- AutoPIPE Nozzle Removal from AutoPIPE 2023 and higher installer


In April 2023, Bentley made the decision to end support and remove AutoPIPE Nozzle from the general AutoPIPE download. The below Q&A provides an overview of this change.

What has changed for me?

AutoPIPE Nozzle is no longer bundled with the following installers of:

        Technical support for AutoPIPE Nozzle will be limited.

Why is AutoPIPE Nozzle no longer bundled with AutoPIPE?

This change is driven by heightened security over which Bentley products can be released to the market. Specifically, security protocols no longer support the release of 32-bit software applications and applications built using older compilers. AutoPIPE Nozzle was compiled using Visual Basic 6.0 IDE, which Microsoft discontinued support for in April 2008, and upgrading AutoPIPE Nozzle to a newer compiler was not feasible.

How does this change affect my existing contracts and license entitlements?

Existing copies of AutoPIPE Nozzle will continue to run, provided that a valid AutoPIPE Advanced or Nuclear License is a part of your entitlements.

Can I install and license AutoPIPE Nozzle with AutoPIPE 2023 and higher?

Do you have an AutoPIPE Advanced or Nuclear License:

If no, stop here. To use AutoPIPE Nozzle, you must have a license for AutoPIPE Advanced or Nuclear.

If yes, continue to scenarios below.

Scenario #1: Upgrading from AutoPIPE Connect to AutoPIPE Yearly (ex. 2023..)

In this scenario, AutoPIPE Nozzle is already installed and functioning with your AutoPIPE CONNECT edition. Next, download and install the latest version of AutoPIPE Yearly (for example, 2023 or a later version). AutoPIPE Yearly will interact with AutoPIPE Nozzle similarly to previous versions, with one notable exception. After exporting the nozzle loads from AutoPIPE, AutoPIPE Nozzle will no longer launch automatically; it must be started manually. When AutoPIPE Nozzle is opened, utilize the File > "Import AutoPIPE" command to import the nozzle loads (refer to the AutoPIPE Nozzle help for instructions on importing AutoPIPE's Nozzle load PXF file). Continue to use AutoPIPE Nozzle to conduct your analysis as you did before.

Scenario #2: New installation of AutoPIPE Yearly (ex. 2023..)

***Important*** This option is available only to accounts that previously included AutoPIPE versions 09.x through 12.x in their contract. If your contract has never included any of these versions, this option is not available to you.

        1. Download and install AutoPIPE yearly (versions 23 or higher). 
        2. Locate AutoPIPE installer for version 09.x through 12.08.04.09 (best option) 
          1. Option #1: Request your internal IT department / co-worker to provide older installer (Quickest Option)
          2. Option #2: Bentley to provide a copy of the installer; follow instructions here to start our Archived Build Distribution Process.
        3. With the installer on the computer, install older version of AutoPIPE, be sure to enable AutoPIPE Nozzle and uncheck all other options (imaged below).  
        4.  Once installed, suggest to manually delete any desktop icons, ribbon icons, or start menu icons for older version of AutoPIPE. Recommend not to use window's  uninstall option as this will remove all software installed with the installer.
        5. Prior to starting AutoPIPE Nozzle, log into the Connection Client and verify that either an AutoPIPE Advanced or AutoPIPE Nuclear entitlements are accessible for the individual in their License Management Tool (LMT).

What is the best way to stay informed about the latest developments in the AutoPIPE Nozzle project?

We kindly request that you cast your vote on the IDEA here to stay updated on the project's progress during its development. Additionally, any comments you post on this particular  IDEA will be forwarded directly to the program manager for a response.

What can I use in place of AutoPIPE Nozzle if it's not part of my entitlements?

Bentley is aware of the importance of nozzle and piping stress analysis and is working on a new solution to replace the functionality provided by AutoPIPE Nozzle. The new solution will be compatible with the latest security standards and will offer enhanced features and performance.

More information about the new solution will be posted on the Bentley website and Communities as soon as it is available. You are encouraged to check back regularly for updates and announcements.

In the meantime, if you need to perform nozzle and piping stress analysis, then you can continue to use your existing copies of AutoPIPE Nozzle or use other third-party software applications that support the required standards. You can also contact Bentley technical support for assistance and guidance on how to perform nozzle and piping stress analysis using AutoPIPE or other Bentley products.

Please note that there will be no further development of AutoPIPE Nozzle, and technical support will be limited. You are advised to log any defects and feature requests using Bentley Cases and IDEAs during the development of the new solution.

If you have any questions or issues regarding AutoPIPE Nozzle or AutoPIPE, you can contact Bentley technical support using the following methods:

Bentley technical support is available 24/7 and is committed to providing you with the best possible service and solutions.