Valves in the Plant 3D Spec Editor

Business Outcome

There’s no way around it, creating Pipe Specs in Plant 3D is tedious and time consuming. Creating a Valve Catalog is no exception. If anything, it adds extra complication, not only from the standard properties that need to be filled, but there are valve-specific properties, such as operator assignment, alignment, detail, and body type. These are all necessary to build a complete and comprehensive Valve Catalog. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel every time we create a new valve catalog, we have found that the best way to tackle the complexities of valve catalogs is to create a checklist that covers all the details needed to complete the catalog.

Technologies

The following technology is utilized in the solution:

• Autodesk AutoCAD Plant 3D Spec Editor

Solution

We have created a checklist to build our Valve Catalog accurately and effectively.

Completed______	Description
☐	Did you start with the closest stock family?
☐	For flanged classes, fill out Pressure Class, and Facing, Flange Thickness.
☐	For any goezinta* (goes-in-to, aka Socketweld/Threaded, etc) parts, include the engagement length and end type.
☐	For bolts, add any required additional bolt length to the flange thickness property (stock workflow). For custom control over bolt length calculations, use Auxalia’s bolt length tools: https://www.auxalia.com/en/planttools-bolt-calculation/
☐	Set Connection Port Properties to match, if applicable.
☐	Do you need a custom operator? Set the Part Size Long Description to something easy to recognize (Hand Lever, Vogt Model 1234 H=8”x W=3”). Add operators prior to adding a part to the spec.
☐	Edit Operator Assignments.
☐	Does your short description match the catalog and/or company standard description format?
☐	Fill out mandatory valve properties (Aligment, Detail, Body Type).
☐	Iso Symbol Type and SKEY.
☐	Does the valve reduce? Set each port size as applicable.
☐	Put the part number in the Item Code property, if applicable.
☐	Weight (include actuator weight in valve weight).
☐	Length (what will show in reports).
☐	Dimension Testing.

*read it out loud

Final Output

Using our checklist for the Valve Catalog will help you create a valve catalog that performs well with deliverables, such as the P&ID Line List palette, reports and isometric drawings, and has accurate, complete information within the properties.

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