Enterprise software providers are focusing their efforts on improving the rule based concept of their 3-D tools, enabling more efficient design as well as enhanced intelligence, automation and reuse, with better quality and design integrity than ever before. Intergraph recently launched Smart 3D 2014, a solution that will help chemical, process and oil & gas companies model complex structures and build intelligent plants while creating automated engineering deliverables.
Author David Whittle Business Development Manager, Intergraph
The design of new facilities and the revamp of old plants or assets become more challenging as the amount of engineering data needing to be managed increases. This demands a more centralised and efficient data processing system from the design phase through to construction and operation. Projects are getting bigger and they are confronted with larger amounts of data, shorter schedules and increased safety, operability and productivity requirements. Smart 3D 2014, which consolidates SmartPlant 3D, SmartMarine 3D and SmartPlant 3D Materials Handling Edition into a single package, is the next-generation 3-D plant design solution, employing a breakthrough engineering approach that is focused on rules, relationships and automation. It provides all the capabilities needed to design a plant and then keep it as-built throughout its life cycle.
Efficient reuse of design
In addition to the rule based concept, upgraded Model Data Reuse (MDR) capabilities enable the efficient reuse of design. Users can reuse FEED or old designs with different catalogues and specifications by leveraging Smart 3D’s rule reuse, tag renaming and specification interchange. Enhanced 3-D interoperability capabilities also enable the use of 3-D data from multiple foreign CAD systems in conjunction with native Smart 3D models. Smart 3D allows interoperability with both the graphics and data of foreign CAD models, making it an ideal solution for revamp and joint venture projects.
Since all the data is stored in a single database, concurrent engineering in one or more locations is achieved using robust and flexible data replication technology from Microsoft or Oracle. A consistent, workflow-oriented user interface designed to be intuitive and discoverable makes Smart 3D easy to learn, facilitating quick ramp-up of even the largest projects.
Improvements to the automated generation of project deliverables – including simplified administration and configuration utilities – add value to projects more quickly. Smart 3D now comes with a new Isometric Setup tool for even easier configuration of integrated piping isometric generation. Isometrics have been enhanced to support jacketed piping optimally, including disconnected sections.
A new profile and data drawing template enables users to update bills of materials to better reflect company standards. Drawing by rule-set functionality has been extended to support outfitting and plant objects, providing an efficient mechanism for the automated generation of complete drawing sets. What’s more, the automatic drawing templates now offer enhancements for hangers and support.
Interoperability is an essential feature
Interoperability among different systems is also an essential feature nowadays when operating a complex asset or facility. Enhanced interoperability improves cooperation and communications between the different teams and disciplines working on a project. A clear understanding by all project parties of how their work relates to that of the others reduces the effort needed to ensure that all project components are compatible and correctly interfaced. It also lessens the need to modify designs to fit in with parts of the plant provided by other contributors. This form of interoperability has the potential to increase productivity while shortening project schedules. Finally, it can safeguard access to vital data during the entire plant lifecycle right through to decommissioning.
Smart 3D incorporates a 3D Interop feature for 3-D interoperability with a range of third-party products. This interoperability capability is built on the SmartPlant Review functionality. It supports numerous file formats used by Intergraph and third-party software (e.g. PDMS, PDS, Tekla, CADWorx, AutoCAD, MicroStation, CIS/2, XMplant, etc.). This solution brings intelligence to data and an awareness of component business classes (piping, equipment, etc.). The mapping of classes and properties from external data to that used by 3D Interop is defined in a straightforward spreadsheet. The tool receives input from external models in the form of sets of matching graphics and data files. However, it does not need catalogue or specification information from the systems feeding it and therefore avoids the problems associated with the replication of these databases.
3D Interop makes it possible to attach and orient referenced models relative to other 3-D objects. This enables the user to see how plant modules designed or supplied by different parties fit together, identify any clashes between them and manage the interfaces effectively. Users can also inspect the referenced model objects and properties and view them using property dialogues, labels and tooltips. The Smart 3D filter tool operates on object types and properties independently of the software used to create them. Object management is much more efficient as a result. Using 3D Interop, third-party data works intelligently with the automated rule based drawing capabilities in Smart 3D.
Integrated software solution
Many of Intergraph’s most significant clients, as well as participants in the company’s Agile software development process, have been involved in beta testing of Smart 3D. “As a participant in the beta testing programme, Technip was especially pleased with the installation, configuration and administration improvements in the 2014 release”, says Technip Smart 3D Business Product Manager Didier Tison. “We were able to easily bring forward projects built on the 2009.1 release. The improved configuration for extraction of deliverables is significantly faster and the 64-bit processing capabilities allow large drawings to benefit from increased memory availability. It’s also much easier to configure and run.”
Successful companies in a competitive market need to support the full lifecycle of a plant or facility, focusing on knowledge management, integration and reuse when transitioning from one project or operation phase to another. Having a software solution that has all the disciplines integrated together mitigates many risks and adds considerable value to an accomplishing business.
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