Creating pipe spool drawings using CAD engineering software is crucial for efficient fabrication and detailed shop drawings. Integrating advanced data extraction tools, like those found in AViCAD, AutoCAD, and Mech-Q, can significantly improve efficiency, quality assurance, and cost-effectiveness.
This guide combines the importance of pipe spooling and efficient fabrication with a detailed workflow for exporting the Bill of Materials (BOM) using advanced CAD tools like our 2D/3D Piping module.
A pipe spool is a prefabricated piping section used in pipe fabrication. It is typically assembled off-site and transported to the construction site for installation. A pipe spool consists of interconnecting pipes, fittings, and valves that are typically pre-welded and pre-tested before delivery.
Pipe spools are designed based on the Bill of Materials (BOM), which includes a detailed list of all the materials, components, and specifications required for the fabrication drawing.
Breaking down complex drawings into smaller, manageable parts simplifies fabrication. Each segment can be fabricated separately and assembled onsite, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of errors.
Establishing the order in which parts are fabricated helps to avoid delays and ensures a smooth workflow. This way, potential bottlenecks can be identified and resolved, resulting in a more efficient fabricating process. Work can also be delegated to separate teams and departments to further streamline and maximize efficiency.
We recommend using direct distance input in 3D to create a single-line pipe route. The steps are demonstrated in the video above.
Tip: This direct distance input method lets you get a quick sketch of your piping spool drawing so we can snap over this when adding our reducers, flanges, and other pipe fittings.
Trace over sketch using Mech-Q, input tees, reducers, and flanges through its dialog interface.
Mech-Q has three different input modes: single line, double line, and 3D. Each uses the same pipe dialog and settings. The only difference in our piping spool drawing input is that we work in an isometric view.
Mech-Q enables us to specify the size and location of the reducers and flanges. This also includes selecting the fitting type and material of our components. The dialog interface simplifies the input process as we build our 3D model and draw our piping isometric.
By following these steps, you can effectively utilize the 3D dimensioning tool within Mech-Q to accurately annotate and measure your 3D models.
With certain fittings, Mech-Q will ask us the pipe’s up-flow direction and may also ask us to rotate fittings about our insert point.
Just as we did in our initial piping sketch, we ensure that the various fittings are inset with our Ortho mode active as we rotate them in.
Alternatively, if you do this by hand, you could implement a piping block library and insert fittings individually.
Once our pipe spool drawing is complete, we can use the 3D dimensioning tool within Mech-Q. T
Place Dimension Points: Use a simple 2-point selection to place dimensions on any 3D object without UCS manipulation.
The dimension tool allows for simple 2-point selection, making placing dimensions on any 3D object easy. It does not require any UCS manipulation; the routine handles this transparently.
To use the 3D dimensioning tool, place the two points of the dimension line and confirm whether the axis is the same as the two points entered (co-linear). If the points entered are offset, you can redefine the axis.
Adjust Dimensions: Use commands like “R” to redefine angles or “M” and “F” to mirror or flip the dimension text.
If you’re not satisfied with where the dimension location or orientation, type the letter “R” and choose the desired angle. If the dimension line appears mirrored or upside down, the letters “M” and “F” can mirror or flip the dimension text orientation on the fly.
If you want to insert dimensions in 3D without Mech-Q, you must familiarize yourself with UCS. First, define the new origin using 3 Point UCS and insert your dimension. You may need to rotate, move, or adjust the dimension afterward.
Lastly, we will bubble our pipe spool using Mech-Q BOM and insert a schedule. To do so, we activate the Mech-Q BOM tool within the Piping dialog. Note that this tool is specifically designed for piping.
Mech-Q will prompt use for the leader locations for the straight pipe and fittings to add bubbles. You can do so at the command line if you want Skip bubbling a fitting.
If you are not using Mech-Q, we suggest exploring the Express Tools in AutoCADโyou will find a MARKER utility there. This will create a bubble and auto-number it sequentially as you insert the next.
Once all the bubbling is complete, it is time to generate the BOM schedule. Place the schedule in the desired location within our piping spool drawing.
As you change your drawing, you can easily update the BOM and schedule with Mech-Q BOM. Just rerun the BOM, erase the schedule when prompted, and choose whether to keep the bubbles or re-label them.
A BOM is essential for ordering and fabricating parts for a piping spool. It offers a detailed list of all necessary materials, components, and assemblies, assisting in cost estimation, budgeting, fabrication planning, quality control, and assembly.
If not using Mech-Q, we suggest exploring DATAEXTRACTION command in AutoCAD. Keep in mind that piping block attributes are required in order for a table to be created. Here are the steps to take when using this tool.
Below is an example of a Bill of Materials (BOM) for a Piping Spool, which lists the necessary components along with their details.
Item No | Description | Material | Size | Quantity | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pipe | Carbon Steel | 6″ | 10 ft | ASTM A106 Grade B |
2 | Elbow 90ยฐ | Stainless Steel | 6″ | 4 | ASTM A403 WP304 |
3 | Flange | Carbon Steel | 6″ | 2 | ANSI B16.5, Class 150 |
4 | Gasket | PTFE | 6″ | 2 | Spiral Wound |
5 | Bolt and Nut Set | Carbon Steel | 3/4″ | 16 sets | ASTM A193 Grade B7 |
6 | Valve | Brass | 6″ | 1 | Gate Valve, ANSI 150 |
A BOM like the one above would ensure that all the necessary components are ordered, tracked, and utilized correctly in the piping spool fabrication.
Implementing the tools inside of AViCAD or AutoCAD and using Mech-Q software will create a powerful workflow for pipe spooling and BOM export.
If you choose not to use productivity tools like Mech-Q, we hope that some of the ideas above have simplified and clarified the input process of creating a Piping Spool.