Ask The Expert
Mangesh Kalbhor Q&A
About Mangesh Kalbhor
Mangesh is a Project QA Lead with the Plant Solutions team at Autodesk. He has worked on all releases of AutoCAD P&ID and AutoCAD Plant 3D. As a key quality engineer, Mangesh has in-depth knowledge of the software. He has also been a speaker for Plant Solutions at Autodesk University for past three years.
Prior to joining Autodesk, Mangesh worked as a Process Engineer in specialty chemicals manufacturing plant involved in various plant modifications and extension projects. Mangesh earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Pune and Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Lana Williams
We appear to have a virus in CAD at my office. I saw this before at a previous office, it attaches itself to drawings and slows down AutoCAD. When you open up the plot window and go to scale there are hundreds of scales with "XREF_XREF_XREF" after the scale. I was wondering how to clear the drawings of this virus.
Thank you!
Mangesh Kalbhor
Lana Williams,
This is more of a question for the general AutoCAD product, rather than for the Plant products. I recommend that you re-post this question on the AutoCAD "Ask the Expert" board, which you can find at: http://autocad.autodesk.com/?nd=ask_the_expert
You can also ask it at AutoCAD discussion forum. http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/AutoCAD-2011/bd-p/407
Regards,
Mangesh Kalbhor
Barend-Jan van Zijtveld
Mangesh,
where can i sent the screenshots ? According to the customer it does this with all the specs and catalogs.
Regards,
BJ
Mangesh Kalbhor
BJ,
You can email it to me at mangesh.kalbhor@autodesk.com
If it is happening to all the specs and catalogs there should be something else going wrong. Can the user try same catalogs on another machine to see if shows the same problem. If it is with one machine only then re-installing would be good option.
Regards,
Mangesh Kalbhor
Steve Cook
Reagrding #9 and #11-
Where are the specs and catalog files located for Plant 3D on the harddrive so I can back them up?
thanks
Mangesh Kalbhor
At the following location. C:\AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011 Content
Regards,
Mangesh
Marc Vandezande
Mangesh,
I am new to plant 3d and I have a problem with connections-joint settings: in our company we NEVER use welding neck flanges. Instead we use collars and lapped flanges. When i try to connect valves or pumps, I get the message 'Piping is unable to be connected'. Then it draws a PH Metric Flange (we work with the DIN standard). How can I the connection types of these valves in the way they can connect with a lapped flange (LAP). When I look to the 'Joint Setup', I can't figure out what to change. What connections do I have to change to connect lapped flanges (and collar) to 'flanged' valves ? How can I send you a screen shot of my Joint Setup Configuration ?
Regards,
Marc
Mangesh Kalbhor
Marc,
In Project Setup go to Joint Settings and refer to the below steps:
1. check the check-box ‘Enable Imperial to Metric connection control’
2. check the check-box of Flanged joint
3. Open Spec-Viewer, select the particular flange(Lap or Collar) and OSnap to the equipment nozzle.
Regards,
Mangesh Kalbhor
Oluwaseun Olubiyi
Mangesh,
My organisation is interested in procuring the a Plant Design Management System and until the launch of the Autodesk Plant Design suite we have predominantly been considering the Aveva PDMS. Is the Autodesk plant design suite a better substitute to the Aveva PDMS? And can you kindly compare and contrast what makes it better?
Regards
Seun
Mangesh Kalbhor
Oluwaseun Olubiyi,
I hear it’s a good system, but I don’t know much about it. Reseller in your area could help you with procurement.
Reseller Center:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/partner/search?id=1088201&siteID=123112
Regards,
Mangesh Kalbhor
ROBERT HURT
Mangesh Kalbhor
Robrt,
Does it work after re-install?
What Operating System are you on and any other Autodesk products that are on the system?
Regards,
Mangesh
Santhi R
Hi Mangesh,
We have installed AutoCAD Plant 3D couple of weeks ago but the Spec and Catalog does not save when creating a new component. Please advice!
