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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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:
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.
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.