PCF Export
The Piping Component File (PCF) is a data file of the ISOGEN® system that has also been used for the purposes of data exchange and material management. The PCF file format is simple to generate, easy to understand, and provides Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for the transfer of pipeline content and configuration information between a 3D piping design system and ISOGEN®. The PCF file format is the intellectual property of Alias Limited and is not in the public domain. However, Alias is generally supportive of the wide use of the PCF format and will normally provide documentation under license.
PCF files are text files that contain component and routing information. For each component, the PCF file has mandatory records that define the basic information:
- Component type such as flange, pipe or valve.
- Coordinates and size of the end points.
- Shape (SKEY) that represents the component in the isometric.
In CADMATIC, the PCF link works in the Piping Isometrics & Spools and Plant Modeller applications and it is separately licensed: the license name is "PCF Export". The application generates PCF files during the automatic annotation process and also when an isometric or spool drawing is updated.
PCF export
Piping Isometrics & Spools and Plant Modeller can automatically export PCF files when a designer runs automatic annotation on an isometric drawing. In the automatic annotation settings, on the General tab, you can set automatic annotation to export PCF files and define the output directory.
For example, if the output directory is C:\temp, the name of the isometric drawing is "Pressure_Air-05", and the name of the spool is "001", then
- the spool drawing is exported to C:\temp\Pressure_Air-05.001.pcf
- the isometric drawing is exported to C:\temp\Pressure_Air-05.pcf
PCF format
PCF file export generates a correct PCF component identifier and SKEY value for most CADMATIC piping parts. PCF files get attribute information from the active pipeline. If a CADMATIC pipeline attribute does not have a named PCF attribute abbreviation, then they are handled as PCF user attributes (ATTRIBUTE0 – ATTRIBUTE99). The table below shows some examples of PCF attributes.
There is no automatic mapping for the PCF component type "SAFETY-DISC", but it can be manually mapped to a CADMATIC component by defining the required attributes in the Catalog Part.
The encoding of the PCF file is UTF-8.
Automatic component identification
CADMATIC piping parts can be automatically matched to the following PCF component types.
BEND | BEND-TEED | BOLT | CAP | COUPLING | CROSS | ELBOLET | ELBOW | ELBOW-TEED | FILTER | FILTER-ANGLE | FILTER-OFFSET | FILTER-RETURN | FLANGE | FLANGE-BLIND | GASKET | INSTRUMENT | INSTRUMENT-3WAY | INSTRUMENT-4WAY | INSTRUMENT-ANGLE | INSTRUMENT-DIAL | INSTRUMENT-OFFSET | INSTRUMENT-RETURN | LAPJOINT-RING | MISC-COMPONENT | MISC-COMPONENT-RETURN | MULTI-PORT-COMPONENT | OLET | PIPE | REDUCER-CONCENTRIC | REDUCER-ECCENTRIC | REINFORCEMENT-PAD | SAFETY-DISC | SUPPORT | TEE | TEE-SET-ON | TRAP | TRAP-OFFSET | TRAP-RETURN | UNION | VALVE | VALVE-3WAY | VALVE-4WAY | VALVE-ANGLE | WELD | Y-PIECE-FITTING
BEND
Supported SKEY values: "BE** MI** PB"
Manual SKEY definitions: Not supported
CADMATIC part: $B (bending method)
BEND-TEED
Supported SKEY values: "TB+D"
Manual SKEY definitions: Not supported
CADMATIC part: $B (bending method) with outlet or stub-in branch
BOLT
Supported SKEY values: None
Joint materials: bolts, nuts and washers
Part has corresponding joint material attribute (Bolt, Nut or Washer).
CAP
Supported SKEY values: "KA**"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4)
COUPLING
Supported SKEY values: "COSC COSW NRSC"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4), DM_GT_PENETR (14)*
*) No manual SKEY for parts that use marked geometry.
