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

Problem:

After importing an entire pipe line of survey data points, how do I convert each node point that is not straight into a bend point?

Solution:

This procedure assumes that all node points between the first and last points have kinks (ex. B01, B02, B03).  

From Model Consistency Check Report:

W726-8: Kink in straight run at following point(s)

B01 63.4 deg
B02 90.0 deg
B03 90.0 deg

Procedure to change all kinks to bends:

Step 1. Select all node points in the model except the first and last node points.

Step 2. Select Modify> Convert Point to> Bend...

Step 3. Confirm that no kinks exist in Model Consistency Check report:

Steep #4:Done

However, IF the survey data only provides coordinate location to the Bend's Near and Far points and not the TIP (shown below), there are 2 options: 1. Update the Excel file before importing 2. Add the TIP after importing into AutoPIPE.

Survey data:

Point	Global X    ft	Global Y    ft	Global Z    ft
D1
D2	5
D3	6.5		1.5
D4	6.5		6.5

Importing this date into AutoPIPE looks like this

Options #1: Update the Excel file before importing

1. Answer these questions: What size pipe is it? what type of bend? Short / Long / 3D/ 5D radius?

With these 2 pieced of information, the TIP (Transition Intercept Point) points can be calculated. 

2. Assuming a 12" dia pipe and Long radius bend calculate the TIP point coordinate:

Refer to a publication on elbow dimensions, find that a TIP for the assumed elbow would be 18" along the axis direction for both legs of this bend (Dimension A is sketch below)

3. Insert a new line A3 in the survey data

4. import new survey data into AutoPIPE. Clean up by renumbering all points in the model. 

Point	Global X    ft	Global Y    ft	Global Z    ft
D1
D2	5
A3	6.5
D3	6.5		1.5
D4	6.5		6.5

5. Importing this date into AutoPIPE looks like this

6. To make converting kink points to bends easier suggest to remove near and far point coordinates from imported data:

Point	Global X    ft	Global Y    ft	Global Z    ft
D1
A3	6.5
D4	6.5		6.5

7. Importing this date into AutoPIPE looks like this

8. Use the procedure above to mass convert all kink locations into bends

Option #2: Add the TIP after importing into AutoPIPE.

1.  Perform Steps #1 and #2 from option #1 above. 

2. Go to bends Near point (ex. D2)

3. insert Run

Notice that the Length and offsets are for the pipe between node points D2 and D3.

Change Add points from After to Before

Notice that the length and offsets are based on the pipe run between D2 to D1.

Enter a Length value equal to dimension A in step #1 above (ex. 1.5 ft) and press the keyboard Tab key once.

Notice that the Offset values updated automatically, need to change the sign direction for each non zero value (ex. change -1.5 to 1.5)

Press OK to continue. 

4. The following Message may appear, 

---------------------------
Warning
---------------------------
W754-1: Sweep angle is 180 degrees
---------------------------
OK
---------------------------

press OK to continue. 

5. The model will look like this now:

6. Press the Right Arrow key on your keyboard, moving to the next node point (ex. D2). and Delete the node point (ex. D2).

7.Set current node point to TIP point (ex. A04), Using Modify> Convert Point to .... command , convert point to Bend.

8. Optional, delete Far point (ex. D3)

9. Done:

Conclusion:

Both process have their advantages and drawbacks. However after performing either option a few times users will become more proficient and take only moments to correct each bend.

Always perform a model consistency check report to be sure that no kinks exist in the model. All analysis results are wrong if  large kinks are in the model. 

See Also

Bend & Miter Piping Components - Modeling Approaches

Bentley AutoPIPE