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REBIS
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Rebis documentation is copyrighted material. Reproduction of this material in any manner, in
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Rebis without any obligation on the part of Rebis. This information herein is subject to change
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS AUTOPLANT ISOMETRICS?......................................................................1-2
INSTALLATION AND AUTHORIZATION ...................................................................1-2
HELP AND DOCUMENTATION ..................................................................................1-3
HTML HELP AND PDF TUTORIAL FILES ......................................................1-3
HELP/DOCUMENT UPDATES........................................................................1-5
ISOMETRICS HELP ORGANIZATION............................................................1-6
PRINTING HELP/TUTORIAL FILES ...............................................................1-6
FEATURES..................................................................................................................1-7
NEW FEATURES ............................................................................................1-8
INTELLIGENT MODELS .................................................................................1-9
DATABASE CUSTOMIZATION.......................................................................1-9
SPECIFICATION-DRIVEN ............................................................................1-10
FLEXIBLE PLACEMENT CAPABILITIES ......................................................1-11
PROGRAM ARCHITECTURE .......................................................................1-11
BILL OF MATERIALS AND REPORTS .........................................................1-12
DIMENSIONING............................................................................................1-14
CENTERLINE ROUTER................................................................................1-15
AUTO-ISO .....................................................................................................1-15
ABOUT THIS TUTORIAL ..............................................................................1-16
Chapter 2: Project Setup.........................................................................1-17
Chapter 3: Getting Started ......................................................................1-17
Chapter 4: Component Placement..........................................................1-17
Chapter 5: Routing a Pipe Line ...............................................................1-17
Chapter 6: Dimensions and Annotation...................................................1-17
Chapter 7: Database Operations and Bill of Materials ............................1-17
Chapter 8: Auto-Iso Tutorial ....................................................................1-17
Chapter 9: Supplemental Applications ....................................................1-18
PRE-START CHECKLIST .............................................................................1-19
Install ISOMETRICS program files..........................................................1-19
Create a working tutorial directory...........................................................1-19
TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND TRAINING .....................................................1-20
TYPES OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT .......................................................1-20
DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS............................................................1-21
PROCEDURE CONVENTIONS ..............................................................1-21
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CHAPTER 2: PROJECT SETUP

OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................. 2-2
CONFIGURATION CUSTOMIZATION - CONFIGURATION EDITOR ........... 2-2
COMPONENT CUSTOMIZATION - CLASS EDITOR..................................... 2-3
CONFIGURATION FILES............................................................................... 2-3
CREATING A CUSTOM CONFIGURATION............................................................... 2-4
MODIFYING A CUSTOM CONFIGURATION............................................................. 2-6
MODIFYING SYSTEM CONFIGURATION VARIABLES ................................ 2-6
MODIFYING ISOMETRICS CONFIGURATION VARIABLES......................... 2-8
FINISHING YOUR SESSION.......................................................................... 2-9
MODIFYING COMPONENTS...................................................................................... 2-9
CHAPTER REVIEW .................................................................................................. 2-10
WHAT’S NEXT.............................................................................................. 2-10
CHAPTER 3: GETTING STARTED

OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................. 3-2
STARTING ISOMETRICS ........................................................................................... 3-2
DRAWING SETUP.......................................................................................... 3-3
SETTING UP THE DRAWING .................................................................................... 3-5
A TOUR OF THE INTERFACE ................................................................................... 3-6
DRAWING PREFERENCES ....................................................................................... 3-8
COMPONENT PREFERENCES................................................................... 3-11
BASIC PLACEMENT PROCEDURE ........................................................................ 3-11
COMPONENT SELECTION ......................................................................... 3-12
ISOMETRICS MENU............................................................................. 3-12
ISOMETRICS COMPONENTS TOOLBAR............................................. 3-13
SPECIFY A REFERENCE AND PLACEMENT POINT ................................. 3-13
ORIENT THE COMPONENT ........................................................................ 3-14
CHAPTER REVIEW .................................................................................................. 3-15
WHAT’S NEXT.............................................................................................. 3-15
ii AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

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CHAPTER 4: COMPONENT PLACEMENT

OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................4-2
ABOUT THE COMPONENTS......................................................................................4-2
COMPONENT PARAMETERS........................................................................4-2
CONNECTORS AND FASTENERS ................................................................4-3
ISOPLANES ....................................................................................................4-3
NOZZLE PLACEMENT................................................................................................4-4
CONNECTING COMPONENTS...................................................................................4-7
PLACING RELATIVE TO KNOWN POINTS ...............................................................4-9
CONNECTING PIPE ..................................................................................................4-11
LINE L100..................................................................................................................4-12
CONNECTING THE TWO LINES ..............................................................................4-14
AUTO ROUTER.........................................................................................................4-18
CHAPTER REVIEW...................................................................................................4-19
WHAT’S NEXT? ............................................................................................4-19
CHAPTER 5: ROUTING A PIPING PATH

OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................5-2
CENTERLINE ROUTER ..............................................................................................5-2
DEFINING THE OFFSETS..............................................................................5-4
PLACING ELBOWS ON THE INTELLIGENT CENTERLINE......................................5-7
PLACING CONNECTING PIPE BETWEEN THE ELBOWS .......................................5-9
CHAPTER REVIEW...................................................................................................5-10
WHAT’S NEXT? ............................................................................................5-10
CHAPTER 6: DIMENSIONS AND ANNOTATION

OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................6-2
DIMENSIONS..................................................................................................6-2
ANNOTATIONS...............................................................................................6-2
DIMENSIONS...............................................................................................................6-3
MANUAL DIMENSIONS ..................................................................................6-3
AUTOMATIC DIMENSIONS............................................................................6-3
DIMENSION NOTES .......................................................................................6-4
DIMENSION PLACEMENT/APPEARANCE ....................................................6-4
DUAL DIMENSIONS .......................................................................................6-4
DIMENSION TEXT POSITION ........................................................................6-4
Tutorial iii
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DIMENSION TEXT COLOR............................................................................ 6-5

ANNOTATION........................................................................................................... 6-13
PIPE CUTLENGTH ANNOTATION .............................................................. 6-13
MAIN SIZE ANNOTATION............................................................................ 6-16
CHAPTER REVIEW .................................................................................................. 6-18
WHAT’S NEXT.............................................................................................. 6-18
CHAPTER 7: DATABASE OPERATIONS AND BILL OF MATERIALS

OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................. 7-2
DRAWING DATABASE TABLES .................................................................... 7-3
EDITING A COMPONENT RECORD.......................................................................... 7-4
VIEWING COMPONENT INFORMATION................................................................... 7-4
EDITING COMPONENT INFORMATION ................................................................... 7-6
VIEWING THE DRAWING DATABASE...................................................................... 7-7
UPDATING COMPONENTS ....................................................................................... 7-8
CLEANING THE DATABASE................................................................................... 7-12
RUNNING A BILL OF MATERIALS ......................................................................... 7-13
MOVING THE ISOMETRIC .......................................................................... 7-13
GENERATING THE BOM ............................................................................. 7-14
CHAPTER REVIEW .................................................................................................. 7-20
WHAT’S NEXT?............................................................................................ 7-20
CHAPTER 8: AUTO-ISO
OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................. 8-2
LOADING AUTO-ISO.................................................................................................. 8-3
ESTABLISHING SETTINGS ....................................................................................... 8-4
DRAWING INITIALIZATION OPTIONS .......................................................... 8-4
CONTROL SETTINGS.................................................................................... 8-4
BILL OF MATERIALS CONFIGURATION ...................................................... 8-5
RUNNING AUTO-ISO ................................................................................................. 8-7
CLEANING UP THE DRAWING ............................................................................... 8-10
CHAPTER REVIEW .................................................................................................. 8-11
WHAT’S NEXT.............................................................................................. 8-11
iv AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

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CHAPTER 9: SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATIONS

OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................9-2
AUTOPLANT IMPORT/EXPORT ..............................................................................9-3
REBIS PLANT EXCHANGE FORMAT (PXF) IMPORT...................................9-3
GENERATING A PXF FILE FROM AN AUTOPLANT DESIGNER MODEL9-3
GENERATING A PXF FILE FROM A PRO-PIPE/ISO DRAWING ............9-4
GENERATING AN AUTOPLANT PIPING MODEL FROM A PXF FILE....9-4
PLANT EXCHANGE (PXF) EXPORT ..............................................................9-5
ISOGEN PIPING COMPONENT FORMAT (PCF) OPTIONS .........................9-5
REBIS EXPLORER/ID .............................................................................................9-7
EXPLORER PROGRAM START .....................................................................9-7
VIEWING AUTOPLANT COMPONENT INFORMATION ................................9-8
INTERFERENCE DETECTION MODULE.......................................................9-8
EXPLORER/ID PROGRAM START ................................................................9-8
AUTOPLANT CONFIGURATION EDITOR .............................................................9-10
AUTOPLANT CLASS EDITOR ...............................................................................9-11
PROGRAM START .......................................................................................9-12
GETTING STARTED.....................................................................................9-12
SELECTING A CONFIGURATION................................................................9-13
MODIFYING A MODULE...............................................................................9-13
MODIFYING A PARENT/COMPONENT CLASS ..........................................9-15
UPDATING THE CONFIGURATION FILES..................................................9-16
SCRIPT EDITOR ......................................................................................................9-17
PROGRAM START .......................................................................................9-17
DEBUG MODE ..............................................................................................9-18
DIALOG EDITOR .....................................................................................................9-19
PROGRAM START .......................................................................................9-19
REBIS SPECIFICATION GENERATOR ..................................................................9-20
CONVERTING OLD SPECS .........................................................................9-21
CONVERTING OLD AUTOPLANT DESIGNER/ISOMETRICS SPECS........9-21
CONVERTING SPEC GENERATOR V5.0 SPECS TO V6.0 SPECS............9-21
Tutorial v
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AutoPLANT ISOMETRICS is fast, streamlined, and possesses a power and versatility
that makes any designer or professional shop more competitive. Project Managers
will also appreciate the efficiency with which project data is handled, and how easy it
is to share data between the entire suite of AutoPLANT products. This tutorial
introduces some of the main features of ISOMETRICS, and walks you through the
creation of a simple isometric drawing. For information related to the use of a specific
command or function, or information on the customization of any ISOMETRICS
feature, refer to the on-line help system.
WHAT IS AUTOPLANT ISOMETRICS? 1-2
INSTALLATION AND AUTHORIZATION 1-2
HELP AND DOCUMENTATION 1-3
FEATURES 1-7
ABOUT THIS TUTORIAL 1-16
TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND TRAINING 1-20
DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS 1-21

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ISOMETRICS utilizes the latest AutoCAD ARX technology and the program architecture takes
advantage of 32-bit processing while running in AutoCAD R14 or 2000 ONLY. It enables you to
produce intelligent, isometric drawings under demanding deadline constraints.
You can also automatically generate intelligent isometrics from your AutoPLANT PIPING models
with the provided AUTO-ISO utility. The automatic generation of isometrics includes the
capability to automatically generate and place annotation, dimensions, and Bill of Materials, and to
select drawing data manually or in batch mode.
>_dU ISOMETRICS is a powerful addition to AutoDesk’s popular AutoCAD drafting package,

and is fully compatible with AutoCAD Releases 14 and 2000 working in the Windows 95,
98, or NT environments, ONLY!
>_dU At this time, ISOMETRICS does not support AutoCAD 2000’s multiple document
interface (MDI).
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Procedures to install ISOMETRICS are outlined in the Installation and Configuration Guide
provided with your software. This is the small insert document provided with your CD. This
tutorial assumes you have already properly installed and configured ISOMETRICS using the
instructions provided in that document.
Each ISOMETRICS package is licensed for use on only one computer, or for a limited number of
workstations in a network environment.
The Rebis Security Configuration Manager application is provided to authorize your software. The
procedure to authorize AutoPLANT V2.0 is provided in the help file for this application, which
may be launched via your Window Start menu by selecting Rebis Security/Rebis Security
Configuration Manager, then Help/Contents. The Authorization Procedures area of this help
provides graphical walkthrough procedures of each phase of the authorization process.
When you start an AutoPLANT application that has not been authorized, a dialog will display
enabling you to either run the software in Demo mode, or authorize the software as an Evaluation
copy for a limited number of days. The software can only be fully authorized using the Rebis
Security Configuration Manager application described above.
>_dU No existing hardware locks will be authorized for use with applications using the new
software security. This means the old hardware locks will not work with the new
applications. Users should keep their hardware locks in a safe place to allow project
support for previous versions of the software. Again, refer to the Rebis Security
Configuration Manager help file for details on authorizing your software.
1-2 AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

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In an effort to provide you with the best application support in the industry, the majority of
AutoPLANT documentation is now provided electronically in the form of HTML help files. This
important decision was made to implement a method for Rebis to quickly update users with
information on the latest program additions or modifications. Since this information is provided
electronically, users can simply download the latest help files from our web site, without the delay
required to update and reprint hard copy documentation.
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All AutoPLANT help is provided in the latest HTML help format. This tutorial is also provided
electronically in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. In order to view the HTML help, you must have
Microsoft’s Internet Explorer v4.0x or later installed and functioning. To view the PDF files you
must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed and functioning. Options are provided on the
AutoPLANT installation CD to install these applications. (Microsoft has indicated that the next
release of their Windows software will install all of the required files to view HTML help
automatically). The following table lists the help/tutorial objects provided with your
ISOMETRICS application, and how they may be accessed.
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AT_ISO.PDF Description: This is an Adobe Acrobat Reader PDF version of this Tutorial.
Access: Select AutoPLANT 3D/Tutorials/Isometrics from your Windows Start menu.
AT_ISO.CHM Description: This is the main ISOMETRICS application help file. It provides a detailed
description of every available feature and function.
Access: Select Help/Contents from the Isometrics application menu, or select
AutoPLANT 3D/Program Help Files/ISOMETRICS Help from your Windows Start menu.
AT_AISO.CHM Description: This is the main AUTO-ISO application help file. It provides a detailed
description of every available feature and function.
Access: Select Help/Contents from the Auto-Iso application menu, or select
AutoPLANT 3D/Program Help Files/AUTO-ISO Help from your Windows Start menu.
AT_XCHG.CHM Description: This is the main Import/Export module application help file. It provides a
detailed description of every available feature and function.
Access: Select Help/Contents from the Import/Export application menu, or select
AutoPLANT 3D/Program Help Files/Import-Export Help from your Windows Start
menu.
AT_CUS.CHM Description: This help system provides information on customizing many of the program
functions provided with your AutoPLANT applications (e.g., project customization, drawing
database customization, module customization, report/BOM customization, etc.).
Access: Select AutoPLANT 3D/Customization Tools and Help/AutoPLANT Program
Customization Help from your Windows Start menu.
Tutorial 1-3
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BSCRIPT.CHM Description: This help system provides information on AutoPLANT Basic Language
Extensions provided to customize almost any area of the application. Each topic provides
the command/function prototype, a description of its parameters, and an example. Help is
also provided for the Standard Basic language elements. Context-sensitive help is
provided for almost all of these language elements when using the Rebis Script Editor to
customize/create basic scripts. Simply place the cursor within the element you need help
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on and press the function key.
Access: Select AutoPLANT 3D/Customization Tools and Help/Basic Language
Reference Help from your Windows Start menu. The Rebis Script Editor may also be
launched from this program group.
AT_CE.CHM Description: This is the AutoPLANT Class Editor application help file. The AutoPLANT
Class Editor provides an intuitive graphical user interface to modify the information in the
configuration files that define the PIPING/ISOMETRICS modules and the individual
components available in each module. It also provides direct access to the method script
files, port definition, and specification search criteria that are used by each component
class.
Access: Select Help/Contents from the Class Editor application menu, or select
AutoPLANT 3D/Customization Tools and Help/Class Editor Help from your Windows
Start menu.
AT_CFG.CHM Description: This is the AutoPLANT Configuration Editor application help file. The
AutoPLANT Configuration Editor was designed to remove the tedious effort that would
have been required to manually edit the configuration files used to create and customize
project configurations.
Access: Select Help/Contents from the Configuration Editor application menu, or select
AutoPLANT 3D/Customization Tools and Help/Configuration Editor Help from your
Windows Start menu.
DLG_EDIT.CHM Description: This is the Rebis Dialog Editor application help file. The Rebis Dialog Editor
provides an intuitive graphical user interface to create/customize AutoPLANT-compatible
Basic dialogs that may be used in your Basic scripts and functions.
Access: Select Help/Contents from the Dialog Editor application menu, or select
AutoPLANT 3D/Customization Tools and Help/Dialog Editor Help from your Windows
Start menu.
EBS_EDIT.CHM Description: This is the Rebis Script Editor application help file. The Rebis Script Editor
provides an intuitive user interface to create/customize AutoPLANT Basic drawing scripts
and functions. Context-sensitive help is provided to almost every standard Basic and
Rebis Basic API Extension command, function, data type, etc.
Access: Select Help/Contents from the Script Editor application menu, or select
AutoPLANT 3D/Customization Tools and Help/Script Editor Help from your Windows
Start menu.

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EXPLORER.CHM Description: This is the Rebis Explorer/ID application help file. Rebis Explorer is an
interactive 3D viewer for large models and sets of models, which may be purchased
separately. You can load multiple models varying from thousands to millions of triangles in
size and interact with them at a guaranteed frame rate. It supports multiple formats via a
plugin mechanism, as well as its own native file formats, AutoCAD’s *.dwg and *.dxf files
and 3D Studio’s *.3ds files are supported. A range of navigating and viewing controls
enable even the largest and most complex model to be explored with ease.
Access: Select Help/Help Topics from the Explorer/ID application menu, or select
AutoPLANT 3D/Explorer ID/Rebis Explorer Help from your Windows Start menu.
SPECGEN.CHM Description: This is the Specification Generator application help file. The Spec Generator
is a stand-alone application whose primary function is to generate specifications for use
with Rebis applications.
Access: Select Help/Contents from the Spec Generator application menu, or select
AutoPLANT 3D/SpecGen/SpecGen Help from your Windows Start menu.
MIGRATE_X.PDF Description: A migration guide is provided in PDF format that describes
additions/modifications made in this release of the software.
Access: This document resides in your ..\SUPPORT directory.
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The Contents page of AutoPLANT help files contains an Update Now button. If you have a
connection established with an Internet provider, press this button to access the Rebis Help/Doc
Update web page for the help file that you are viewing. View the main help/docs web page at
KWWSZZZUHELVFRPVXSSRUWGRFV for a complete list of applications. You can then click on a
specific AutoPLANT application to display a list of its available help/doc downloads.
Help and Tutorial builds are tracked by the build date that displays in the Title bar of each
help/tutorial window. Check the build date on your existing file, then from the download area of
the Rebis web site view the currently available help for your AutoPLANT application. Compare
the date that displays on that version with the date of your current help file to determine if a newer
version is available.
Downloads will be provided in the form of self extracting zip files. When you download an update,
simply save the file to the directory where the old files resides, then run the downloaded
executable. For example, if you download the current file for the ISOMETRICS V2.0 help file
AT_ISO.CHM, the downloaded file will be named ISOV2_0.EXE. Save the file to
your..\SUPPORT directory where the existing AT_ISO.CHM help file resides, then run the
ISOV2_0.EXE to overwrite your existing help file.
Tutorial 1-5
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ISOMETRICS’ on-line Help is the source for answers to any questions you might have about
program features and functionality. All ISOMETRICS command dialogs provide a help button to
quickly display context-sensitive help on that option. ISOMETRICS Help includes the following
main topic areas:
New Features: Provides links to new and modified features by version number.
Getting Started: Provides an introduction to the interface, covers general placement techniques
and tools, explains the recommended method of annotating and dimensioning drawings, and
provides a description on how to get the most use out of the help system.
Command Reference: This folder is organized to closely match the structure of the Isometrics
main menu. This should enable you to quickly locate help on a specific menu option. In
general, the help for each command resides in a separate folder under the menu name folder
where it exists in the menu. Most command folders also contain a How To sub folder,
which includes a set of procedure topics that describe how to use that command.
Technical Support: Contains information on how and when to contact our Technical Support
staff. This section includes telephone and fax numbers, as well as a live web link to the Rebis
web site for the latest support information.
Other Help/Tutorials: This topic describes the other program and customization help and
documentation files provided with your software.
Adding Your Help: Rebis has developed a simple system to enable Dealers, Contractors, Users,
etc. to provide links to their own custom HTML help system within each AutoPLANT
application's help system. This area of the help explains how to connect your own HTML help
to each AutoPLANT application’s help system.
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The HTML format of Rebis help systems makes printing easier than ever. To print a topic, simply
select it from the Table of Contents, then press the Print button. Enable the Print the selected topic
radio button in the dialog displayed, then press OK. If you want to print all of the topics that reside
in a particular folder and all of its sub-folders, simply select the folder and press Print, then enable
the Print the selected heading and all subtopics radio button, then press OK. All topics in and below
the selected folder will be printed in the order that they are defined in the folder.
PDF files may be printed by selecting File/Print, then selecting the range of pages to print.

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ISOMETRICS runs on top of AutoCAD in the Windows 95, 98, or NT environment as shown in
the following Figure. Note that the toolbars enable quick placement of components and the
execution of commands. The standard set of AutoCAD commands and menus is also available.
The interface is designed to streamline user input and to set up the CAD environment for the
development of isometric drawings. ISOMETRICS also relies on its own dimensioning commands,
which are specific to the calculation of offset and cutlength values and the placement of
dimensions.
>_dU Chapter 3 introduces the ISOMETRICS interface and offers suggestions on customizing
the interface to suit your working style.
The following sub-sections briefly describe new features in this release as well as providing an
overview of existing features of the software.
Tutorial 1-7
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This section briefly describes the new features provided in v2.0.
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Reference Dimension attachment: The Reference Dimension attachment is now available for
placement by executing the Miscellaneous Attachments option from the Piping/Iso menu, then
selecting the Reference Dimension. This attachment is provided to enable you to dimension
from a point on a component to a disconnected item in an ISOGEN isometric drawing
generated from a PIPING model or ISOMETRICS drawing using AutoPLANT Import/Export.
This capability was added to enable you to identify the component and the item to which it
references.
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Annotation/Preferences: A new Symbol Container Type has been added. This type enables you
to specify user-defined symbol drawings for use as the symbol container for annotation.
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Dimension Notes: Each configuration provides a set of border drawings, which are stored in
the configuration's ..\BORDERS directory. (e.g., the border drawings for the sample Imperial
specification are installed in your ..\CONFIG\IMPERIAL\BORDERS dir). If you want a set of
specific dimension styles applied to all of your drawings that use a particular border for a
particular configuration, you will need to set and save these variables in each of the border
drawings that you will use. The procedure to modify these border drawings is provided in this
topic.
?dXUb
The AutoPLANT report writer has been upgraded to version 7.0 of Crystal Reports. Due to an
anomaly in Crystal Reports, you should request the free correction release of version 7.0 from
Seagate (version 7.0.100.15 or higher). This will enable version 5.0 reports to be saved
without crashing under version 7.0 (this is only if you are using version 7.0 of Seagate). If you
are currently customizing reports, you may continue to do so with version 5.0. However,
obviously the new report templates delivered can only be modified with version 7.0 or higher.
>_dU Although version 8.0 has not been tested we expect this bug has been corrected in the
standard version 8.0 release allowing version 5.0 reports to be saved in version 8.0.
Under this version the report should be saved as a version 7.0 report unless you want to
upgrade his own runtime to version 8.0.

