3D Modeling to Reality: Leveraging E3D, PDMS, and SP3D in Piping Design

In the intricate world of industrial plant design and engineering, the leap from conceptual ideas to tangible, functional infrastructure demands unparalleled precision, foresight and efficiency. This is particularly true for piping systems, which are the lifelines of any industrial facility, carrying vital fluids and connecting critical equipment. At iPAC Automation, we understand that to achieve optimal performance, safety and operational continuity, the design process must embrace the most advanced tools available. This is where cutting-edge 3D modeling software like AVEVA E3D, PDMS (Plant Design Management System) and SP3D (SmartPlant 3D) become indispensable, transforming complex piping designs from abstract concepts into concrete realities.

For decades, 2D drawings served as the foundation of engineering design. While effective for basic layouts, they inherently struggled with the complexities of spatial coordination, clash detection and visualizing intricate interconnections in large-scale projects. The advent of 3D modeling revolutionized this landscape, offering a dynamic and interactive environment where engineers can virtually construct entire plants before any physical work begins. This paradigm shift has brought forth a multitude of benefits, from enhanced visualization to significant cost and time savings.

The Power of 3D Modeling in Piping Design

3D piping modeling is far more than just creating a visual representation. It’s about building an intelligent, data-rich digital twin of the piping system, enabling a holistic approach to design, analysis and management. For iPAC Automation, the core advantages of leveraging advanced 3D modeling in our piping design and engineering services include:

• Enhanced Visualization and Understanding: 3D models provide a comprehensive, high-level view of power flow paths and component placement, offering unparalleled clarity compared to 2D drawings. This visual depth allows all stakeholders, from engineers to clients, to better understand the system’s architecture and operational logic, facilitating smoother communication and decision-making.
• Superior Accuracy and Precision: With 3D modeling, engineers can input precise dimensions, angles and shapes, reducing errors and minimizing the need for costly rework during construction. This meticulous approach ensures that every pipe, valve and fitting is accurately positioned for seamless integration.
• Real-time Clash Detection: One of the most significant benefits of 3D modeling is its ability to identify and resolve spatial conflicts or interferences early in the design phase. This means detecting where a pipe might clash with a structural beam, an electrical conduit, or even another pipe, long before construction begins. This prevents costly on-site modifications and delays.
• Optimized Performance and Efficiency: 3D modeling allows for logical and efficient routing of piping, minimizing voltage drops and energy losses in associated electrical systems and optimizing fluid flow paths in the piping itself. Engineers can experiment with various layouts to maximize space utilization and operational efficiency, contributing to reduced friction losses, pressure drops and heat transfer inefficiencies.
• Streamlined Collaboration and Data Management: These sophisticated platforms facilitate seamless collaboration among multidisciplinary teams. Changes made in the 3D model are often automatically updated across linked schematics and datasheets, ensuring everyone works from the most current and accurate information. This also improves data management by centralizing design assets and documentation.
• Automated Deliverables and Documentation: From the 3D model, engineers can automatically generate a wide range of crucial documents, including detailed piping isometric drawings with comprehensive Bills of Material (BOM), general arrangement drawings and construction documentation. This automation saves significant time, reduces manual errors and ensures consistency across all project deliverables.
• Cost and Time Savings: By detecting design flaws and clashes early, 3D modeling significantly reduces rework costs, material waste and project delays. The increased efficiency in design iterations and automated documentation translates directly into optimized capital expenditure and operational efficiency.
• Compliance with Standards: 3D CAD modeling simplifies compliance with international codes and standards (e.g., ASME B31.3 for process piping), as specifications for various standards can be integrated directly into the software, ensuring designs adhere to all regulatory requirements from the outset.

The Leading Edge: E3D, PDMS and SP3D

At iPAC Automation, we harness the capabilities of industry-leading software such as AVEVA E3D (Everything 3D), PDMS (Plant Design Management System) and SP3D (SmartPlant 3D) to deliver unparalleled piping design and engineering services. Each of these powerful platforms brings unique strengths to the table, allowing us to select the optimal tool based on project-specific requirements and client preferences.

AVEVA E3D (Everything 3D)

AVEVA E3D is a cutting-edge 3D design software that is at the forefront of multidisciplinary, clash-free plant design. It empowers engineers to create complex piping layouts with exceptional precision and intelligence. Key features that make E3D a preferred choice include:

• Real-time Clash Detection: E3D excels in identifying and resolving clashes as they occur, minimizing costly on-site rework. This proactive approach ensures that piping systems integrate seamlessly with structural, electrical and other disciplines.
• Intelligent Nozzle Management: Accurate equipment connection and piping layout are critical and E3D’s intelligent nozzle management ensures precise placement and orientation, crucial for process integration and flow assurance.
• P&ID Integration: E3D’s seamless integration with Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) ensures consistency between the schematic representation and the 3D model, reducing errors and enhancing data integrity.
• Rule-based Piping Design: Through customizable piping specifications detailing materials, wall thicknesses, connection types and welding requirements, E3D supports rule-based design. This ensures full compliance with international standards such as ASME and ISO, promoting “first-time-right” construction.
• Laser Scan Integration: The ability to import and interact with data from any laser scanner allows for accurate as-built conditions to be incorporated into the design, supporting retrofit planning and digital twins. This is vital for brownfield project modifications, allowing for site surveys and seamless integration with legacy systems.

