To Obtain Arc Length for Pipe Elbows in OpenPlant Modeler

Overview

To Define Arc length for Pipe Elbows in OpenPlant Modeler. 

Problem Description

In OpenPlant Modeler, requirement is to calculate arc Length for pipe elbows & show it in properties.To do so, let's understand the calculation part first.

It has been observed that Length Property for 90 degree long radius pipe elbow of 100 mm calculation displays as Length = Design Length Center to Outlet End + Design Length Center to Run End.

See image below for default calculation in OpenPlant Modeler.

Length = Design Length Center to Outlet End + Design Length Center to Run End

Where,
Design Length Center to Outlet End= 152.4 mm
Design Length Center to Run  = 152.4  mm

Length = 152.4 + 152.4 = 304.8 mm

Actual calculation for Arc Length should be,

Arc Length S = R * θ

where R = 1.5*D = 152.4 mm = Design Length Center to Run End or Design Length Center to Outlet End

This is same as the below formula

where,

• •   D = Diameter of Pipe
  • 
  • 25.4 is to convert inch to mm. No need to mention 25.4 if the diameter is in mm itself.

Note –In OpenPlant Modeler unit conversion 1” = 25.4mm

hence desired value would be,

• • = 152.4 * 90 * PI/180
  • = 239.389 mm

The Arc length would be = 239.389 mm

it can be calculated by measure tool as shown

See below steps to overcome this situation by defining a new property in schema through class editor and applying the mathematical expression in EC expression. Also, note that this wiki article is only for Long Radius Elbow. Steps/calculation can vary for any other types of elbows

Steps to Perform

1. Launch Bentley Schema Editor. 
   
   
2. Open OpenPlant_3D.01.07.ecschema and supplement it with schema OpenPlant_3D_Supplemental_Modeling.01.08.ecschema
   
   For More information on supplementing schema how-to-open-schema-supplement-it-with-desired-schema-in-bentley-class-editor-connect-edition
   
   
3. Navigate to class PIPE_ELBOW.
   
   
4. Under property tab, use LENGTH Property.
   
   
5. Copy LENGTH Property & paste it on same window to create a new property.
   
   
   1. Right click on LENGTH property. See image.
      
      
      
      
   2. Move to below in property list, right click on it to Paste. See image below.
      
      
      
      
   3. Rename it to ARC_LENGTH and other fields as per below image shown. 
      
        
      
      
      
6. On ARC_LENGTH property, click on Custom Attributes->Add/remove
   
   
   
   
7. Check for custom attribute (CA) Caculated ECProperty Specification, pull it down in second dialog and set the location as shown in below image.
   
   
   
   
8. Set the expression as shown in below image. 
   
   System.Math.PI*ANGLE/180*DESIGN_LENGTH_CENTER_TO_RUN_END
   
   
   
   
9. Save & Close the schema.
   
   
10. Launch OpenPlant Modeler.
    
    
11. Place a 90 degree long radius pipe Elbow of 100 mm & verify results.  
    
    

Still A Problem?

If above problem still persist, then please create a Service Request and contact Bentley Product Advantage group along with the list of all relevant details to get in depth analysis and for possible solution or workarounds. 

See Also

Comments or Corrections?

Bentley's Product advantage Group requests that you please confine any comments you have on this Wiki entry to this "Comments or Corrections?" section. THANK YOU!