* WARNING , PXF NODE xxx, * ZERO LENGTH ELEMENT...message appeared in a model's *.MSG file when importing PXF file into AutoPIPE, why?

Applies To
Product(s):	AutoPIPE
Version(s):	ALL;
Area:	Import
Date Logged & Current Version	Oct. 2020 12.04.00.13

Problem:

The following is displayed in the model *.MSG file?

*** WARNING , PXF NODE 3060
*** ZERO LENGTH ELEMENT
*** AutoPLANT COORDINATES OF POINT(mm ):
X= -28381.983 Y= -21913.305 Z= 3850.150
*** AutoPIPE COORDINATES OF POINT(mm ):
X= 64589.305 Y= 3327.798 Z= -105174.852

What does this mean and how to fix it?

Solution:

There are a few reasons why this message would appear:

1. The PXF file does not contain the required information to generate or connect to geometry.

2. The information is not formatted correctly

Example:

PXF file information for a single pipe element:

3000 28381,984 21913,300 3850,150
3002 100,000
3007 3060
3009 PL
3012 3.6
3020 28381,984 21913,300 3850,150
3022 100,000
3027 3060
3029 PL

Code Description:

3000 First connection port or point coordinates

3002 Nominal size at point specified in field 3000 (numeric; [nominal units])

3007 Node number (joint id) at point specified in field 3000 (numeric).

3009 End type at point specified in field 3000 field (character).

3012 Schedule at point specified in field 3000

3020 Second connection port or point coordinates

3022 Nominal size at point specified in field 3020 (numeric; [nominal units])

3027 Node number (joint id) at point specified in field 3020 (numeric).

Based on this information, what are the problems with this component in the PXF file?

1. Notice that code 3007 and 3027 are identical.

2. Notice that the starting node (Code 3000) and ending node (Code 3020) points coordinates are identical.

Both of these indicate that the component is a pipe who's length is Zero, and contains the same node point names at both ends. This maybe ok in OpenPlant, however, AutoPIPE cannot have node points with duplicate names.

Furthermore, notice that the decimal separator is a "," (comma). AutoPIPE requires that decimal separator be a "." period. Therefore regional formats may need to be changed to English (United States).

*** WARNING , PXF NODE xxx, *** ZERO LENGTH ELEMENT...message appeared in a model's *.MSG file when importing PXF file into AutoPIPE, why?

Problem:

Solution:

See Also

* WARNING , PXF NODE xxx, * ZERO LENGTH ELEMENT...message appeared in a model's *.MSG file when importing PXF file into AutoPIPE, why?