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ISOMETRICS models are not merely drawings. As the drawing is created, a drawing database is
also maintained, which contains a record for each component placed. A component’s data can be
edited at any point during a drawing session. Many of ISOMETRICS’ functions enable you to
apply the function to a selection set of components. This selection set may be defined by querying
the external drawing database to select components that have the same database field value (e.g.,
Line Number, Spec, Tag), or drawing attributes (e.g., color, layer). After a selection set of these
components is created, the user can globally revise values, change line numbers, input unique
descriptions, etc. This is particularly useful when updating models due to design changes.
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AutoPLANT stores component and drawing information in an external Open Database
Connectivity (ODBC)-compliant database. When you installed the application, ODBC drivers
were installed on your system to enable you to define the database format that you want to use on
your projects. Currently, AutoPLANT supports Microsoft Access and dBASE database
configurations. You may elect to configure other database formats, but they are not supported.
The external database may be configured as a single Microsoft Access database with multiple
tables, or multiple dBASE-formatted database tables. The drawing database format should be
configured at the start of a project and used throughout.
>_dU By default, the drawing database is configured as a Microsoft Access database. For
information on configuring the drawing database for use with other formats, refer to the
Drawing Database area of the AutoPLANT Program Customization help file. This file may
be launched via the AutoPLANT 3D/Customization Tools and Help menu in your
Windows Start menu.
Tutorial 1-9
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ISOMETRICS provides database catalogs of tens of thousands of components from which
manufacturer-specific specifications may be produced. The Spec Generator program provided with
your software enables you to build and customize the database specifications used with particular
projects or clients. Each specification is a subset of a catalog and is stored in its own directory.
Specifications can also be edited or modified to suit unique requirements, and any number of
specifications can be created.
The ability to select and apply one or more specifications consistently throughout one or more
drawings or projects is why we call ISOMETRICS a specification-driven application.
ISOMETRIC component data is extracted from defined specifications, and therefore have a high
degree of intelligence.
To expedite the drawing process, sample specifications are included. These specifications are
available in Imperial, Metric, and Mixed-Metric versions. The following briefly describes some of
the sample specs provided:
Carbon Steel: A sample carbon steel specification, based on 150-pound ANSI pressure
classification (Imperial: CS150, Metric: MCS150, and Mixed Metric: MMCS150).
Stainless Steel: A sample stainless steel specification (Imperial: SS150, Metric: MSS150,
and Mixed Metric: MMSS150).
Ductile Iron: A sample ductile iron specification (Imperial: Ductile, Metric: MDUCT, and
Mixed Metric: MMDUCT). The Ductile Iron Pipe module provides a set of components,
which are typically used in water/wasterwater applications.
Victaulic: A sample Victaulic specification (Imperial: Victalic, Metric: MVICT, and
Mixed Metric: MMVICT). The Victaulic module provides a set of components, which
are typically used in commercial building piping.
High Purity: A sample High Purity specification (Imperial: TriClove, Metric: MTRIC,
Mixed Metric: MMTric). The High Purity module provides a set of components, which
are typically used in HiPurity, Food/Bev, Pharmaceutical, Dairy, Breweries, etc.
Lined Pipe: A sample Resistoflex (RSF) specification (Imperial: RSF, Metric: MRSF,
Mixed Metric: MMRSF).
Tubing: A sample Tubing specification (Imperial: Swagelok, Metric: MSwglok, Mixed
Metric: MMSwglok). The Tubing module provides a set of components, including small
bore tubing used for instrumentation lines in many industries. These components are
typically used in the pharmaceutical industry, and also in mechanical design applications
(pump manufacturers, etc).
>_dU Conduit, HVAC, and Cable Tray modules are provided as part of the PIPING system and
are not available for placing ISOMETRICS components.

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ISOMETRICS’ specification-related features include a default component switch, which enables

you to force the system to place the spec record that you have defined as the default for a specific
component size.
ISOMETRICS uses the Microsoft ACCESS (*.MDB) versions of the specs as configured in your
network ..\DATABASE\DBCONFIG.INI file by default. This can be changed by modifying this file.
>_dU Refer to the Spec Generator’s on-line help system for more information on specification-
related features and functions. The AutoPLANT Program Customization help file also has
information on configuring your specification databases.
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You can automatically attach a component to the run end of the previous component using a
“fitting to fitting” method, place a component a relative distance from a reference point,
automatically attach a component to the intersection of a polyline, toggle the insertion point on a
component, etc. In short, the placement tools enable you to quickly place a component anywhere in
the drawing with precision.
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AutoPLANT applications take full advantage of the latest AutoCAD ARX technology. An ARX
application is a dynamic link library (DLL). The ISOMETRICS application is supported by a
series of ARX applications. Within these ARX applications, Rebis has implemented a BasicScript
engine.
This architecture was designed with your customization needs in mind. In addition to the standard
BasicScript function and command set, Rebis has developed a set of BasicScript API Extensions,
which facilitate the creation of AutoPLANT component drawing scripts and manipulation
functions. These extensions consist of a set of Basic data types, commands, and functions
specifically designed for the creation of AutoPLANT components. These functions, combined with
the standard BasicScript macro language, provide a full-featured environment for script
development and customization.
All components and most dialogs are defined in open Basic files for easy modification. The system
architecture enables a user with a solid foundation in the Visual Basic for Applications
programming language to modify almost any aspect of the component placement process, or to
create new components, or add new functions to the system.
>_dU The Basic Language Reference help file may be launched from the
AutoPLANT 3D/Customization Tools and Help group in your Windows Start menu. This
help file provides descriptions and examples of the Rebis Basic language extensions as
well as a standard basic language elements.
Tutorial 1-11
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Bill of Materials and reports can be generated from an isometric drawing. If you are creating your
isometrics automatically from a PIPING model (by using the AUTO-ISO application), the Bill of
Materials can be generated at the time of iso-creation. You can also run a BOM from the
ISOMETRICS application. Options are available to control the type of information contained in
these reports, place material balloon tags, and to customize the formatting options as shown below.
The new Report Writer module provides a means to generate a wide range of reports on the data
contained in the current drawing, or across a range of drawings. AutoPLANT makes extensive use
of the Crystal Reports™ run-time engine to process data in the external drawing databases. In
addition to standard Bill of Materials generation, a number of external report options are also
provided. Additionally, you can customize any of these reports or create your own. For instance, it
is now a simple task to filter the selection set of components that will be included in a report based
on one or more criteria across one or more drawings.

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The AutoPLANT Report Generator function is also provided to generate fully customizable
external reports, which will not be placed on a drawing sheet. The dialog that appears when you
execute the Generate Reports function is shown below.
>_dU Help on the AutoPLANT Report Generator user interface is provided by pressing the
Help button on this dialog. More detailed customization help is provided in the
AutoPLANT Program Customization help file that may be launched from the
AutoPLANT/Customization Tools and Help group in your Windows Start menu
Tutorial 1-13
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The ISOMETRICS application provides the capability to produce clean, accurate dimension lines
and annotation. There are two types of dimensions provided by ISOMETRICS: Automatic and
Manual.
Manual dimensioning is required to dimension isometric drawings created inside the

ISOMETRICS application. The manual dimensioning command will calculate the cut length of a
pipe segment between two dimension points, when you supply the overall dimension between the
points. The command will read the length of the other components that lie between the selected
points and subtract their total length from the overall dimension specified to calculate the pipe cut
length.
When the command is executed, it displays the dimension nodes on all components in the drawing.
You then simply select the nodes between which you want to place dimension values. If the
pipeline between the selected nodes contains a pipe segment of unknown length, you will be
prompted to enter the total dimension length before placement. ISOMETRICS will automatically
calculate the pipe cutlength based on the total dimension value minus the known length of fittings
(extracted from the drawing database) between the selected nodes.
User-Input Dimension
This distance is known based on

values extracted from the
specification
Cutlength = (Input dimension) - (Fitting Length)
Automatic dimensioning can be used if all of the pipe cutlengths in a given drawing have been
defined. When a PIPING model is converted to an isometric drawing with the AUTO-ISO
application, dimensions are generated automatically by default.
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During automatic generation of isometrics, single and compound offsets will be generated
automatically based on the geometry of the imported PIPING model. Manual dimensioning of
these offsets is a two step process that first requires the proper definition of the offset values during
component placement or centerline routing, then the selection and orientation of the offset graphics
during normal dimensioning activities.

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Single Offset Compound Offset
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An intelligent centerline router has been provided to facilitate the routing of piping paths. This
command enables you to sketch the path of a piping line, then place elbows, fittings, and pipe
directly on the line. You can also associate intelligence with the line, including: Size, Spec, Line
Number, and Insulation Thickness, which will be assigned to components placed on the line.
Routing your isometric path has two distinct advantages:
It accelerates the component placement process, making it easier to place elbows and
pipe since the directional information is extracted from the line itself.
It allows for the definition of offset components. When routing offset components,
centerlines must be defined.
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The AUTO-ISO application can save AutoPLANT PIPING users a significant amount of time in
the creation of isos. AUTO-ISO generates intelligent isometric drawings from your PIPING
models. ISOs can be broken according to user-specified criteria such as Line Number, Spec
changes, or Stop Signs placed within the PIPING application.
Tutorial 1-15
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The level of detail provided on the isometric drawing is also configurable. Users may elect to
include or exclude dimensions, annotation, Bill of Materials, etc. Once the drawing is opened into
ISOMETRICS, very little cleanup is required.
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This tutorial is designed to introduce you to the major features of AutoPLANT ISOMETRICS and
AUTO-ISO. Two separate drawings will be created. The first, shown below, is created from
scratch by inserting and dimensioning components from within ISOMETRICS.
The second drawing, shown in the Figure below, is created from a simple PIPING model with the
AUTO-ISO application.

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A brief description of each of the remaining chapters in the tutorial is provided below.
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This chapter explains how AutoPLANT configurations may be setup/customized. Configurations

may be used to assign a series of drawing settings that apply across an entire project.
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This section explains how to start ISOMETRICS, setup a new drawing, and establish drawing
preferences. A brief discussion is also provided on basic placement techniques.
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In this chapter, you begin to create a sample isometric drawing. Emphasis is placed on
demonstrating the full range of component placement and connection techniques.
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This chapter walks you through the intelligent centerline placement command. You will connect
the line to existing components, then route a simple path. This process also involves the definition
of offset distances and values. Afterwards, the method of placing components directly on a
centerline is demonstrated. After the line is created and the bends placed, you will use the Auto-Pipe
function to place connecting pipe between existing elements along the run.
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In this chapter, the isometric drawing is dimensioned, and some basic annotation placed. In
addition to standard dimension lines, you will place and dimension a single offset triangle and a
compound offset box.
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In this chapter, you will examine some of the tools associated with viewing and editing the drawing
database. You will also generate a Bill of Materials and place it on the isometric drawing.
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In this chapter, you will import a simple PIPING model, and review the options that are available
for controlling the automatic generation of dimensions and a Bill of Materials.
Tutorial 1-17
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AutoPLANT software is shipped with a set of supplemental applications. These utilities are
provided in the main Rebis menu and toolbar as shown below. The top part of the menu contains
AutoPLANT applications. Options that appear grayed-out in the menu have not been installed.
Supplemental
Applications Supplemental
Applications
Rebis Menu Rebis Toolbar
8Y^d You can also directly launch these applications (except Import/Export) from the Windows
Start menu by selecting the application from the AutoPLANT 3D/Customization Tools and
Help group.
A brief description of each of these applications is provided in the following table. A more detailed
explanation of each application is provided in Chapter 9, Supplemental Applications at the end of
this tutorial. Each of these supplemental applications has its own associated context-sensitive help
file, which can be launched from the respective application. Refer to the application’s help file for
a detailed explanation of every available feature and function.
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Import/Export Import/Export is intended to facilitate transfer of CAD data between AutoPLANT
and other CAD/CAE software. The transfer is accomplished using Rebis’ Plant
Design (PXF) data format, which can either be generated or read by
AutoPLANT. AutoPLANT also supports output to a Piping Component Format
(PCF) for input to Alias Limited’s ISOGEN software.
Explorer EXPLORER may be purchased separately. It is an interactive 3D viewer for
models and sets of models that interact with these at a guaranteed frame rate.
It supports multiple formats, as well as its own native file formats. Navigation
and view controls enable the most complex model to be explored with ease.
Explorer ID EXPLORER ID may be purchased separately. The Explorer Interference
Detection add-on, is designed to help you control clash tests and leave an audit
trail of clashes throughout the life of the project. It runs within the EXPLORER
interface.

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Configuration AutoPLANT is designed to support multiple configurations for drawing/model

Editor defaults and settings. The Configuration Editor is the tool for modifying these
files and creating saved sets of configuration definitions that can be applied to a
particular project or drawing.
Class Editor The Class Editor provides a single source for the manipulation of AutoPLANT
PIPING and ISOMETRICS modules, components and their associated
configuration files.
Script Editor The Rebis Script Editor provides an intuitive user interface to create/customize
AutoPLANT Basic drawing scripts and functions. Context-sensitive help is
provided to almost every standard Basic and Rebis Basic API Extension
command, function, data type, etc.
Dialog Editor The Rebis Dialog Editor provides an intuitive graphical user interface to
create/customize AutoPLANT-compatible Basic dialogs that may be used in
your Basic scripts and functions. The Basic statements that construct the dialog
instance may be inserted directly into custom scripts created with the Rebis
Script Editor.
Specification The Rebis Specification Generator is provided to enable you to create/modify
Generator the external drawing database specifications. AutoPLANT provides Imperial,
Metric, and Mixed Metric catalogs, which contain tens of thousands of
components from which your project-specific specifications can be generated.
This application can only be launched from the Windows Start menu.
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Before you can begin this Tutorial, you must install the ISOMETRICS program files onto your
hard disk and configure your computer system to run ISOMETRICS. These procedures are
explained in the Installation and Configuration Guide.
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A sample iso is created in this tutorial. As this model is generated, a drawing database is created
“on the fly,” which contains information about the components in the drawing. In an effort to
consolidate this information, create a project directory called TUTOR and periodically save the
drawing in this location. After the tutorial is finished, you can delete the directory and its files.
Tutorial 1-19
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Rebis' trained personnel are available to provide quality support to customers on all current
product lines. To inquire about technical support options, contact Rebis’ corporate headquarters at
(925) 933-2525.
Explore On-line Help for an answer to your question.

Contact your local dealer. Rebis believes that a close customer-dealer relationship is the
best method for receiving personalized, quality technical support.
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Maintenance, Enhancement and Support (MES): Users who have purchased an MES contract
receive priority Technical Support on a toll-free 800 support line. In addition, on-line support
is provided via the internet. As an MES customer, Rebis will do its best to resolve your
problem immediately.
>_dU Please contact your Rebis Inside Sales Representative for more information on MES.
Internet Support: Online Support is a reserved area for active MES subscribers. A few benefits
are described below:
Input and track support incidents related to your organization. You will be automatically
notified via email when the status of your support incident has changed. New incidents
go directly into our Technical Support database, and you can track the incidents remotely
over the web. You can even change the status of your incident live!
View our Solutions Database. Much more than a set of FAQs, this is a comprehensive
database of solutions compiled and maintained by our Tech Support staff.
View Software Bugs. Rebis is confident about our products, and we want to help you
resolve any problems you may be experiencing. Because of this, we expose our Tracker
database to our customers.
You can see the advantages of obtaining an MES contract: Search the knowledge browser for
a list of solutions, see if your problem has been reported already as a bug, add a new incident
and track it... all from the web and without requiring a phone call!
The Rebis Support URL is www.rebis.com/support.
Fax Support: Fax traditional inquiries to (504) 893-5293; 24hrs, 7days/week.

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The following conventions are maintained throughout this tutorial in order to emphasize menu
selections, user-interaction, file names, and other standards.
3?>F5>D9?> 45C3B9@D9?>
>?D5* Precedes information of general importance.
89>D* Precedes optional time-saving information.
G1B>9>7* Precedes information about actions that should not be performed under normal
operating conditions.
FILENAMES Directory paths and file names are italicized.
Example: \AT-EQP directory, AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
3URJUDP &RGH Excerpts from text or basic script files and script variables and statements appear in
the font shown.
INPUT Commands or information that must be manually entered is bolded in the font shown.
Menu & Menu commands and dialog buttons appear in a sans serif font that stands out from
Buttons normal body text.
Example: After selecting the File menu, press the OK button in the dialog.
N Individual keyboard keys, or key combinations, are graphically represented.

Examples: L, N, J+
Dialogs Dialog and database table names are italicized.
Field_Name Example: The Preferences dialog.
Select Indicates that the command must be executed from a menu or dialog.
Pick Indicates an item (component or point) that may be picked on a drawing.
Throughout this Tutorial, the menu command sequence required to execute a
command will be explicitly defined in the text, while the associated toolbar button is
presented in the.
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Several procedures are provided throughout this tutorial. Menu selections are emphasized in bold
while the toolbar equivalent is shown in the margin. Refer to the example below.
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! Select Isometrics/Bends and Returns/90° LR Elbow.
By following the procedures, a model is constructed. Samples of how the model should look at
different stages of the tutorial are also provided. All screens and toolbar icons shown were saved
while running the application in AutoCAD 2000.
Tutorial 1-21
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This chapter explains how AutoPLANT configurations may be setup/customized.
Configurations may be used to assign a series of drawing settings that apply across
an entire project.
OVERVIEW 2-2
CREATING A CUSTOM CONFIGURATION 2-4
MODIFYING A CUSTOM CONFIGURATION 2-6
MODIFYING COMPONENTS 2-9
CHAPTER REVIEW 2-10

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This chapter provides an overview of the system AutoPLANT uses to control drawing settings on a
project-wide basis. It is provided as an overview only and is NOT required for completion of this
Tutorial. The remaining Tutorial chapters use one of the sample configurations provided in the
shipping version of the software.
AutoPLANT is designed to support multiple configurations for drawing/model defaults and

settings. This design enables you to define the units, specs, drawing database format, borders,
drawing templates, module and component options, etc. in a specific configuration.
When you create a new ISOMETRICS drawing, the following dialog displays to enable you to
select the desired configuration.
The Configuration drop-down lists all of your configurations, including the three sample
configurations (Imperial, Metric, and Mixed Metric) provided with your software.
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To support this implementation, a number of configuration files were required to serve as
placeholders for the definition of the configuration defaults and settings. The AutoPLANT
Configuration Editor application was designed to remove the tedious effort that would have been
required to manually edit these configuration files. It provides a highly intuitive graphical user
interface with tabbed dialogs to create/modify project configurations.
The shipping version of AutoPLANT software provides three base configurations: Imperial,
Metric, and Mixed Metric. Each of these configurations defines the drawing settings for the
environment indicated by the configuration name, and should not be modified. These
configurations may be used as templates for defining new configurations based on imperial, metric,
and mixed metric units.

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The Class Editor (CE) works hand-in-hand with the Configuration Editor application. The intent of
the system design is for you to use the Configuration Editor application to create new
configurations using the provided configurations as templates, then to use the Class Editor to
create/modify the module and component scripts and methods in your custom configuration. All
modified component files are stored in your custom configuration directory; thereby, maintaining
the integrity of the shipping version of these files.
When you create a new drawing, and then select a custom configuration, the system will search the
custom configuration directory path for custom versions of all files first. For example, if you use
the Configuration Editor to create a configuration named MYCONFIG, then used CE to modify
the drawing script for a gate valve in your MYCONFIG configuration. CE will save the modified
gate valve script within your MYCONFIG configuration directory structure. When you create a
new drawing and select the MYCONFIG configuration, then attempt to place this gate valve, the
system will search for the gate valve drawing script in your MYCONFIG directory path first,
thereby using your custom script to place the gate valve. If the system does not find a custom file
for any component placement option, it will use the file located in the path of the configuration
(Imperial, Metric, or MMetric) that you selected as a template when you created your custom
configuration.
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When you install ISOMETRICS, if you accept the default (REBIS) installation directory, a
REBIS\CONFIG subdirectory will be created. The provided Imperial, Metric, and Mixed Metric
(Mmetric) configuration directories will also be created on your system, and the required
configuration files will be installed in these configuration directories. For example, the
REBIS\CONFIG\IMPERIAL directory will be created and will contain all of the sample Imperial
configuration files.
As mentioned previously, the system is designed to enable you to create a custom configuration
using the provided configuration for the units desired. For example, if you want to create a custom
Imperial configuration, you will use the provided Imperial configuration as a template. The
provided configurations should NEVER be directly modified. If you modify these configurations
directly, future upgrades to your AutoPLANT software will overwrite any changes made. This is
why the Configuration Editor and Class Editor will not let you modify any of the settings in the
provided configurations.
Tutorial 2-3
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This section will walk you through the procedure to create a custom imperial configuration using
the default Imperial configuration as a template.
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! Start the AutoPLANT Configuration Editor from the Rebis menu or toolbar.
" Select File/New Configuration. The first time you attempt this command, the following dialog
displays to indicate that the system cannot find the root custom directory. In general, the
system is designed for you to create you custom configurations under a primary custom
directory. Pressing Yes will enable you to specify the root custom directory. Press Yes.
# If you are working in a network environment and want your custom configurations available to
other users, you should specify a network path for this directory. Enter the desired root custom
directory path in the dialog below, then press OK.
$ The New Configuration dialog displays as shown below.

