Catalogues and Specifications User Guide

Catalogues and Specifications
User Guide
AVEVA Solutions Ltd
Disclaimer
Information of a technical nature, and particulars of the product and its use, is given by AVEVA
Solutions Ltd and its subsidiaries without warranty. AVEVA Solutions Ltd and its subsidiaries disclaim
any and all warranties and conditions, expressed or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Neither the author nor AVEVA Solutions Ltd, or any of its subsidiaries, shall be liable to any person or
entity for any actions, claims, loss or damage arising from the use or possession of any information,
particulars, or errors in this publication, or any incorrect use of the product, whatsoever.
Copyright
Copyright and all other intellectual property rights in this manual and the associated software, and every
part of it (including source code, object code, any data contained in it, the manual and any other
documentation supplied with it) belongs to AVEVA Solutions Ltd or its subsidiaries.
All other rights are reserved to AVEVA Solutions Ltd and its subsidiaries. The information contained in
this document is commercially sensitive, and shall not be copied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted without the prior written permission of AVEVA Solutions Ltd. Where such
permission is granted, it expressly requires that this Disclaimer and Copyright notice is prominently
displayed at the beginning of every copy that is made.
The manual and associated documentation may not be adapted, reproduced, or copied, in any material
or electronic form, without the prior written permission of AVEVA Solutions Ltd. The user may also not
reverse engineer, decompile, copy, or adapt the associated software. Neither the whole, nor part of the
product described in this publication may be incorporated into any third-party software, product,
machine, or system without the prior written permission of AVEVA Solutions Ltd, save as permitted by
law. Any such unauthorised action is strictly prohibited, and may give rise to civil liabilities and criminal
prosecution.
The AVEVA products described in this guide are to be installed and operated strictly in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the respective license agreements, and in accordance with the relevant
User Documentation. Unauthorised or unlicensed use of the product is strictly prohibited.
First published September 2007
AVEVA Solutions Ltd, and its subsidiaries
AVEVA Solutions Ltd, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0HB, United Kingdom
Trademarks
AVEVA and Tribon are registered trademarks of AVEVA Solutions Ltd or its subsidiaries. Unauthorised
use of the AVEVA or Tribon trademarks is strictly forbidden.
AVEVA product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of AVEVA Solutions Ltd or its
subsidiaries, registered in the UK, Europe and other countries (worldwide).
The copyright, trade mark rights, or other intellectual property rights in any other product, its name or
logo belongs to its respective owner.
Catalogues and Specifications User Guide
Contents
Page
User Guide
Read this First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
Scope of this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
Intended Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
Assumptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
How the Guide is Organised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
PARAGON GUI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:1

Application Modes within PARAGON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:3
Multi Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:4
General Application Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:1

Display
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:1
View Plotfile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advanced Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specification List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Command Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Toggle Catalogue Explorer Visibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Query
3:1
3:2
3:4
3:5
3:5
3:6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:6
Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:7
Query Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:8
User Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:9
Query Data Access Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:10
12.0
DB Changes/Listing/Differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:11
Settings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:16
System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Naming Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set Comparison Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawing Representation Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Generic Type Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reset Window Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Explorer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Utilities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:24
Checker
.............................................................
Autonaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lists/Collections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multiwrite Claimlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extract Data Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DB Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running a Report from a Saved Template. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Report Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Creating, Modifying and Deleting Report Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modify Report Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quick Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surface Treatment Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surface Treatment Standard Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surface Treatment Selection Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Import Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Catalogue Copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create
3:16
3:16
3:19
3:19
3:20
3:21
3:22
3:23
3:24
3:24
3:24
3:26
3:26
3:28
3:30
3:31
3:31
3:32
3:37
3:37
3:37
3:38
3:40
3:41
3:42
3:42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:48
Copy Element. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:49
Modify
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:49
Modify Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modify Attributes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Global Attribute Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lock
.............................................................
Include
.............................................................
Reorder
.............................................................
Delete
3:49
3:50
3:50
3:51
3:52
3:53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:54
ii
12.0
Delete Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:54
Search
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:55
Working With PARAGON Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1

