Troubleshooting

In the current iteration of SpecXpert, only existing catalogue parts are tested. SpecXpert does NOT provide detailed information about what went wrong during placement, just that placement was not successful. To find the exact reason for why an error occurred, the complete spec would be needed for analysis.

If custom naming rules are installed on the plant, SpecXpert might face some problems during placement, if the naming rules either slow down the placement of components or the resulting name cannot created by the rule due to e.g. missing system names. Ideally the SpecXpert placement test is run after problems with the spec that could be detected with the Intergraph Verify Consistency Check were already fixed.

Here are some hints on how to interpret the SpecXpert test results:

To-do-list entries for automatically placed parts

Standard placement behaviour:

• End components (like end caps or blind flanges) are placed at the end of a branch

• All in-line parts are placed where the end preparations of the part are compatible with the pipe or mating flanges.

• Parts with non-compatible end preparations are placed at the end of a branch.

• For all placed parts, to-do-list entries are created by Smart 3D whenever something goes wrong during placement.

• SpecXpert does not create the to-do-list entries. It only summarizes them in the provided reports.

• The same to-do-list entries would be created if the part was placed manually under the same conditions.

• Under different conditions it might be possible to place the part without an error.

• Depending on the conditions the part may be OK.

Reasons for to-do-list entries

There are many reasons for to-do-list-entries being created within Smart 3D, and SpecXpert does not provide analysis for the possible causes. It only lists all parts that caused problems. An expert in writing pipe specs needs to check these parts under the placement conditions the part was intended for. In many cases the complete spec has to be considered and reviewed to identify and rectify the problem.

Some common reasons for to-do-list entries are:

• Non-compatible end preparations

• Missing or broken symbol DLL

• Missing generic data

• Missing mating flange (selection basis = 5)

It should be noted that analysis and rectification of problems with the pipe specs is not covered with SpecXpert and nor is this service covered under the maintenance agreement for the product. CAXperts can offer an analysis service for any problematic parts, but this would be charged for separately. If there is a desire to use this service, please contact CAXperts to request a pricing proposal.