Creates, models, and extends pipe runs quickly and precisely. Pipe runs may be straight
or circular, and, in general, behave the same way. All pipe run features and components
are driven by constraints, piping specifications, and catalogs.
By default, the software uses fast mode to dynamically display a pipe run as you define the route. When in fast mode, the software does not render elbows or turns during the dynamic display; instead, the software displays the elbows and turns after you define the pipe run location. You cannot route a non-radial branch while in fast mode. Press SHIFT+F to turn off fast mode.
The Route Pipe command also works with the Insert Split Command 
and Insert Component Command 
to add features while routing. After placing the feature, such as a gate valve, the
route command automatically restarts from the open port of the inserted feature. Route Pipe also uses the concept of routing on a plane to enable the quick, precise creation
of pipe runs.
The Route Pipe command supports the following:
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Routing using an existing pipe run
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Routing using a newly created pipe run
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Routing using a pipe run defined in the P&ID design basis (if P&ID design basis data is available)
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Routing to and from an end feature
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Routing to and from an equipment nozzle
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Routing to and from a straight feature (creating a branch)
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Inserting a component while routing
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Inserting a split while routing
When routing any pipe run, the major steps include selecting a starting point, defining the characteristics of the run (nominal pipe diameter, piping specification, options), routing the run point-by-point, and selecting the end point of the run. To route an arc pipe run, you include a center point, as well.
Routing a Circular or Arc Pipe
You use the Route Pipe command ribbon to model arc pipes, such as might be needed in gas turbines or in the nuclear industry for carrying fluids. You can place a circular ring or route out of bends using branch fittings, components or stub-ins.
When the curve leg and normal leg connect, Route Pipe places a new zero-angle turn called a connector. The curve leg can hold all the route pipe features except straight-leg and end-leg. If the curve-leg is a full ring, then it can only have curve and along-leg features on the leg.
A curve leg with a single curve feature may be placed, but it is not logged in the To-Do list. You will need to manually insert the split point.
Routing To or From a Straight Feature, End Feature, or Nozzle
In addition to the basic functions of creating new runs or extending previous runs, the Route Pipe command supports routing to or from straight features, end features, and nozzles.
When routing a pipe run, you can define the run starting point either before or after clicking the Route Pipe command. In either case, if a feature was selected, the command determines the default working plane based on that feature. Additionally, the command determines whether to continue the pipe run associated with that feature or to create a new run. The software automatically generates any parts required for the connection, including branch components. This functionality allows you to easily extend or branch out of a previously modeled pipe run.
Preventing Skewed, Non-Square, and Non- Plumb Piping
Occasionally, you might accidentally model piping that is slightly askew, out of plumb, or not square and not notice the error. If you continue routing, it results in the propagation of the original error to other runs. To help you avoid this problem, the software performs these checks:
Major Axis Check
The software checks if newly created legs or modified legs are slightly off alignment of a major coordinate system axis. For non-sloped pipes, the software displays a message if the leg is between 0.05° and 3.00° off the major axis. For sloped pipes, the range is 1.50° and 4.50°. Both ranges can be customized by editing the registry in your computer. Contact support for more information, http://support.intergraph.com.
Square Check
When you model a leg that connects to an existing leg, the software checks the angle between the two legs and displays a message when the angle is between 87.00° and 89.95°, or between 90.05° and 93.00° for non-sloped pipes. For sloped pipes, the ranges are 85.50° and 88.50°, and 91.50° and 94.50°. You can customize these ranges also by editing the registry in your computer.
Small Turn Feature Check
The software anticipates that angles equal to or less than the specified values are a result of a "fit-up" and, as such, do not need a turn feature. The registry entries, SuppressTurnFeatureMinimumAngle and SuppressTurnFeatureMinimumAngleSloped control the turn feature placement. Contact support if you want to customize these values. Any changes made to the registry are at your own risk.
Even though a turn feature is not modeled, the angle between the legs is not modified
and remains as you modeled it.
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SuppressTurnFeatureMinimumAngle - Does not place a turn feature if the pipe angle is equal to or less than the specified value. The default value is 0.5°.
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SuppressTurnFeatureMinimumAngleSloped - Does not place a turn feature if the sloped pipe angle is equal to or less than specified value. The default value is 0.25°.
Avoid Connections to Reference 3D (R3D) Objects
You can use a Smart 3D routing port or an R3D object port as a location reference. While selecting a location reference in the model, if you do not want to make a connection, press and hold the S hotkey. When you press the S hotkey, the software suppresses the connection to the port and routes in free space. The S hotkey allows you to:
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Lock the direction of route with R3D object as a reference point
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Lock the length of a run with R3D object as a reference point
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Trace the R3D model data
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Avoid connection to an R3D object.
For example, if you are routing a new run from a R3D nozzle and do not want to connect the run to the R3D nozzle, press and hold the S key. The software routes the run in free space and does not make any physical connection to the R3D nozzle. For more information on how to route without connecting to an R3D nozzle, see Route a pipe from a R3D port without making a connection.
Route Pipe Ribbon
Modify Pipe Run Ribbon
Modify Pipe Straight Feature Ribbon
Modify Pipe End Feature Ribbon
Modify Branch Feature Ribbon
Modify Turn Feature Ribbon
Modify Pipe Part Ribbon
Modify Surface Mount Pipe Component Ribbon
What do you want to do?