Create
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1
Create Catalogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1

Create Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:2
Create Table World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:2
Create Nominal Bore Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:2
Create Branch Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:5
Create Reducer Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:8
Create Specification World. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:9
Create Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:9
Create Part World. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:23
Create Part Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:23
Create Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:30
Create DTSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:39
Catalogue Property Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:40
Text Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:41
Detail and Material Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:41
Draft Symbol Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:43
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:45
Utilities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:46
Convert Spec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:46
Additional Pipework Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1

Utilities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1
Edit Ckeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1

PCONN/SKEY Compatibility Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:3
Modify PConns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:4
Create
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:5
Wall Thickness Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:5

Pipe Data Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:9
Bolt Table Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:19
Create Coco Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:28
Create Nominal Bore World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:34
Additional Steelwork Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:1

Create
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:1
Create Category for Profiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:1
iii
12.0
Create Category for Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Create Category for Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create Category for Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Understanding Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Component Visibility, Drawing Level and Obstruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Profile Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6:10
6:14
6:19
6:20
6:21
6:23
Spec Generator Specific Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:1

Display
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:1
Specification Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:1
Create
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:2
Nozzle Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:2

Create Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:3
Additional Room Design Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:1

Create
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:1
Create Category for Room Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:1
Additional Electrical Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:1

Create
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:1
Cable Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:1

Cable Cores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:2
Cable Node Representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:6
Additional Equipment Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:1

Create
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:1
Table Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:1

Equipment Electrical Component Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:6
General Purpose Specification Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:1

Surface Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:1
Surface Treatment Table Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:1
Bolting Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:7
iv
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Read this First
Read this First
1.1
Scope of this Guide

This User Guide describes the PARAGON graphical user interface (GUI). The PARAGON
GUI provides a set of intuitive forms and menus allowing complete administration of the
Catalogue and Properties databases in PDMS.
A familiarity of common navigation practices within PDMS is recommended but not
essential.
1.1.1
Intended Audience
The type of user likely to access PARAGON is a system administrator. As a result this
manual is intended primarily for more experienced PDMS users. This user guide makes
reference to other administrative documentation.
1.1.2
Assumptions
This user guide assumes the reader has prior knowledge of the following:
1.2
How to launch PDMS Modules and logging in
Basic Microsoft Windows navigation
Concepts of Databases within PDMS
Conventions
Where relevant, reference is made to elements which may be created or modified as a
result of using a particular form. This guide will specify the element effected but will not
explain in full the placement of that element within the database hierarchy. For a fuller
explanation of the structure of database elements use this guide in tandem with the
Catalogues and Specifications Reference Manual.
1.3
How the Guide is Organised

The guide is divided into chapters, as follows:
PARAGON GUI
introduces the basic layout of the PARAGON GUI.
General Application
Tools
describes the standard set of tools which provide the basis of

the PARAGON user interface.
Working With PARAGON introduces the common tools available when working with
Applications
applications.
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Read this First
Additional Pipework
Tools
covers the added tools available when working specifically

within the Pipework application.
Additional Steelwork
Tools

within the Steelwork application.
Spec Generator Specific

Tools

within the Spec Generator application.
Additional Equipment
Tools

within the Pipework application
The sections of the user guide closely follow the order in which the forms appear in the
PARAGON GUI. In most cases this order mimics the order that elements are created in the
underlying Catalogue database.
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PARAGON GUI
PARAGON GUI
Select PARAGON from the Login Screen and input the appropriate credentials in the
Username and Password fields. Select an appropriate MDB from those available within the
project.
For further details of launching modules refer to Getting Started with PDMS.
Once PARAGON has launched the following layout will be displayed:
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PARAGON GUI
The PARAGON interface makes use of the Microsoft .NET windows and forms technology.
For a full and detailed explanation of facilities available when using .NET windows and
forms such as docking refer to Getting Started with PDMS.
PARAGON provides a series of pull-down options each containing a set of tools and utilities
allowing complete control over the Catalogue and Properties databases.
Below the pull-down menus there is a toolbar containing a set of common menu short cuts.
The toolbar can be customised, details of which can be found in Getting Started with PDMS.
By default the Toolbar contains the following short cuts:

Get Work
Refresh the view of all READ or Multiwrite

databases to pick up any changes that others
may have made since you first opened them.
Save Work
Allows you to save any changes made to the

PARAGON databases during the current
session.
Create/Modify Allows the creation of lists (such as claim lists

List
etc). Refer to Lists/Collections.
Active List
Shortcut to allow selection of above lists.
Delete CE
Delete the currently selected element within

the Catalogue Explorer.
CE
Status showing the currently selected

element. Click the down arrow to view a
history of elements which have been
previously selected
Back
Allows you to move to the previously selected

element. Click the small down arrow to view a
history of elements which have been
previously selected.
Forward
Used in conjunction with the Back button this

allows you to move forward through elements
selected in a PARAGON session. Click the
small down arrow to view a history of
elements which have been previously
selected
The main work area of PARAGON includes a Catalogue Explorer which is central to
navigation of the Catalogue and Properties databases.
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PARAGON GUI
For a full explanation of the Catalogue Explorer and common PDMS user interface refer to
Getting Started with PDMS.
To the right of the Catalogue Explorer the work area is unpopulated, however this work
space provides the user with the ability to dock and view various status windows
simultaneously (opened through activities discussed later in this user guide).
2.1
Application Modes within PARAGON

To facilitate working within the PARAGON GUI certain pull-down options will become
available to the user depending on what Application is active.
Applications are selected via the PARAGON pull-down from the main task bar.
The available application selections are:
General
Pipework
Steelwork
Spec Generator
Equipment
The General selection contains common toolsets which are available throughout
PARAGON. Selecting any other option will expand on the available toolsets providing
access to features specific to that application.
When working within an application such as Pipework or Steelwork, the PARAGON GUI
uses multi purpose forms. For example it is possible create either a Pipework or Steelwork
Specification from the same form by selecting the desired Purpose.
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PARAGON GUI
In the above figure the Create Specification World form has the Purpose set to PIPE
which would create an SPWL element in the Catalogue database with its Purpose attribute
set to PIPE. However it is possible to change the Purpose to another value, these are as
follows:
STL
PIPE
BRAN
REDU
HVAC
EQUI
Depending on the application currently selected in PARAGON (as previously discussed) a

default selection will be made, for example PIPE will be selected by default when in the
PARAGON Pipework application.
Many common forms allow elements to be added to a Defined Storage Area, select the
tickbox to do so. For details of storage areas refer to Storage Areas.
In most cases it is possible to discard an action by clicking Cancel.
2.1.1
Multi Function
In addition to the multi purpose forms, many forms provide similar functionality through the
Create and Modify pull-down options.
In most cases the same underlying layout is provided through forms which Create elements
and forms which Modify elements. This greatly simplifies the GUI.
To make it easier to read this user guide and to avoid repetition, only the Create versions of
a form is documented in full if there is an equivalent Modify form. This is because the layout
is the same and only the data populating them is likely to be different.
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General Application Tools

The general application within PARAGON provides a standard set of tools.
Additional options specific to application are discussed later in this manual, the following
though are commonly available throughout.
To switch to General application select PARAGON > General from the main window pulldown.
3.1
Display
The following section details the functionality available below the Display option in the main
window pull-down.
3.1.1
View Plotfile
PARAGON contains a Plot File viewer which can be used to visualise certain specification
requirements.
To open the View Plot file form select Display > Plot View from the main window pull-down.
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Open a plot file (.plt) by specifying the full path and filename in the filename field or click the
Browse button to open a standard window file browser dialog.
Use the scroll wheel of the mouse to zoom in or out.
The following selections can be made under the Control pull-down:
3.1.2
Reset
Reset the viewer layout (after zoom)
Background Colour
Provides a palette allowing the background of the viewer to be