Thank you
Mangesh Kalbhor
Santhi,
A folder name matching the catalog name is required when creating block based components. When you create or copy a catalog, the folder is not automatically created.
When you use Create New Component in the Catalog Editor and select Use Custom Geometry, you need to create a folder that matches the catalog name in the shared content directory. For example, if you are adding block based components to C:\AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011 Content\MyValvesCatalog.pcat, create C:\AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011 Content\MyValvesCatalog\.
Regards,
Mangesh
Santhi R
Hi Mangesh,
We have installed AutoCAD Plant 3D couple of weeks ago but the Spec and Catalog does not save when creating a new component. Please advice!
Thank you
Mangesh Kalbhor
Santhi,
Are you trying to create your custom parts in one of the default catalogs that come with Plant 3D?
If so, the work-flow you mentioned is accurate and you should see the graphics (in the tool-palette) and should be able to place the part in the drawing.
If you are trying to add these blocks to a new catalog, there is one step you are missing. When creating a new catalog, you must create a folder in the default content directory with the same name as the new catalog. This folder will be used to store images and the block dwgs. If this folder is missing, then both the image and the block dwg will not be create. Please refer to this link here.
A folder name matching the catalog name is required when creating block based components. When you create or copy a catalog, the folder is not automatically created.
When you use Create New Component in the Catalog Editor and select Use Custom Geometry, you need to create a folder that matches the catalog name in the shared content directory. For example, if you are adding block based components to C:\AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011 Content\MyValvesCatalog.pcat, create C:\AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011 Content\MyValvesCatalog\.
Regards,
Mangesh Kalbhor
Santhi R
Hi Mangesh,
Thanks for your earlier response it did work!
Here I have one more question. How do I getrid of welcome screen while opening the Autocad Plant 3D?
Thank You
Santhi
Mangesh Kalbhor
Santhi,
To close the Welocme Screen set the System Variable off.
PLANTWELCOMEENABLED = OFF
Regards,
Mangesh
Serdar EREN
Hi,
Hown can I show both inch and mm in isometric drawing automatically?
serdar
Mangesh Kalbhor
Serdar,
Use Option switch 41 in OPL file can be set to value ‘0’ for mixed metric units.
Regards,
Mangesh Kalbhor
Barend-Jan van Zijtveld
Hai Mangesh,
Is it possible to continue weldnumbering over more then one Iso. I need Iso 1 to start witj 1,2,3,4 etc... and the next Iso should continue numbering, for instance 6,7,8,9.....
Also what i would like to know if it is possible to generate a weld list that can be printed on the drawing (similar to the material list or cut list).
Regards,
BJ
Mangesh Kalbhor
BJ,
For first question:
In OPL file Option Switch 53 Position 3 needs a value of ‘0’ (OS 53 Pos 3=0). This is a setting for Weld Number current sequence to continue on each new drawing.
For second question:
There isn’t any option to set display of Weld Summary on iso. But you can open the OPL file from their project location and edit it in text editor and specify a value for option switch 53 pos 2 to 1 (OS 53 Pos 2=1). However this is not a user defined type and has a fixed content and layout. It is no longer in common use.
For user defined weld summary box, It is generated by setting OS 53 Pos 2 = 1 and calling in a weld definition file (WDF).
Regards,
Mangesh
Steve Cook
OSNAP setting retention.
I cannot retain the setting I select in OSNAP settings. It seems fairly random from drawing to drawing, starting new drawings, or getting in and out of Autocad always kills my settings. I've tried workspace, profiles, etc, etc.
This is wasting time.Can you help? Thanks
Mangesh Kalbhor
Steve,
There are some OSNAP settings that are activated (if changed), for certain object to make it’s behavior relevant to P&ID and/or Plant 3D. Example would be; every time you place a valve, the ‘Near’ OSNAP will be activated, even if the user has it turned off. This is because the valve can site exactly on SLine, make appropriate gap, propagate values, etc. If the valve is not placed correctly on SLine then all these things won’t happen. Similarly some other components are configured too.