CROSS
Supported SKEY values: "CR**"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_CROSS (8)
ELBOLET
Supported SKEY values: "CEBW", "CESC", "CESW"
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4)
Catalog Part attribute "O-let type" is "Elb-o-let".
ELBOW
Supported SKEY values: "EL**"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_FLXCURVE (2), DM_GT_FIXCURVE (6), DM_GT_ASYMCURVE (11)
Model attributes like valve or instrument position will change the PCF component class and SKEY.
ELBOW-TEED
Supported SKEY values: "ET**"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_FLXCURVE (2)
Model attributes like valve or instrument position will change the PCF component class and SKEY.
FILTER
Supported SKEY values: "FI**"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4), DM_GT_VALVE (10)
Catalog Part attribute "Armature type" is "Filter/strainer" or Keyword contains the string "filter".
FILTER-ANGLE
Supported SKEY values: "FI**"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_FIXCURVE (6), DM_GT_ASYMCURVE (11)
Catalog Part attribute "Armature type" is "Filter/strainer" or Keyword contains the string "filter".
FILTER-OFFSET
Supported SKEY values: "FI**"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_3PDIRFIX (5)
Catalog Part attribute "Armature type" is "Filter/strainer" or Keyword contains the string "filter".
FILTER-RETURN
Supported SKEY values: "FR**"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_RETURN (12)
Catalog Part attribute "Armature type" is "Filter/strainer".
FLANGE
Supported SKEY values: "FLSC FLSO FLWN"
Manual SKEY definitions supported for SKEYs "FLFL FLLB FLSC FLSJ FLSO FLSW FLWN FOSO FOWN FBSE".
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4), DM_GT_FLEXCOMP (15)
Catalog Part attribute "Piping part" is "Flange", in other cases the part is not classified as flange in automatic mode. (DM_GT_2P)
*) Loose Flange are CADMATIC piping parts where "Piping part" is "Flange", "Flange type" is "Lap joint (lapped)", and CADMATIC geometry type is DM_GT_FLEXCOMP.
FLANGE-BLIND
Supported SKEY values: "FLBL"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4)
Catalog Part attribute "Piping part" is "Flange", in other cases the part is not classified as flange in automatic mode.
GASKET
Manual SKEY definitions: Not supported
INSTRUMENT
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4), DM_GT_VALVE (10)
If the part has an Instrument Position Id ("ipo"), then SKEY is "CV".
Else If "Valve actuation" is "Actuator" then SKEY is "CV".
Else If Catalog Part's Keyword or Description contains the string "control" AND "Valve actuation" is "Manual", then SKEY is "HV".
Else If "Armature type" is "Measurement", then SKEY is "II".
Else If Catalog Part's Description contains the string "Orifice Plate", then SKEY is "OP".
Else If Catalog Part's Description contains the string "Restrictor Plate", then SKEY is "PR".
Else If Catalog Part's Description contains the string "Rupture Disk", then SKEY is "DR".
INSTRUMENT-3WAY
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_TEE (7)
Catalog Part's Keyword or Description contains the string "3-way", "3 way" or "three way".
If the part has an Instrument Position Id ("ipo").
If "Valve actuation" is "Actuator", then SKEY is "H3**".
Else SKEY is "C3**".
INSTRUMENT-4WAY
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_CROSS (8)
Catalog Part's Keyword or Description contains the string "4-way", "4 way" or "four way".
If the part has an Instrument Position Id ("ipo") and if "Valve actuation" is "Actuator", then SKEY is "H4**".
Else SKEY is "C4**".
INSTRUMENT-ANGLE
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_FIXCURVE (6), DM_GT_ASYMCURVE (11)
If the part has an Instrument Position ("ipo") and "Valve actuation" is "Manual", then SKEY is "HA**".
If "Valve actuation" is "Actuator", then SKEY is "MA**"
INSTRUMENT-DIAL
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4)
If the part has an Instrument Position ID ("ipo").
If "Armature type" is "Instrument" and measurement Instrument is "Pressure".