changed.
Close
Close the Plotfile viewer window.
Members
The Members form is a useful navigation aid. The form will display the currently selected
element in the Catalogue Explorer along with any elements which are a member of that
selection.
To open the Members form select Display > Members from the main window pull-down.
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Clicking on an element in the members form will have the result of navigating in the
Catalogue Explorer to that selection, in turn making it the currently selected element.
To navigate directly to a named element, type the name in the text box immediately below
the form's menu bar and press Enter. You can enter a full name; for example:
zone 2 of site /TESTSITE

The arrow controls let you move across the database hierarchy at the level of the current
element.
For example, if you have the following hierarchy:
ZONE1
EQUIP1 EQUIP2 . . .
CYLI1 DISH1 DISH2 . . .
and EQUIP1 is the current element, selecting the right arrow will move to EQUIP2.
The Goto pull-down provides the following added functionality:
Owner
Navigate to the owner of the CE
First
Go to the first sub elements of the owning element
Last
Go to the last sub element of the owning element
First member
Go to the first sub element of the CE
Last member
Go to the last sub element of the CE
Old CE
Navigate to the element that was selected before the members

form was used
Reference
Open a references window allowing you to view references to

other elements that the CE makes
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The Control pull-down menu of the Members form has the following options:
Advanced
Open the Advanced Members form which lets you store a list of
elements which you access frequently
Resize
Resize the Members list
Show Extract Claims Display extract claims relating to specific elements, using the
Extract Claim List form
Close
3.1.3
Will close the Members form
Advanced Members
The Advanced Members form is the same in layout and functionality as the standard
Members form with the addition of a Memory scrollable list at the bottom of the form. This
allows you to store a list of frequently accessed elements and provides a means of fast
navigation of regularly accessed items.
To open the Advanced Members form select Display > Advanced Members from the main
window pull-down.
To store the name of a given element, select the element in the Members list, then click the
Add button. The element will appear in the Memory list at the bottom of the form. To access
the element later in the PARAGON session quick, simply open the Advanced Members form
and click on the entry.
To remove an element from the Memory list, select the element in the Memory list and click
the Remove button. To remove all elements from the Memory list, click the Clear button.
Note: The Memory list will be emptied when you leave PARAGON.
To return to the standard Members list, select Control > Standard.
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3.1.4
Specification List
The Specification List form allows you to review the currently configured Specifications
within the catalogue database, categorised in such a way as to simplify navigation.
To open the Specifications List form select Display > Specifications from the main window
pull-down.
The Specification forms behaviour is much like the Members form, in this case though the
members are filtered to only display Specifications.
The Spec World Types pull-down lets you filter the form to specification relevant to a
specific design application (Piping, Structural Steel, etc.). The options are as follows:
All
Piping
Heating & Ventilation
Cable Trays
Hanger & Support
Equipment
Structural Steel
All applicable Spec World elements will be shown in the Spec Worlds list.
Note: This facility reads the Purpose attributes of the Specification Worlds to find the
required elements, so it will only work correctly if these have been set. If you cannot
find the specification you want, try using the All setting.
Select a Spec World to list all of the specifications which are members of that world.
Select a specification in the list to make it the current selection in the Catalogue Explorer.
Click Dismiss to close the Specification List form.
3.1.5
Command Window
PARAGON provides a command line interface as well as a GUI.
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To open the Command Window select Display > Command Line from the main window
pull-down.
For details of command line syntax refer to the Catalogues and Specifications Reference
Manual.
3.1.6
Toggle Catalogue Explorer Visibility

The Catalogue Explorer visibility can be toggled by selecting Display > Catalogue
Explorer from the main window pull-down. Select again to toggle visibility.
3.2
Query
The following section details the functionality available below the Query option in the main
window pull-down
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3.2.1
Attributes
The Attributes form lets you view the attribute values of an element.
To open the Attributes form select Query > Attributes from the main window pull-down.
The Attributes form lists all attributes of a selected element in a grid.

