Piping Specification Database

Piping Specification Database archives all piping library and catalog files that can be used to create spec-driven piping systems and stores all project-specific files. The Piping Specification Database contains the following three file groups:

• Master Catalog (MCAT) Files—CSV files that store all of the basic design information required for pipe modeling. Spec-Driven Piping includes MCAT files. You can create MCAT files or modify existing ones when you want to update and expand the piping data.

• Fitting Library Files—Fitting part files (Creo Parametric and generic) with their associated family tables and fitting assembly files. Fitting Library files provide the physical representation for fittings in a piping model. Spec-Driven Piping includes Fitting Library files. You can create Fitting Library Files or modify existing ones when you want to update and expand the fitting library.

• Project Data Files—CSV files that store all project-specific design information selected from the Master Catalog files. You create new Project Data files for each new piping project when you set up Spec-Driven Piping for that project. After you select piping data for each specification in the Define Piping Specification dialog box, Spec-Driven Piping saves this data to a Project Data file. You can modify the Project Data file by selecting new piping data.

Both the Master Catalog files and the Fitting Library files are archived collections that contain all available items or components that can be used in piping system creation. Unlike Project Data Files, these files do not change as you design new piping projects.

If you want to continue using the legacy PTD files, instead of CSV files, set the piping_old_mcat_format configuration option to yes.

The Piping Specification Database functions as the Spec-Driven Piping piping data libraries. You begin a project by first creating any necessary Master Catalog and Fitting Library files. After these files are updated, you create Project Data files for each new piping project by assigning piping data from the Master Catalog files for each project specification. Spec-Driven Piping retrieves all piping data from the Project Data files during piping system design.

For example, you begin piping design with pipeline creation. You select a specification and Spec-Driven Piping retrieves the data that you assigned to the specification from the Project Data files. You select from this data and create the pipeline. After the pipeline is created, Spec-Driven Piping copies the piping data to linestock features. As you begin routing pipelines or creating pipe solids, Spec-Driven Piping uses the linestock data. All insulation data is retrieved from the Project Data Files and copied to insulation features for use in insulation modeling. During fitting insertion, Spec-Driven Piping retrieves fitting data from the Project Data files.