Can anyone provide some guidance on the proper way to model a drip pan elbow in AutoPIPE? I have a 10x14 PRV directly flange connected to a 14" drip pan elbow (flanged connection) with a 16" riser connection to the drip pan.
The vertical pipe atop the drip pan elbow, in most cases is not rigidly connected to the elbow or is a loose fit that just guides the pipe (as imaged above)?
If loose fit and want to model the drain piping, than fairly simple and straight forward:
1. Model the pipe to the flanged side of the elbow, point 1.
2. Then model the elbow, add midpoint option (to be used later), and enter the appropriate elbow bend radius, press OK. Continue piping to point #2 and then to point #3. This segment stops here.
3. Start a new pipe segment with the proper pipe size from Point #2 (not connected to the elbow / previous segment) on up as needed.
4. With the cursor on the elbow's segment at point#2, insert a guide support with the proper gaps in all direction and be sure to connect it to the start of the new larger pipe segment going vertically up.
5. The program will account for the weight of the piping and not the larger drip pan. Suggest: a, guess at it , b. calculate a rough weight based on length and diameter, or c. call the manufacture asking for a weight of the component with and without the drip pan ( one may be laughed at or hung up, but worth a try). Add as a concentrated weight at point #2.
6. Next select the mid point of the elbow, model the drip piping as one would model a base supported elbow piping (see AutoPIPE's help modeling approaches).
Bend & Miter Piping Components - Modeling Approaches
Bentley AutoPIPE