Let me know if there us anything particular that you want me to take a look at.
Regards,
Mangesh
Carl Cheetham
Mangesh Kalbhor
Carl,
You need to make sure that the “Worksheet name” field has exact name of the sheet and not the name of the excel file.
Regards,
Mangesh Kalbhor
Samuel Flores
Hello Mangesh,
How do I get a Line Number to resync with a Project?
I experienced a Fatal Error while routing a new line of pipe and after resaving the File to the Poject, the Last New Assigned Line Number that I created before routing the Pipe erases from the Project never to be able to be used again.
I can infact assign it again and save the file but then on reopening the File I discover it does not exist once more.
Also I noticed that when I did this for that particular line number - assigning it back to the pipe that is - other information from the Route would disable e.g. Insulation thickness and Service.
How do you represent the "From and To" marks in an Isogen as it exists for PnID?
How do you go about getting the AWWA Actuator valves from the MEP Catalog to use in a PLANT 3D Spec and can you then add it in a Plant 3D spec?
I have tried the catalog import and can't seem to get the MEP imported parts (.eg. Circuit Setter Valve) to work with my spec. What are the steps? Or how do i make a Hand Wheel Actuator Valve in Plant 3D?
Placing attributes in the Title Block is very Frustrating can this be looked at?
Lastly but not Finally... What is the entire Function behind the Line Designation Table?
Thank you for your time,
Regards,
SF
Mangesh Kalbhor
Samuel,
1. Line number sync: Use AUDITPROJECT that will sync the data and file graphics.
2. To and From don’t exist in isogen. But if the pipe line continues on another sheet then at the connection point you will see something like “CONT ON sheet 2”.
3. There are some MEP specs available through the spec editor e.g “DI Class 150” and “DI Class 250”.
4. To import MEP catalog use command ‘PLANTAMEPIMPORTCATALOG’, here are some steps to follow.
1. Copy all files of MEP catalog to the local machine which has installed Plant 3D. Files as below,
Bmp folder, DWG folder, Glued folder, Pipes folder, Threaded folder, Autodesk Generic Pipe Catalog, Autodesk Logo, Plastic Pipes.apc
2. Use ‘PLANTAMEPIMPORTCATALOG’ to import the MEP catalog, as a result, there will be a file name XXX.pcat and a folder named DWG created in the directory C:\AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011 Content\CPak AME\AME XXX
3. Then you can open the catalog XXX.pcat in the Spec Editor, then select and add component to the spec
And there is another way to create new component, refer to the help doc here http://docs.autodesk.com/PLNT3D/2011/ENU/filesPSC/WS73099cc142f48755-575eab4c124f5234aa8-5e7a.htm
5. There were some improvements made in Title Block configuration. Can you tell me what exactly is not working for you.
6. LDT is used to
Regards,
Mangesh Kalbhor
Santhi R
Hi Mangesh,
Here is a senario, I have created a spec called Trial.pspx and added the fittings and pipes etc necessary for the project. When I created a new project this spec showed up and I was able to add it on to the tool pallette and start drawing. But Now, I need to add one more fitting to the existing spec "Trial.pspx". After adding this fitting I want it to appear on the same CAD project that I was working on. It does appear after creating a new project every time. Is there a way that I can get updated spec on the existing project. Please advice!
In Autocad Plant 3D Spec editor I have tried Synchronize Spec with Catalog
and here is the error message that I get.
"Reasons for spec not updating include being open in the Specs and Catalog Editor, the Spec file is read only, or the spec references a catalog that cannot be located." Please advice!
Thank You,
Santhi
Mangesh Kalbhor
Santhi,
To updated spec in the current project. To do that he needs to manually replace the existing spec, in the current project’s Specs folder, with the new one.
Manually copy the spec file from the default content location to the current project location.
About “Synchronies Spec With Catalogs” is working as expected. Since the you did NOT make any changes to existing parts in the spec or the catalog, there is nothing to “sync”.
