| Applies To | |||
| Product(s): | AutoPIPE, | ||
| Version(s): | 2004, XM, & V8i | ||
| Area: | Import | ||
| Original Author: | Bentley Technical Support Group | ||
Importing files in PlantFLOW
To import a file into PlantFLOW, open the Files of Type selection list and choose from the following input file types:
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PlantFLOW Database (FDA)
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PlantFLOW Backup (BAK): The ability to recover the model database backup file is especially useful in cases where the current model database has recently been corrupted or in cases of a program or operating crash. As you create or work with a model, a BAK file is created automatically every 20 minutes.
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AutoPIPE Batch (NTL)
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AutoPLANT (PXF)
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Intergraph PDS (NTL)
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Cadcentre PDMS (NTL)
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AutoPIPE Model (DAT)
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PlantFLOW cannot open your file unless it is in one of the formats listed above. Try to get your file into one of the above formats to be imported by the program.
For additional information please review the following PlantFLOW help section: Help > Contents> Contents Tab> Command Reference> File Menu > Open> Opening an Existing Model.
Importing AutoPIPE model
Importing an AutoPIPE Batch (NTL) Input file:
PlantFLOW is able to read AutoPIPE batch (text file) format (*.NTL). This has similar limitations to importing AutoPIPE database files (*.DAT). Select File/Open/AutoPIPE Batch (*.ntl) to load a piping system created using the batch input format (this file is in ASCII format). When the Import dialog appears, navigate to the drive and directory containing the desired *.NTL file, select it, then press Open. PlantFLOW will read the data and perform a consistency check before generating the model and associated files.
Note: PlantFLOW cannot read an AutoPIPE v10.xx or higher version *.DAT or *.NTL file (E511-1: Invalid PlantFLOW data file ). Therefore if using AutoPIPE v.10.xx. and higher, use Files> Save As> 9.6 or lower format.
Importing AutoPLANT (PXF) files into PlantFLOW
AutoPLANT models cannot be generated in the DWG format. To prepare the model for import into PlantFLOW, you must first generate a PXF file using the Import/Export function as described below.
Preparing the AutoPLANT 3D Model for import into PlantFLOW:
1. Load the AutoPLANT 3D Plant Design System.
2. Open the drawing you want to export.
3. Select AutoPLANT 3D/Import/Export.
4. The Import/Export menu now loads into the top-level AutoCAD menu.
5. Select Import/Export/Plant Exchange (pxf)/EXPORT.
6. The Drawing Selection Options dialog is displayed.
Select All and press OK, or define a custom filter (refer to AutoPLANT’s online help for more information on drawing selection options; you can export components from a particular line number, by database field value,
etc.).
7. The Import/Export Progress dialog is displayed. This dialog indicates the status of the export along with summary information such as the number of components which have been exported. After the process is complete, press OK to close the dialog.
8. You are now ready to import the PXF file into PlantFLOW. The PXF file is stored in the local PXF directory beneath the AutoPLANT 3D root.
After the AutoPLANT 3D Model is ready you may proceed with import into PlantFLOW:
1. Select File/Open from the PlantFLOW menu. When the dialog displays, select Autoplant(*.pxf) as the file type, then press Open.
2. After completing the Import AutoPLANT dialog, the model is imported into the current system. If any or warnings occurred during the transfer, these are displayed so they may be reviewed by the user.
3. The General Options dialog will be displayed so that the user would enter the fluid type, units and other PlantFLOW related data depending on selected fluid type.
4. The Fluid Properties dialog would come up, if the fluid type is other that AGA-8. If fluid type is AGA-8, the composition file name is set to DEFAULT and pressure/temperature set to 0 psi/degF respectively.
5. It should be noted that the Automated System Processing approach can be used with PXF Input files so that PlantFLOW need not be entered manually.
Export files from PlantFLOW
PlantFLOW can export only to the following file formats:
PlantFLOW Database (FDA)
AutoPIPE Database (DAT) - AutoPIPE which then can be exported to other file formats.