If you are using stand-alone PSDesigner, you just specify pipe size as zero. If you are using the SupportModeler-PSDesigner link, you will need to draw the assembly including the clamp base initially, then delete the clamp base from PDS.
The constant support is modelled parametrically in SupportModeler. It is necessary to specify the correct parameters. If you use the SupportModeler-PSDesigner interface, the correct parameters are specified automatically.
It doesn’t do this at present. This is one area we are now working on.
There is an option to export a 3D DXF image to 3D CAD programs. We would need to import the complete support in one piece and not component by component.
If you are using PDS with SupportModeler, we have an interface where pipe data is read from the PDS model and PSDesigner passes data back to SupportModeler which creates the support in PDS from the SupportModeler PSL parametric library. This interface is available to download from the website.
Spring Selector is a C++ stand-alone programme that is used to select variable and constant effort supports.
In the centre of the dialogue box all possible spring selections are shown for the load and movement selected. If you would prefer to choose one of the other spring sizes shown, you can select it by clicking on it.
In the top left of “Spring Selector” a drop-down box gives the choice of spring types. The representation of the type of spring below the drop-down box alters when a different selection is made.
To the right of the list of spring sizes, the coloured arrow indicates where the operating movement of the spring is in relation to its total operating range (i.e. the grey area, with the overtravel shown at either end for variable effort supports). In the example shown the bottom of the arrow shows the preset position, and the top of the arrow shows the operating position. The direction of the arrow indicates that there is an upward movement. For a downward movement the arrow will point downwards (and the preset and operating positions will be reversed). The optimal position of the arrow is in the middle of the total operating range.
Our support products are included in the following programmes:
- SupportModeler programme for 3D modelling of hangers supplied by Pelican Forge, which is owned by Intergraph Corporation.
- Caesar II stress analysis programme produced by COADE. PSG’s variable effort support data is included in Caesar II Version 5.00 under ‘Pipe Supports’, and will also be in the new Version 5.20 when this is released. In Caesar II Versions 4.50 and earlier, PSG’s supports are listed under the name ‘Comet’ (this used to be PSG’s brand name). To find out more about Caesar II please click here.
- Autopipe 3D piping analysis programme, supplied by Rebis.
- Triflex piping analysis software supplied by Software Solutions.
- Logisterion P10 piping analysis software.
We have two programmes. PSLCAD is an in-house program for drawing PSG’s standard support components within AutoCAD. PSDesigner is an in-house program which automatically designs complete support assemblies. this is a stand-alone program which does not require a separate CAD program. Both PSLCAD and PSDesigner are provided free of charge to customers.
Our PSDesigner programme can be interfaced with Aveva’s PDMS/MDS and Intergraph’s PDS/SupportModeler software. Support assemblies are created from parametric libraries of PSG’s supports and automatically placed in the 3D models.
Sub-questions
Do you have a programmed selection system based on the strength calculation of the hanger?
Yes, PSDesigner.
Do you have a programmed selection system based on the strength calculation of the steel beam?
No.
Can 2D-drawings be obtained from 3D-models?
Yes, this is done by Intergraph’s SupportModeler and by Aveva’s MDS. PSG can manufacture to the MDS or SupportModeler drawings.
If the design changes do you revise the 3D model?
No, the 3D model is used by the client. PSG provide the selection/design program which interfaces with the 3D model. Revision of the 3D model is the responsibility of the client.
Yes, PSG’s variable effort support data is included in Caesar II Version 5.00, and will also be in the new Version 5.20 when this is released (our data base is shown as ‘Pipe Supports Ltd’). In Caesar II Versions 4.50 and earlier PSG’s supports are listed under the name ‘Comet’ (this used to be PSG’s brand name). This appears as number 17 in the list of spring hanger vendors. For users who wish to select hangers using imperial units our US data base is available under option 22, ‘Pipe Supports US’.
CATIA is a 3D solid modeling tool and would be used for designing products e.g. gearboxes or turbines, rather than for modelling a whole plant. We do not have a library for CATIA and there are no plans to create one.
Direct 3D dxf export from our software is planned for the end of 2009, and we believe the 3D images created will be able to be read by any 3D program.