Right click on an entry to display a list of addition information about the attributes of the
element. Making a selection will toggle an additional column to be added to the grid
displaying the desired information. The possible selections are as follows:
Attribute
Display the attribute name
Description
A description of the purpose of the attribute
Data Type
The type of attribute such as STRING, REAL, BOOLEAN
Sort by Attribute
Alphabetically sort the grid by attribute name
Wrt World
Display world element
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P-Points
Display referenced P-Point set
Pseudo Atts
Filter and display only Pseudo attributes.
If the Track current element check box is selected, the listed attributes will be updated as
different elements are selected in the Members List.
3.2.2
Query Project
The Query Project form allows an administrator to quickly retrieve information about the
setup and configuration of a project. This can be useful when using PARAGON to create
new project catalogues.
To open the Query Project form select Query > Project from the main window pull-down.
The form is divided into the following tabs:

Users
Lists all users set up within a project
Teams
Lists the projects teams and the users assigned to them.
DBs
Lists all databases setup within a project.
MDBs
Lists all Multiple Databases set up in a project
Stamps
Lists all project stamps.
Input is not allowed through this form and the data is displayed for information purposes
only.
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3.2.3
User Status
The User Status form displays a summary of the currently logged in user.
To open the Query Status form select Query > User Status from the main window pulldown.
The following information is displayed:

Real Name
The windows user name
User
The PDMS user name
Login ID
Windows login alias
MDB Selected
Currently selected project MDB
Module
Current running software module (PARAGON)
PDMS ID
ID of the process in which PDMS is running
Host name
The COMPUTERNAME, set when Windows is installed.
Date/Time in
Time of the current session login
The above information is displayed on the right-hand side of the window, each item may be
selected individually from the List by pull-down.
The DBs Mode Status list contains a list of the Databases in the current MDB (if there is
one). The Mode of the Database shows the access rights of the user selected. The Status
of the Database shows the way the User is actually accessing the Database.
Input is not allowed through this form and the data is displayed for information purposes
only.
Click Dismiss to close the User Status form.
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3.2.4
Query Data Access Control

The Query Data Access Control form lets the user view the access rights of users set up in
a project.
To open the Query Data Access Control form select Query > Data Access Control from the
main window pull-down.
At the top of the form, a message will be displayed indicating whether or not Data Access
Control is Active or Inactive.
The form is divided into two tabs:
The User Rights tab displays the Data Access Controls that apply to the current user. The
tab displays the ACRs that apply to the current user, and the Roles and Scopes that
define each ACR.
The Element Access tab is used to view which attributes of an element a user has access
to, and the DAC restrictions on operations that the user can carry out on the element. Where
restrictions apply, the appropriate error message is listed alongside the attribute or
operation.
On entry, the name of the current element is automatically displayed in the text field at the
top of the form.
Attribute names are displayed in the top list, along with the level of access the user has to
each of the selected element's attributes.
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Operations are displayed in the bottom list, along with the restrictions that are applied to the
user when carrying out these operations on the selected element.
To view the data access restrictions for another element, either type the name of this
element in the text field, or make the element the current element. When the required
element is entered or selected, press the CE button.
This form is for information only: Data Access Control can only be switched on and off and
changed in the ADMIN module.
Click Dismiss to close the form.
3.2.5
DB Changes/Listing/Differences
A set of three forms allow the user to query and output aspects of the database for example
to report changes since a certain date. These forms use a common layout.
To open the DB Changes form select Query > DB Changes from the main window pulldown.
To open the DB Listing form select Utilities > DB Listing from the main window pull-down.
The DB Differences form does not have a pull-down shortcut on the main window, but can
be accessed via the Control pull-down in either the DB Listing or DB Changes form.
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Control Options
The menu options under Control are as follows:
Clear Output
Clears the Command Output form used when Destination