Regards,
Mangesh
Carl Cheetham
Regarding the LDT, I made sure the worksheet name was correct. Any other suggestions?
Also, I'm problems controlling plot colors in P3D. Orthos always plot in their color even when I use monochrome plot style. I also can't change the display color of the equipment. I can live with various colors on the screen but I need to be able to plot monochrome when I want to. It seems as any blocks or equipment or other 3D plant geometry always overrides the plot style.
Mangesh Kalbhor
Carl,
Check the header row number, and line number column name from the LDT file.
The color of Orthographic entity depends on the color of corresponding component in 3D model. You can change the color of the equipment or pipe in the model and that will reflect in your model.
While plotting, if you select monochrome ctb, all the entities will be plotted black other then the center line for pipes. This is a known issue and development team is fixing it.
Regards,
Mangesh
Barend-Jan van Zijtveld
Mangesh,
I found this setting in the PCF Format Guide chapter 8-2 (i think page 22). This suggests that it is possible to place a ItemCode attr. local to your component on the ISO.
Hope this can be done, if so i could create a ISO ready for certification....
By the way, also some good news, i finally finished the new AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011 -Essentials manual.... (it's 390 pages, and i think much better then the first one ;-).
Regards,
BJ
Mangesh Kalbhor
BJ,
Great to know that Essentials manual is almost done.
About the ItemCode attr., I am not sure if this can be done,. Let me know if you have difficulty with this.
Regards,
Mangesh
Barend-Jan van Zijtveld
Mangesh,
i tried the option you suggested for continuous weld numbering, and it just works fine if a single linenumber is spread over mutliple sheets. But what i'm looking for is to continue the weld numbering over multiple sheets and multiple linenumbers.
For instance linenumbers are 1001, 1002, 1003, etc., they will be generated all on different sheets. What i would like to have is that the numbering starts with 1,2,3 etc. on sheet one with linenumber 1001. The numbering should then continue on sheet two with linenumber 1002, so imagine linenumber 1001 on sheet one ended with 15, then sheet two with linenumber 1002 should continue with 16,17,18, etc. and so on for all the other sheets as well.
I hope this makes it somewhat clearer what i want, and as always thnx in advance for your response ;-).
Regards,
BJ
Mangesh Kalbhor
BJ,
Hmm. You need it across runs? Not sure if Isogen even supports that.
I am assuming switch 53 for continuous weld numbering for a single run.
I could not find any documentation on having weld numbering continue across runs.
Regards,
Mangesh
Tse Ping Ngeam
Hi Mangesh,
I did the Plantpartcovert Block for JIS valve,
At the catalog(in spec editor) I added new components, replace the model, get every parameter set, after i click "save to catalog" the 3D model disappear and the block name changed to some random file name. I continue to " add to spec". when i want to place the new components to the piping line it could make it and shows "Can't find symbol for specified part."
Please help.
Thanks.
Regards,
Ngeam
Mangesh Kalbhor
Ngeam,
I have never seen this. But, it could be related to Question #33 .
You need to have a folder with the same name, as the catalog, in the default content location.
Regards,
Mangesh
Tse Ping Ngeam
Hi Mangesh,
I did the Plantpartcovert Block for JIS valve,
At the catalog(in spec editor) I added new components, replace the model, get every parameter set, after i click "save to catalog" the 3D model disappear and the block name changed to some random file name. I continue to " add to spec". when i want to place the new components to the piping line it could make it and shows "Can't find symbol for specified part."
Please help.
Thanks.
Regards,
Ngeam
Mangesh Kalbhor
Ngeam,
I have never seen this. But, it could be related to Question #33 .
You need to have a folder with the same name, as the catalog, in the default content location.
