About Creating Pressure Networks in Plan View

Pressure Network Creation Process

Creating a pressure network in plan view involves specifying default settings in the Create Pressure Pipe Network dialog box, and then using the tools on the Pressure Network Plan Layout ribbon to lay out the pressure network by sketching a pipe run. Layout can be done in disconnected pipe runs, which you connect later by inserting parts, or as continuous segments.

The following sections describe some of the main concepts regarding pressure network layout in plan view.

For information about the workflow when working with pressure networks in plan view, see Workflow: To Lay Out a Pressure Network in Plan View.

Layout Cues

The compass, which is displayed during the pressure network layout in plan view, shows which bend angles (for the Pipes & Bends option) or deflection angles (for the Pipes Only option) can be used for the currently-selected pipe material and size.

Note: If there are no bends that match the currently selected pipe type in the current part list, or if deflection is not allowed for the currently-selected part, the compass does not show any angle markings.

The layout process might involve connecting to an existing part. When the cursor is close to an existing part with a free connection, a small glyph appears to indicate the potential to connect the two parts. When you click in the drawing to insert a part when this glyph is displayed, a connection is created.

Note: This cue also may appear when a pressure network part is grip-edited. The glyph indicates a potential connection, but not necessarily a correct one. For example, a subsequent validation check may identify a diameter mismatch, or a deflection problem at this connection.

Tip: You may want to turn off object snaps while working with certain pressure network commands. For example, while using the Break Pipe command, the Endpoint object snap will snap the selection point to the end of the pipe instead of allowing you to select a point along the pipe segment.

Pipe Run Direction

When you lay out pipe runs, you sketch straight line segments or curves to define the path of the run. Bends and points of intersection are inserted when there is a directional change in the pressure network path. After the pressure network is created, you can use the Design Check command to identify pipes that exceed the allowable deflection or minimum flexible radius.

Drawing Curved Pipe Run Segments

A curved segment can represent flexible pipe (when the pressure pipe part has a Minimum Flex Radius greater than zero), or it can represent a series of rigid, straight pipes (when the pressure pipe part has a Minimum Flex Radius of zero).

Establishing Elevation Information for the Pressure Network

Initial elevation information is established for the pressure network during the layout in plan view. Elevations are established at the start and end points (for pressure pipes) or insertion points (for fittings and appurtenances).

During the plan layout, you can establish the elevation information in the following ways:

• You can specify a reference surface and cover value. Both of which are specified in the Create Pressure Pipe Network dialog box, or in the Create Pipe Run dialog box.
• You can specify an elevation at the command line (using the Elevation option) before specifying the first pressure pipe point.
  • If no reference surface is specified, this elevation is used as the centerline elevation for the pipe segments and the insertion point elevation for fittings and appurtenances.
  • If a reference surface is specified, this elevation is used as the start centerline elevation for the first pipe segment only.
• If neither a reference surface nor single elevation is specified at the command line, the pressure network is set at an absolute elevation of 0.

After the pressure network is laid out in plan view, you can also assign and edit elevation information for parts in the Pressure Pipe Properties, Fitting Properties, and Appurtenance Properties dialog boxes.

After the initial information is established, you can refine the elevation information in profile view. For more information, see About Working With Pressure Networks In Profile View.

Establishing Station and Offset Information for the Pressure Network

If you would like to assign station and offset information to the pressure network for labeling purposes, you can assign a reference alignment to the pressure network. You specify the reference alignment in the Create Pressure Pipe Network dialog box, or in the Create Pipe Run dialog box.

Note: This is not the same as creating an alignment from the pressure network; however, if you create an alignment from the pressure network, you could subsequently assign that alignment as the pressure network's reference alignment.

Adding Pipes, Fittings, and Appurtenances in Plan View

Fittings and appurtenances can be inserted in plan view by using the Add Branch Fitting, Add Fitting, and Add Appurtenance commands on the Pressure Network Plan Layout ribbon. You can also select Add Bends Automatically on the Pipe Run panel to include a bend fitting at each segment connection when you place pipe runs.

There is not a specific Add Pipe option in plan view. Pipes can be added by using the Continue Layout grip.