- 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.

Has the features from AutoPIPE Nozzle been added into AutoPIPE?

No, the functionalities of AutoPIPE Nozzle have not been integrated into AutoPIPE. The strategy moving forward is to launch a revised version of AutoPIPE Nozzle. 

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 to be notified when a new software that replaces AutoPIPE Nozzle is released?

AutoPIPE's development team is working on the next evolution of AutoPIPE Nozzle software. To be put on a list of status updates for this replacement software, add your vote to this IDEA here. 

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, use, and license AutoPIPE Nozzle with AutoPIPE Yearly? 

Do you have an AutoPIPE Advanced or Nuclear SES License:

If no, stop here. To use AutoPIPE Nozzle, you must have a SES 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 the complete workflow for installing and processing a model using both AutoPIPE and AutoPIPE Nozzle?

Once again, AutoPIPE Nozzle is can only be installed with AutoPIPE versions 12.08.04.09 and earlier. It is important to note that AutoPIPE Nozzle operates as an entirely independent program. Suggest the following workflow:

    1. Install AutoPIPE 12.08.04.09 or lower version, enable the option to install AutoPIPE Nozzle.
      • Cannot find AutoPIPE 12.08.04.09 or lower installer in company archives?
      • Submit a Bentley technical support case asking for AutoPIPE 12.08.04.09 installer, follow instructions here to start our Archived Build Distribution Process.
    2. Download and install AutoPIPE Yearly (version 23 or higher).
    3. Use AutoPIPE Yearly to model and analyze a piping system with anchors. 
    4. Export "Nozzle Loads to AutoPIPE Nozzle" (File > Import/Export > Export > Nozzle Loads to AutoPIPE Nozzle). By performing this action, all anchors and reference points that have the "Report anchor results to AutoPIPE Nozzle/AutoPIPE Vessel" checkbox enabled will export their load cases results to a *.PXF file.
    5. Manually Start AutoPIPE Nozzle.
    6. Manually import the respective AutoPIPE exported *.PXF file.
    7. Select the proper Nozzle / Reference point designation to have their loads imported into AutoPIPE Nozzle.
    8. Use AutoPIPE Nozzle to evaluate the nozzle loads on the respective nozzles designs.
    9. Highly recommend, do not use or uninstall AutoPIPE 12.08.04.09 or lower versions. This will uninstall AutoPIPE Nozzle. 

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.