One connection node is of type "AUXILIARY".
SKEY is "ID**".
INSTRUMENT-OFFSET
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_3PDIRFIX (5)
If the part has an Instrument Position Id ("ipo"), SKEY is "IO**"
INSTRUMENT-RETURN
Supported SKEY values: "IR**"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_RETURN (12)
Catalog Part attribute "Armature type" is "Measurement".
LAPJOINT-RING
Supported SKEY values: "FLSE"
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4)
Catalog Part attribute "Fitting type" is "Stub end/collar/ferrule".
MISC-COMPONENT
Supported SKEY values: "FX**"
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4)
MISC-COMPONENT-RETURN
Supported SKEY values: "IR**"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_RETURN (12)
MULTI-PORT-COMPONENT
Supported SKEY values: "XF**"
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_FLEXCOMP (15)
Part is using geometry and it is not Flange.
OLET
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4)
If Catalog Part attribute "O-let type" is "Weld-o-let", then SKEY value is "WTBW".
If Catalog Part attribute "O-let type" is "Sock-o-let", then SKEY value is "SKSW".
If Catalog Part attribute "O-let type" is "Nip-o-let", then SKEY value is "NI**".
If Catalog Part attribute "O-let type" is "Latr-o-let", then SKEY value is "LA**".
If Catalog Part attribute "O-let type" is "Thread-o-let", then SKEY value is "THSC".
PIPE
Manual SKEY definitions: Not supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_PIPE (1)
REDUCER-CONCENTRIC
Supported SKEY values: "RC**"
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4)
Part has two Nominal Sizes.
REDUCER-ECCENTRIC
Supported SKEY values: "RE**"
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_3PDIRFIX (5)
Part has two Nominal Sizes.
REINFORCEMENT-PAD
Supported SKEY values: "TERF"
Catalog Part attribute "Reinforcement type" is "Reinforcement for stub in".
SAFETY-DISC
Supported SKEY values: "RD"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4)
Catalog Part attribute "Armature type" is "Burst disc”.
SUPPORT
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_TEE (7), DM_GT_PENETR (14)
The part has a Support Position Id or Catalog Part's Keyword contains the string "support", "guide" or "clamp". Or Catalog Part's Description matches to "*[R][U][1234567890][1234567890]*".
If Catalog Part's Keyword or Description contains the string "fixed", then SKEY is "OP".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Support type" is "Anchored/fixed" or Description or Keyword contains the string "fixed", then SKEY is "ANCH".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Support type" is "Slide" or Description or Keyword contains the string "slide", then SKEY is "GUID".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Support type" is "Axial restraint", then SKEY is "GUID".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Support type" is "Free" or Description or Keyword contains the string "free", then SKEY is "SKID".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Support type" is "Hanger" or Description or Keyword contains the string "hanger", then SKEY is "HANG".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Support type" is "Spring" or Description or Keyword contains the string "spring", then SKEY is "SPRG".
Else SKEY is "01HG".
Only primary directions are supported: NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST UP or DOWN
Lugs of guided supports are not supported.
TEE
Supported SKEY values: "TEBW TESW TESC"
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_TEE (7)
Part is not a support or a 3-way valve/instrument. See definitions of SUPPORT, VALVE-3WAY and INSTRUMENT-3WAY.
TEE-SET-ON
Manual SKEY definitions: Not supported
CADMATIC method: $T
TRAP
Supported SKEY values: "TI**"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4), DM_GT_VALVE (10)
Catalog Part attribute "Armature type" is "Steam trap" or Keyword or Description contains the string "steam trap".
TRAP-OFFSET
Supported SKEY values: "TI**"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_3PDIRFIX (5)
Catalog Part attribute "Armature type" is "Steam trap" or Keyword or Description contains the string "steam trap".
TRAP-RETURN
Supported SKEY values: "TR**"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_RETURN (12)
Catalog Part attribute "Armature type" is "Steam Trap".
