15. Why are parts of my PCF translated file into AutoPIPE missing piping or components?


 

Applies To  
Product(s): AutoPIPE
Version(s): ALL;
Environment: N/A
Area: import
Original Author: Bentley Technical Support Group
Date Logged
& Current Version		 Nov. 2016
10.01.00.09

Problem:

Why are parts of my PCF translated file into AutoPIPE missing piping or components?

Solution:

 There are multiple settings that could lead to this issue:

1. CONTINUATION components 

2. Pipe size was ignored by translator

Example 1: 

In the case below when reviewing the PCF file the some components had the "Continuation" properties as shown here:

 

Also noted that some pipe sizes were very small.

 

On PCF Translator Settings dialog the default value is 0.5 inches. Meaning that any pipe OD less that 0.5 inches are not imported.

 

So to import the complete model change the Ignore OD value to 0.2 inches or even set to 0.00.

Also on the same dialog, to import "Continuation" components, uncheck the "Ignore Continuation Components" option.

 

As a result of these PCF setting changes the model is brought in with all components and pipe size available in the PCF file. 

 

Example 2: 

Review the NTL for PCF file for couplings and overlap setting. Note, if coupling are overlapping the Pipe and Tee this may be an issue. AutoPIPE's PCF functionality of "Remove Overlapping part" is may not be working properly because of the special case that a PIPE is being overlapped from both ends.
 
This has been been logged as a bug (1444331) and will be fixed in a future version of the program.
 
Workaround 
Meanwhile the workaround is to define the Coupling mapping in PCFin.map to NONE, image below
 
 
Then select the option on the PCF translator, "Remove Overlapping part of component", imaged below: 
 
 
 
 

Example 2: 

Some components detected in the PCF file are not imported due to specific reasons as mentioned below:

Component #1

      1. Open the PCF file in any text editor (e.g., Notepad, Notepad++).
      2. Navigate to line 562 (Misc-component). You will notice the SKEY "NC**", which maps to AutoPIPE. Then, open the PCFIn.map file located at:
        C:\Users\Shrey.Sharma\AppData\Roaming\Bentley\PCF Translator\PCFIn.map.
      3. Search for "NC**" in the file. You will find that it is mapped as a pipe, which explains why it appears as such in the imported model. (Refer to the screenshots below.)
      4. You can map this component as a Valve by searching for the SKEY "NC**" inside the PCFIn.map file, and then replacing "PIPE" with "VALVE", as shown below:

Component #2

      1. Navigate to line 1108, which corresponds to a Strainer Filter.
      2. Check the SKEY "FIFL" in the PCFIn.map file. No results will be found, which is why it defaults to being mapped as a pipe. (Refer to the screenshots below.)


      3. You can map this component as a Valve by adding a new entry for the SKEY "FIFL" in the PCFIn.map file and placing "VALVE" before the SKEY, as shown below:


See Also

PCF Translator FAQ & troubleshooting

Bentley AutoPIPE