Inventor 2019 - Tube and Pipe Environment - Please Help!
Hi,
I have encountered a few problems when attempting to create a 'Run' within the 'Tube and Pipe' environment. I am attempting to reproduce a standard 3D solid part (see attached image) of a large diameter (DN 2000) gas main within the 'Tube and Pipe' environment. I have managed to create a 3D 'route' but I am unable to correctly populate it as a solid pipe.
My problems are as follows:
- Pipe size: I am unable to select my desired pipe size (diameters). The standard library does not contain a non-standard 2020 OD - 2000 ID pipe to use when populating my route. I have attempted to create a new entry within 'Tube and Pipe Styles' but I cannot do this without selecting a 90 degrees elbow as I have no available selections. Is there a way to create a new entry without selecting a 90 degrees elbow? I don't believe I need to use a standard elbow as I would like use fabricated 90 degrees lobster back bends instead.
- Pipe bends: Is it possible to use fabricated lobsterback bends within the 'Tube and Pipe' environment (instead of smooth elbows)? If necessary, I can 'draw' the route/centreline of the lobster back bend within my route? Is this possible?
- Reducers: Can non-standard reducers be used? If so, how do I add in a DN2000 - DN1400 reducer within my pipe run?
To me it appears that the 'Tube and Pipe' environment is best suited for small bore pipework and tube and may not be suitable (at all) for modelling large diameter fabricated gas mains/headers such as shown in the image I have attached within this post.
In the past, I have always modelled large diameter gas main/header fabrications as standard 3D solid parts but I would like to use the 'Tube and Pipe' environment so that I can export the models into the FE analysis software packages to save re-modelling.
I would really appreciate any help or advice. Thanks!