Inventor 2019 - Tube and Pipe Environment - Please Help!

[Anonymous]

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:

1. 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.
2. 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?
3. 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!

[blandb]

You can create a custom CC library and copy the elbow you are using into your custom one. Then edit the family table to add the size you need.

For the Lobsterback, same goes. You could model as an iPart some various sizes, Author the part and then publish that part into yor custom CC library. When you make your new Tube and Pipe Style, you should be able to choose the elbows your want for your style.

Hope that helps guide you in the right direction.

[Mark.Lancaster]

@Anonymous 

Welcome to the Autodesk User's Community..

First I will tag @cbenner and he can join the conversation..

T&P doesn't care about what size or bore size of the pipe route or run.   As long as the style specify that info there's no problem.   If the size is not there then you have to create a read/write library and copy over existing family and modify or add to it.  IF the family doesn't even exist, then you need to model the pipe or piping component as an iPart and then author it for routed system.

For the style aspect, there are mandatory settings like the pipe, the elbow and so on.   You can't complete and save it without those values there.  You can create anything elbow shape you want but like I said earlier you would need to make it an iPart and author it for routed system.   You could go with a standard one and then replace it later on with what you need.   There's option...

[cbenner]

@Anonymous 

I would echo what everyone else is saying so far.  Tube & Pipe can handle any size you throw at it, but you are well into the range of needing to model, author and publish your own custom libraries of pipe and fittings.  Maybe you could get lucky and find some models online that just need to be authored and published, I don't really know.

Take a look at the links in my signature line, there are two T&P classes in there.  One I did alone in 2014 and the other with @Mark.Lancaster in 2016.  Also, this fall at Autodesk University I will be speaking on Authoring and Publishing custom content.

We can help you work through this if you need it.