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% As mentioned in the overview, an existing configuration must be used as a Template. In this

example, you will create a custom imperial configuration. Select Imperial from the
Configuration drop-down list in the Select Template to Copy area of the dialog.
& The name of your custom configuration must be unique. The name entered will display as the
default directory name in the Directory field of this dialog. Enter MYIMPERIAL in the Name
field.
' Enter a brief description in the Description field. This description will appear as a
configuration option in the drawing Setup dialog when a new drawing is created. Enter
Custom Imperial.
( The default configuration directory shown in the Directory field uses the name specified in the
Name field. This is the path to the new configuration’s configuration file. Every configuration
must have a unique directory where its configuration file, CONFIG.INI, is stored. You can
either enter the full path to the new configuration directory in the field provided, or press the
browse button to select the path. If the new configuration directory has not been created
manually, you can browse to select its root, then manually enter the new directory name to the
end of the root path. The new configuration directory will be created if it does not exist.
Accept the default for this exercise.
) The directory you specify in the Custom scripts and definitions directory field indicates the
path where methods or functions that you modify for this configuration will be stored. For
example, if you want to modify the manner in which the valve drawing script draws a specific
valve type, then you would use the Class Editor to modify the valve script, which would copy
the modified file into the appropriate directory in your configuration structure. When you start
a new drawing and select the custom configuration and place the modified valve, the system
will search the selected custom configuration directory structure first for the valve drawing
script and draw the valve using this script. In addition, when you use the Class Editor
application to add/modify module and component class information, you should select your
custom configuration to make the changes to its class files. Accept the default.
! Your custom configuration definition should appear as shown below.
Tutorial 2-5
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!! Press Add when you are finished to create the new configuration record. A new configuration
becomes the active configuration in the Configuration Editor when it is created. This
configuration will have the same configuration settings as the template until modified.
!" When the configuration has been created, the following dialog displays to remind you where
the methods or functions that you modify for this configuration will be stored. Press OK.
!# The active configuration name, MYIMPERIAL, now displays in the bottom-left corner of the
status bar.
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The following exercises are intended to teach you how to modify a custom configuration.
Configuration variables are organized into several groups. Each major application (PIPING, ISO,
and EQUIP), has a set of configuration variables that may be assigned and are used only by those
applications. There is also a set of modeling configuration variables, which apply only to your
PIPING and EQUIPMENT models. Finally, there is a set of common system configuration
variables, which may be assigned and are used by all applications. This section will explain how to
customize the configuration variable types that apply to your ISOMETRICS drawing environment.
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The Configuration Editor's Edit/System Configuration Group command displays a tabbed dialog to
modify configuration settings that apply to PIPING, ISOMETRICS, and/or EQUIPMENT
drawings. The System tab contains options for units and other required system paths. The
Component tab contains options to define the default component preferences displayed in the
PIPING and ISOMETRICS Drawing Preferences dialogs. The Isogen tab contains options to
assign the default units that will be applied when you create the PCF export file from a PIPING
model using the Export to PCF function.
The following exercise explains how to access and modify some of the default settings that will
display in the PIPING and ISOMETRICS application's Drawing Preferences dialog.

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! Select Edit/System Configuration Group to display the dialog shown below.
The System tab contains options for units and other required system paths. For example, if you
created your own custom specs for this custom configuration and stored them in a location
other than the default shown, you could modify the Root Spec Directory to point to the path
where your custom specs reside. When you create a new drawing, only the specs that reside in
the directory specified will appear available for selection in the Drawing Preferences dialog.
You can click on the Help button for a complete description of all of these variables.
" Click on the Component tab to display the dialog shown below.
If you are an experienced AutoPLANT user, these fields should be familiar. These fields are
common in the PIPING and ISOMETRICS Drawing Preferences dialogs. The values assigned
Tutorial 2-7
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to these variables will display as the defaults in these dialogs when you create a new drawing
and select this custom configuration.
# You can also set the default values for other fields, such as: Area, Paint Code, Service, etc. If
you know that these values will be used for a particular project, assigning defaults here would
reduce the set up required for each drawing created for that project.
$ When you are finished assigning the desired values, press Save to update the configuration.
>_dU The Restore button will automatically reset all variable assignments to their last saved
value. Once you have saved a configuration change, it will have to be updated manually.
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The Edit/Isometrics Configuration Group command displays a tabbed dialog to set configuration
defaults that apply to your ISOMETRICS and AUTO-ISO drawings. The Paths tab contains keys
to define the default paths required by the ISOMETRICS and AUTO-ISO applications. The Iso
Setup tab contains keys to define the north arrow options. The Preferences tab contains keys to
define Drawing Preferences dialog defaults. The CAD Setup tab contains keys to define AutoCAD
environment variable defaults. The Auto-Iso Setup tab contains keys to define AUTO-ISO
placement defaults. The Dimensions Settings tab contains keys to define the dimension defaults.
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! Select Edit/Isometrics Configuration Group to display the dialog shown below.

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The Preferences tab contains keys that define the default settings for ISOMETRICS drawing
options displayed in the Drawing Preferences dialog the first time it is opened.
" If you want to save the CADLink and Port Data to the external drawing database you can
enable these check boxes on the Preferences tab. Assigning these defaults at the start of a
project will reduce the amount of time spent setting up for each of your new project drawings.
# There are several variables that may be set to control the manner in which AutoPLANT
ISOMETRICS components are copied. The Copy tab on the Isometrics Configuration dialog
contains keys that assign the defaults that display in ISOMETRICS' Setup/Component Copy
Preferences dialog. This option enables you to establish rules that define how copied
components are updated. When using AutoCAD’s COPY command, key fields, such as Line
Number, may need to be updated depending on where the component is copied and the
intended use at the new location. The Component Copy Preferences dialog controls whether
updates are performed manually or automatically, and enable you to select component data
fields and specify how they are updated. Press the Help button on this dialog, then select the
desired tab from the help window to display a detailed explanation of each of these variables.
$ When you are finished assigning the desired values, press Save to update the configuration.
>_dU The Restore button will automatically reset all variable assignments to their last saved
value. Once you have saved a configuration change, it will have to be updated manually.
69>9C89>7 I?EB C5CC9?>

When you are finished editing the settings for your configuration, select File/Save Configuration,
then select File/Exit to close the Configuration Editor application.
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As mentioned in the overview at the start of this chapter, the AutoPLANT Class Editor application
is provided with your ISOMETRICS application to enable you to customize AutoPLANT
component scripts and methods. Any file changes or additions made to your AutoPLANT
components during a Class Editor session will be saved in the custom configuration directory
structure, thereby maintaining the integrity of the shipping version of these files.
This process is beyond the scope of this tutorial. Detailed instructions on Class Editor are provided
in the help for that application. An introduction to the Class Editor is provided in Chapter 9,
Supplemental Applications of this tutorial.
Tutorial 2-9
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In summary, the system is pretty basic. You shouldn't modify the shipping version of any
AutoPLANT files directly. You must use the Configuration Editor to create a custom configuration
using one of the configurations in the shipping version of the software as a template. This step will
create a custom directory structure and copy the required files. You can then use Configuration
Editor to modify application specific settings, or the Class Editor to modify the modules and
component scripts or methods. When you save your work in the Class Editor, it will create custom
versions of all files affected by your changes in your custom configuration directories. When you
create a new drawing and select your custom configuration, the custom versions of all modified
files will be used.
This overview was intended to provide a general overview of the functionality of the Configuration
Editor and Class Editor applications. Refer to the on-line help for each of these applications for
more specific information.
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Chapter 3 explains how to start the ISOMETRICS application, select a configuration that defines
the default drawing settings, and then provides a tour of the interface. The Drawing Preferences
dialog, which is the central location for the modification of drawing and component preferences, is
also introduced.

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Before placing components, initial drawing preferences and system settings must be
established. This chapter demonstrates how to load the ISOMETRICS application
and apply these initial settings.
OVERVIEW 3-2
STARTING ISOMETRICS 3-2
SETTING UP THE DRAWING 3-5
A TOUR OF THE INTERFACE 3-6
DRAWING PREFERENCES 3-8
BASIC PLACEMENT PROCEDURE 3-11
CHAPTER REVIEW 3-15

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This chapter explains how to start AutoPLANT and load the ISOMETRICS application. It also
provides a tour of the interface, and examines the Drawing Preferences dialog.
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The procedure below explains how to start ISOMETRICS and setup the drawing sheet and title
block prior to beginning the actual drawing session.
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! Install and configure the software as instructed in the Installation and Configuration Guide.
The security device should be authorized as explained in Chapter 1.
" From the Windows Start menu, select Programs/AutoPLANT 3D/Isometrics (Acad 2000) to start
AutoCAD and load the AutoPLANT Isometrics environment as shown below.
# The Rebis menu and toolbar have been added, which provide access to an integrated set of
AutoPLANT ISOMETRICS applications and utilities. Press the Isometrics button to launch
the application. You can also start ISOMETRICS from the menu by selecting
Rebis/Isometrics.
3-2 AutoPLANT® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

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When you start a new ISOMETRICS drawing, the Isometric Drawing Setup dialog displays as
shown below. This dialog provides options to select a configuration, which defines the default
units and drawing settings that will apply to the drawing. Once a configuration is selected and the
drawing is saved, you will not be able to change the configuration for that drawing.

settings. A configuration defines the units, specs, drawing database format, borders, drawing
templates, module and component options that you want to apply to a set of drawings in a project.
>_dU Configuration customization was introduced in Chapter 2, Project Setup of this tutorial.
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! The Configuration drop-down list box enables you to select the desired configuration. The
shipping version of the AutoPLANT software provides three base configurations: Imperial,
Metric, and Mixed Metric. Each of these configurations defines the default drawing settings for
the environment indicated by the configuration name. Select Imperial {Metric}.
" Set the North Direction to Upper Right. Accept the remaining default settings shown and press
Done. The prompt:
Select the location for the north arrow symbol, return for default location:
displays. Press N to accept the default, plant north arrow location as shown in the following
figure. Notice that the Isometrics menu has been added to the standard AutoCAD interface.
Tutorial 3-3
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You are now ready to define initial drawing preferences as explained in the next section.

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After ISOMETRICS is loaded, you can setup the grid and snap settings, or other drawing options
using standard AutoCAD conventions. The following procedure explains how to define some
initial settings that you will use throughout this tutorial.
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! From the AutoCAD pull-down, select Tools/Drafting Settings to display the dialog shown
below.
>_dU Select Tools/Drawing Aids if working in AutoCAD R14.
" Set the Y Spacing values in both the Snap and Grid areas of the dialog to 1/4" {5mm} then
enable the Snap On and Grid On check boxes as shown. Press OK when done.
# To properly position the grid on the sheet, type Limits and then press N. Press N at the
first prompt to define the first corner at the (0,0) origin. When prompted for the upper right
corner, select a point at the top right corner of the title block. The grid expands to cover the
entire drawing area.
$ Type DDUNITS, then press N. When the Drawing Units dialog appears, select Architectural
{Decimal} from the Type list in the Length group box then press OK.
% Type DDIM at the command line, then press N. The Dimension Style Manager dialog
appears, select Modify. When the Modify Dimension Style dialog appears, press the Text tab
and input a value of 1/8” {3mm} in the Text height field of the Text Appearance group. Press
OK and then Close to close the two dialogs.
Tutorial 3-5
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>_dU If working in AutoCAD R14, typing DDIM at the command line will display the Dimension
Styles dialog. Press Annotation to display the Annotation dialog. Input a value of 1/8”
{3} in the Height field of the Text group and press OK twice to close the two dialogs
1D?EB ?6 D85 9>D5B6135

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the main features of the ISOMETRICS interface. After
initial startup, you will want to load at least three of the ISOMETRICS toolbars. These provide the
fastest access to component placement and application commands. The toolbars can be “docked”
along the perimeter of the drawing area as shown in the following figure, or left “floating.”
Toolbars have been provided to aid in the creation of ISOMETRICS drawings. Make the following
menu selections to open these toolbars:
! Select Isometrics/Toolbars/Iso Functions Main.

" Select Isometrics/Toolbars/Iso Components Main.
# Select Isometrics/Toolbars/Responses.
$ After the toolbars are opened, position as you would like them to appear the next time you
load ISOMETRICS.

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Experiment with the placement of these toolbars, as you will be accessing them frequently during
this drawing session. In the example above, the Iso Functions Main and Iso Components Main
toolbars were docked to the left of the main drawing area, and the Responses toolbar was docked
just above the drawing area.
The size of the toolbar icons can also be customized. Toggle the display of large or small buttons
according to your preference and monitor size by right-clicking on any button in a toolbar and
selecting Customize from the toolbar list. When AutoCAD’s Toolbars dialog appears,
enable/disable the Large buttons option as desired, then press Close.
8Y^d ISOMETRICS stores each user’s preferences separately in their local ACAD.INI file. If
you are running on a network, you do not need to worry about establishing display
preferences that would interfere with other user settings.
Several toolbar selections contain “fly-outs,” which are denoted by the small black triangle in the
lower right-hand corner of the toolbar button. Fly-outs are the equivalent of cascading menus;
however, they provide the additional benefit of displaying the most recent selection as the default.
This technique enables the program to automatically display the most recent selection made from a
toolbar.
If an icon has a triangle in the bottom

right corner, it means that icon contains
“Flyouts.” Once an item is selected
from a flyout, it becomes the default
button at that location in the toolbar.
8Y^d To view the name of the command that will be executed by any toolbar button, simply
position the cursor over a button and pause. A “tool tip” will display describing that item.
If you find yourself frequently accessing the commands in one of the fly-outs, you may want to
open that toolbar individually. Select Isometrics/Toolbars, then select the desired toolbar from the
menu.
Tutorial 3-7
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Now that you are familiar with the working environment, the Drawing Preferences dialog will be
examined. This dialog contains settings that define drawing parameters such as the component
size, the specification used to draw components, line number, etc. It is important to establish
drawing settings prior to beginning work on a new model.
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! Select Isometrics/Setup/Drawing Preferences to display the dialog shown below.
" Drawing preferences control various settings that apply to components when they are placed
in the model. For example, the Nominal Size field defines the nominal main piping size of the
next component placed in the drawing, while the Line Number field enables you to define the
line number value that will be written to the component’s external drawing database record
when it is placed.
>_dU If you are working in the Metric configuration, set your Nominal Size to 150mm.

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# A brief description of each of the fields in this dialog is provided below. Press OK when you
are finished reviewing these preferences to accept the defaults shown above.
695<4 45C3B9@D9?>
Specification Path Displays the root specification directory path. Sub-directories that reside below this
directory will appear as options in the Specification: selection list covered below.
This path is defined in the configuration selected when you started this drawing and
cannot be modified in this dialog.
Specification Lists the specification directories that reside below the Specification Path specified.
Select a spec directory from this list to make it active. New specifications can be
created (or existing ones edited) using the Rebis Specification Generator.
Nominal Size Lists the available main nominal pipe sizes from the selected specification. The
selected size is applied to all subsequent components placed in the model,
provided the size is available for that component in the specification.
Line Number Line numbers can be assigned using any alphanumeric combination of characters.
All subsequent components placed in the drawing will be assigned a Line Number
from this field. However, if the “Data Mode” is set to “From Connecting Component,”
the Line Number value will be determined by the connecting component.
Line Number information is used in reporting, annotation, generating isometrics,
and other functions of the program.
Other Database Fields The Insulation Thickness, Insulation Spec, Paint Code, Area, Unit No, and Service
field values will be stored in the external drawing database for components when
they are placed.
Component These settings determine the set of rules that define component color and layer
Color/Layer attributes. Components of the same Size, Layer, Spec, Line No., or Paint value can
be colored the same in order to visually distinguish them when viewing the model.
Likewise, components can be arranged on the same layer according to their
specification or Line Number.
Line Type/Thickness The options that appear in the Line Type drop-down list are assigned in the
configuration that you selected when you created the drawing. Each type has an
associated Line Thickness that displays when you change the line type. You can
add/modify the default options using the Configuration Editor via the Edit/Iso-Auto-
Iso Configuration Group's Preferences tab.
Scale Defines the relative size of a component representation in the drawing. By changing
the scale factor, you can display graphics larger or smaller relative to each other.
Data Mode Determines how settings are applied when routing components. “From Connecting
Component” extracts the component preferences (size, spec, line number, and
insulation thickness) from the existing component and applies them to the
connecting component that is being placed. This option overrides the Drawing
Preferences dialog settings to provide an easy method of maintaining consistency.
“From Settings” will enforce the settings assigned in the Drawing Preferences
dialog despite the preferences associated with a connecting component.
Tutorial 3-9
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Auto-Router Mode Enable this switch to automatically connect the selected component to the run end
of the previous component. This is the fastest method of placing a series of
connected components in a continuous pipeline. If the selected component
contains a branch or a bend, you will still need to specify the orientation.
Debug Mode This switch should ONLY be enabled by users editing/creating custom component
placement scripts or related functions. When enabled, this switch places
BasicScript execution in debug mode. When a Basic Script function is executed, it
will display in the Rebis Script Editor in Debug Mode to enable you to step through
each step of the function as it is executed. This is primarily used to locate/test for
errors in customized Basic scripts.
Default Spec Choice When a component is selected for placement, ISOMETRICS searches the selected
specification for the component record based on the component preferences set in
the Drawing Preferences dialog and the type of component selected. If more than
one match is found, the Specification Selection dialog displays to enable you to
select the desired component from the matching records. For example, the
component records may have the same size and type, but may have different
facings, end conditions, schedules, ratings, etc.
When the Default Spec Choice switch is enabled, ISOMETRICS will place
components marked as defaults in the specification automatically, without
displaying the Specification Selection dialog. A component may be marked as the
default selection by placing a 1 in the Option Code field of the specification record
using the Rebis Spec Generator application.
Weld Gaps Welded joints determine the fastener used to connect welded components based
on this setting. If the check box is enabled, a weld gap will be inserted using the
fastener basic script at_weldedjoint_fasteners to insert AT_WELDGAP. If this
check box is disabled, then a weld gap will not be inserted, but a buttweld fastener
will be inserted using this script to insert AT_BUTTWELD.
Save CAD Links This option defines whether or not the CADLINK table is added to the external
drawing database to store component handle information externally as well as in
the drawing. If you are using MS Access, an extra table will be added to the
drawing database. If you are not using MS Access, an additional database table will
be created when the drawing is saved. The new table will have the name of the
drawing, followed by an extension specified in the DBCONFIG.INI file.
Save Port Data This option defines whether or not the PORT, JOINT, and FASTENER tables are
added to the drawing database to store component port, joint, and fastener
connection information externally as well as in the drawing. If you are using MS
Access, extra tables will be added to the drawing database. If you are not using MS
Access, additional database tables will be created when the drawing is saved. The
new tables will have the name of the drawing, followed by an extension specified in
the DBCONFIG.INI file.
The default values that display the first time this dialog is opened are defined in the configuration
that you selected when you started the drawing. Once a drawing has been saved, the last set of
drawing preferences will appear as the default the next time the dialog is opened.

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Ensure that your settings are set as shown in the previous figure (unless otherwise noted), then
press OK.
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An abbreviated form of the Drawing Preferences dialog that contains the most commonly
modified settings is available by selecting Isometrics/Setup/Component Preferences.
This floating dialog may be left open on the desktop at all times. To change the Spec, Size, Line
Number, or Data Mode simply edit the associated field. This technique prevents you from having
to repeatedly open and close the Drawing Preferences dialog to make changes to these component
preferences.
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Placing components in ISOMETRICS is accomplished by simply selecting the component, picking
the insertion or connecting point, and then orienting asymmetrical components. The basic
placement procedure involves four generic steps, with specific options at each stage, depending on
the component type and how it is to be placed in the model.
! Select the component: Components can be selected from the toolbars or the menu system.
" Specify a reference and placement point: Components are always placed with respect to a
reference point. In most cases, the reference point and the placement point are the same
because the default reference point is always the end point of the component previously placed
in the drawing. You can attach a component directly to this reference point, place it a relative
distance from this point, or select one of the following options:
“In space”: not connected to any other component, centerline, or piece of equipment. In
this case, the user picks (or inputs) a new point in the drawing, which becomes the
reference point.
Inserted on an intelligent centerline: The component run direction and orientation will be
extracted from the geometry of the centerline. The component will also assume the size,
spec, and line number attributes from the line if they were defined.
# Toggle insertion point: If you specify the reference point on an existing component, you can
toggle to any of the connecting component’s ports to specify the port that you want to connect
to the existing component. For example, a tee may be inserted with respect to either of its
main run end ports, its center point, or its branch end port (some components, such as pipe, do
not have a center point or a branch end and do not provide this option).
$ Orient the component: Many components have a branch or bend that must be oriented
separately (for example, when placing an elbow, the downstream leg can be placed in the X,
Tutorial 3-11
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Y, or Z plane, or rolled along a specified angle). In addition, the current isoplane determines
how a component is placed. Use the J+ key combination or press B to toggle the
isoplane. This prompt will only appear for component placements that require it.
Each of these generic steps is covered in more detail in the following sections. After a little
practice, you will find that these options enable you to position and place components with ease
and precision.
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ISOMETRICS components can be selected from either the Isometrics menu or the Iso Components
Main toolbar.
>_dU The components shown in this section are those contained in the default carbon steel
module shipped with ISOMETRICS. Several other component modules are provided with
your software, and can be loaded with the Setup/Module Setup command. Each module
provides its own component placement menu.
9C?=5DB93C =Uê
The Isometrics menu, shown below, provides access to the complete range of components. Note
that component types are grouped together in this menu, and that the menus “cascade.”

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The Iso Components Main toolbar is shown below. Like the menu system, the toolbar provides
access to the complete range of components, and groups components into similar types. The
toolbar also has the added advantage of displaying the last selection made from one of its “fly-out”
toolbars. This technique enables you to quickly access the most recent component selections.
8Y^d Because the Iso Components Main toolbar is used so frequently, experiment with its
positioning. It can be docked at the top of the screen, just below the AutoCAD toolbars, at
the bottom of the screen above the command line, or at the left or right edge of the
drawing area.
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After selecting a component from the menu or toolbar, the prompt
Pick point (Component, Routing Line, Space):

displays. This step specifies the insertion point in the model where the component will be placed.
The insertion point can be designated by either picking a point on the screen, or by typing a
coordinate at the command line. If a placement point is picked that is near a connection point on an
existing component, the following prompt displays:
Relative/Toggle/create taP/<Pick point (Component, Routing Line, Space, or Enter for fit to fit)>:
The create taP option is only displayed for components that may "tap" into another component.
The connection point on the selected component becomes the reference point. Simply press N
(or the right mouse button) to connect to the component at the specified point.
x Specify the Relative placement option,
x
Press to connect the two
components using the OR pick a distance from the existing
“Fitting to Fitting” method. component, then press .
>_dU If the Auto-Router switch is enabled in the Drawing Preferences dialog, the selected
component will automatically attach to the end of the previous component. If the new
component is a bend or a branching component, you are asked to specify the orientation.
Tutorial 3-13
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Each of the options from the command prompt are explained below. You can specify an option by
entering the option letter at the command line, or by picking the option from the Responses
toolbar.
Relative: By default, components will be attached to the last component placed in the model.
To indicate that you want the component placed a Relative distance from the previous
component, press the button shown here. The Relative option enables you to layout the
location of fittings on a line, and then go back and insert un-scaled pipe between the fittings.
When specifying a Relative distance, always pick the new point on the screen rather than
entering a distance at the command line.
Toggle point: The toggle option becomes available when there is more than one port on the
connecting component, or when the selected component may be placed “in space” at more
than one insertion point.
… or press Enter for fit to fit: In most instances, you will simply accept the default values by
pressing N or the right mouse button to connect the two components.
?B95>D D85 3?=@?>5>D

Once the reference point has been defined, the following prompt displays:
Enter orientation:
The last step is to orient the branch or bend end of the component. Many components (pipe,
reducers, flanges, etc.) do not require an orientation. Asymmetrical components (such as bends,
branches, and eccentric reducers) require you to designate how the component is placed in the
drawing.
The Figure below shows how orientation can effect the placement of a tee. Notice also that the
orientation can depend on the current isoplane. Pick a point on your screen to indicate the general
orientation. If the point cannot be selected, you may need to change the isoplane.
Example of some ways in which a tee can be oriented.

