Autogenerate a multiduct network

This functions create a connected multiduct based network. The network extend to either a set of customer nodes or to drop-off points. The end-result for the functions is basically the same; a feeding multiduct is cut open. The microducts inside the multiduct are connected to single ducts that connect either the customer nodes or the drop-off points. However, the functions have a different approach for how to get there.

Create multiduct

The create multiduct function will automatically assume a connected route topology. Therefore, the function will create the multiduct as well as the single ducts all at once. The microducts in the multiducts will be cut and connected ordered by the order number attribute. By default, the lowest number will be assigned to the customer node nearest to the feeding node.

•Advantages: The whole design is created at once.

•Disadvantages: The user does not have control over the actual layout of the multiduct object. It is placed in the shortest route path from start to end. Also, once the function has been used, manual adjustments of the network can be complex.

Create multiduct from existing multiduct

Create multiduct from existing multiduct works in a similar way as the Create multiduct command. Instead of creating the multiduct, it operates on a previously created multiduct. The multiduct and single ducts are cut and connected the same way as when using the Create multiduct function.

•Advantages: The user can create the multiduct object in an early phase of the design, postponing the creation of single ducts and the cutting of the multiduct. The function is also able to create a dual direction multiduct network by running the tool a second time, but with the starting node set at what was the end-node in the first run.

•Disadvantages: If the early design is used to create a Bill of material, the single ducts will not exist and will therefore not be a part of the Bill of material.

Connect ducts to multiducts

Connect ducts to multiducts is a more hands-on based tool. Before the tool is used, the multiduct as well as all of the single ducts should be placed manually (or, be created in a data import). In addition, the single ducts must have the order number attribute set to match the microduct of the multiduct that it will connect to.

•Advantages: The user can create the multiduct object and the single ducts in an early phase of the design, postponing the cutting of the multiduct. The user is also in full control of the allocation of the ducts in the multiduct to the customer nodes. Editing of the network before the tool is used is easier as the multiduct has not been cut. For a Bill of material, the multiduct and the single ducts will exist (but the duct connections will not). The end-points of the single ducts can be flexible, including any mix of nodes.

•Disadvantages: There is more manual work.

 

The following will happen:

•A single duct is placed from each customer node/drop-off point to the nearest meeting point with the multiduct.

•In each such meeting point, a free microduct of the multiduct is then cut and connected to the single duct.

•The mutiduct and the single ducts are all placed directly in the routes.

 

 

1.In the menu bar, select Autogeneration > Multiduct networks > [desired multiduct network].

2.Select a feeding node to start from on the map.

3.Select an end node.

4.For submenus Create multiduct network from existing multiduct or Create multiduct network from existing multiduct to drop-off points, select a multiduct.

5.Place a polygon around the customer nodes or drop-off points that should be connected to the multiduct. The dialog Multiduct data opens.

6.Fill in desired options, Color and Type are mandatory.

7.Press OK.

8.For the single duct, fill in desired options, Dimension is mandatory.

9.Press OK. The multiduct network is created.

 

Create an autogenerated multiduct network in a planning area

This tool is basically running the Create multiduct tool several times in a go. It uses Planning area objects as the scope of each multiduct. The customer nodes for each multiduct are the ones within the planning area polygon.

1.In the menu bar, select Autogeneration > Multiduct networks > Create multiduct network in planning area. A sidepanel opens.

2.Press Select area.

3.Place a polygon around one or more planning area objects. In the sidepanel in section Status, all the nodes in the selected areas are listed.

4.In the sidepanel, press Pipe. The dialog Pipe data opens.

5.Fill in desired options, Dimension is mandatory.

6.Press OK.

7.In the sidepanel, press Multiduct. The dialog Multiduct opens.

8.Press . A row is created in the list.

9.Fill in the columns in the row with desired options. Double-click in the columns for Multiduct type and Product specification to select options from the dropdown list.

10.Press OK.

11.In the sidepanel, press Create multiduct network in planning area.  A multiduct network is created for each planning area.

 

Connect ducts to multiduct

Select one or more ducts to connect to microducts in a multiduct.

1.In the menu bar, select Autogeneration > Multiduct networks > Connect ducts to multiduct.

2.Select a duct in the map.

3.Select a multiduct.

4.Select a feeding node. Connections are made based on the order number attribute in the single ducts and microducts.