Notes:
A. For manual and details on the PCF translator file structure and mappings, see wiki here:
B. The PCF translator can import almost any type of PCF file created by other 3D cad applications (i.e. SmartPLANT, CADworx, SoildWorks, AutoDesk Inventor Professional, Catia, Autodesk Plant3D, etc..).
Question: Is the PCF file a good file? (perform test here)
C. A PCF file does not store multiple Pressure or Temperature settings, to be sure library data is retrieved for pipe properties, thermal expansion, hot modulus, hot allowable, etc, after importing a model suggest the following steps: select Tools> Model Options> General change Ambient temperature to a different setting, press OK button, after the model data has been refreshed, reset Ambient temperature back to the original setting.
D. Per "SmartPlantToAutoPIPETranslator_UserReference.pdf" Rev.05, Section 6, the PCF translator can be run from the command line. However, the information was added to the PDF file before the actual functionality was added to the program. As an official statement, the PCF translator cannot be run from the command or be apart of the Automated System Processing feature in AutoPIPE. See AutoPIPE on-line help "Automated System Processing" for parameter switches supported by the program. Also, see AutoPIPE V8i 9.6 and higher Analysis Batch File Generator.
E. In PCF file we cannot say from where segments starts and ends. PCF Translator automatically connects components on coordinates bases and create segments of those components which are connected to each other. Another words, PCF Translator connects components on coordinates base not on sequential order specified in PCF file.
F. IF PCF translator was installed manually, delete the following folder if available:
C:\Users\profilename\AppData\Roaming\Bentley\PCF Translator
Then restart the application, this folder will automatically be refreshed with the new files per the version just installed.
G. As of September 2023, PCF translator does not import beam / frame components.
H. PCF file coordinate format:
Note: The AutoPIPE coordinates can be manipulated from the default settings, where elevation = Z axis, and E/W = Y axis