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In this chapter, the following important concepts were introduced:
Starting ISOMETRICS: Select the AutoPLANT ISOMETRICS icon. After the core set of
applications loads into AutoCAD, select Isometrics from the menu, or the icon from the
toolbar. After the application loads, a dialog displays to enable you to setup the drawing.
Isometric Drawing Setup dialog: When a new ISOMETRICS drawing is created, the
Isometric Drawing Setup dialog displays. This dialog enables you to select the
configuration that will be applied to the drawing. A configuration assigns the units, spec
path, borders, drawing templates, module and component options, and other defaults that
will apply to the drawing.
Drawing Preferences: After the application is loaded, you should open the Drawing
Preferences dialog to establish initial drawing preferences such as the specification, main
nominal size, line number, and other settings. These preferences are applied to the
components subsequently placed in the drawing.
Basic Placement Procedure: To insert a component, select the placement command from
the menu or toolbar, pick its placement point, then specify its orientation (asymmetrical
components). The current isoplane also affects the orientation of all components. Within
each of the basic placement steps, other options are available to enable you to specify the
port on the connecting component that will be drawn at the reference point, and whether
the component is connected to the previous component or placed a relative distance.
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In the next chapter, you will begin placing components in a drawing. The placement options will
be discussed in detail, and several fittings will be placed to demonstrate these techniques.
Tutorial 3-15
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This chapter demonstrates component placement and connection techniques.
Tutorial procedures are provided to construct a simple isometric piping layout.
Examples demonstrate how to place components in space, relative to an existing
component, and how to connect two components using the “fitting to fitting” method.
OVERVIEW 4-2
ABOUT THE COMPONENTS 4-2
NOZZLE PLACEMENT 4-4
CONNECTING COMPONENTS 4-7
PLACING RELATIVE TO KNOWN POINTS 4-9
CONNECTING PIPE 4-11
LINE L100 4-12
CONNECTING THE TWO LINES 4-14
AUTO ROUTER 4-18
CHAPTER REVIEW 4-19

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ISOMETRICS is a flexible application that enables you to place components using a variety of
techniques. Automatic options are provided for connecting to the run end of the previous
component, or you can place a component downstream relative to an existing component port.
When placing pipe, you can route the pipe normally, place connecting pipe between two fittings, or
automatically route pipe between a selection set of components.
Components are selected from a specification database. Before you place a component, you must
select the specification and size requirements in the Drawing Preferences dialog. During
component placement, the Specification Selection dialog will display if there is more than one
component of the requested size available in the spec.
This chapter demonstrates the variety of component selection and placement techniques. At the
completion of these exercises, you will have constructed the basic isometric layout shown below.
12?ED D85 3?=@?>5>DC

ISOMETRICS component information is extracted from external specification database tables.
The components themselves are drawn using instructions defined in component drawing scripts. A
record of each component is also maintained in an external drawing database that is generated “on
the fly” as the drawing is developed. Project managers can then use this data to prepare reports,
generate a Bill of Materials, or update/revise component information.
3?=@?>5>D @1B1=5D5BC
The drawing settings applied to a component can be defined in one of two ways. Open the
Drawing Preferences dialog and find the Data Mode option located in the Other Settings group
box. This selection list contains two values: From Connecting Component and From Settings. When

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
12?ED D85 3?=@?>5>DC
set to From Connecting Component, new components extract the drawing settings of the component
to which they are connected (regardless of the current drawing preferences settings). When set to
From Settings, the settings in the Drawing Preferences dialog are enforced. This tutorial uses the
From Connecting Component setting. Press OK to close the dialog
3?>>53D?BC 1>4 61CD5>5BC

When components are connected to pipe, a red circle is drawn between the two indicating that a
proper welded connection has been made, or a gasket to show proper gasket/bolt connection. The
symbol also contains the fastener data, which is used to generate weld requirements, or options as
determined by the end condition of the components and the type of connection being made.
9C?@<1>5C
Throughout this tutorial, reference is made to placing and orienting components along the standard
isoplanes. To ensure that component centerlines lie on one of these planes, you should generally
i
pick direction and orientation vectors with ORTHO mode ON ( ). Directional instructions are
also provided in the procedures. For example, you may be asked to pick a point that is directly
West or East of a reference point.
(+Z )
90
UP
150 30
(+Y )
(-X)
W ES T NORTH
SOUTH E AST
210 330
(-Y ) (+ X)
DOW N
270
(-Z )
>_dU All references to direction and orientation vectors in this tutorial are based on the plant
north arrow pointing to the upper-right corner of the drawing, in the 30-degree direction.
This is the default setting in the Isometric Drawing Setup dialog that you accepted when
you started this drawing.
Tutorial 4-3

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
>?JJ<5 @<135=5>D
>?JJ<5 @<135=5>D
You will begin by placing a few nozzles in the drawing. You will place these nozzles “in space”;
that is, not connected to existing components or placed on a smart centerline. The placement
procedure requires the selection of a placement point and a direction vector.
GQb^Y^W This tutorial frequently mentions “grid points” to aid in component placement. Grid
settings were established in Chapter 3, and it is assumed you are using the grid and
drawing settings established previously to complete the remainder of this tutorial.
D? @<135 DG? 2EDDG5<4 >?JJ<5C 9> C@135
! ZOOM into a smaller area of the drawing by typing the following at the command line:
ZOOM x W x 2,2 {50,50} x 5,5 {125,125} x
>_dU Ensure ORTHO is ON. The ORTHO state is displayed in AutoCAD’s status bar.
Throughout this section we will be restricting components to the pre-defined isoplanes.
By keeping ORTHO ON, you will ensure that you won’t inadvertently designate a vector
that is out-of-plane.
" Press t+( to toggle the isoplane settings to <Isoplane Top> at the command line.
# Select Isometrics/Pipe Components/Nozzle.
$ The prompt
Pick point (Component, Routing Line, Space): 3-7/8,2-1/2 {87,60}
displays. ISOMETRICS drawings are unscaled, so the selected placement point does not
relate to a real-world coordinate. For the initial placement of these nozzles, however, you will
input coordinates to ensure that the tutorial drawing and the drawing shown on your screen
match. Type 3-7/8,2-1/2 {87,60} at the command line, then press x.
% The Specification Selection dialog displays as shown below. ISOMETRICS displays this
dialog any time there is more than one component available in the spec that meets the current
search criteria. Select the first 6” {150mm} 150 LB FL RF Nozzle as shown below, then press OK.
>_dU If the Default Spec Choice switch is enabled in the Drawing Preferences dialog,
ISOMETRICS will attempt to place the default component from the specification
(provided one has already been defined). Refer to the on-line help for more information
on setting default components.

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
>?JJ<5 @<135=5>D
& The Nozzle Input Information dialog appears as shown below to enable you to further define
the nozzle if desired. The Vessel Name should specify the equipment tag connected to this
nozzle. If desired, enter a Nozzle Number in the field indicated. The Nozzle Service is for
information only for output to reports etc. The Nozzle Size, Rating, (or schedule for butt
welded nozzles) and Nozzle Length are displayed for information only. If you attempt to place
a nozzle that has a zero (0.0) COMP_LEN spec database table field value, the Nozzle length
field will be enabled as shown above to manually input a length.
' Press OK to close the dialog without making any changes.

( The prompt
Select direction of the equipment side:
displays. Select a point any distance below and to the left of the insertion point in the -Y
direction to place the nozzle as shown below.
First point
Direction Vector
4569>9>7 1 >5G <9>5 >E=25B 1>4 @<139>7 1 C53?>4 >?JJ<5
! The first nozzle was assigned a default line number (L100) from the Line Number field of the
Drawing Preferences dialog. To change the line number setting for the next component, select
Isometrics/Setup/Drawing Preferences. When the dialog appears, type L200 in the Line Number
field, then press OK to close the dialog, or simply type L200 in the Line# field in the
Component Preferences floating dialog.
Tutorial 4-5

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
>?JJ<5 @<135=5>D
" To place the second nozzle, select Isometrics/Pipe Components/Nozzle. The prompt
displays. Note that this is not the same prompt that displays when you selected the first nozzle.
This is because ISOMETRICS always assumes you will want to connect to (or place a relative
distance from) the run end of the previous component. In this instance, however, you want to
manually specify the point. Pick a point five (5) grid dots West of the original nozzle’s
insertion point.
# Select the same 6” {150mm} 150LB FL Nozzle from the Specification Selection, then press OK.
$ When the Nozzle Input Information dialog appears, press OK to close it without making any
changes.
% The prompt
Select direction of the equipment side:
displays. Before specifying the direction, change the Isoplane. Press t+( or f until
<Isoplane Right> appears on the command line. After changing the Isoplane, select any point
below, and to the left of, the original point (this is the same direction vector specified for the
previous nozzle). The nozzles are inserted in the drawing as show below.
>_dU Notice the difference in how these components were placed based on the current
isoplane. Both components were placed using the same set of placement options, and by
specifying the same direction vector. However, the components were oriented on
different isoplanes.

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
3?>>53D9>7 3?=@?>5>DC
3?>>53D9>7 3?=@?>5>DC
ISOMETRICS virtually ensures that components are properly connected. Simply select a new
component from either the menu or toolbar, then pick a point anywhere on the end of the
component that you want to connect. ISOMETRICS determines the correct insertion point, run
direction, and orientation from the existing component. If you are connecting to the previous
component, you can simply press x when prompted for the insertion point to connect using the
“fitting to fitting” method.
D ? 3?>>53D 3?=@?>5>DC
! Select Isometrics/Valves/Gate/Gate.
" The prompt
Relative/Toggle/<Pick point (Component, Routing Line, Space, or Enter for fit to fit)>:
displays. You can now connect directly to the end of the nozzle that was just inserted. Press
x.
# Pick the first gate valve in the Specification Selection dialog, then press OK.
>_dU Throughout this tutorial, we refer to pressing the x key to send commands to
AutoCAD. In almost all cases, the right mouse button will accomplish the same task. For
example, it is a simple matter to select a component with the mouse and then press the
right mouse button to connect to the run end of the previous component. The right mouse
button can also be used to repeat the previous command. For example, if you are placing
a series of elbows in the drawing, you can press the right mouse button instead of
selecting the same component from the menu or toolbar to re-execute the placement.
$ The AutoPLANT Selections dialog displays to enable you to specify the desired topworks.
Press Cancel for no topworks. The Specification Selection dialog displays. Select the first
gasket in the list, then press OK. The valve is connected to the nozzle as shown below.
8Y^d You can “grab” the scroll bar on the bottom of the Specification Selection dialog and slide
it to the right to display additional values associated with a record.
Tutorial 4-7

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
3?>>53D9>7 3?=@?>5>DC
% Select Isometrics/Flanges/Weldneck.
& The prompt
Relative/<Pick point (Component, Routing Line, Space, or Enter for fit to fit)>:
displays. Press x to connect to the end of the gate valve.
' The Specification Selection dialog displays. ISOMETRICS is able to determine the facing on
the gate valve and since there is only one flange in the spec that matches the criteria it is
automatically selected. Since there are more than one gasket in the spec, the system displays
the selection dialog containing gasket records. Select the first gasket in the list, then press OK.
The flange is attached to the valve as shown in the following figure.

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
@<139>7 B5<1D9F5 D? ;>?G> @?9>DC
@<139>7 B5<1D9F5 D? ;>?G> @?9>DC

At this point, components have either been placed “in space,” or connected to the previous
component. In this section, you will learn how to use the Relative option to place a component a
relative distance from an existing component. When the component is selected, ISOMETRICS
automatically determines the run direction and prompts you for a point. Orientation of the
component along this direction is determined by the current isoplane.
D? @<135 B5<1D9F5 D? 1 ;>?G> @?9>D
! Select Isometrics/Branching Components/Straight Tee.

" The prompt
Relative/<Pick point (Component, Routing Line, Space, or Enter for fit to fit)>: R
displays. Choose the Relative option by typing R and pressing x, or select the Relative
button from the Responses toolbar.
# The prompt
<Enter Distance or press return for fit to fit>:
displays. Pick a point five grid dots North of the flange (the grid dot near the flange face is
counted). An outline of the tee is placed in the drawing.
Tutorial 4-9

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
@<139>7 B5<1D9F5 D? ;>?G> @?9>DC
$ The prompt
Toggle insertion point/<Press enter to select>:
displays. Press x to accept the default and insert the tee at its center point.
% The prompt
Toggle alignment port/<Press enter to select>:
displays. The alignment port specifies whether the main or branch end will be aligned with the
previous component. Press x to accept the default designation and place the tee so that its
main end lies in the current piping run.
& The prompt
Enter orientation:
displays. This last step enables you to specify how the branch is placed. Before you pick a
point, press t+( until <Isoplane Top> displays on the command line, then pick a point any
distance directly East of the insertion point to place the tee as shown below.

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
3?>>53D9>7 @9@5
3?>>53D9>7 @9@5
In this section, you will place connecting pipe between the flange and the tee. The process involves
selecting the pipe from the toolbar or menu, designating the connection option, then selecting the
two components.
D? @<135 3?>>53D9>7 @9@5
! Select Isometrics/Pipe Components/Pipe.

" The prompt
displays. Note that a reference point appears on the open end of the tee. ISOMETRICS
assumes you will want to complete this connection. Press x to select the endpoint of the tee
as the first point.
# The prompt
Connect To/<Enter Length>: C
displays. Type C and press x to designate that you want to place connecting pipe between
the tee and another component.
$ The prompt
Select component:
displays. Turn the SNAP OFF ( j ), then pick the open end of the flange to make the
connection. Notice the appearance of the buttweld fasteners to indicate proper connectivity as
shown below.
Tutorial 4-11

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
<9>5 <!
8Y^d The connection method illustrated above is best used in circumstances where you are
connecting two components with a single piece of pipe. When placing connecting pipe
between a series of fittings, the AutoPipe command is the better choice. This command
(demonstrated later in this tutorial) enables you to automatically place pipe between a
series of components. In-line reducers and turns in the pipe are automatically recognized
and accounted for.
<9>5 <!
In this section, you will connect components to the original nozzle (L100), and learn how the Data
Mode can affect the values assigned to components. You will also be introduced to the Auto-Router
feature.
D ? 144 3?=@?>5>DC D? <9>5 <!
! To connect a gate valve to the L100 nozzle, select Isometrics/Valves/Gate/Gate.

" The prompt
displays. Ensure that your isoplane is set to Isoplane Top (t+(toggles through the isoplane
settings). Select a point on the flanged end of the nozzle (Line L100).
# A reference point appears on the centerline of the nozzle, and the prompt
displays. Press x to connect the valve to the nozzle using the “fitting to fitting” method.
$ Select the first valve in the Specification Selection dialog, then press OK. Press Cancel on the
next dialog for no topwork insertion. Select the first gasket in the Specification Selection
dialog, then press OK to connect the gate valve to the nozzle.
% Now that the valve has been placed, let’s take a look at its database record. Select
Isometrics/Database Tools/Edit Component.
& The prompt
Select the component, press return when done
displays. Select the outline of the gate valve just placed. The Valve Information dialog
displays as shown below.

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
<9>5 <!
>_dU Separate component information dialogs are available for each of the main component
types. The fields shown in the Valve Information dialog are not the same as those
displayed for other types of components.
' When the dialog opens, examine the Line Number field and note that the valve has been
assigned to Line L100, even though you previously opened the Drawing Preferences dialog
and reset this value to L200. The reason is that when Data Mode (located in the Drawing
Preferences dialog) is set to set to From Connecting Component, the line number of the nozzle
will automatically be assigned to any components connected to it. Press OK to close the Valve
Information dialog.
( The prompt
Select the component, press return when done:
displays again. Press x to end the Edit Component command.
) Select Isometrics/Flanges/Weldneck.
! The prompt
Relative/<Pick point (Component, Routing Line, Space, or Enter for fit to fit)>:
displays. Press x to connect to the end of the valve using the fitting to fitting method.
!! Select the first gasket record in the selection dialog, then press OK to place the gasket and
flange as shown in the following Figure.
Tutorial 4-13

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3?>>53D9>7 D85 DG? <9>5C
3?>>53D9>7 D85 DG? <9>5C

In this section, you will place a tee to connect the two lines, then you will learn how to use the Auto
Pipe command to place multiple segments of pipe between a series of components.
D ? 1<97> 1 D55 D? 3?>>53D D85 DG? <9>5C
! Turn the SNAP back ON ( j ), then select Isometrics/Branching Components/Straight Tee.

" The reference point moves to the open end of the flange and the prompt
Relative/<Pick point (Component, Routing Line, Space, or Enter for fit to fit)>: R
displays. Type R and press x to designate the Relative option.
# The prompt
<Enter Distance or press return for fit to fit>:
displays. Pick the grid point that aligns with the branch of the previous tee.
$ The prompt
Toggle insertion point/<Press enter to select>:
displays. Press x to place the tee from its center point.

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
3?>>53D9>7 D85 DG? <9>5C
% The prompt
Toggle alignment port/<Press enter to select>:
displays. Type T and press x to toggle the alignment port so that the branch end of the tee
points back to the open flange (refer to the Figure below), then press x to accept.
& The prompt
Enter direction:
displays. Pick a point directly West of the insertion point, in the direction of the previous tee.
The drawing appears as shown below.
' Select Isometrics/Pipe Components/AutoPipe to display the Drawing Selection Options dialog
shown below. This dialog enables you to create a selection set of components based on a
number of methods. It displays during ISOMETRICS operations that execute a single
command on a set of components. Options are available to select components that share
common drawing database field values or attributes in the current drawing or across multiple
drawings. In this example, you want to select all of the components to let the AutoPipe
function automatically place pipe between each pair of open-ended components that lie in the
same plane. Select All, then press OK.
Tutorial 4-15

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
3?>>53D9>7 D85 DG? <9>5C
( Connecting pipe is placed between the components as shown below. Note that connecting pipe
was not placed between the two tees. This is because the west tee belongs to line L200 while
the other tee is assigned to L100. AutoPipe will not place connecting pipe between components
on different line numbers. This prevents faulty assignment of line number identifiers. The use
of AutoPipe to connect a series of components is demonstrated in the next chapter.
) Select Isometrics/Pipe Components/Pipe. The prompt

create taP/Pick point (Component, Routing Line, Space):
displays. The component you pick first in this step determines the line number assigned to the
pipe. If you pick the West tee, the pipe will be assigned to line L200. If you pick the East tee,
the pipe will be assigned to L100. Select a point on the open branch end of the L200 tee.
>_dU In Chapter 7, Database Operations and Bill of Materials, you will learn how to manually
edit the line number assigned to a component, and to groups of components.
! The prompt
displays. Press x to connect to the branch end of the tee.
!! The prompt
Connect to/<Enter Length>: c
displays. Type C and press x, then pick the open end of the East (L100) tee. The drawing
appears as shown in the following figure.

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
3?>>53D9>7 D85 DG? <9>5C
!" Now you will place a flange and blind at the end of the tee. Select
Isometrics/Flanges/Weldneck.
!# The prompt
displays. If you were routing from a previous component, a reference point would
automatically be available. However, since you just completed a connection between two
components, you will need to manually specify the reference point. Pick the open end of the
tee on the East side of the drawing, then press x to accept the point and place the flange.
!$ Select Isometrics/Flanges/Blind.
!% Press x to connect to the end of the weldneck flange, then select the first gasket choice from
the Specification Selection dialog and press OK (the blind flange record is selected
automatically because the facing is determined from the weldneck flange).
The drawing appears as shown below.
Tutorial 4-17

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
1ED? B?ED5B
1ED? B?ED5B
In this section, you will learn how to place components in Auto Router Mode. When this switch is
enabled and a component has been placed, ISOMETRICS will automatically connect subsequent
components to the run end of the previous component without requiring you to confirm or pick the
component reference point. If the component contains a branch or bend (e.g., elbow, tee, etc.), you
will be asked to specify the orientation of the branch.
D? B?ED5 EC9>7 D85 1ED? B?ED5B CG9D38
! First, you will place a weldneck flange on the open end of the tee in line L200. Select
Isometrics/Flanges/Weldneck.
" The prompt
displays. Select the open end of the tee on Line L200, then press x to place the flange.
# Select Isometrics/Setup/Drawing Preferences. Enable the Auto Router Mode check box in the
Other Settings group box, then press OK to close the dialog.
$ Select Isometrics/Valves/Gate/Gate.
% Select the first valve in the Specification Selection dialog, then press OK. Press Cancel for no
topworks in the next dialog. Select the first gasket option in the next dialog to connect the
gasket and gate valve.
& Select Isometrics/Flanges/Weldneck.
' Select the first gasket option in the Specification Selection dialog, then press OK. The drawing
appears as shown below.

