Conduits - Intergraph Smart 3D - Help

Intergraph Smart 3D Electrical

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Intergraph Smart 3D
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Smart 3D Version
12 (2018)

Conduits are the hollow tubing used to house and protect cables. If you are routing duct banks, you can define the conduits to be drawn simultaneously with the encasement. If necessary, you can modify the conduit design later.

Conduit Runs

A conduit run is a connected series of features that usually have the same specification. A conduit run includes straight features; along-leg features such as branches, transitions, and reducers; turn features; and end features.

Conduit Features

All conduit features belong to a corresponding run. When you route a conduit run, you place conduit features as you go that define high-level design information. You can move the features at any time during the design process.

Conduit Features AGIF

By default, the software uses fast mode routing, which means that you do not see elbow or turn graphics while in dynamics. You can toggle fast mode routing on and off by pressing SHIFT+F.

Conduit Parts

Conduit parts are the physical components that compose a conduit feature. Part size and properties depend on the specification. The software selects the specific parts based on the specification of the run. You can select conduit parts from the catalog to place in your conduit network. Examples of conduit parts include couplings, unions, and tees.

Connecting Conduits

The software automatically generates connections when you join components together. Connections will either generate parts or not generate parts (implied connection parts) depending on the type.

Connections are used at the junction of conduit parts, conduit to equipment, and conduit to cable tray and cable tray parts. The behavior of conduit connections matches piping connections. Connections are created when a straight feature joins another straight feature, and when a conduit joins equipment.

Conduit Connections

A relationship is created when you route a cableway from a conduit end feature, or the reverse, but not when you route a cable tray from a conduit end feature, or the reverse.

You can view the connection properties using the Edit > Properties command or generate reports for the connection information. You can also change a generated connection part with another part if it exists in the current specification. To edit or replace the connection part, use the connection property pages.

Connecting Conduits to Equipment

Conduit connects to equipment at a conduit port location. The software automatically places a connection part based on the default part listed in the catalog. The part generation depends on the connecting end preparations and the conduit properties. For example, if the conduit connection is threaded, the conduit threads directly into the equipment surface. Because of the direct connection, the software does not generate a connection part.

Conduit Equipment Ports AGIF

Copying equipment does not affect any cables or conduit connected to the original equipment. Also, modifying equipment does not affect any cables or connected conduit unless you modify the port. If you change the port size of an equipment nozzle, the software places a reducer at the junction of the connected conduit.

Differences Between Conduits and Piping

The process of routing conduits and pipes share many conceptual similarities. However, differences do exist between the two disciplines.

  • Conduit routing does not import data from any schematic drawing tool, such as a P&ID.

  • Conduit does not have insulation.

  • As compared to piping, conduit does not have property for fluid, flow direction, insulation, heat tracing, or jacketed piping.

  • Conduit does not have temperature limits.

  • No welds are required for conduit. Unlike piping, all conduit fitting connections are threaded in male/female connections and compression types.

  • Branch reporting ownership does not apply to conduit.

  • Conduit does not have isometric drawing output, but only orthographic drawings.

  • Conduit does not have bolted or through-bolted connections.

  • Nuts or washers are not associated with conduit.

  • You can use gaskets in conduit clamped or compression connections.

  • Standard reports and material take-off reports do apply to conduit.

  • For conduit, you can insert splits, such as couplings and unions, with the Insert Component command. For piping, you use the Insert Split Insert Split command.

  • The nominal diameter for conduit is specified as the inside diameter, similar to small bore piping. Reference data stores this information.

  • Conduit does not have a system level corresponding to pipelines.

  • You cannot place pipes in a conduit system, and you cannot place conduit in a pipeline.