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A. For manual and details on the PCF translator file structure and mappings, see wiki here:
B. The PCF translator can import almost any type of PCF file created by other 3D cad applications (i.e. SmartPLANT, CADworx, SoildWorks, AutoDesk Inventor Professional (using the Tubing and Piping module, Autodesk 2015 help), Catia, Autodesk Plant3D, etc..). Start the PCF translator by using one of the following:
1. From with in AutoPIPE, select File> Import> choose any one that has (PCF) at the end of the name.
2. Select Start> Bentley Engineering> AutoPIPE Translator> PCF translator> PCF translator program
After the PCF translator application opens, see online help for details about the dialog.
C. PCF file does not store multiple Pressure or Temperature settings, to be sure library data is retrieved for pipe properties, thermal expansion, hot modulus, hot allowable, etc, after importing a model suggest the following steps: select Tools> Model Options> General change Ambient temperature to a different setting, press OK button, after the model data has been refreshed, reset Ambient temperature back to the original setting.
D. Per "SmartPlantToAutoPIPETranslator_UserReference.pdf" Rev.05, Section 6, the PCF translator can be run from the command line. However, the information was added to the PDF file before the actual functionality was added to the program. As an official statement, the PCF translator cannot be run from the command or be apart of the Automated System Processing feature in AutoPIPE. See AutoPIPE on-line help "Automated System Processing" for parameter switches supported by the program. Also, see AutoPIPE V8i 9.6 and higher Analysis Batch File Generator.
E. In PCF file we cannot say from where segments starts and ends. PCF Translator automatically connects components on coordinates bases and create segments of those components which are connected to each other. Another words, PCF Translator connects components on coordinates base not on sequential order specified in PCF file.
F. IF PCF translator was installed manually, delete the following folder if available:
C:\Users\profilename\AppData\Roaming\Bentley\PCF Translator
Then restart the application, this folder will automatically be refreshed with the new files per the version just installed.
G. PCF file coordinate format:
Note: The AutoPIPE coordinates can be manipulated from the default settings, where elevation = Z axis, and E/W = Y axis
AutoPIPE Translators
Bentley AutoPIPE