3?=@?>5>D @<135=5>D
381@D5B B5F95G
( Select Isometrics/Setup/Drawing Preferences, disable the Auto Router Mode switch then press
OK.
) Select File/Save As to save the drawing. When the file selection dialog appears, save the
drawing in a directory on your local drive as ISOTUT01.DWG.
381@D5B B5F95G
You have now completed Chapter 4. Before continuing, review the following important concepts
that were introduced in this chapter.
About the Components: Components are drawn using information in database specification
tables and component drawing routines. A record of each component is also maintained in an
external drawing database that is generated “on the fly” as the drawing is developed.
Component Placement: Components are placed in the drawing by making a component

selection from either the menu or the toolbar, picking a placement point in the drawing, then
specifying direction and orientation vectors. The current isoplane affects the way a component
is drawn.
Connecting Components: To connect a component to the run end of the previous component,
press x, or the right mouse button.
Placing Relative to Known Points: The Relative option can be used to place a component a
relative distance from a previous component. The user picks a new point a relative distance
from the reference point, then optionally toggles the port on the component that gets placed
there.
Connecting Pipe: The Connect To placement option enables you to place connecting pipe
between two selected components.
Line Numbers and Data Mode: If the From Connecting Components option is specified as the
Data Mode from the Drawing Preferences dialog, new components are automatically assigned
the line number of the component to which they are connecting.
Auto Pipe: The Auto Pipe option can be used to automatically place connecting pipe between a
series of components. This command differs from the Connect To placement option in that pipe
segments may be placed between multiple fittings with one procedure.
G81DµC >5HD/
In the next chapter, you will define a piping path using the centerline router feature. This command
enables you to define the layout of a pipe run, and then to quickly attach components to it. It is also
the method for defining offset pipe segments.
Tutorial 4-19
381@D5B
B?ED9>71@9@9>7@1D8
This chapter introduces you to ISOMETRICS pipe routing features. A piping path can
be drawn to define the entire geometry of a pipeline. After the piping path is defined,
elbows, pipe, and other fittings can quickly be placed on this line. You may also
associate component attributes to a line. Components placed on the line will be
assigned the attributes from the line.
OVERVIEW 5-2
CENTERLINE ROUTER 5-2
PLACING ELBOWS ON THE INTELLIGENT CENTERLINE 5-7
PLACING CONNECTING PIPE BETWEEN THE ELBOWS 5-9
CHAPTER REVIEW 5-10

B?ED9>7 1 @9@9>7 @1D8
?F5BF95G
?F5BF95G
In this chapter, you will define a piping path with ISOMETRICS’ centerline router, then place
elbows and pipe on the line. You will route directly off the components inserted in Chapter 4.
After completing this chapter, you will have constructed the isometric layout shown below.
35>D5B<9>5 B?ED5B
The centerline router provides an efficient tool to layout a pipeline. ISOMETRICS recognizes
segments that have been placed outside the pre-defined isoplanes. You will be asked to define
these segments as either single or compound offsets. Single offsets are annotated with triangles
during dimensioning, while compound offsets are annotated with a box.
D? B?ED5 1 35>D5B<9>5
! To change the display view, type: ZOOM x W x 2,2 {50,50}x 9,9 {225,225} x.
" Select Isometrics/Iso Tools/Intelligent Centerline/Draw Intelligent Centerline to display the
Component Preferences dialog shown below. This dialog enables you to assign the component
preferences to the line. Set the field values as shown then press OK. If you are using metric
units, the Nominal Size should be set to 150MM

B?ED9>7 1 @9@9>7 @1D8
35>D5B<9>5 B?ED5B
# The prompt
Pick starting point:
displays. The following table contains instructions to pick the centerline points as shown in the
Figure below.
@?9>D @93; @?9>D
(1) Press j to turn SNAP OFF, then type END and press x, then pick the open end
of the weldneck flange.
(2) With ORTHO and SNAP ON and <Isoplane Top> set, pick the next point five (5) grid
dots North (in the 30-degree direction) from the flange.
(3) Turn ORTHO OFF ( i ), then pick the next point five (5) grid dots North (in the 30-
degree direction) and five (5) grid dots East (in the 330-degree direction).
(4) Turn ORTHO ON ( i ), then pick the next point six (6) grid dots North (in the 30-
degree direction).
Tutorial 5-3
B?ED9>7 1 @9@9>7 @1D8
35>D5B<9>5 B?ED5B
@?9>D @93; @?9>D
(5) Pick the next point seven (7) grid dots East (in the 330-degree direction).
(6) Turn ORTHO OFF ( i ), then pick the next point six (6) grid dots down (in the 270-
degree direction), and six (6) grid dots South (in the 210-degree direction).
(7) Turn ORTHO ON ( i ), then pick the last point five (5) grid dots West (in the 150-
degree direction). Press x to end the command. The drawing appears as shown
below.
>_dU Notice that two triangles now appear on the segment between points (2) and (3). This
occurs because ISOMETRICS recognized that the points were placed outside the
standard isoplanes, and therefore assumes this segment to be an offset. The definition of
offset values is the subject of the next section.
4569>9>7 D85 ?66C5DC

After defining the centerline, ISOMETRICS will search for segments that lie outside the pre-
defined isometric planes. When a segment is detected, it will display offsets bracketed by offset
triangles as shown above. You can assign the segment a single or compound offset designation.
The pipe run created for this tutorial contains both offset types.
>_dU To place offset components, a centerline MUST be defined. If a point is selected that
would orient the component outside an isometric plane, the component placement
routine is interrupted, and the user is prompted to define offset directions and distances
as covered in the procedure below.

B?ED9>7 1 @9@9>7 @1D8
35>D5B<9>5 B?ED5B
D? 4569>5 1 3?=@?E>4 ?66C5D
! After defining the pipe run, ISOMETRICS scans the pipe run and locates the first segment
that is out-of-plane. Offset triangles appear on both sides of this segment and the prompt
Toggle planes/Compound Offset<Enter to select triangle(s)>: C
displays. In this example, the segment represents a compound offset. Type C and press x.
" The two points on the segment become opposite corners of a box. Move the mouse around the
segment and notice that the box can be drawn in a variety of ways. In the example below, the
run is offset north, east, and down. Move the mouse until the box appears as shown in the
following Figure, then press the left mouse button to pick a point and accept the arrangement.
# At this point you need to specify how the pipe segment is oriented in the real-world. For
compound offsets, this means specifying the change in direction along the X (East/West),Y
(North/South), and Z (Up/Down) planes. The prompt
Enter the East/West offset: 3’ {900}
displays. Type 3’ {900} and press x to indicate that the pipe has a three-foot change of
direction along the East/West axis.
$ The prompt
Enter the North/South offset: 5’ {1500}
displays. Type 5’ {1500} and press x to indicate that the run has a 5-foot change in direction
along the North/South axis, and a leg on the box is highlighted to indicate the requested
length.
>_dU The directions in this tutorial are based on a north arrow orientation of Upper Right.
% The prompt
Enter the elevation offset: 3’ {900}
displays. Type 3’ {900} and press x to indicate a change in the elevation (or rise).
Tutorial 5-5
B?ED9>7 1 @9@9>7 @1D8
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& ISOMETRICS proceeds to the next offset in the run as shown in the graphic below. In this
instance, the offset is a single one. Type T to toggle between the different orientations of offset
triangles until you get the arrangement shown below. This arrangement indicates a change in
elevation. Press x to accept it.
' The prompt

Enter the North/South offset: 3’ {900}
displays. Type 3’ {900} and press x.
( The prompt
Enter the Elevation offset: 4’ {1200}
displays. Type 4’ {1200} and press x.
The distances input for both offsets are stored in the drawing. These values will be utilized during
dimensioning, and to define real-world coordinates should you want to export the drawing to a
pipe stress analysis package like Rebis’ AutoPIPE. The diagonal pipe cutlength will also be
calculated automatically based on these values.

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@<139>7 5<2?GC ?> D85 9>D5<<975>D 35>D5B<9>5
@<139>7 5<2?GC ?> D85 9>D5<<975>D 35>D5B<9>5

Now that the centerline is defined, you can easily place elbows at each change in direction.
ISOMETRICS will automatically determine insertion points and vector information based on the
properties of the line itself. The procedure that follows refers to the points labeled in the Figure
below. Refer to this graphic for reference when completing these exercises.
1 2
4
D? 144 5<2?GC D? D85 35>D5B<9>5
! You will now place elbows at points (1) through (5) in the Figure. Where needed in the offset
runs, trims will be calculated automatically.
" Select Isometrics/Bends and Returns/90° LR Elbow. Respond to the prompt
Pick near the point labeled (1) in the previous figure.
# Notice that the placement point and orientation were determined automatically by the
geometry of the intelligent centerline. No further interaction is required. Press x (or the
right mouse button) to re-execute the elbow command, then respond to the following:
Pick near the point labeled (2) in the previous figure. Press x.
Tutorial 5-7
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@<139>7 5<2?GC ?> D85 9>D5<<975>D 35>D5B<9>5
Pick near the point labeled (5) in the previous figure..
$ The elbows are placed at the vertices of the polyline as shown below.
% Finish off the line by adding a flange. Ensure that your isoplane is set to
<Isoplane Left>, then select Isometrics/Flanges/Weldneck.
& The prompt

Relative/Toggle/<Pick point (Component, Routing Line, Space, or Enter for fit to fit)>: end of
displays. Type END and press x, then pick the open end of the piping path.
' The prompt
change Ref point/Enter Distance <0.0>:
displays. Press x to place the flange at the end of the line.
( Press x at the next two prompts to complete the command. The drawing appears as shown
below.

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@<139>7 3?>>53D9>7 @9@5 25DG55> D85 5<2?GC
@<139>7 3?>>53D9>7 @9@5 25DG55> D85 5<2?GC

The last step in this process is to place connecting pipe between the elbows. In a previous exercise,
you used the AutoPipe command to place a single run of pipe between two components. In this
section, the true power of the AutoPipe command is harnessed to place connecting pipe between
each of the components on the newly defined piping path.
D? 1ED?=1D931<<I @<135 3?>>53D9>7 @9@5
! Select Isometrics/Pipe Components/Auto Pipe to display the Drawing Selection Options dialog
shown below.
" Select the All option, then press OK. Connecting pipe is automatically placed between the
elbows and the flange, and the drawing appears as shown in the following Figure.
Tutorial 5-9
B?ED9>7 1 @9@9>7 @1D8
381@D5B B5F95G
381@D5B B5F95G
In this chapter you learned how to route a centerline to define the geometry of a pipe run in
ISOMETRICS. Elbows and connecting pipe were then placed on the line to finish the sample
isometric drawing. In the next chapters, you will learn how to define pipe cutlengths, dimension
the drawing, and run a Bill of Materials.
Before proceeding, review the following important concepts that were introduced in this chapter.
Centerline Routers: The centerline router enables you to route a pipeline by defining a series of
points. The polyline that is drawn with this command is intelligent, and components
subsequently placed on it draw based on the settings of the line.
Elbow placement: After the centerline has been defined, it is a simple matter to place elbows
on the changes in line direction. Select the bend, then pick a point near a change in the line
direction. An elbow is automatically placed at that location.
Defining real world directions: When routing an offset centerline, the user must specify offset
distances along the primary axis of the offset. For single offsets, this means specifying two
offset distances, while compound offsets require the definition of three lengths. By defining
these offset distances during centerline placement, the values can be extracted automatically
during the calculation and placement of offset dimensions.
G81DµC >5HD/
In the next chapter, you will learn how to dimension and annotate the drawing. Of particular note
are the offset dimensioning tools, including both single and compound offset techniques.
>_dU If you haven’t done so already, now would be a good time to SAVE the drawing again.
Select File/Save. If you must take a break, you can close AutoCAD, then re-open
AutoPLANT later. After re-opening the core program, you will need to re-load ISOTUT01,
then select Rebis/Isometrics.

381@D5B
49=5>C9?>C1>41>>?D1D9?>
ISOMETRICS dimension and annotation features and techniques are the focus of
this chapter.
OVERVIEW 6-2
DIMENSIONS 6-3
ANNOTATION 6-13
CHAPTER REVIEW 6-18

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This chapter introduces ISOMETRICS dimension and annotation features, using the drawing
created in the previous chapters.
49=5>C9?>C
One of the most important features of an isometrics application should be its ability to quickly
place dimensions and to automatically calculate pipe cutlengths. ISOMETRICS dimension tools
are powerful and easy to use. Pipe cutlengths are calculated during dimension placement, and
single offset triangles and double offset boxes are drawn automatically when the dimensioning
routine encounters these offset types.
1>>?D1D9?>C
ISOMETRICS annotation tools include the capability to annotate pipe cutlengths, real-world
coordinates, and other values extracted from the database record of any component in a drawing.
When you have completed this chapter, you will have learned how to place the dimensions and
annotations shown below.

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All isometric components are drawn with a reference node at their center points. These nodes
automatically display for selection as anchor points when you execute ISOMETRICS dimension
commands. Commands are also provided to manually insert new and/or delete existing reference
nodes.
=1>E1< 49=5>C9?>C
The Manual Dimensions command may be used to select two reference nodes and automatically
calculate and place the dimension between these nodes. The command extracts the component
length information from the external drawing database to calculate the dimension value. If a pipe
segment whose length is not known is detected between the selected nodes, you are asked to input
the total dimension length between the nodes. The function will then calculate the pipe cutlength
by subtracting the lengths of any in-line fittings from this total length value and enable you to place
the dimension between the two node points.
The Manual Dimensions option does not automatically detect if the context of the isometric drawing
has been modified (additional components added/deleted) since the last execution of the Insert
Dimension Nodes option. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to force the execution of the Insert
Dimension Nodes option, by selecting it from the menu to re-analyze the iso and insert additional
dimension nodes, or remove dimension nodes. The Manual Dimensions function tries to update the
current list of dimension nodes with any new components, but sometimes the list cannot be
updated properly without executing Insert Dimension Nodes to re-analyze the entire Iso.
1ED?=1D93 49=5>C9?>C
The Automatic Dimensions command is limited in scope, and cannot be used when building an
isometric drawing from scratch. Instead, it is associated with the AUTO-ISO application, which
enables you to automatically generate an isometric drawing from an AutoPLANT PIPING model.
During the automatic creation of the isometric, an option is available to disable the placement of
dimensions. The Automatic Dimensioning tool can only be used to place dimensions on an isometric
generated by AUTO-ISO, because the cut-lengths of pipe segments in the drawing have already
been defined. The key to remember is that Automatic Dimensioning can only work on drawings in
which the pipe cutlengths are known. In ISOMETRICS, pipe cutlengths can only be defined using
the Manual Dimensions command.
The following procedures contain exercises that illustrate the use of the Manual Dimension
command to place continuous dimensions, single offset and double offset dimensions on the
tutorial drawing. Throughout this procedure you may need to change the isoplane to place the
dimension lines and text on the desired plane. This is accomplished using J+ to toggle
through the current isoplane settings.
Tutorial 6-3
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49=5>C9?> >?D5C
This topic provides specific information on controlling the appearance and position of dimensions.
4Y]U^cY_^ @\QSU]U^d1`ÙQbQ^SU
The placement and appearance of the isometric dimensions are controlled by the AutoCAD
dimension style variables. Although this is purely AutoCAD, the procedure to modify the
dimension style variables if provided here for convenience.
! Each configuration provides a set of border drawings, which are stored in the configuration's
..\BORDERS directory. (e.g., the border drawings for the sample Imperial specification are
installed in your ..\CONFIG\IMPERIAL\BORDERS directory). If you want a set of specific
dimension styles applied to all of your drawings that use a particular border for a particular
configuration, you will need to set and save these variables in each of the border drawings that
you will use.
" Open the border drawing in plain AutoCAD (no AutoPLANT).
# Set the current dimension style to the style you wish to modify (ISODEFAULT) using the
Restore option in the DIMSTYLE command.
$ Set the variable you wish to modify. Note that setting the variable only sets an override for the
current style, AutoPLANT dimensioning does not always use the overrides. So you must
complete Step 5.
% Save the modified variable to the desired dimension style (ISODEFAULT), using the Save
option in the DIMSTYLE command.
4eQ\ 4Y]U^cY_^c
Dual dimensions are now supported, which will display the alternate dimension in brackets next to
the dimension for the current environment. This is accomplished by enabling the ACAD DIMALT
dimension style variable. Simply type DIMALT at the command line and set its value to ON. If
working in Imperial, the imperial dimension in architectural units will display with the metric
equivalent next to it enclosed in brackets. Similarly, if working in Metric or Mixed Metric, the
imperial equivalent will display enclosed in brackets.
4Y]U^cY_^ DUhd @_cYdY_^
The default positions of dimension text now follow a better general standard. For a non-vertical
dimension the dimension text will always be above the dimension line. The text rotation for this
dimension will be always be positioned so that the text is read from left to right. For a vertical
dimension, the dimension text will always be positioned to the left of the dimension line. For a
vertical dimension, the text will be rotated so that it is read from bottom to top.

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49=5>C9?>C
The default text position for an isometric dimension is now controlled as described above. For a
vertical dimension, the rotation can be changed so that the text is inserted such that it is read from
top to bottom by setting the system variables, DIM_VERTRIGHT_TOPTOBOT_TEXT and/or
DIM_VERTLEFT_TOPTOBOT_TEXT. If the system variable
DIM_VERTRIGHT_TOPTOBOT_TEXT is set to a non-zero value for a dimension in the vertical
right Iso Plane, the text will be rotated so that it is read from top to bottom. If the system variable
DIM_VERTLEFT_TOPTOBOT_TEXT is set to a non-zero value for a dimension in the vertical left
Iso Plane, the text will be rotated so that it is read from top to bottom.
Also if the system variable DIM_OUTSIDE is set to a non-zero value, the dimension text will
always be positioned on the outside of the dimension line, which was previously the default
placement of the dimension text.
4Y]U^cY_^ DUhd 3_\_b
The colors for the dimension line and witness lines can be controlled with the DIMCLRD and
DIMCLRE dimension style variables. Note that if DIMCLRD, DIMCLRE, and DIMCLRT are all
zero, then the color of the dimension is determined BYLAYER. The dimension is inserted on the
layer specified by the Piping System variable DIM_LAYER. If this variable is not set the
dimension will be inserted on the current layer.
D? 49=5>C9?> D85 DED?B91< 9C?=5DB93 4B1G9>7
! Select Isometrics/Dimensions/Manual Dimensions. The drawing is analyzed and dimension

nodes display at the center of each fitting and valve, and at gasket locations between fittings as
shown below.
Tutorial 6-5
49=5>C9?>C 1>4 1>>?D1D9?>
49=5>C9?>C
" The prompt

Add node/<Pick the first dimension node>:
displays. Pick the dimension node in the center of the tee at point (1).
# The prompt
Add node/<Pick the second dimension node>:
displays. Select the second node on the downstream elbow at point (2).
8Y^d The Add Node option enables you to manually add a dimension node to a select port on
a component. Use this option to add dimension nodes to the end points of components
(by default, dimension nodes are only defined at fitting center points and valve ends).
$ ISOMETRICS recognizes that a pipe segment of unspecified length lies between the two
points, and displays the following prompt:
The dimension is unknown, please enter the dimension: 76 {2000mm}
Type 76 {2000mm} and then press N. A ghost image of the dimension value and lines is
anchored to the selected nodes. Press J+ to toggle the isoplane to <Isoplane Right>, then
pick a point above the piping line as shown in the following Figure.
>_dU Notice that the value of 76 was automatically converted to the 6’4” (feet-inches) format.
You can also input feet-inches units directly if you prefer. Metric values will appear as
they were entered.
% The pipe cutlength is calculated and stored in the database, the dimension line is placed in the
drawing, and the prompt
Add node/<Pick the first dimension node>:
displays. Pick point (3) in response to this first prompt, then pick point (4) when prompted for
the second dimension node.

49=5>C9?>C 1>4 1>>?D1D9?>
49=5>C9?>C
>_dU This section of the pipeline represents the double offset that you defined in the previous
chapter. Notice that the offset box displays again during dimensioning. In the next several
steps, you will dimension and annotate this double offset.
& The double offset box displays as shown below. Dimensioning an offset box consists of
several steps. First, dimension the offset box itself. These dimension values were defined
previously when you routed the centerline. Second, position and annotate the vertical and
horizontal offset angles at the first elbow.
Tutorial 6-7
49=5>C9?>C 1>4 1>>?D1D9?>
49=5>C9?>C
' Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select the side to dimension, return when done:
Select the side of the box labeled (A) in the Figure above. The dimension line is anchored to the box. Position it as
shown in the Figure below.
Select the side of the box labeled (B) in the Figure above, then place the dimension as shown below.
Select the side of the box labeled ( C ) in the Figure above, then place the dimension as shown below. Press N
to complete this stage of the offset dimensioning.
After annotating the offset legs, press N to end the command.
( In the next step, you will position and annotate the three-dimensional hatched triangle. The
prompt
Toggle hatched angle<Enter to select angle>:
displays. You can toggle the position of the two hatched triangles by typing T and pressing
N. When the triangles are positioned as shown in the following figure, press N.

49=5>C9?>C 1>4 1>>?D1D9?>
49=5>C9?>C
) The prompt
Pick the location of the annotation text
displays to enable you to dimension the vertical and horizontal offset triangle angles at the
first elbow. Turn Snap OFF, then pick a point near the vertical hatching to annotate the Y/Z
angle as shown in the following Figure. The prompt
Pick the location of the annotation text
is re-displayed. Pick a point near the horizontal hatching to annotate the X/Y angle as shown
in the following Figure.
! The prompt
Ext1/eXt2/<Pick the location of the dimension line>
displays. In the final step of offset box dimensioning, the dimension length between the two
opposite corners of the box must be placed. This value is calculated based on offset dimension
Tutorial 6-9
49=5>C9?>C 1>4 1>>?D1D9?>
49=5>C9?>C
lengths input during creation of the polyline. Pick a point to place the offset dimension as
shown in the previous Figure, then press N.
8Y^d Don’t worry if your drawing appears cluttered. You can always adjust the position of
dimension lines and text with the Move Dimensions command.
!! Now you can return to standard dimensioning. Respond to the

Pick the first dimension node:
and
Pick the second dimension node:
prompts by picking the reference nodes for the 4’ {1200} dimension shown below. When
prompted for a dimension length, type 4’ {1200} and press N. Align this dimension line with
the 3’ {900} dimension line adjacent to it.
!" Pick the reference nodes for the 6’ dimension shown in the next figure. When prompted for a
dimension length, type 6’ {1800} and press N. Align this dimension line with the 4’ {1200}
dimension line as shown.

