17 - Creating 3D Nozzles in OpenPlant Modeler

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating 3D nozzles in OpenPlant Modeler, focusing on various methods including the Nozzle Manager and Freeform Nozzles. Understanding how to place nozzles effectively will enhance your modeling capabilities and ensure accurate representations in your projects.

Step 1: Rotate the View

• Use the "View Rotation" command to adjust your view.
• Hold the left mouse button and drag the crosshair around the screen to rotate the view.
• Position the view to focus on the equipment, such as a pump, where you want to place the nozzle.

Step 2: Access the Nozzle Manager

• Navigate to the "Equipment" ribbon menu.
• Click on the "Nozzle Manager" icon.
• Select the piece of equipment to place nozzles on:
  • Left-click directly on the equipment.
  • Alternatively, choose it from the dropdown menu if you know its name.

Step 3: Assign Nozzle Properties

• Assign a number for the nozzle.
• Choose the nozzle type:
  • Options include axial, radial, and others.
• Change to an axial nozzle for this example.
• Define the datum, which determines the axis and orientation of the nozzle.

Step 4: Set Dimensional Properties

• Toggle the datum display to visualize where the nozzle will be placed.
• Enter the angle for the nozzle (e.g., “A” dimension):
  • Setting it to 0 places the nozzle straight up.
• Input all dimensions in millimeters.

Step 5: Define Associations

• Specify the service or line number for the nozzle:
  • If no line numbers exist, this can be done later.
• Define the specification and size of the nozzle:
  • Use "Browse Tags" if nozzles are predefined in a PID drawing.

Step 6: Apply Changes

• After defining dimensional properties and associations, select "Apply All Changes."
• The system will browse the defined piping specifications (e.g., “MCS150”).
• Choose the nozzle type needed, such as the default 150, Raised Face.
• Adjust dimensions as necessary and click "Apply All Changes" again.

Step 7: Add Additional Nozzles

• To add another nozzle, select a different type, such as a Radial Extended nozzle for discharge.
• Change the datum to impeller-center and modify the dimensions accordingly.
• Use "Browse Tags" to reference the tag from the PID and confirm with "OK."
• Again, click "Apply All Changes" to finalize the placement.

Step 8: Use Freeform Nozzles

• For custom equipment lacking defined datums, use the "Freeform Nozzle" command.
• Select "Freeform Nozzle" from the ribbon menu.
• Choose the desired nozzle from the dialog box.
• Click on the surface where you want to place the nozzle.
• Specify the distance and direction using AccuDraw and AccuSnap.
• Lock the axis by pressing the "Enter" key, then click to insert the nozzle.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you've learned how to effectively create and place nozzles in OpenPlant Modeler using both the Nozzle Manager and Freeform Nozzles. These skills will enhance your modeling efficiency and accuracy. As you become more familiar with the software, explore the creation of datums for more precise nozzle placements. Happy modeling!