In Eplan, the flow direction is determined separately by default for each connection section of a piping. The source and target of the connection are determined via the DT of the connected functions. If the Determine the source and target of connections from the placement project setting is activated, the source and target of the connections are determined via the graphical position of the connected functions.
In both cases contradictory flow directions can result for pipings. For this reason the "piping-oriented connection logic" is available for P&I diagram pages. If the associated Piping-oriented connection logic setting is activated in the Settings: P&I diagram dialog, the flow direction is determined for the entire piping.
In the process, the connections of all pipings in the P&I diagram are automatically aligned in one direction during the connection update. This ensures a uniform direction of the piping even during the processing of the P&I diagram. The following applies in this context:
- Without direction-defining functions (for example piping definition points, pumps) the flow direction is determined by the graphically first connection.
- If direction-defining functions are available, they determine the direction of flow.
If the piping-oriented connection logic is activated, direction arrows can be displayed automatically in the P&I diagram. The corresponding settings are defined in the Direction arrows in P&I diagram group box. When inserting symbols (pumps, fans, etc.), an automatic alignment of symbols is also possible during placement on the piping in accordance with the piping direction.
Check run for contradictory direction definitions
Despite activated piping-oriented connection logic, contradictory direction definitions can occur for pipings. This is, for example, the case when direction-defining functions (for example pumps) point in opposite directions or manual adjustments to the flow directions were made for a piping definition point via the Piping: Exchange source and target property. The check run 005095 is available in the "Connections" message class to identify such cases during the configuration of pipings.
Automatic alignment of symbols when inserting in the P&I diagram
When inserting symbols on P&I diagram pages, the symbols are automatically aligned. Alignment occurs when the cursor with the attached symbol is moved across an autoconnecting line in the P&I diagram. In the process, you automatically switch to the suitable symbol variant if the connection points of the currently selected variant do not match the autoconnecting line. If, for example, a symbol with one connection point to the left and one to the right hangs on the cursor and a vertical autoconnecting line is crossed, the symbol is rotated.
Since it is possible that several symbol variants match, you can also use the [Tab] key to "browse" through the variants and select a different one when inserting.
If the Piping-oriented connection logic setting is activated, specific symbols from process engineering such as pumps, fans, etc. align themselves automatically according to the flow direction of the piping when they are inserted into the P&I diagram. This automatic alignment is possible for process engineering symbols that have one of the following function categories:
- Air compressor
- Pump
- Ventilator
- Compressor
- Check control valve
- Crusher
In the case of pumps, the second connection point is interpreted as an input and the first connection point as an output. The symbol is aligned in such a way that the input and output match the determined flow direction.
If the "Piping-oriented connection logic" is not activated, the symbols to be placed align themselves according to the source / target connection point logic of the neighboring functions. If the source and target are not set for the neighboring functions, the alignment is carried out on the basis of the connection points.
Aligning reducers automatically to the connection point cross-section
The symbols for reducers can be aligned automatically on the autoconnecting lines on the basis of the connection point cross-section when they are inserted into a P&I diagram. In the case of reducers, one of the two connection points has a larger cross-section and the other connection point a smaller cross-section. During alignment, the "smaller" connection point of the reducer is rotated in the direction of the source or target function with the smaller connection point cross-section.
In order for such symbols (such as the
- At source and target with DN (diameter nominal)
- At source and target with numbers and unit
- At source and target only with numbers
In the process, the individual connection point cross-sections / diameters are separated by a paragraph mark (for example "DN 50¶DN 50").
See also