Converting units of an AutoPLANT project (Imperial, Metric, Mixed Metric)

Typically, if an AutoPLANT 3D project has started and has already been modeled, there is no conversion process to change the units of the project. This is, unfortunately, due to AutoCAD being units based. (example: 1 unit = 1mm; 1 unit = 1 inch) So, the physical scale of components are not actually accurate when comparing metric to imperial side by side via xref. (metric will be about 25x larger than the imperial components). Mixed Metric creates the imperial sizes based on a formula so the scale looks accurate, though the units are still based on millimeters.

Now, there is the case sometimes where a project is started and P&ID's are created. The "3d modeling units" must be set when the project is created. But you may find later, that it needs to be changed. If the 3D modeling has not been started yet, the units can change since AutoPLANT P&ID does not look to these configuration files. Here's an example of how to do this.

To convert an AutoPLANT project from Imperial to Mixed Metric where 3d modeling HAS NOT started yet.

1. Open Project Adminstrator.

2. Create a new project in Mixed Metric 3d units.

3. In Windows Explorer, find the Imperial AutoPLANT project.

4. Back up the folder ..\project name\config.

5. Copy the CONFIG folder and all subfolders and files from the Mixed Metric project to the Imperial Project.

6. Notice in Project Administrator, that after, refreshing the interface... your AutoPLANT project will now reflect mixed metric units.

7. You will have to change all 3D modeling settings again or verify they are accurate (example: Master Specs Directory.

8. Also, go to the directory ..\project name\Isogen\Input Options.

All Isogen path settings (input, output and post process) should be double checked and fixed. The paths are hardcoded and will be pointing to the older project.

9. Save the settings in Project Administrator and that's it!