file and manually update / remove the offending node points / segments with abnormal coordinates.

c.  Manually select the segment or node points with excessive coordinates and delete them from the model

d. If the entire model has excessive global coordinates, move / stretch the entire model closer to the Global origin point of DX = 0.00, Dy =0.00, Dz = 0.00 

e. If the entire model has excessive global coordinates, suggest changing the units to a more appropriate unit (example: 88353021952 mm = 8835.302 km). However as the unit of measure increases,the accuracy may decrease.

Answer for model with Point input grid above,   Selected and Deleted segments  H and I. Than used File> Saveas AutoPIPE batch (ntl), saved to a new model name, File> Open > find new NTL file and opened it. Now model appears correctly.

See Also

Troubleshooting - Import AutoPlant / OpenPLANT PXF

Bentley AutoPIPE