Regards,
Mangesh
Marc Vandezande
Mangesh, I am having an annoying phenomenon when I am loading a spec file: each time I load a specific spec, I get the following message: "Do you want to browse for the catalog ? Catalogue X cannoy be found in the defaullt Autocad Plant 3D 2011 catalogue folder". The missing catalogue file was an exact copy of the DIN Pipes catalogue. I later modified the missing catalogue file and returned to the DIN Pipes Catalogue. When I export the spec to an Excel file, save this and then import it back from Excel, I find a column named "CatalogID" when I look to the 'Resolve Excel Import changes' screen. Here I can see the name of the missing catalogue file, buth I cannot edit it. Do you know a solution to this problem ?
Best regards,
Marc Vandezande
Mangesh Kalbhor
Marc,
So, there two questions here.
Mangesh, I am having an annoying phenomenon when I am loading a spec file: each time I load a specific spec, I get the following message: "Do you want to browse for the catalog ? Catalogue X cannoy be found in the defaullt Autocad Plant 3D 2011 catalogue folder". The missing catalogue file was an exact copy of the DIN Pipes catalogue. I later modified the missing catalogue file and returned to the DIN Pipes Catalogue.
You will not see the Missing Catalog message if you load the catalog directly from the warning message. The first time you do that, the program will automatically add the link to the new catalog. And, you will not see the prompt again.
When I export the spec to an Excel file, save this and then import it back from Excel, I find a column named "CatalogID" when I look to the 'Resolve Excel Import changes' screen. Here I can see the name of the missing catalogue file, buth I cannot edit it. Do you know a solution to this problem ?
Since that column is marked as a system property we do not allow users to change this column. Why would you want to update this field?
If you just HAVE to do it, you need to open the spec file in a 3rd party database tool and edit it manually.
Regards,
Mangesh
Barend-Jan van Zijtveld
Hi Mangesh,
i created a 3D solid of a valve set that i want to add to the valve catalog. After creating the block of the valve set i converted the model using plantpartconvert and added 2 ports, both pointing outwards. Saved the drawing and closed Plant 3D.
Next i opened the spec and catalog editor and loaded the ASME Valve catalog. Created a new component, selected custom geometry, added all the necessary values and cross referenced it with another (similar) valve type to be sure that i didn't forget anything. When i want to save to the catalog nothing happens, when i try to switch to a different line in the catalog editor it asks me if i want to save the changes made to the new component. If i acceot that, still nothing happens.
At tis moment i have no idea what i'm doing wrong or where i forgot to make a setting. Any ideas or suggestions are welcome.
Regards,
Barend-Jan (BJ) van Zijtveld
Mangesh Kalbhor
BJ,
The steps you mentioned are all correct. There is noting extra that you need to do. If you still have problem, can you provide some more information or may be a video file so I can take a look.
E-mail: mangesh.kalbhor@autodesk.com
Regards,
Mangesh
Steve Cook
More Regarding #29 - OSNAP setting are not retained.
I understand your answer regarding the need for NEAR so component will be attached properlly if using P&ID or 3D pipe modeling.
The fact remains that TIHS IS MY AUTOCAD I USE FOR EVERYTHING.....and have to edit alot of old 2d drawings. The program should not kill me OSNAP settings.
I see this as a bug, and hopeully is on the fix list.The workaround for other who might need this is:
- set OSNAPS the way you want
- type OSMODE and record the value on a sticky note.
- attach sticky note to your screen running your $10K software.
- type OSMODE and enter the number when you need the settings restored.
Mangesh Kalbhor
Steve,
Thank you for the work around suggestion.
I see that when you end the session, for some reason the OSNAP settings are gone. This seems a bug and have it logged into the system so that the development team can take a look at it.
Regards,
Mangesh
Stephane Graveline
I'm working with Plant 3D 2011 for a few days now, upgrading from Autocad 2010, and I have a major problem with my OSNAP settings always resetting when I close and re-open AutoCAD; it never happened before with the earlier versions. Do you know what to do?
Mangesh Kalbhor
Hi Stephane,
I see that when you end the session, for some reason the OSNAP settings are gone. This seems to be a bug and it is already logged into the system so that the development team can take a look at it.