UNION
Supported SKEY values: " RE**"
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4)
Part has two Nominal Sizes.
VALVE
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_2P (4), non-return valves
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_VALVE (10)
If geometry type is DM_GT_VALVE and part is not classified as FILTER, TRAP or INSTRUMENT, then part is VALVE.
If Catalog Part attribute "Valve functional type" is "(Pressure) reducing", then SKEY is "VZ**".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Valve functional type" is "Check/non-return", then SKEY is "NV**".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Valve closing type" is "Globe (seat/piston)" or Keyword or Description contains the string "globe" then SKEY is "VG**".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Valve closing type" is " Ball" or Keyword or Description contains the string "ball" then SKEY is "VB**".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Valve closing type" is "Butterfly" or Keyword or Description contains the string "butterfly" AND Catalog Part attribute "Valve actuation" is "Actuator" then SKEY is "ZB**".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Valve closing type" is "Butterfly" or Keyword or Description contains the string "butterfly", then SKEY is "VY**".
Else If Catalog Part's Keyword or Description contains the string "slide", then SKEY is "VS**".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Valve closing type" is " Gate (slide/knife)" or Keyword or Description contains the string "gate", then SKEY is "VT**".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Valve closing type" is "Diaphragm" or Keyword or Description contains the string "diaphragm", then SKEY is "VD**".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Valve closing type" is "Needle" or Keyword or Description contains the string "needle", then SKEY is "VN**".
Else If Catalog Part attribute "Valve closing type" is "Plug" or Keyword or Description contains the string "plug", then SKEY is "VP**".
Catalog Part's Keyword or Description contains the string "pressure relief valve", then SKEY is "VZ**".
VALVE-3WAY
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_TEE (7)
Catalog Part's Keyword or Description contains the string "3-way", "3 way" or "three way".
If Catalog Part attribute "Valve functional type" is "Check/non-return", then SKEY is "K3**".
Else SKEY is "V3**".
Note: If the part has an Instrument Position Id ("ipo"), then it is an instrument, not a valve.
VALVE-4WAY
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_CROSS (8)
Catalog Part's Keyword or Description contains the string "4-way", "4 way" or "four way".
SKEY is "V4**".
Note: If the part has an Instrument Position Id ("ipo"), then it is an instrument, not a valve.
VALVE-ANGLE
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_FIXCURVE (6), DM_GT_ASYMCURVE (11)
If part has an Valve Position Id or Catalog Part attribute "Valve functional type" is "Relief/safety/pressure-keeping", then SKEY is "AR**".
Note: If the part has an Instrument Position Id ("ipo"), then it is an instrument, not a valve.
WELD
Supported SKEY values: "FW", "WW"
Weld ID numbers generated by CADMATIC are used in PCF.
Field weld and Shop welds are supported.
Y-PIECE-FITTING
Supported SKEY values: "TY**", "TSML", "YMED", "YLRG"
Manual SKEY definitions: Supported
CADMATIC geometry types: DM_GT_YPIECE (13)
Manual component identification
Although most CADMATIC piping parts can be automatically matched to a PCF component type, not all component types are supported, and in some cases you might want to use manual mapping instead of automation also with some of the supported component types. The requirements are:
-
CADMATIC geometry type must match the PCF item type geometry. The supported geometry types are listed in Automatic component identification.
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Catalog Part must have the attributes "PCF Identification" and "PCF SKEY" with appropriate values.
WELDS
CADMATIC supports two types of welds in PCF export.
-
Workshop Weld. Normal welded connections. SKEY: "WW"
-
Site Weld / Field weld. CADMATIC piping designer has defined field weld in the pipe. SKEY: "WS"
Weld numbers are generated by the Piping Isometrics & Spools application. In other cases, ISOGEN will generate IDs.
Weld item attribute WELD-ATTRIBUTE3 "Shop Weld" or "Field Weld", according to SKEY.