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49=5>C9?>C
!# The next pipe segment slopes down and represents the second offset section of this piping run.
Unlike the compound offset, this offset occurs in a single plane. When prompted for the first
and second dimension nodes, select the center points of the two elbows that define the offset.
!$ The prompt
Toggle triangle/None<Enter to select triangle(s)>
displays. The orientation of this triangle was determined during centerline routing. Type T and
press N to toggle the position of the offset triangle. Press N when the triangle is
positioned as shown below.
!% ISOMETRICS prompts you to specify the location of the offset dimensions. Because the
lengths of two legs of the right triangle are known, the angular dimension can be calculated
Tutorial 6-11
49=5>C9?>C 1>4 1>>?D1D9?>
49=5>C9?>C
automatically. The pipe cutlength will also be automatically determined by subtracting the
fitting length (the center-to-end distances of the two elbows) from the total dimension. Place
the offset dimensions as shown below.
!& The prompt

Toggle hatched angle/None/<Enter to select angle>
displays. This is the equivalent of the hatched triangles that were associated with the
compound offset. Type T and press N to toggle the position of the offset triangle. Press N
when the triangle is positioned as shown in the following figure.
!' The prompt
Pick the location of the annotation text:
displays. Pick a point near the un-hatched end of the triangle to place the annotation text as
shown in the following figure.

49=5>C9?>C 1>4 1>>?D1D9?>
1>>?D1D9?>
!( Complete the dimensioning by picking the two nodes on the last pipe segment. When
prompted for the length, type 5’ {1500} and press N, then place the dimension as shown.
!) Press N to end the Manual Dimensions command.
1>>?D1D9?>
In this section, you will learn how to use some of ISOMETRICS annotation commands. Several
commands are available to extract component information (Main Size, Spec, Line Number, etc.)
from a component’s external drawing database record for placement as annotation.
@9@5 3ED<5>7D8 1>>?D1D9?>

Pipe cutlengths are assigned using the Manual Dimensions command. Cutlength annotation cannot
be assigned until this value is defined. This feature ensures that the drawing will contain an
accurate set of data. After a line is dimensioned, you can easily extract the pipe’s cutlength from
the drawing database.
D? 1>>?D1D5 1 @9@5 C57=5>DµC 3ED<5>7D8

! Zoom into the area of the drawing shown below.
Tutorial 6-13
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1>>?D1D9?>
" Select Isometrics/Annotation/Preferences to open the Annotation Preferences dialog shown

below.
# You will be annotating the pipe cutlength for the pipe segment that lies between the flange and
the elbow. Type 0.0625 {3} in the Text Height field, then disable the leader line by turning OFF
the Has Leader Line option. When the dialog appears as shown above, press OK.
$ Select Isometrics/Annotation/Database Fields/Pipe Cut Length.
% The prompt
Select the component:
displays. Select a point on the pipe segment that lies on the 6’-4” {2000} dimension line
immediately downstream from the gate valve.

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1>>?D1D9?>
The prompt
Pick the direction of the text
displays. Pick a point along the plane of the pipe segment to align the text horizontally with
the pipe segment.
& The cutlength is extracted from the pipe segment’s database record. Pick a point in the
drawing where it should be placed. Remember that the current isoplane affects the orientation
of the annotation text. The result shown in the following figure was achieved using an
<Isoplane Right> designation to place the text on top the pipe.
8Y^d Turn Ortho off to allow yourself to better position the annotated text.
' Press N to end the Pipe Cutlength Annotation command. Next, select
Isometrics/Annotation/Preferences again. When the dialog displays, reset the default text
height to 0.125 {4} and the enable the Has Leader Line option. Press OK to close the dialog.
Tutorial 6-15
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1>>?D1D9?>
=19> C9J5 1>>?D1D9?>

All annotation commands work in basically the same manner: select the type of annotation, select
the component, then place the annotation in the drawing.
D? @<135 =19> C9J5 1>>?D1D9?>

! Select Isometrics/Annotation/Database Fields/Main Size.
" The prompt
Select the component:
displays. Select the gate valve. The selected point becomes the anchor point for the leader
line.
The prompt
Pick the direction of the text
displays. Pick a point along the plane of the pipeline to align the text horizontally with the
valve.
# The main size is extracted from the valve’s drawing database record, and a ghost image of the
size is anchored to the crosshairs. Place the value near the gate valve (you may need to turn
snap OFF to place the annotation close to the valve). The drawing appears as shown below.
$ Press N to end the Main Size Annotation command.

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1>>?D1D9?>
% Zoom out to view the entire isometric layout. The drawing appears as shown below.
Tutorial 6-17
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381@D5B B5F95G
Before proceeding, review the following important concepts that were introduced in this chapter.
Dimensioning: Manual Dimensioning requires selection of two dimension nodes. If a pipe

segment of unknown length is encountered between these points, the user is prompted to input
the total dimension. ISOMETRICS will automatically calculate the pipe cutlength and store it
in the pipe segment’s drawing database record.
Cutlength Calculation: Pipe cutlengths are calculated during manual dimensioning.

ISOMETRICS will search the specification and total the length of fittings between the select
points, then subtract this value from the user-input dimension length, to determine the
cutlength of the pipe.
Offset Dimensioning: When dimensioning pipe runs that include offset components,
ISOMETRICS will automatically place hatched triangles at single offsets, and offset boxes
where double offsets occur.
Annotation: Values from the drawing database can be extracted and placed as annotation in an
ISOMETRICS drawing. Simply select the desired annotation command from either the menu
or toolbar, pick the component (or point) and then place the annotation by picking a point in
the drawing. The current isoplane affects the orientation of annotation text and the arrowheads
on leader lines.
G81DµC >5HD
In the next chapter you will examine the commands associated with the drawing database, and
place a Bill of Materials in the drawing.

381@D5B
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ISOMETRICS creates intelligent drawings. There is a dynamic link between the
components in the model and the associated records in the external drawing
database. You can query this data to produce reports or to modify the records
themselves. This chapter introduces you to some of ISOMETRICS’ database
manipulation and editing tools.
OVERVIEW 7-2
EDITING A COMPONENT RECORD 7-4
VIEWING COMPONENT INFORMATION 7-4
EDITING COMPONENT INFORMATION 7-6
VIEWING THE DRAWING DATABASE 7-7
UPDATING COMPONENTS 7-8
CLEANING THE DATABASE 7-12
RUNNING A BILL OF MATERIALS 7-13
CHAPTER REVIEW 7-20

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When a component is placed in an ISOMETRICS drawing, a record is written to an external
drawing database. All of the data defined in the component’s spec record and additional
descriptive data defined in the Drawing Preferences dialog (e.g., Line Number, Insulation
Thickness, etc.) are written into this record.
The external drawing database may be configured as a single MS Access-formatted database with
multiple tables, or multiple dBASE-formatted database tables. The drawing database format should
be configured at the start of a project and used throughout the project. The drawing database, by
default, is configured for MS Access databases.
There may be multiple database tables associated with a single drawing file. The tables that are
actually created for a drawing depend on a number of factors. When an ISOMETRICS drawing is
first created, the system creates PIPING and CONTROL tables in the database. In addition to these
tables, you may specify that extra PORT, JOINT, FASTENER, and CADLINK tables and data are
created and their data stored in the external drawing database. The data in these tables is already
stored in the drawing, but a mechanism is provided to enable you to also store this data in the
external drawing database if you desire. This is accomplished via the Drawing Preferences dialog.
To add the CADLINK table and write that data to the drawing database, enable the Save CAD Links
check box in the Drawing Preferences dialog. To add the PORT, JOINT and FASTENER tables
and write their data to the drawing database enable the Save Port Data check box.
The database format is configured in the file DBCONFIG.INI. If the system is configured to create
an MS Access drawing database, and the name of the drawing is ISO01.DWG, then a single MS
Access drawing database file named ISO01.MDB will be created, which contains the individual
tables. If the system is configured to create dBASE drawing databases, then individual tables will
be created named ISO01.DBF, ISO01.DB1, ISO01.DB4, etc., which will store the table-specific
drawing data. The extensions for each table may be configured in DBCONFIG.INI.
>_dU The DB2 and DB3 extensions are configured in the shipping version of the software to
store information for components added using the EQUIPMENT application, which does
not apply to ISOMETRICS.
8Y^d The Drawing Database format may be configured by editing the text control file
DBCONFIG.INI as described in the on-line help. Refer to the Database Customization
area of the AutoPLANT Program Customization help file, which may be launched via the
AutoPLANT 3D/Customization Tools and Help group in your Windows Start menu.

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4B1G9>7 41D121C5 D12<5C

The following table provides a brief description of the external drawing database tables.
>1=5 45C3B9@D9?>
CONTROL The CONTROL data table stores general drawing information in the external drawing
database (e.g., drawing name, user who last modified the drawing, etc.).
PIPING The PIPING data table stores all data for components placed in an ISOMETRICS
drawing.
EQUIP Not used in ISOMETRICS: The EQUIP data table stores all data for equipment
components placed using the EQUIPMENT application.
NOZZLE Not used in ISOMETRICS: The NOZZLE data table stores all data for nozzles placed
using the EQUIPMENT application.
PORT (optional) The PORT data table stores all component port data in a model. The JOINT
JOINT data table stores the joint connection data for connected components in an
FASTENER ISOMETRICS drawing. These joints are checked whenever you attempt to connect
components. The FASTENER table includes fastener component data for fasteners
placed between components in an ISOMETRICS drawing. Joint, fastener, and port data
is stored in the drawing, but may also be stored in the external drawing database by
enabling the Save Port Data check box in the Drawing Preferences dialog.
CADLINK (optional) The CADLINK table stores information to link the external drawing database to
the CAD drawing (e.g., entity handle). Link data is stored in the drawing, but may also be
stored in the external drawing database by enabling the Save CADLinks check box in
the Drawing Preferences dialog.
TRANSACT The TRANSACT table contains a record of significant transactions that have taken place
and can by viewed executing Database Tools/Database Information, then pressing the
View Transactions button. These transactions can be purged by using the purge
transaction button on the dialog. In addition, under the [PLANT] group the Transactions
flag may be set to specify if transactions should be logged or not. If the property is
missing or set to NO then transactions will not be logged. If set to YES (default) they will
be logged
In addition to these tables, there are a number of temporary tables used by the application to
temporarily store drawing port, joint, fastener, and attachment data used during the operation of the
program. These table names start with the CNN prefix and should not be removed from the
database format configuration.
>_dU Again, refer to the Drawing Database area of your AutoPLANT Program Customization
help file for information regarding the customization of these tables.
Tutorial 7-3
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You can directly view/edit a component’s drawing database record during a drawing session with
the Edit Component command. The first page of this dialog contains general component information
and some editable fields such a Tag, Line Number, Existing, etc. The second page contains
position and vector information (port data), as well as a complete listing of component database
field values.
This chapter demonstrates two database editing methods: the first involves the simple editing of a
selected component; the second method involves updating the attributes of several components
simultaneously. In addition, you will learn how to clean the drawing database to ensure that the
records in the database accurately reflect the components in the model.
8Y^d The intent of this chapter is to provide an overview of database concepts and capabilities.
For an in-depth discussion of database configuration and customization topics, refer to
the Drawing Database area of the AutoPLANT Program Customization help file.
F95G9>7 3?=@?>5>D 9>6?B=1D9?>

In this section you will examine the database records for the gate valve and pipe segment shown
below. If you have closed the drawing from the previous chapter, re-open it now and zoom into the
area of the drawing shown below.

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F95G9>7 3?=@?>5>D 9>6?B=1D9?>
D? F95G 3?=@?>5>D 9>6?B=1D9?> @175 !
! Select Isometrics/Database Tools/Edit Component. The prompt

displays. Pick any point on the outline of the gate valve to display Page 1 of the Valve
Information dialog as shown below.
There are separate Component Information dialogs that display the drawing database information
for most of the different component types. These reside in the respective component file in the
network ..\MODULES\BASE\COMMON directory. Each dialog displays the General Information
from the drawing database in the top area, and the Class Information in the bottom area. The tile
window at the top right of the dialog displays an illustration of the component type and the points
where ports are located. Ports are points that contain connection and vector information as you will
see in Page 2 of this dialog.
>_dU The fields displayed in the Component Information dialog can be customized. Refer to
the Drawing Database area of the AutoPLANT Program Customization help file for the
procedure to modify these dialogs. A topic describing this procedure is provided in the
How To Topics folder that resides below the Drawing Database Customization folder in
this help file’s table of contents.
Tutorial 7-5
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549D9>7 3?=@?>5>D 9>6?B=1D9?>
D? F95G 1449D9?>1< 3?=@?>5>D 9>6?B=1D9?> @175 "
! Press the Next Page button at the bottom of the dialog.

" Page 2 of the Component Information dialog displays as shown below.
This dialog is divided into two sections. The top list box displays port information. The
coordinates for the ports are listed along with the vector information that defines the run direction
of the component. The Main Size, End Condition, Facing, and Pressure Class associated with the
ports are also listed.
The bottom text box lists all of the component’s drawing database fields and their values. Use the
scroll bars to view the entire list of values.
549D9>7 3?=@?>5>D 9>6?B=1D9?>

Press First Page to return to the first page of the dialog. The following procedure explains how to
enter a new Tag field value for the valve and save it to the component record. In the next chapter
you will place this value as annotation.
D? 549D D85 F1<F5µC 3?=@?>5>D 9>6?B=1D9?>
! From the first page of the Valve Information dialog, type A2R in the Tag field, then press OK
to close the dialog.
" Select Isometrics/Database Tools/Edit Component to re-display the dialog. Note that the new
value has been saved in the component database record.

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F95G9>7 D85 4B1G9>7 41D121C5
# Press OK to close the dialog.

$ The prompt
displays. This enables you to remain in editing mode without re-executing the command. Press
N to end the Edit Component command.
GQb^Y^W Exercise caution when using a database editor to edit component records directly. We
recommend using the Edit Component or Update Component commands to edit values
as doing so will ensure compatibility with other operations of the program. When using an
editor, do NOT edit values that provide dimensional information about the component.
Rebis will not support a manually edited drawing database.
F95G9>7 D85 4B1G9>7 41D121C5

The View Database command enables you to view all or selected component records in the external
drawing database from the current drawing or across multiple drawings in a dialog within the
ISOMETRICS application.
D? F95G D85 4B1G9>7 41D121C5
! Select Isometrics/Database Tools/View Database.

" The Drawing Selection Options dialog displays. Select All then press OK.
8Y^d The Advanced option enables you to create a database query that will filter the
component records displayed in the Database View dialog.
# After creating your selection set, the Database View dialog displays as shown below. Use the
scroll bar to view the entire list of records.
Tutorial 7-7
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E@41D9>7 3?=@?>5>DC
8Y^d You can select a record in this dialog and then press Go To to zoom into the selected
component and center it within the display, or press Edit to display its record in an Edit
Component dialog.
$ Press Cancel to close the dialog.
E@41D9>7 3?=@?>5>DC
AutoPLANT applications make extensive use of databases to track and manage component data.
This includes the use of specification databases for the parametric data used to draw components,
as well as a drawing database to store information about the components in a drawing or model. By
storing component information in an external database, a high level of control can be maintained
over the components in a drawing.
For example, an engineer may determine that the pressure rating of a given line must be upgraded
because of the demands of the system, or that the material of a given line should be changed from
carbon steel to stainless. The Update Component function enables you to create a selection set of
components that match a user-defined criteria, then to specify a new value for a selected drawing
database field and apply that value to update the drawing database records for all components in
the selection set.
Changes can be made to component records in the current drawing, or to component records in
xreferenced drawings. The following example demonstrates how to define a selection set of
components, then revise the line number drawing database field value for the components in the
selection set.

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E@41D9>7 3?=@?>5>DC
D? B5F9C5 D85 <9>5 >E=25B
! Select Isometrics/Database Tools/Update Components.
8Y^d This example will demonstrate how to revise a line number. However, the same
techniques described here can be used to select and revise other component drawing
database field values.
" The Drawing Selection Options dialog displays as shown below. This is the same dialog that
appeared when you selected the Auto-Pipe command earlier in this tutorial. This selection
dialog displays whenever a command may be applied to more than one component. Select
Advanced, then press OK.
# The Advanced option displays the following dialog to enable you to define a search criteria that
will be used to define the selection set of components included in the update. This dialog
enables you to create a selection set of components based on the value of a specific drawing
database field, or based on drawing attributes, such as Color or Layer. In this example, you
will define a query condition to select all components in the model whose LINENUMBER
drawing database field value is L100.
8Y^d Press the dialog’s Help button for a detailed explanation of every dialog option.
Tutorial 7-9
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E@41D9>7 3?=@?>5>DC
$ The Query Selection area of the dialog enables you to select a query from those that have been
previously defined, or were included with the shipping version of the software. Since you only
want to apply this query to the current drawing and do not want to save it for future use, you
can ignore the settings in Query Selection area of the dialog.
% The Define Query area of the dialog is where you define the condition that will be used to
select the component records. The Type field indicates the drawing database table that will be
searched. To only include piping components in the search, select the Piping Data table.
& The Attribute Field drop-down list will now list all fields in the PIPING drawing database
table. Select the LINENUMBER field from this list. The list of fields in this drop down are the
editable fields in the drawing database.
' The Constraint field defines the relationship between the Attribute Field and its value. For
example, you can specify that you want to search for all component records whose line
number is L100 (LINENUMBER = L100). Select the equal “=” Constraint.
( Specify the desired field value in the Attribute field. There are two methods available to
specify the value: you can type it directly in the space provided, or select it from a list. Press
the browse button (shown at left) to display the dialog shown below.
When Browse is pressed, ISOMETRICS will search the drawing database and compile a list of
all the unique values for the selected attribute. Select L100, then press OK.
) The last step is to add the query to the active list, then execute the query. As each query is
defined, you must add it to the Active Queries list. In this manner you can construct a highly
detailed search by adding multiple queries in combination with the And and Or operators (refer
to on-line help for more information). This example is a simple one: press Add-> to add the
query to the Active Queries list as shown below.

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E@41D9>7 3?=@?>5>DC
! Press OK to execute the query.

!! The Update Component Data Fields dialog displays as shown below. Change the L100 value
in the Edit Field box to L300 then press OK.
8Y^d By default, LINENUMBER is the only field that appears in this dialog. You can revise it to
include as many fields from the drawing database as desired. Select
Isometrics/Setup/Component Update Preferences. Refer to the on-line help for more
information.
!" All components formerly assigned to Line Number L100 are now revised to belong to L300. As
a check, select Isometrics/Database Tools/Edit Component.
!# The prompt
Select component:
displays. Select one of the components previously belonging to L100 (e.g., the first nozzle that
was placed in the drawing). Confirm that L300 now appears in the Line Number field, then
press OK to close the dialog.
Tutorial 7-11
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3<51>9>7 D85 41D121C5
!$ Press N to end the Edit Component command.
3<51>9>7 D85 41D121C5

As components are placed, the drawing database is continually updated. If a component was placed
in the drawing then later erased, the drawing database would contain a record for a component that
no longer exists in the drawing. In order to ensure the database accurately reflects the state of the
model, you should clean the database periodically.
>_dU When generating a report, the database is automatically cleaned prior to searching the
database. This ensures that reports will only contain components which exist in the
model.
D? 3<51> D85 41D121C5
! Select Isometrics/Database Tools/Clean Database to display the Clean Database dialog shown
in the following figure.
" Press the Help button for a complete description of these dialog options. Enable all of the
check boxes in this dialog and press OK to execute the clean.

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BE>>9>7 1 29<< ?6 =1D5B91<C

After the isometric drawing has been completed, you can generate a materials list of the
components in the drawing. ISOMETRICS will read the records in the drawing database, and
format these items into a standard Bill of Materials, which may be placed in the drawing. Material
Tags can also be generated in order to match specific components in the drawing with their
associated records in the Bill of Materials.
=?F9>7 D85 9C?=5DB93

Before running and placing the Bill of Materials, move the isometric to the extreme left of the
drawing sheet. This will help to make room for the BOM, which will be placed in the upper-right
corner of the sheet. Your drawing should appear similar to the one shown below.
Tutorial 7-13
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BE>>9>7 1 29<< ?6 =1D5B91<C
75>5B1D9>7 D85 2?=

D? 75>5B1D5 1 29<< ?6 =1D5B91<C
! Select Isometrics/Reports/Bill of Materials to display the Bill of Materials dialog. This dialog
provides access to all Bill of Materials reporting and configuration options. Set the options as
shown below.
" A brief description of each of these options is provided in the following table.
Report Select the desired report type. For PIPING and ISOMETRICS, available reports are as
follows:
BOMCADCutLengths: BOM with individual cutlengths for insertion in the drawing.
BOMCADStandard: BOM with accumulated cutlengths for insertion in the drawing.
BOMCADSFCutLengths: BOM with individual cutlengths with components sorted
according to Shop/Field designations.
BOMCADMaintenance: BOM with individual cutlengths and all other components
listed individually.
BOMTotal: BOM: BOM with accumulated cutlengths and weight.
BOMWeight: BOM with accumulated weights for each component type.
BOMRounded: BOM that will round up cutlengths to the nearest foot or meter.
Report File Displays the file name associated with the selected Report Type.
Units The units reported on the Bill of Materials. The BOM units can be different than the
units in the current drawing. The choices are Metric, Imperial, and Mixed Metric.