PDMS (Plant Design Management System)

As a robust and widely adopted platform, PDMS has been a cornerstone of plant design for decades. While E3D is often considered its successor and offers more modern functionalities, PDMS remains a powerful tool, particularly for certain types of projects and existing plant data.

• Hierarchical Structure: PDMS excels in managing complex plant data through a hierarchical structure, allowing for detailed equipment and piping modeling with an emphasis on organized data.
• Advanced Controls: It provides advanced move and rotate controls, facilitating precise placement and manipulation of components within the 3D environment.
• Comprehensive Attribute Management: PDMS allows for the assignment and management of extensive attributes to each component, which is crucial for material take-offs, procurement and asset management.
• Complementary to E3D: For iPAC Automation, PDMS often complements E3D for equipment and piping layout, especially when working with existing PDMS models or specific client requirements. It helps optimize workflows for both greenfield and brownfield projects.

SP3D (SmartPlant 3D)

SmartPlant 3D, developed by Hexagon (formerly Intergraph), is another powerful platform highly favored for large-scale plant design projects. It is known for its robust data handling capabilities and strong emphasis on collaboration.

• Data-centric Design: SP3D is a data-driven solution, ensuring that all design information is interconnected and consistent across disciplines. This helps in delivering mission-critical requirements with high accuracy.
• Intelligent Object Libraries: SP3D offers comprehensive intelligent object libraries, which streamline the design process by providing ready-to-use, smart components that adhere to industry standards.
• Collaboration Capabilities: Designed for large and complex projects, SP3D facilitates strong collaboration among various engineering disciplines, enabling real-time concurrent design.
• Integration with Other Tools: SP3D can integrate easily with other Hexagon products and often with third-party applications, making it a versatile choice for diverse project ecosystems. It is frequently preferred for large onshore projects like refineries and petrochemical plants due to its ability to handle complex structural and piping designs.

The iPAC Automation Approach: Bridging Design and Reality

At iPAC Automation, our expertise in these advanced 3D modeling tools allows us to transform conceptual designs into detailed, executable plans. We integrate advanced technologies and best practices to meet your specific project requirements and future expansion needs. Our meticulous approach minimizes risks, reduces operational costs and extends the lifespan of your electrical and piping assets.

We leverage these tools not just for creating visually appealing models, but for:

• Accurate Material Take-Off (MTO): From the intelligent 3D models, we perform comprehensive MTO activities, accurately quantifying all materials required, including pipes, fittings, valves and structural components. This meticulous approach ensures precise procurement planning, cost estimation and efficient project execution.
• Generation of Fabrication and Installation Drawings: The 3D models are the source for producing detailed piping isometric drawings with Bill of Materials, which are essential for fabrication and installation, ensuring accuracy and minimizing errors.
• Facilitating Constructability Reviews: The immersive nature of 3D models allows for virtual walkthroughs and constructability reviews, identifying potential construction challenges or access issues before they arise on site.
• Supporting As-Built Documentation: Post-construction, these models serve as the foundation for accurate “as-built” documentation, reflecting any deviations or modifications made during construction. This is invaluable for future maintenance, upgrades and audits, aligning with our laser scan to smart models service.

The effective utilization of E3D, PDMS and SP3D requires not just software proficiency but also deep domain expertise. Our team of competent and experienced engineers possesses this blend of technical skill and practical knowledge, gained from diverse project experiences across the globe. We understand the nuances of fluid characteristics, corrosion allowance, welding requirements and safety standards that are critical inputs for optimal piping design.

Essential Inputs for Optimal Piping Design

To truly leverage the power of 3D modeling software and ensure optimal piping design, certain essential inputs are required from clients and vendors. At iPAC Automation, we meticulously gather and integrate these inputs:

• Process-related documents: Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), Process Data Sheets, Line Lists, licensor information and capacity data are foundational for understanding the process requirements.
• Site and Project Data: Overall plot plan, project design basis, applicable design codes, equipment lists and site-specific data provide the environmental and regulatory context.
• Interdisciplinary Information: Civil drawings (plan and elevation for control rooms, substations, labs), pipe rack and technological structure foundation drawings, civil drawings for platforms and tank settlement data are crucial for integrated design. Mechanical datasheets for equipment (columns, vessels, tanks) and layouts of package items showing auxiliary equipment are also vital.
• Layout and Routing Constraints: Information on HVAC duct sizes and locations, tray width requirements on pipe racks and sleepers, instrumentation hook-up drawings, instrument drawings for control valves, safety valves and inline instruments and electrical cable tray layouts inform optimal routing and spatial coordination.

By meticulously addressing each stage from data collection to final documentation, iPAC Automation ensures that piping systems are not only functional and energy-efficient but also contribute positively to the safety, comfort and operational longevity of the built environment. Our commitment to utilizing cutting-edge software like E3D, PDMS and SP3D, combined with our comprehensive engineering approach, enables us to turn complex 3D models into robust, real-world solutions.

For more details on how our Electrical Detail Engineering and Piping Design and Engineering services, powered by these advanced 3D modeling capabilities, can benefit your project, please visit our website at ipacautomation.com or contact us directly. Let iPAC Automation help you transform your vision into a precisely engineered reality.

editor