OpenBuildings™ Station Designer Help

Routing with Multipipe

Multipipe can be routed around obstacles by using a combination of the AccuDraw Compass and the <Shift> key to reorient the multipipe layout to fit the route properly.
  1. Select (Multiple Pipe) from the ribbon.

    The Multipipe Settings dialog opens, and the Placement ribbon is updated with multipipe options.

  2. Manipulate the settings:
    1. Change Pipe Dia/OD and Center Offset values to suit your design.
    2. Add more pipe definitions to the multipipe.
    3. Apply insulation to pipes by specifying an Insulation Thickness value.
    4. Change Family/Part assignments as needed.
    5. Change the End Type designations for each pipe. Example: fl-2;fe-.13 creates a flange at End1 with size 2, and a female connection at End2 with an overall reduction of component's dimensions of .13
    Tip: The settings dialog preview updates as you manipulate the settings giving you a clear and to scale view of the multipipe layout before you begin routing.
  3. Set options on the Placement ribbon.
    1. Choose a Placement point (Center, Top, or Bottom justified).
    2. Specify a Base Offset to start routing above or below the active floor level.
  4. (Optional) Uncheck Promote to 3D in Process to route in single line mode.
    Note: 3D elements are generated all at once after the last Multipipe segment is accepted.
  5. Click Place.

    The settings dialog closes. Multipipe is now in placement mode.

  6. Begin routing in the Top AccuDraw Compass orientation.

    Pipes are dynamically displayed in the model as you enter the data points with the offset and justification options applied. Fittings are also auto-generated.

  7. Change the AccuDraw Compass orientation to the Front plane to route vertically.

    The pipes appear to be stuck in the Top plane (below left). Press the <Shift> key to resume routing vertically (below center).

    Note: The <Shift> toggle behavior is provided to help you reorient the multipipe group while routing in space.
  8. Reset to complete the routing.

    Multipipes are placed around the obstacle (above right).