A fluid connection is a line between two connection points that is used to transmit information using liquids, or air (pressure) from a source to a target.
Function definition for fluid connections
In EPLAN Fluid, you can specify whether a fluid connection is a pipe or a tube. With this information special reports can be generated in the form of connection lists which can be used to output piping and / or hose line lists. For fluid connections that have connection definition points, the function definition of the connection definition point determines whether the connection is a "pipe" or a "tube". If fluid connections don't have any connection definition points, the program determines the function definition from the settings for the connection properties.
Fluid connections can furthermore be defined like devices. The function definitions listed below of the Conduit / line category are offered to this purpose:
- Conduit definition
- Piping definition
- Hose line definition.
The report type Conduit / line plan is available for reporting the properties of defined conduits, pipings and hoses.
Trade in fluid connections
The trade at fluid connections is a property that is determined from the source and target of a connection, specifically from the fluid functions connected at the two ends. For this reason, the trade can't be modified in connection definition points or connections.
If you want to number fluid connections, you can specify which trades should be numbered. It is therefore possible to e.g. number hydraulic and / or pneumatic connections only.
Connection descriptions and DT's in fluid connections
Fluid connections generally don't have a DT, generally only having a connection designation via the connection numbering. However you can assign a DT to connections if you wish. To do this, a specific property must be configured for the connection definition point placed by the connection numbering. In the dialog Properties <...> of the connection definition this is the field Valid data. Select the "All data" entry from this field. The Displayed DT field can then be edited.
Note:
If a connection definition point is inserted manually, the Valid data field is set to "All data" by default. It is therefore possible to assign a DT directly.
Identification of fluid lines in accordance with DIN ISO 1219-2
The standard DIN ISO 1219-2 requires that fluid lines be identified in accordance with a specific ID code. This ID code is formed from the following components:
- Line number (optional)
- - (fixed pre-defined separator)
- Technical information (mandatory; consisting of the diameter sign followed directly by a sequence of digits and characters)
Depending on the line type, tube or pipe, the technical information can contain different data:
- Tube:
At this line type the tube nominal size has to be specified. - Pipe:
At this line type either the Nominal external diameter together with the wall thickness in mm has to be specified or the External diameter and the Inner diameter in mm.
Possible line identifiers with the use of a line number:
Identification |
Line type |
---|---|
2-Ø20 |
Tube with line number 2 and nominal size 20 |
1-Ø30x5 |
Pipe with line number 1, nominal external diameter 30 mm and wall thickness 5 mm |
3-Ø10/6 |
Pipe with line number 3, external diameter 10 mm and inner diameter 6 mm |
EPLAN Fluid supports norm-compliant identification of lines in accordance with DIN ISO 1219-2 for fluid connections. In addition to the possibility of manual identification, EPLAN Fluid also offers the option of automatically placing line-specific connection definition points on fluid connections and of assigning line identifiers by using the connection numbering function. To this purpose various schemes can be created in connection numbering for all the fluid power trades. Trade-specific numbering is possible through the use of filters.
Layers for line display
In Fluid power, numerous line types are often used within one higher-level function or machine and intended for different tasks including pressure, control, drain, reservoir, and working lines.
In EPLAN Fluid, these different types of line are taken into consideration when the objective is to make them visible in the schematic so they can be more easily distinguished from one another and tracked when troubleshooting, especially when the density of connections is high.
See also
EPLAN Fluid: Default Fluid Connection Properties
EPLAN Fluid: Connection Symbols