How to import Unit, Service, Pipeline Instances from a Text File to an Active DGN File


Applies To 
Product(s):OpenPlant Modeler
Version(s):08.11.09.XXX (SS5) | 08.11.11.XX (SS6)
Environment: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64 bit)
Area: Tasks
Subarea: Piping
Original Author:Justinas Lipnickas, Bentley Product Advantage Group

Background

Occasionally it is required to load a bunch of Company standard Services / Units into an active dgn file. From OpenPlant Modeler SS5 version a new command for this was introduced. Sample files for importing can be found here. 

Steps to Accomplish

  1. Create plain text import files, according to the following file format:

    [Associations]
    <Associated Class1>=<Business Key>
    <Associated Class2>=<Business Key>

    [InstanceData]
    <Property Name 1>=<Value>
    <Property Name 2>=<Value>

  2. Associations tags are optional and not required for example as in case of unit or service;
  3. Any number of instances following an associations tag will be associated to defined associations;
  4. It is assumed that any associations already exist in the design file, if they are used in the text file.


  5. Open the dgn file into which is required to import these instances;
  6. Enter the Key-in OpenPlantModeler Import <Class Name>. Note that <Class Name> is case sensitive (most likely it will be uppercase), so to import Services user need to run OpenPlantModeler Import SERVICE key-in.
  7. File Open dialog will prompt where user need to select the text file with the Instances to import and click open.

    NOTE: If user is using some associations in his text file, he need to make sure that those associated items are already existing in the active DGN file. So according to the sample files, user would first need to load Unit and Service files, and only then load the Pipelines file. Also, just to remind, pipelines in OpenPlant Modeler uses PIPING_NETWORK_SYSTEM class, so this class name has to be used to import them.

  8. After importing sample files, all associations and pipelines should appear in items tree like shown below. It can also be then checked-in to the OPMS server, if needed. 

To Import Instances in SS6 (08.11.11.87) / SS6 Refresh (08.11.11.225) Version

  1. Overall the steps remain same as explained above for importing the instances into DGN file except one change required in PCF file. With SS6, a new variable added in the project PCF file as given below:

    OPM_ALWAYS_INIT_CLASSES = PIPING_NETWORK_SYSTEM;PIPING_NETWORK_SEGMENT;TRAY_NETWORK_SYSTEM;TRAY_NETWORK_SEGMENT;HVAC_NETWORK_SYSTEM;HVAC_NETWORK_SEGMENT;

  2. User need to add class in this variable for which instances have to be imported from text file. For Example, to import instances for UNIT & SERVICE, add these classes as highlighted below:

    OPM_ALWAYS_INIT_CLASSES = PIPING_NETWORK_SYSTEM;PIPING_NETWORK_SEGMENT;TRAY_NETWORK_SYSTEM;TRAY_NETWORK_SEGMENT;HVAC_NETWORK_SYSTEM;HVAC_NETWORK_SEGMENT;UNIT;SERVICE



  3. Once the changes are saved, re-load OpenPlant Modeler and import the instances.

See Also

communities.bentley.com/.../24142.make-associated-items-read-only-for-users-in-create-pipeline-dialog

Comments or Corrections?

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