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Precision Select the level of numeric precision reported for pipe lengths.
Suppress 0 These options are read-only, and display the current settings for these values as
Feet/Inches defined in the configuration used by this drawing. These settings are controlled by the
value of AutoCAD’s DIMZIN environment variable. The default is set in the Iso/Auto-
Iso Configuration’s CAD Setup tab when running the Configuration Editor application.
Only the imperial (architectural) settings are currently honored.
Bore Precision Assigns the precision of the display of the bolt nominal size.
Omit Codes When you place an AutoPLANT component the SORT_CODE value from its spec
record is written to its drawing database record (e.g., SORT_CODE=17 for pipe, and
SORT_CODE=1 for Weldneck Flange). This value controls whether components will
be omitted from B.O.M. processing. Components whose sort order code is greater
than this value will be omitted from the BOM.
Ignore Existing PIPING components can be marked as Existing using the Edit Component command
Components to distinguish components that already exist in the field, and those that are part of a
new design or revision. This enables you to update the drawings associated with a
particular system, and generate a Bill of Materials that contains only those
components that did not previously exist.
Enable the Ignore Existing Components field to omit components marked as Existing
from the BOM.
Clean Database This option removes those fasteners that are no longer used for connecting
Fasteners components. For example if a pipe is welded to an elbow and the elbow is removed
but the weld is left, this action will remove the weld from the pipe.
Append Pipe End Specifies whether or not Pipe End Preparations will be appended to the Pipe
Preparations Description in the BOM.
Append Topwork Specifies whether or not Topwork Descriptions will be appended to Valve Descriptions
Descriptions in the BOM.
Ascending If this check box is disabled, then the BOM records are sorted from largest to smallest
SORT_CODE component SORT_CODE value. If this check box is enabled, the records are sorted
Order smallest to largest component SORT_CODE value.
Material Tag Options: When the BOM executes it will update the necessary material tag fields according to
the selection made. Material tag balloon annotation will only be placed in ISOMETRICS/AUTO-ISO.
Tag Format This option enables you to specify how the material balloon tags are formatted. Two
options are available.
Starting Tag Number This field enables you to specify the starting tag number for material tag placement
and numbering.
No Material Tags Enable this option if you do not want material tag balloons placed on your drawing.
Update Material Enable this option to update the MAT_MARK field with the new material tag for
Tags component records in the external drawing database.
Tutorial 7-15
41D121C5 ?@5B1D9?>C 1>4 29<< ?6 =1D5B91<C
BE>>9>7 1 29<< ?6 =1D5B91<C
Reinsert Material This option is disabled in PIPING, and applied to ISOMETRICS drawings only.
Tags Enable this option to automatically update existing material balloon tags that may
have been placed from a previous BOM run.
Do Not Update This option is disabled in PIPING, and applied to ISOMETRICS drawings only.
Existing Material Enable this option to leave the existing tags and use them in the BOM, then only
Tags generate and place material tags for new items that were not tagged from the
previous BOM run.
Show Material Tags The Show Material Tags option is only available when generating a BOM with
Show Support Tags AutoPLANT ISOMETRICS or AUTO-ISO. If enabled, the system will attach a
Show Fastener Tags material balloon tag to each component in the report selection set. This technique
makes it easy to pair components in the drawing with records in the report. If this
check box is enabled, the Show Fastener Tags and Show Support Tags option will
also be made available to enable you to optionally display tags for supports and
fasteners. (These options are disabled in PIPING)
# Press Options to open the Bill of Materials Configuration dialog. From this location, you have
access to a wide variety of formatting options.
>_dU For this tutorial, we will make some changes to the BOM settings in order to demonstrate
the flexibility of the custom formatting controls. After completing these exercises, you
may wish to restore the BOM settings to their previous values. As an alternative, you can
review this section and run the BOM with your existing settings; however, the final output
will not match the examples shown in the tutorial.
$ There are several “tabs” in this dialog to help organize configuration options. From the
General tab, select By Pick to allow you to pick the point in the drawing where the BOM will
be placed, Next, enable the Upper Right radio button to place the BOM at its upper-right
corner. Set the remaining parameters as shown in the following figure.
8Y^d Press the Help button in this dialog to access descriptive help.

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BE>>9>7 1 29<< ?6 =1D5B91<C
% Select the Header tab to display the view of the dialog shown below. These settings determine
how the header rows are formatted. Set the field values as shown.
& Select the Row tab to display the view of the dialog shown below. Set the field values as
shown.
' Select the Column tab to display the view of the dialog shown below. This area of the dialog
determines how the columns are formatted. From the Properties area of the dialog, open the
Name selection list. This drop-down contains a list of all the columns that will be included in
the final bill of materials. Select SIZE from the list. Note how the fields in this portion of the
dialog are filtered with values based on the selected column name. Change the Width value to
1/2" {15} to limit the width of this column in the final report.
Tutorial 7-17
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8Y^d You can also control the columns that are displayed, and the order in which they appear,
by pressing the Organize button. Refer to the on-line help for more information.
( From the Name selection list, choose BOM_DESCR. Revise the Width field to read 3.5" {90}.
Repeat this process to set the WEIGHT Width to 0.5" {15} and the QUANT Width to 0.5" {15},
then press OK to close the Bill of Materials Configuration dialog.
8Y^d The Bill of Materials command is specifically designed to produce reports that are
inserted into the current drawing. To produce other types of reports, use the
Reports/Generate Reports command instead.
) From the main Bill of Materials dialog, ensure that you enabled the Update Material Tags radio
button and the Show Material Tags check box, then press OK to close the dialog.
! The Drawing Selection Options dialog is displayed. Select All and press OK. ISOMETRICS
analyzes the drawing, calculates pipe cutlengths, and begins placing material tags in the
drawing.
!! The prompt:
Select upper right point:
displays. This is the placement method that you defined in the BOM configuration dialog.
With SNAP ON, select a point along the right upper side of the drawing border and the title
block to place the BOM as shown in the following figure.
!" You can use the Annotation/Move Annotation to re-position the balloon tags as shown in the
following figure.

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You have now completed the isometric drawing creation exercises in this tutorial. Save and exit the
drawing.
Tutorial 7-19
41D121C5 ?@5B1D9?>C 1>4 29<< ?6 =1D5B91<C
381@D5B B5F95G
381@D5B B5F95G
This concludes the development of the tutorial isometric drawing. In a few basic exercises, you
have been introduced to component placement and routing, and have completed a dimensioned
isometric drawing complete with a Bill of Materials. The following concepts were introduced in
Chapter 6:
Viewing Component Information: The component database record can be viewed directly
with the Edit Component command. A two-page dialog will display general component
information, port information, and a list of drawing database field values for the selected
component.
Editing Component Information: Component data can be edited from the same
Component Information dialog. Editable fields can be distinguished as white text boxes
in the dialog. Input the new value and press OK to update the record.
Viewing the Drawing Database: Component records in the drawing database can be
viewed directly from within ISOMETRICS. Select Isometrics/Database Tools/View
Database. A dialog displays a list of component records in the drawing database.
Updating Components: The Isometrics/Database Tools/Update Component function can
be used to update the value of a drawing database field for a selection set of components.
The update function can be applied in the current drawing, or to include xreferenced
drawings.
Cleaning the Database: As a drawing is constructed, records are written to the drawing
database. If a component is erased from the model, a record still exists in the drawing
database until it is removed using the Clean Database command. This command should be
executed periodically to keep the drawing database synchronized with the model.
Bill of Materials: A Bill of Materials can be generated from the drawing database and
placed in the current drawing. Options are available to attach material balloon tags to
help identify components, and to control how the BOM is formatted when it is placed in
the drawing.
G81DµC >5HD/
In the next chapter, you will learn how to automatically generate an isometric drawing from a
PIPING model using AUTO-ISO.

381@D5B
1ED?9C?
AUTO-ISO is a separate application that has been provided as part of the
ISOMETRICS software package. It enables you to automatically generate isometric
drawings from your AutoPLANT PIPING models. Dimensions and annotation can be
automatically applied based on rules established by the user. This time saving
application is a must for the serious piping designer and plant design professional.
OVERVIEW 8-2
LOADING AUTO-ISO 8-3
ESTABLISHING SETTINGS 8-4
RUNNING AUTO-ISO 8-7
CLEANING UP THE DRAWING 8-10
CHAPTER REVIEW 8-11

1ED?9C?
?F5BF95G
?F5BF95G
If you develop piping models before generating the isometric production drawings, AUTO-ISO is
the tool for you. It saves countless hours when compared to the process of generating isometric
drawings from scratch. AUTO-ISO generates intelligent isometric drawings from your PIPING
models. Isometrics can be broken according to user-specified criteria such as Line Number or Spec
changes, or Stop Signs placed in the PIPING application.
The level of detail provided on the isometric drawing is also user-configurable. Users can elect to
include or exclude dimensions, annotation, Bill of Materials, etc. Once the isometric drawing is
generated, it can be opened in ISOMETRICS with very little cleanup required.
In this chapter you will walk through the procedure to take line L100 from this PIPING model:
and generate an ISOMETRICS drawing similar to the one shown below.

1ED?9C?
<?149>7 1ED?9C?
<?149>7 1ED?9C?
AUTO-ISO is launched from the AutoPLANT Isometrics environment. In fact, when AUTO-ISO
is loaded, the ISOMETRICS menu and command set are loaded automatically (provided it is not
already open). By having both menus open, you have quick access to ISOMETRICS functions to
clean up your AUTO-ISO drawings.
>_dU If ISOMETRICS is still open from previous chapters, close it now (if you’d like, you can
save the isometric drawing before exiting). This section will walk you through the process
of starting an AUTO-ISO session from scratch.
D? <?14 1ED?9C?
! From Window’s Start menu, select Programs/AutoPLANT 3D/Isometrics (Acad 2000). AutoCAD
opens and adds the Rebis menu to AutoCAD’s pull-down menus.
" Select Rebis/Auto-Iso to start AUTO-ISO to load the application and display the Auto-Iso menu
as shown below.
# Select Toolbars/AutoIso Toolbar to display the toolbar as shown below. You are now ready to
establish settings as described in the next section.
Tutorial 8-3

1ED?9C?
5CD12<9C89>7 C5DD9>7C
5CD12<9C89>7 C5DD9>7C
Before generating an isometric drawing, you must first establish the set of drawing and control
settings. Each of these steps will be explained in the following section.
4B1G9>7 9>9D91<9J1D9?> ?@D9?>C

! Select Auto-Iso/Drawing Initialization Options to display the dialog shown below.
" Select the Imperial {Metric} configuration.
>_dU Additional configurations can be added to this list. Use the Rebis/Configuration Editor
application to define additional configurations.
# From the North Direction area of the dialog, select Upper Left. Note that when this choice is
made, the default North Arrow block is automatically changed to narrowul. Selecting this
north arrow direction will be useful in correctly drawing a 135-degree pipeline, which exists in
the model you will be importing.
$ Press OK to close the dialog.
3?>DB?< C5DD9>7C
The Auto-Iso Control Settings dialog allows you to control a variety of the settings applied to an
isometric. Some of the options that can be controlled from this dialog include:
Which drawing database and dimension fields, if any, are to be annotated automatically
Whether or not separate isometric sheets are created when a disconnect is detected
Whether dimensions are to be automatically generated
Whether or not a bill of materials will be included
In the following section the use of this dialog is demonstrated.

1ED?9C?
5CD12<9C89>7 C5DD9>7C
D? C5D D85 1>>?D1D9?> ?@D9?>C
! Select Auto-Iso/Control Settings to display the dialog shown below.
" Note the variety of settings that can be controlled from this single dialog. For this tutorial,
enable ONLY the Auto Bill of Materials and Auto Dimensions options, then press OK to accept
the remaining defaults as shown.
29<< ?6 =1D5B91<C 3?>697EB1D9?>

In the previous section, you enabled the Auto Bill of Materials option to indicate that a BOM should
be generated and placed on the isometric drawing. However, you still need to specify where the
BOM should be placed, and optionally specify any formatting preferences.
D? C5D D85 4B1G9>7 9>9D91<9J1D9?> ?@D9?>C
! Select Auto-Iso/Bill of Materials Configuration to display the Bill of Materials dialog shown
below. This is the same dialog that displays when you select
Isometrics/Reports/Bill of Materials from the ISOMETRICS application.
Tutorial 8-5

1ED?9C?
5CD12<9C89>7 C5DD9>7C
" Enable the No Material Tags option to generate an isometric drawing without materials tags.
# Press Options to display the Bill of Materials Configuration dialog shown below.
$ Because AUTO-ISO can generate isometrics in batch mode, you may want to ensure that the
placement option is set to By Node. Doing so will allow the BOMs to be placed in the
isometrics automatically, without requiring user-interaction to select a placement point. Enable
the By Node and Lower Right options now.
>_dU By default, a placement node exists in the border drawing named BOM_PT. This node is
located at the intersection of the drawing border and the right corner of the title block.
% In the previous chapter, you altered some of the BOM configuration options. If you haven’t
restored these already, do so now by making the following changes:

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D12 695<4 FQ\eU
Header Height 0.125 {2}

Row Height 0.125 {2}
Column Column Name Field Value
QUANT Width 0.5" {15}
WEIGHT Width 0.5" {15}
BOM_DESCR Width 3.5” {90}
& Press OK to close the Bill of Materials Configuration dialog, then OK again to close the Bill of
Materials dialog.
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Once you have established the desired preferences and settings, you can run AUTO-ISO. At this
stage you select the PIPING model(s) that will be converted into one or more isometric drawings.
The application generates the isometric(s) using the established settings and preferences.
D? BE> 1ED?9C?
! Select Auto-Iso/Run AutoIso to display the Select Components for Auto-Iso dialog.
Tutorial 8-7

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" Press the Add… button in the Add Drawings group box to display a file selection dialog. A
drawing has been provided for use with this exercise. Navigate to the …USER\SUPPORT
directory on your local drive. Select the file IMPORT01.DWG {IMPORTM.DWG} then press
Open.
# The Query Selection area of the dialog enables you to select a query from those that have been
previously defined, or were included with the shipping version of the software. Since you only
want to apply this query to the selected drawing and do not want to save it for future use, you
can ignore the settings in Query Selection area of the dialog.
$ The Define Query area of the dialog is where you define the condition that will be used to
select the component records. The Type field indicates the drawing database table that will be
searched. To only include piping components in the search, select the Piping Data table.
% The Attribute Field drop-down list will now list all fields in the PIPING drawing database
table. Select the LINENUMBER field from this list. The list of fields in this drop down are the
editable fields in the drawing database.
& The Constraint field defines the relationship between the Attribute Field and its value. For
example, you can specify that you want to search for all component records whose line
number is L100 (LINENUMBER = L100), or for all component records whose line number is
NOT L100 (LINENUMBER != L100). Select the equal “=” Constraint.
' Specify the desired field value in the Attribute field. There are two methods available to
specify the value: you can type it directly in the space provided, or select it from a list. Press
the browse button (shown at left) to display the dialog shown below.
When Browse is pressed, ISOMETRICS will search the drawing database and compile a list of
unique values for the selected attribute. Select L100, then press OK.
( The last step is to add the query to the active list, then execute the query. As each query is
defined, you must add it to the Active Queries list. In this manner you can construct a highly
detailed search by adding multiple queries in combination with the And and Or operators (refer
to on-line help for more information). This example is a simple one: press Add-> to add the

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query to the Active Queries list. At this point you could add more drawings or define
additional queries. To only generate an isometric for components whose LINENUMBER
drawing database value is L100 from the IMPORT01.DWG {IMPORTM.DWG}model, press
OK.
8Y^d To automatically generate an isometric for each of the line numbers in a model, build and
add the expression LINENUMBER=%. The “%” in SQL syntax represents a wildcard
character. Standard SQL syntax and expression structures may be used in this dialog to
define and build constraints.
) The Connection Criteria dialog displays as shown below. This dialog determines if and how
an isometric is broken into separate drawings, and establishes the conventions used to name
the generate isometric(s).
There are two areas of note in this dialog: Criteria Fields, and Naming Rule.
Criteria Field: The Criteria Field determines where to break an iso. For example, if
LINENUMBER is specified as the Criteria Field, a new isometric drawing will be
created for each line number in the selection set of components previously defined
(provided multiple line numbers were selected from the previous dialog). If SPEC is
selected as the criteria, the isometric drawings will be broken when a spec change is
detected.
Naming Rule: As fields are selected and added to the criteria list, they are concatenated to
form the Naming Rule. You can accept this naming convention or create your own. For
example, if PROJECT and LINENUMBER were both added to the Criteria Fields list, the
naming rule would read <PROJECT>+<LINENUMBER> (e.g., ACMEL100).
You can use standard SQL conventions to build your own naming convention. For example,
you could change the underscore character to a hyphen to add a hyphen (-) between the line
number and the number assigned to the drawing. For example, the first isometric drawing
created from line L100 would be named L100-01.
! Ensure that the dialog appears as shown above, then press OK. The PIPING model is analyzed
and the ISOMETRICS drawing is created. As you wait, you will see the components added
one by one to the isometric. When the process is complete, three (3) files are created:
Tutorial 8-9

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The ISOMETRICS drawing itself, L100_01.DWG (this filename was established in the
dialog shown above, followed by a sequential number).
The isometric drawing database, L100_01.MDB (this database remains distinct from the
PIPING drawing database from which it was generated).
A text file, L100_01.TXT, which contains a description of any errors which may have
occurred during the generation of the isometric.
All three of these files are stored in your local …/ISO/DWG directory.
3<51>9>7 E@ D85 4B1G9>7

As a final cleanup measure, you can move the isometric to the center of the drawing sheet. Type
MOVE and press N, then select the isometric layout including the dimension lines and annotation.
Center the layout between the drawing border and the bill of materials.
Finally, feel free to use the Isometrics/Dimensions/Move Annotaion command to re-position

dimensions as you see fit. You can also annotate additional elements, add dimension lines, etc., as
described in previous chapters of this tutorial.

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Settings: Before you automatically generate an iso, you should first establish default
configuration and drawing settings. This is accomplished by progressing down the AUTO-ISO
menu, defining annotation, dimensioning, and drawing preferences. The settings defined in
these dialogs are applied to all isometric drawings that are created when the Run Auto-Iso
command is executed.
Drawing Selection: The Drawing Selection Options dialog displays when you run AUTO-ISO
to enable you to define the selection set of components that will be included in the process.
Connection Criteria: After specifying the component selection method, the Connection Criteria
dialog displays. This dialog enables you to specify the fields that will be used to determine
where the isometric will be broken into separate sheets. The dialog also enables you construct
the convention that will be used to name the generated isometric drawings.
Cleanup: Once you have generated the isometric, you should open it to ensure it is arranged
properly. You may need to center the isometric in the drawing sheet, move the Bill of
Materials, or perform other minor cleanup operations. Any of the commands in the
ISOMETRICS application may be used to further enhance the drawing.
G81DµC >5HD
In the next chapter the supplemental applications provided with ISOMETRICS are introduced.
Startup procedures are covered, and the interface of each application is discussed.
Tutorial 8-11
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This chapter introduces the Supplemental Applications that are either shipped free of
charge with your AutoPLANT software, or are available for purchase. These utilities
are used for program customization, project configuration, migration from previous
release drawings, model visualization, interference detection, and specification
generation. Each of these applications provides their own on-line help file, which
covers the available features or functions.
OVERVIEW 9-2
AUTOPLANT IMPORT/EXPORT 9-3
REBIS EXPLORER/ID 9-7
AUTOPLANT CONFIGURATION EDITOR 9-10
AUTOPLANT CLASS EDITOR 9-11
SCRIPT EDITOR 9-17
DIALOG EDITOR 9-19
REBIS SPECIFICATION GENERATOR 9-20

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This chapter provides an overview of AutoPLANT supplemental applications. Most of these
applications can be launched directly from the Rebis main menu or toolbar after you start
AutoPLANT Plant Design, or directly from the Windows Start menu. Each of these applications
has its own context-sensitive on-line help that provides detailed explanations of every available
feature and function.
These help files may be displayed by selecting Help/Contents from the application’s menu, or by
running the help file directly from the AutoPLANT/Customization Tools and Help menu in your
Windows Start menu.
The Contents page of every AutoPLANT help file contains an Update Now button. If you have a
connection established with an Internet provider, press this button to access the Rebis Help/Doc
Update web page for the help file that you are viewing. View the main web page at
KWWSZZZUHELVFRPVXSSRUWGRFV. You can then click on a specific AutoPLANT application
to display a list of its available help/doc downloads.
Help file builds are tracked by the build date that displays in the title bar of each help system
window. Compare the build date on your existing help file with the build date of the file available
from the download area of the Rebis web site to determine if a newer version is available.
>_dU Refer to Chapter 1 for instructions on the download procedure.

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The Import/Export utility is intended to facilitate transfer of CAD data between AutoPLANT and
Rebis’ AutoPIPE stress analysis CAD/CAE software. The transfer is accomplished using Rebis’
proprietary Plant Design Format (PXF), which can either be generated or read by AutoPLANT.
AutoPLANT also supports output to a Piping Component Format (PCF) for input to Alias
Limited’s ISOGEN software for the automatic generation of ISOGEN isometrics.
This section explains how to create a PXF file from your AutoPLANT DESIGNER/ISOMETRICS
and PRO-SERIES PRO-PIPE/ISO drawings, then how to use Import/Export to generate an
AutoPLANT 3D PIPING model and database from this PXF file. The final section explains how to
generate a AutoISOGEN isometric from an AutoPLANT PIPING model.
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PXF is Rebis’ proprietary Plant Exchange Format. This file format is designed to provide a smooth
transition from Rebis’ PRO-PIPE and DESIGNER piping application drawings to the new
AutoPLANT drawing and database format. The procedures to generate PXF files from
DESIGNER and PRO-PIPE models are covered below. The procedure to generate an AutoPLANT
PIPING drawing and database from a PXF file is covered later in this section.
7UÛbQdY^W Q @H6 6Y\U Vb_] Q^ 1ed_@<1>D 45C97>5B =_TU\
The Plant Exchange/Import command will generate an AutoPLANT-compatible drawing and

database from a PXF file generated from an AutoPLANT DESIGNER model. The following
procedure explains how to create a PXF file from a DESIGNER model. The procedure to create an
AutoPLANT drawing and database from this file is covered later in this section.
D? 75>5B1D5 1 @H6 69<5 6B?= 1 @B5F9?EC B5<51C5 1ED?@<1>D 4B1G9>7
! A PXF file may be generated by loading the DESIGNER drawing into AutoCAD,
AutoPLANT Plant Design, or AutoPLANT. Start AutoCAD now.
" Select File/Open and then select your DESIGNER drawing file and press OK.
# Type APPLOAD and press N to display the application load dialog.
$ Press File. Browse to your network ..\PIPING directory and select the file AT_DES.LSP, then
press OK.
% Press Load to load the Lisp file and display the following prompt:
Type [DesPxf] to run the pxf function.
& Type DESPXF and press N to generate the PXF file. The PXF file will be stored in the same
directory as the file from which it was created. It will use the name of the drawing and with the
PXF extension.
Tutorial 9-3
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The Plant Exchange\Import command will generate an AutoPLANT compatible drawing and
database from a PXF file generated from a PRO-SERIES PRO-PIPE model. The following
procedure explains how to create a PXF file from a PRO-PIPE model. The procedure to create an
AutoPLANT drawing and database from this file is covered in the next procedure.
D? 75>5B1D5 1 @H6 69<5 6B?= 1 @B?C5B95C 4B1G9>7
! The PXF file may be generated by loading the PRO-PIPE drawing into AutoCAD,
AutoPLANT Plant Design, or PRO-PIPE. Start AutoCAD now.
" Select File/Open and then select your PRO-PIPE drawing file and press OK.
# Type APPLOAD and press N to display the application load dialog.
$ Press File. Browse to your network ..\XCHG directory and select the file PROPXF.LSP, then
press OK.
% Press Load to load the Lisp file and display the following prompt:
Type [ProPxf] to run the pxf function.
& Type PROPXF and press N to generate the PXF file. The PXF file will be stored in the same
directory as the file from which it was created. It will use the name of the drawing with the
PXF extension.
' Optional: After the execution is complete, you can use APPLOAD to load the lisp file
ERASEPRO.LSP and execute the command EraseProComponents to remove all the components
previously exported. This will enable you to use the current drawing as the starting point for
the import sequence, thereby preserving all layout information, etc.
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The following procedure explains how to create an AutoPLANT drawing and database from a PXF
file generated from an AutoPLANT or PRO-SERIES drawing.
D? 75>5B1D5 1> 1ED?@<1>D 4B1G9>7 1>4 41D121C5 6B?= 1 @H6 69<5
! Start AutoPLANT Plant Design.
" Select Import/Export from the Rebis menu to load the Import/Export utility and its menu.
# The AutoPLANT PIPING Model Setup dialog displays. Select the desired model
configuration and modify the Model Layout parameters as desired, then press OK.
$ Select Plant Exchange/Import from the Import/Export menu.
% Select your PXF file and press OK.

