Auto-Routing

The Auto-Router functionality begins automatically when routing a pipe run where the start and second points of the run are on existing components. The behavior of the Auto-Router function depends on whether the points selected have connect points or not. If the run's start and second points are on components' connection points, then the pipe run will be routed with no further interaction. If you select a point on a component without a connection point with a defined direction, you will be prompted to define the direction of the segment by picking a point in the drawing.

By default, the Auto-Router functionality will route the pipe run using the most direct route between the two selected points. If the run intersects an existing component, then a jumper will be placed at the intersection. After the run is routed, you can use standard grip manipulation techniques to move the run if desired.

Auto-Routing Scenarios

Below are some routing scenarios and how the Auto-Routing functionality behaves with each:

Between two connection points: The run will be routed automatically.
To/from an edge of parametric equipment: By default, the direction of a run coming off of the edge of a parametric equipment component, such as a tank or vessel, is perpendicular and out from the selected edge. This option can be turned off in the schema, which, in turn will prompt you to define the direction by picking a point in the drawing.
To/From a non-edge graphic of a parametric equipment component: You will be prompted to define the direction of the run segment extending from the point by picking a point in the drawing. An example of this would be if you were routing from a vessel head. If both the start and second points were on points such as this, then would be prompted to define the direction for each point.
To/From a pipe run: By default, the direction of a run coming off of an existing pipe run is perpendicular from the selected point. This setting can changed in the schema to prompt you for direction if desired. If the other end point is on a connection point, the run will be automatically routed. If the other end point is on a point requiring a direction, then you will be prompted to define the direction for the point.

Auto-Routing Options

When you route a pipe run, the Place Pipe Run dialog displays providing settings you can define when using the Auto-Routing functionality.

Setting	Description
Auto-Route	When turned On: User can select first point at an equipment/page connector etc. (something a run logically starts/ends with), then next point at another equipment/page connector etc. OpenPlant PID will auto-route the run so it is orthogonal between the points. User can start at equipment/page connector etc., manually click a couple points to route, then click a second equipment/page connector etc. OpenPlant PID will auto-route the run so it is orthogonal between the last manually entered point and the final component User can start in space, manually click one or more points to route, then click an equipment/page connector etc. OpenPlant PID will auto-route the run so it is orthogonal between the last manually enter point and the final component. When turned Off: In each of the cases listed above, the last point clicked could result in a non-orthogonal run.
Prompt for Direction from Pipe Run	When On, if either start/end of 2 points was at pipe run branch, user will be prompted to which side of run they want the first and last segment of the run to be branched.
Perpendicular to Vessel Edge	When turned On: The direction of a run coming off of the edge of a parametric equipment component, such as a tank or vessel, is perpendicular and out from the selected edge. When turned Off: You will be prompted to define the direction of the run by picking a point in the drawing.
End Segment Length	This is the minimum length for the start and end segments of the auto-routed run. Enter a length into the field.