Regards,
Mangesh
Adrian Grischott
Mangesh Kalbhor
Adrian,
Is this for any particular valve or fitting?
-Mangesh
Richard Pearson
I am having trouble editing the Pipe Line Group, Nominal Spec, Pipe_Specs Selection List. We input our Mill standard line spec code numbers (about 500 of them) manually one at a time. A very tedious process, needs to be improved. Now I need to edit the description line. I edited about 150 of them and after picking OK on the Selection List Property box, then Apply on the Project Setup, only about 1 in 10 changes took effect.
Is there a way to edit the Selection Lists directly? Some file in the support directory that I can export/import or edit and reopen?
Mangesh Kalbhor
Richard,
These values are stored directly in the dcf file. They are not available in an external file. Using APIs, batch processing on the values can be done, but not through UI.
Only the ND values are stored under NominalDiameterMap.csv.
Regards,
Mangesh
Jesper Chan
Hello Mangesh,
I have created a component based on a 3d model that i have drawn and i converted it using the "Plantpartconvert" command to be added into my spec.But the weird thing is whenever i wan to use back the component on other desktop it seems that it doesnt exist.It show this warning 'Cant find symbol for specified part' whenever i wanted to call it out. Please help me out on this issue...
Thanks,
Regards,
Jesper
Mangesh Kalbhor
Jesper,
If you want to use the block base component on the other machines, you have to copy the catalog and the folder with the same name as the catalog to the other machines as well.
For example; a new component created in ASME Pipes and Fittings Catalog; the files are placed by default at C:\AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011 Content\CPak ASME\
Copy folder ‘ASME Pipes and Fittings Catalog’ and file ‘ASME Pipes and Fittings Catalog.pcat’.Adrian Grischott
Wrong pictures symbols in Plant 3D 2011 substitute palette in my P&ID?
Yes this is by every P&ID Object. Look at (Screenshot) Plant Showcase there is an example picture from my substitute palette about my Question. Thank you Adrian.
Mangesh Kalbhor
Adrian,
All the valves on substitution palette are there. This looks like a graphics card issue.
-Mangesh
Richard Pearson
Yesterday I submitted a question about not being able to see the changes I made in the PipeLineGroup Pick Lists. I found a way to make it update. First I looked into the SQLite data an saw that my edits were in the database. Next I found that the file; ...\StringTables\en-US.xml had old entries. I made a copy of the en-US.xml file and then deleted the contents of the en-US.xml file that was in the directory. At this point I was able to see my edits.
There must be a better way to activate edits for the Project Setup data?
Mangesh Kalbhor
Richard,
I am glad you were able to do it.
-Mangesh
Samuel Flores
Hi Mangesh!
As an extension to my last Question:
I'm also aiming to make a Y type Inclined Seat Circuit Setter Valve or control valve for my once MEP project now testing in Plant 3D project....
How do you add an actuator to an "Inclined Seat ValveBody" and then add a symbol for representation in the Isogen?
What is the reason for establishing, True or False, that the Valve is a Control Valve in the Create New Component Dialog Box?
By Assigning these and other defined Parameters in the Create New Component Dialog Box, how does it help the Valve Component operate in the Model as apposed to one that was not developed with these further Defined Parameters?
Regards,
S.F.
Mangesh Kalbhor
Samuel,
I have attached the steps for Inclined Seat Valve.
For you other question, the reason for True or False in the Create New Component dialog is to identify if a valve is Control Valve or not, only have to fill the proper info to the Iso Symbol Type and Iso Symbol SKEY in Piping Component Properties group.
Create New Component dialog can create two kinds of component, one is Parametric Component, the other is Block Base Component. The Parametric Component can change its geometry dimensions via changing the parameter. The Block Base Component can’t change its geometry except you change its block. Both these component have the same functionality after it is being placed into the model.
Regards,
Mangesh
Attachment: Inclined-Seat-Valve.docx