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& The Import/Export Progress dialog displays to enable you to view the status of the
conversion. When the process is complete, press OK to close the dialog.
' Zoom Extents to view the model. Select File/Save As to save your new model.
( Select Piping from the Rebis menu to load the PIPING application.
) Select Database Tools/Edit Component then select any of the converted components to view its
drawing database record.
! Select File/Exit to exit AutoPLANT.
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The Plant Exchange/Export command will export your AutoPLANT PIPING drawing data to create
a PXF file that you may then import into Rebis’ AutoPIPE stress analysis software. This procedure
also may be used to generate a PXF file from an AutoPLANT ISOMETRICS drawing.
D? 75>5B1D5 1 @H6 69<5
! Start AutoPLANT Plant Design.

" Select File/Open, then navigate to your local ..\SUPPORT directory and load the
IMPORT01.DWG model.
# Select Import/Export from the Rebis menu to load the Import/Export utility and its menu.
$ Select Preferences from the Import/Export menu to display the Preferences dialog. Enter the
directory where you want the system to store your PXF output files in the PXF Output Dir
field, then press OK.
% Select Plant Exchange/Export to display the Drawing Selection Options dialog.
& Select All and press OK to export all components in the drawing to the PXF file.
' An Import/Export Progress dialog will display the status of this process.
( The Log text box provides details on the operation, including the location and name of the
export file.
) The PXF export file will be created in the directory specified in the Preferences dialog above
using the name of the file with the PXF extension. In this example, the export file
IMPORT01.PXF was created. This file may now be imported into Rebis’ AutoPIPE software
for stress analysis.
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PCF is a file format accepted by ISOGEN to automatically generate ISOGEN isometric drawings
from your AutoPLANT PIPING models. In association with Alias Limited©, Rebis has developed
an interface to their ISOGEN™ software. This application simplifies the process required to take
Tutorial 9-5
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the PCF (Piping Component File) file created by the AutoPLANT Import/Export module all of the
way through to an ISOGEN AutoCAD-compatible (.DXF) or MicroStation-compatible (.DGN)
isometric file. A separate utility is also provided in your Import/Export/ISOGEN menu to generate
an AutoCAD DWG from the DXF output from ISOGEN.
There are basically four (4) operating modes that may be applied to generate ISOGEN isometrics
via Import/Export. A limited version of the ISOGEN application, which we call AutoISOGEN, is
shipped free of charge when you purchase AutoPLANT PIPING. The AutoISOGEN Plus
authorization may be purchased from Rebis at a substantial discount when compared to the price of
a server ISOGEN lock. The primary difference in operation is that with full ISOGEN, you can
generate as many PCF files as you want on separate machines, then run them through ISOGEN on
a single machine, while with AutoISOGEN Plus, you must run the PCF through ISOGEN on the
same machine and at the same time it is generated. The AutoISOGEN Plus authorization must be
performed using the Rebis Security Manager and may only be authorized for use on a workstation
basis.
Demo Version of Software (e.g., no PIPING lock): you will be able to run a limited
demonstration version of the AutoISOGEN software. This will enable you to see how an
AutoISOGEN iso is created, but output items such as dimensions and BOM values will be
marked out in the output drawing file. You can also only generate a “Final” iso type.
AutoISOGEN: A limited option switch version that comes with PIPING at no extra charge. This
will enable you to see how an AutoISOGEN iso is created, but output items such as
dimensions and BOM values will be marked out.
AutoISOGEN Plus: A full option switch version that is locked to a single workstation. You
must generate ISOGEN isos by enabling the Automatically run ISOGEN check box in the
Preferences dialog, then use Export to PCF to generate the PCF. If the PCF is generated
successfully, it will be processed through ISOGEN to create the DXF output file.
Server ISOGEN: A full option switch version using a hardware lock. This version can run PCF
files generated on any workstation.
The PIPING tutorial provides a procedure that walks you through the entire process of creating an
AutoCAD-compatible ISOGEN DXF from a PIPING model.

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The new Rebis EXPLORER, which may be purchased separately, is an interactive 3D viewer for
large models and sets of models as shown below. You can load multiple models varying from
thousands to millions of triangles in size and interact with them at a guaranteed frame rate.
Rebis EXPLORER supports multiple file formats via a plugin mechanism. As well as its own
native file formats, AutoCAD’s DWG and DXF files and 3D Studio’s 3DS files are supported.
A range of navigating and viewing controls enable even the largest and most complex model to be
explored with ease.
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The procedure to start Rebis Explorer is provided below. This application can be launched from
the Rebis menu/toolbar or from the Windows Start menu.
! Select Rebis Explorer from the Rebis menu, or select

AutoPLANT 3D/Explorer ID/Rebis Explorer from your Windows Start menu.
Tutorial 9-7
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AutoPLANT component information can be viewed within EXPLORER. To view this data, select
an AutoPLANT component in the EXPLORER view, then either select Edit/Properties, or click
your right mouse button and select Properties.
9>D5B65B5>35 45D53D9?> =?4E<5

The EXPLORER ID interference detection add-on module may be purchased separately. It
provides a re-sizable modeless tabbed dialog as shown below.
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The procedure to start Rebis Explorer ID is provided below. This application can be launched
from the Rebis menu/toolbar or from the Windows Start menu.
! Select Rebis Explorer ID from the Rebis menu, or select

AutoPLANT 3D/Explorer ID/Rebis Explorer ID from your Windows Start menu.
" All of the options provided with standard Rebis Explorer are available in Rebis Explorer ID.
The only difference is that a Check Interferences option has been added to the Tools menu to
enable you to perform interference detection in the ID module.
# Open an AutoPLANT drawing, then select Tools/Check Interferences to display the following
dialog.

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Explorer ID checks your model and shows you any areas where the models interfere or ‘clash ’
with each other. Explorer ID is a tabbed dialog box accessed through the Tools menu, allowing you
to manage your test and results. From the Explorer ID dialog box you can set up your clash tests,
view the results, sort the results and produce a report.
Managing a series of clash tests can get complicated, especially if you have a whole set of different
layers you want to clash separately. The Explorer ID is designed to help you control these clash
tests and leave an audit trail of clashes throughout the life of the project.
One simple but time-saving way it does this is by remembering the names of clashes throughout
the project’s life so you don’t have to go through each clash every time you do a test to figure out
whether it’s a new clash, or one you’ve already seen and approved.
The Explorer ID also allows you to assign a status to a clash and can update this status
automatically, informing you of the current state of the clashes in the model.
You can set up a batch of clash tests that you could run overnight, every night and for each test,
choose the objects to clash against, along with the options for the test. These batches can be saved
as *.nwx files, independently of Explorer files.
Tutorial 9-9
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settings. This design enables you to define the units, specs, drawing database format, borders,
drawing templates, module and component options, etc. in a specific configuration.
To support this implementation, a number of configuration files were required to serve as

placeholders for the definition of the configuration defaults and settings. The AutoPLANT
Configuration Editor was designed to remove the tedious effort that would have been required to
manually edit these configuration files to create and customize project configurations. It provides a
highly intuitive graphical user interface with tabbed dialogs to enable you to create/modify project
configurations.
>_dU Chapter 2, Project Setup provides an overview and walkthrough example of this utility.

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A module is defined in AutoPLANT as a set of files that define the components that may be placed
when the module is active in the PIPING or ISOMETRICS applications. PIPING and
ISOMETRICS share the same module and component class configurations. The shipping versions
of AutoPLANT PIPING and ISOMETRICS software include the following modules:
Carbon Steel (default)

Ductile Iron
Victaulic
High Purity
Lined Pipe
Tubing
Cable Tray
HVAC
Conduit
The AutoPLANT Class Editor provides a single source for the manipulation of these modules, and
their associated component and configuration files. The procedure to start the Class Editor is
provided in the next section. The three sections that follow give a brief overview of Class Editor
operation and the files involved in this process.
The Class Editor (CE) works hand-in-hand with the AutoPLANT Configuration Editor application.
The shipping version of the AutoPLANT software provides three sample configurations: Imperial,
Metric, and MMetric, which should not be modified. The intent of the system design is for you to
use the Configuration Editor application to create new configurations using the provided
configurations as templates, then to use the Class Editor to create/modify the module and
component scripts and methods in your custom configuration. All modified files are stored in your
custom configuration directory, therefore, maintaining the integrity of the shipping version files.
>_dU Chapter 2, Project Setup provides an introduction to the Configuration Editor application
When you create a new drawing in PIPING/ISO, and select your custom configuration, the system
will search your custom configuration directory path for custom version of all files first. For
example, if you used the Configuration Editor to create a configuration named MYCONFIG, then
used the CE to modify the drawing script for a gate valve in your MYCONFIG configuration. CE
will save the modified gate valve script within your MYCONFIG configuration directory structure.
When you create a new drawing in PIPING/ISO, and select the MYCONFIG configuration, then
attempt to place this gate valve, the system will search for the gate valve drawing script in your
MYCONFIG directory path first, thereby using your custom script to place the gate valve. If the
system does not find a custom file for any component placement, it will use the file located in the
Tutorial 9-11
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path of the configuration (Imperial, Metric, or MMetric) that you selected as a template when you
created your custom configuration.
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The procedure to start AutoPLANT Class Editor (CE) is provided below. This application can be
launched from the Rebis menu/toolbar or from the Windows Start menu.
! Select Class Editor from the Rebis menu, or select

AutoPLANT 3D/Customization Tools and Help/Class Editor from your Windows Start menu.
The remainder of this section provides an overview of Class Editor operation. Refer to the on-line
help for a more detailed explanation of every available feature and function.
75DD9>7 CD1BD54
When the Class Editor first starts, it reads the project configuration definition file,
..\CONFIG\CONFIGS.INI, which contains a group record for each defined configuration. The /RF
keyword is assigned to the configuration’s main directory, which contains its configuration
definition file, CONFIG.INI. This is the file that the Configuration Editor application enables you
to view/modify. The >6\VWHP@ group in this file contains keywords assignments that define the
location of each configuration’s module configuration file, MODULES.INI. This file consists of
module records that specify the module’s directory and paths to its method script, dialog, and
picture files. These files define the components available in the module.

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Once the CE finds the configuration’s MODULES.INI, it extracts the module group records into a
temporary database, CE.MDB. From the data in this temporary database, CE creates a navigation
tree for each configuration to enable you to view/configure the module and its component methods.
The modules defined in MODULES.INI are denoted by the symbol in the navigation tree.
Each modules main directory is defined in its MODULES.INI record. This tells CE where the
component class, methods, ports and specification search criteria control files are located. These
files define the components available in the module.
A component is defined by its class record in the file CLASS.INI. In general, a component class
defines the Basic Script methods or functions executed to associate intelligence and draw the
component. Several components may be assigned to the same class, which defines the base
methods that apply to all components assigned to that class. For example, all valves are assigned to
the same parent class, which enables you to assign a set of methods that are common to a number
of components to a parent class, then assign this parent class to each of these components instead
of repeatedly assigning the same methods to all of these similar components.
CE extracts the information in each module’s CLASS.INI, METHODS.INI, PORTS.INI, and

SPECKEY.INI files into the temporary database to build the navigation tree for each configuration.
Parent class records are depicted in the navigation tree by the symbol, while individual
component class records are noted by the symbol.
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The drop-down list next to the CE toolbar enables you to select the
configuration whose module and associated component methods you want to modify. When you
select a configuration, the navigation tree will automatically be updated to reflect the modules and
associated components available in that configuration.
>_dU As noted previously, the Class Editor will not allow you to modify any of the information in
the provided modules. You must use the configuration editor to create a custom
configuration using one of the provided configurations as a template, then you may select
that configuration in the Class Editor to modify its modules/components.
=?496I9>7 1 =?4E<5
As mentioned above, modules are denoted by the symbol in the navigation tree. The following
procedure explains how to view/edit the Ductile Iron module definition for the Imperial module
configuration.
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! Select Imperial from the configuration selection drop-down list next to the CE toolbar.
" Select Ductile Iron Module from the CE navigation tree.
Tutorial 9-13
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1ED?@<1>D 3<1CC 549D?B
# There are three methods available to modify a module:

Select Edit/View from the CE menu.
Press Modify on the CE toolbar

Press your right mouse button to display a pop-up menu, then select View this node…
$ Regardless of the method selected, the Ductile Iron module’s record from MODULES.INI will
appear in the Edit Module dialog as shown below.
% The first column in this dialog contains the keywords, while the second column contains the
keyword assignment and can be modified.
& Press the button in the upper right-hand corner of this dialog to exit.
>_dU Refer to the Command Reference area of the Class Editor help for a detailed description
of the information presented in each dialog and how it may be modified.

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=?496I9>7 1 @1B5>D3?=@?>5>D 3<1CC

As mentioned above, parent class records are depicted in the navigation tree by the symbol,
while individual component class records are noted by the symbol. The following procedure
explains how to view/edit the valve’s parent class record for the Imperial module configuration.
D? =?496I 1 @1B5>D3?=@?>5>D 4569>9D9?>
! Select Imperial from the configuration selection drop-down list next to the CE toolbar.
" Press the button next to the AutoPLANT Root Piping Class to expand the tree, then press the
button next to the Parent Class - All Base Components to expand the navigation tree.
# Select Parent Class - Base Valves from the CE navigation tree.
$ There are three methods available to modify a parent/component class:
Select Edit/View from the CE menu.
Press Modify on the CE toolbar

Press your right mouse button to display a pop-up menu, then select View this node…
% Regardless of the method selected, the Parent Class-Base Valves record from CLASS.INI will
display in the Details tabbed dialog as shown below.
& This dialog separates the selected parent/component’s methods, ports, specification, and other
properties defined in its class record into separate tabs. If you want to view the script file
function for a particular method assignment, simply move the cursor into the Function field
and press the browse button.
' Press the button in the upper right-hand corner of this dialog to exit.
Tutorial 9-15
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1ED?@<1>D 3<1CC 549D?B
>_dU Refer to the Menu Command Reference area of the Class Editor help for a detailed
description of the information presented in each of these tabs and how it may be
modified.
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As you make changes to the module and component configuration files, CE stores these changes in
the temporary CE.MDB database. The File/Save option may be executed at any time during a CE
work session to update the configuration files with changes that have been stored in the CE.MDB
database. If you modified one of the provided files (i.e., a gate valve placement script), then CE
will save the modified version of this file in your configuration directory structure, thereby
maintaining the integrity of the provided file in its original location.
Since a temporary database stores all of your changes during a CE session, you can play around
with the program, then exit without saving to keep your original system intact while experimenting
with the CE system.

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AutoPLANT provides an intuitive and highly functional script editor to create/customize
BasicScript function and component drawing scripts. The Rebis Script Editor highlights keywords,
commands, etc. to simplify the script construction process. You may elect to use this editor, or one
that you are already more familiar with to create your basic scripts.
@B?7B1= CD1BD
The procedure to start Rebis Script Editor is provided below. This application can be launched
! From your Windows Start menu, select AutoPLANT 3D/Customization Tools and Help/Script
Editor to start the Script Editor application. This editor highlights standard Basic language
data types, controls, functions, and comments to simplify the editing process.
Context-sensitive help is provided for most standard Basic language elements by simply
b
"
placing the cursor within the element you need help on and pressing the function key. For
example, select File/Open, then open the VALVES.EBS file from your network
..\MODULES\BASE\ISO\DRAW directory. Scroll down the file and move the cursor into one
of the standard Basic elements, which will be highlighted in blue as shown below, then press
b to display its help.
Tutorial 9-17
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# This functionality is also available for the Rebis API Extensions to the Basic language. Most
of these extension are easy to identify within a script because they start with the string “DWB”.
For example, move the cursor into the DWB&RPSRQHQWBJHW3RLQW function and press to b
display help for this function as shown below.
8Y^d The Basic Language file, BSCRIPT.HLP, that resides in your network ..\SUPPORT
directory will be updated continuously to include new and better descriptions of every
available Rebis API Extension. You should periodically check the Rebis web page for
help file updates. The Script Editor also provides its own help file, EBS_EDIT.HLP, that
describes the general operation of the application.
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The Script Editor can also be placed in debug mode by enabling the Debug Mode check box in
ISOMETRICS’ Drawing Preferences dialog. If this switch is enabled when you execute an
ISOMETRICS component placement command, the drawing scripts that are executed will display
in the Script Editor to enable you to step through each statements that is executed to draw the
component.
This switch should only be enabled when you are modifying or customizing ISOMETRICS
component placement or function Basic script files.

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The Rebis Dialog Editor provides an intuitive graphical user interface to create/customize
AutoPLANT compatible Basic dialogs that may be used in your Basic scripts and functions. These
dialogs can be inserted directly into custom scripts created with the Rebis Script Editor.
@B?7B1= CD1BD
The procedure to start Rebis Dialog Editor is provided below. This application can be launched
! From your Windows Start menu, select AutoPLANT 3D/Customization Tools and Help/Dialog
Editor from the Rebis menu or toolbar to start the Dialog Editor application shown below.
This application can also be launched directly from within the Rebis Script Editor by selecting the
Edit/Insert New Dialog command. This command will start the Dialog Editor, enable you to define a
new dialog instance, then exit the Dialog Editor and automatically insert the Basic statements that
define the dialog instance into your script in the Script Editor.
You can also modify a dialog that is already defined in a script by simply selecting the statements
that define the dialog in the editor, then selecting the Edit/Edit Dialog command. This will display
the dialog instance in the Dialog Editor. When you have finished modifying the dialog, select
File/Update to update the dialog statements in the script. Then select File/Exit and Return to close
the Dialog Editor.
Tutorial 9-19
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The Specification Generator provides an interface to generate specifications for use with Rebis
AutoPLANT applications. An option to install this application is provided during your
AutoPLANT installation.
A specification is a set of databases that define the range and properties of components applicable
to a specific project and that meet certain design specifications. The Spec Generator provides a
user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to create a specification by graphically selecting
records from a catalog database table. In general, the process involves creating a selection set of
records, then adding these records to the equivalent specification database. Records that are in the
selection set are highlighted, enabling you to graphically review the items that will be added to the
spec.
The Spec Generator may be launched from your Windows Start menu by selecting AutoPLANT
3D/SpecGen/Specification Generator.
>_dU Refer to the Spec Generator on-line help for a complete description of every available
feature and function. A help menu is provided on the application dialog as shown above.
The help may also be launched from your Windows Start menu in the same program
group that the Spec Generator application selection resides.

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Rebis provides two utilities to enable you to quickly convert your existing specifications to the new
format required for use by the latest version of the AutoPLANT software. A description of each is
provided below:
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The Spec Converter is the first utility, which is a separate program that must be executed outside of
the Spec Generator. It has been provided to convert your older AutoPLANT
DESIGNER/ISOMETRICS specifications to the format required by the latest AutoPLANT
products.
The AutoPLANT Spec Conversion program is an optional add-on program that can be installed in
conjunction with the Spec Generator installation. The application start icon resides in the
AutoPLANT/SpecConverter group of your Windows Start menu. Select the Specification Converter
option to launch the application, then press the Help button on the application dialog to display
instructions to convert your AutoPLANT Version 13.x applications to the new AutoPLANT
format.
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The DB Converter is the second utility, which may be executed from the Spec Generator's Tools
menu. It converts specifications created with the previous Spec Generator v5.0 application into the
format used by the latest AutoPLANT applications. Spec Generator v5.0 created separate database
files for each component table. The new AutoPLANT applications use the Microsoft Access MDB
format, which consolidates specifications into a single database with separate tables according to
component type.
The Converter can convert a single specification, or multiple specifications simultaneously

provided they all exist under a common parent directory.
>_dU Press the Help button from the Tools/DB Converter dialog to display instructions for its
use.
Tutorial 9-21
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Ded_bYQ\

PHONE (925) 933-2525

Crystal Reports® is a registered trademark of Seagate Software Inc.

ISOGEN® is a registered trademark of Alias Limited.

CHAPTER 2: PROJECT SETUP

CHAPTER 3: GETTING STARTED

ii AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

CHAPTER 4: COMPONENT PLACEMENT

CHAPTER 5: ROUTING A PIPING PATH

CHAPTER 6: DIMENSIONS AND ANNOTATION

DIMENSION TEXT COLOR............................................................................ 6-5

CHAPTER 7: DATABASE OPERATIONS AND BILL OF MATERIALS

iv AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

CHAPTER 9: SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATIONS

WHAT IS AUTOPLANT ISOMETRICS? 1-2

INSTALLATION AND AUTHORIZATION 1-2

HELP AND DOCUMENTATION 1-3

ABOUT THIS TUTORIAL 1-16

TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND TRAINING 1-20

DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS 1-21

>_dU ISOMETRICS is a powerful addition to AutoDesk’s popular AutoCAD drafting package,

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1-2 AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

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1-4 AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

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1-6 AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

1-8 AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

1-10 AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

ISOMETRICS’ specification-related features include a default component switch, which enables

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1-12 AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

Manual dimensioning is required to dimension isometric drawings created inside the

This distance is known based on

Cutlength = (Input dimension) - (Fitting Length)

1-14 AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

Single Offset Compound Offset

Routing your isometric path has two distinct advantages:

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1-16 AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

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This chapter explains how AutoPLANT configurations may be setup/customized. Configurations

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Rebis Menu Rebis Toolbar

1-18 AutoPLANT ® ISOMETRICS Version 2.0

Configuration AutoPLANT is designed to support multiple configurations for drawing/model

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Explore On-line Help for an answer to your question.

Fax Support: Fax traditional inquiries to (504) 893-5293; 24hrs, 7days/week.

! Select Isometrics/Bends and Returns/90° LR Elbow.

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$ The New Configuration dialog displays as shown below.

% As mentioned in the overview, an existing configuration must be used as a Template. In this

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! Select Edit/System Configuration Group to display the dialog shown below.

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! Select Edit/Isometrics Configuration Group to display the dialog shown below.

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! Select Isometrics/Toolbars/Iso Functions Main.

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