Two Helpful Tips for Plant 3D Users

By Melinda Hankel, CAD Designer – About five years ago we designed a Booster Pump Station on a mining site. This gave me the opportunity to learn and use the Plant 3D program. By using helpful tutorials and webinars, I learned how to set up the project, develop Process and Instrument Diagram (P&IDs), choose fittings, and create equipment. I have discovered the power of Plant 3D and now we use it on most of our industrial projects.

Plant 3D provides a visualization of the pipes, fittings, and equipment within the work area, whether it’s an existing building or a new structure. Plant 3D allows the designer to build a model with pipelines and equipment that can be viewed from all angles.

Because I have worked on numerous industrial engineering design projects, I have discovered answers to a couple of questions that are not found in any book or on websites I have searched. I hope that these tips are helpful and improve your modeling efficiency.

Q: How do you change a fitting, valve, or pipe type without having to remove the part after you have created your piping route?

A: Click on the part you wish to modify and then select the element of the part to be changed. A blue grip-down arrow will appear. Click on the blue grip down arrow.

After the appropriate arrow is selected, a dropdown box with multiple sizes and specifications will appear. Select the desired part that is required.

Q: How do you change the gasket size at flanged connections?

A: This process is different than switching out a part. Hold down your Ctrl button down while clicking on the gasket you wish to modify. A yellow grip-down arrow will appear. Click the yellow arrow and select the desired gasket from the dropdown list.

I hope you find these tips useful in the development and modification of your Plant 3D models. There are many ways to get the most utility out of Plant 3D. Please contact me if I can answer your questions. I’m continuing to learn too, so please share your tips and tricks with me as well.

Melinda Hankel is a senior CAD Designer with Morrison-Maierle. Her work has included land development, water-wastewater, mining, industrial, and transportation projects, using AutoCad, Civil 3D, Plant 3D, and Map. She works closely and in conjunction with project managers and engineers throughout the project, design, and construction processes.

Technical review of this article provided by Debbie Johnston, PE.