Insert commands

In addition to the Insert disconnected piping segments writeup, here are some more examples of using Insert commands. In the following example, we will insert a valve by selecting a joint (the anchor support was also selected inadvertently, but that doesn't matter), then typing the letter i (or I) and v (or V) on the keyboard. In order to insert a component or support, you first need to predefine the component or support. In this example, we defined a 16"STD pipe property set and a 16" valve was predefined by importing it from the built-in Crane valve library which includes valve length and weight using Define menu>Components>Valves. Before inserting, be sure to specify the pipe property set, (valve) object property, Insert type and offset length. The red arrow is pointing to current units which can be changed at any time.

The "Along length" option means that the insertion length will be offset from the selected point following the local axis of the piping.  In this example we inserted a valve with the valve starting point 7.5 ft. offset from the selected joint/point.

In this example, we will insert 3 vertical stop pipe supports on an existing pipeline using the Replicate field as shown after selecting a point then typing i then z.

Next we will use Insert commands to insert a tee/branch connection. In order to insert a tee, we must first insert a joint. Select a joint then type i and t. In this example we insert/add a new point 9.5 ft. from the selected point.      

By default the newly added point is selected, so we type the letters i then a in order to insert 10 ft. of branch piping as shown with an anchor at the end. A tee is automatically created based on specified tee type under Options menu>Default Auto Generation settings. The default Welding tee can easily be changed to another tee type before inserting, or changed after inserting by right-clicking the tee, and and going to the Assignments tab, or by selecting one or more tees and using Design menu>Assign Design properties using Tee object type. 

This appears when you right click individual tees. The Assignments tab enables you to change Tee type. Depending on the tee type, you may also need to go to the Design tab to enter more details. 

Use Draw Joint icon to draw a joint as the starting point for the model. Press Esc key on your keyboard to switch to select mode and left the newly added joint to select it. Next, type i then q to Insert a run of pipe 12 ft. long using the Insert dialogue shown below. Specify the Pipe Property set, type 12 ft in the Offset X direction and click the Apply button. By default, the end joint of the newly inserted pipe is selected

Next, change Insert type back to Offset and type -7 ft. in the Offset Y direction and press OK or Apply. Notice how a long radius elbow was automatically added. The LR elbow default can be changed using the Options menu>Default Auto Generation Settings. This example also shows that you can work on or off the gridlines. From here you could continue to insert pipe supports, components, or additional piping. You can switch back and forth between Insert commands and Draw commands to efficiently create models.