Converting Existing Piping Specs

Ian Matthew Autodesk, Inc.

PD4216:

In this class, we will show you how to convert piping specs from other 3D products. This
class will demonstrate how to efficiently use the AutoCAD Plant 3D Spec Editor. We will also discuss
how project administrators can leverage existing specs and use them effectively in AutoCAD Plant 3D.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this class, you will be able to:

Convert an existing AutoPLANT piping spec to an AutoCAD Plant 3D spec

Convert an existing CADWorx piping spec to an AutoCAD Plant 3D spec

Understand how the AutoCAD Plant 3D Spec Editor works

Identify common problems with converting piping specs

About the Speaker

Ian Matthew is responsible for the production of technical sales collateral and sales tools to support the
Autodesk Plant Solutions sales process. This includes development of product demonstrations and
presentations for the Autodesk reseller channel as well as internal sales personnel. Ian also provides
product and market expertise for conferences, trade shows, webinars and seminars. Ian has 25+ years
experience working in the field of computer-aided design of process plants, having worked at CAD
Centre of Cambridge, England (now AVEVA), and Intergraph Corporation, where he performed the
product management role for the introduction and development of PDS. Following his tenure at
Intergraph, Ian held business development positions at Rebis, Dassault Systmes, and Bentley
Systems. Ian holds BSc Tech in chemical engineering and fuel technology and MSc Tech in chemical
engineering and fuel technology degrees from Sheffield University, England.

ian.matthew@autodesk.com

PD4216: Converting Existing Piping Specs

Introduction
This class assumes the following:

A detailed understanding of Piping Specifications

Familiarity with AutoCAD Plant 3D Piping Specs and Catalogs
Detailed knowledge of AutoPLANT or CADWorx Piping Specs and how they are created and
managed
Familiarity with the AutoCAD Plant 3D Specs Editor

All the examples performed in this class were performed using AutoCAD Plant 3D Spec editor 2012. You
should note that the CADWorx conversion utility is not delivered in the 2011 release of AutoCAD Plant
3D.

Converting AutoPLANT Piping Specs

In order to convert an existing AutoPLANT Piping Spec, you will need the full spec database as used in
AutoPLANT. (spec_name.mdb) That is all you will need (apart from a good knowledge of how that piping
spec was built).
Start the conversion process by opening the AutoCAD Plant 3D Spec Editor 2012, selecting the
File>Convert>AutoPLANT Specs and Catalogs. command and entering the AutoPLANT piping spec(s)
and output folder for the plant 3D spec in the dialog box as below:

PD4216: Converting Existing Piping Specs

Once the conversion is complete look at the spec output folder 2 files are important:

The MIGRATION-LOG.txt file indicates a summary of the conversion:

PD4216: Converting Existing Piping Specs

While the spec-name-LOG.txt file indicates the errors:

Common Problems:

Spaces in AutoPLANT Piping Spec Fields (instead of null)

Missing Field Data
Data in AutoPLANT Spec Field not transferred to Plant 3D
AutoPLANT Classes not mapped to Plant 3D classes

We will cover these individually.

Spaces in AutoPLANT Spec Fields
This error is caused by some spec fields having a space entered, instead of being left blank (null). This
will show up in the log file as follows:

PD4216: Converting Existing Piping Specs

You will need to open the AutoPLANT spec database in MS Access to remove these spaces:

Use the replace command to replace spaces with blank. (Dont forget to SAVE the database!)
[Note: This problem should be fixed in Spec Editor if you apply the hotfix issued in November 2011]
Missing Field Data
In this case some spec entries have data that AutoCAD Plant 3D is expecting. The error shows up as
follows:

In this case, open the spec database and then the class identified in the log file and correct the missing
data. Use MS Access to enter the missing data:

PD4216: Converting Existing Piping Specs

Data in AutoPLANT Spec Field not transferred to Plant 3D

This problem is caused due to a problem in mapping fields. The error will show up in different ways in the
log file. This is one example:

In this case we need to study the fields in the AutoPLANT Spec class and then change the mapping.
1 Find the correct AutoPLANT spec field:

PD4216: Converting Existing Piping Specs

2 Go into the Spec Editor and add the new field:

PD4216: Converting Existing Piping Specs

Click on the field and edit as needed.

[Note: You must Run as Administrator in Windows 7 to be able to change these fields.]
AutoPLANT Classes not mapped to Plant 3D classes
The most common error is missing classes in AutoCAD Plant 3D. This is because a class exists in
AutoPLANT spec that has not been mapped to Plant 3D.
The error will show up in the log file as follows:

You will need to map the missing class is Plant 3d Spec Editor as follows:

Enter the fields as necessary

TIP: If the class is similar to an existing class, simply right-click on that class to copy its properties and
then right-click on the new class to paste the properties.
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PD4216: Converting Existing Piping Specs

Converting CADWorx Piping Specs

The process is very similar to that of converting AutoPLANT piping specs but care must be taken in
specifying all the correct data:

The CADWorx specs are files spec-name.spc

1 This folder is the folder that contains the LIB. Files:

PD4216: Converting Existing Piping Specs

2 Select the DataFile.tbl file:

3 Select a folder for the AutoCAD Plant 3D Spec

[NOTE the spec should NOT already exist is this folder!]

Common Problems
Missing Fields and incorrectly mapped fields.
Most common problem is unmapped classes:

Missing Class highlighted is 103-03 and needs to be added to the class mapping in Plant 3d Spec Editor.

Add the missing class in the same way as we did for missing AutoPLANT classes:

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PD4216: Converting Existing Piping Specs

AutoCAD Plant 3D Spec Editor

Once the specs have been converted, use the Spec Editor to modify them. In particular, you will need to
add Branch Tables. Use the Branch Table Editor:

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PD4216: Converting Existing Piping Specs

More Information:
Consult the HELP files for more information about specific commands in the Spec Editor.
For training and support:
www.autodesk.com/plantexchange

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