is set to Screen.
DB Listing
This outputs a listing of the specified parts of the database

in its current state.
DB Changes
This outputs a listing of the changes to the specified parts of

the database as a macro which can be run later to return
the database to the state it was in at the given time or
session. You can edit the macro file so that only the
required elements are changed.
DB Differences
This outputs a listing of the specified parts of the database,

with the old and new elements and attributes changed or
added since the given time or session.
Output > Options
Displays an Output Options form allowing control over

specific information to be output in a query.
Output > Backtrack Mode
Is only active in DB Changes mode. This option controls the

style of the output information. If on, then the output can be
run as a macro which will return the database to the state it
was in at the given time or session. If off, then the output is
a report on the changes made since the time or session.
Add/Remove Menus
The menu options under Add and Remove are used to populate the Elements list.
The Remove option is only active when there are elements in the Elements list.
The following are common to the Add and Remove:
CE
adds or removes the current element.
CE Members
adds or removes the members of CE, but not CE.
Pick
Only active in DESIGN. Allows you to add or remove elements by

graphical picking using event driven graphics.
List
adds or removes all elements in the selected lists. Lists are created
using the Lists/Collections form.
The Remove option has the following items which are not present in the Add option:
All
removes all elements from the Elements list.
Selected
removes all items selected in the Elements list.
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Colour Options
The menu options under Colour are as follows:
Highlight > Elements
Shows a Colour Selection form. When a colour is picked, the

contents of the Elements list will be highlighted in that colour, in
all the graphical views. Only elements already in the Drawlist will
be highlighted; elements are not automatically added to the
Drawlist.
Highlight > Changes/

Differences
This option will be Changes or Differences according to the

form mode. It is not available at all in DB Listing mode. This
option shows a Colour Selection form.
When you press the Apply button, the colour picked will be used
to highlight any elements that have changed.
Unhighlight
Removes the highlight from the CE only, the Elements in the list
or All elements in the graphical views.
Query Options
A Query is always output to the screen. If the Destination is set to File then output will be
made to the specified file as well as screen.
A file output will contain comment lines, which start with -- so it can be run as a PDMS
macro at a later stage.
The options under Query on the menu are as follows:
Clock
outputs current Time and Date
CE and Elements
The options under CE output information about the current element,

and the options under Elements output information about all the
elements in the Elements list on the form.
Note: Querying extremely long Element lists can take a long time.
Both Query > CE and Query > Elements have the following sub options:
Session
Last Modified
Will output:
Element name
DB name
Last saved session number and the date, user and description
(session comment) for that session.
Will output:
Element name
DB name
The session that each element or any of the hierarchy below it

was last modified, the date of the modification and the modifying
user.
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Note: This operation could be a time consuming operation if the CE is a DB world element
or a large site, or other top-level element, and so you will be asked to confirm that
you really wish to do this operation.
History
This is similar to the Last Modified Query, but gives the information
for every session in which the element was been created or modified.
You will be asked to confirm the query for top-level elements.
Claimed by
This outputs the name of the user who has the current element
claimed out for modification. This is Unset if no user has the element
claimed.
DB Name/Mode
This outputs the name, DB name, the DB access mode (RW, R,

Multiwrite ) and the claim mode (implicit, explicit).
Form Input
Destination
You can send the output of queries to a File or Screen. If you select File, enter a valid path
and filename.
If Screen has been selected, the result will be output to a standard Command Window
when you click Apply.
Select New File to create a new file to output the result to. Select Overwrite or Append if
the file exists.
Browse displays a file browser allowing a previously created output file to be used as the
destination.
Elements
The Elements part of the form lists elements that will be reported on when Apply is clicked.
Clicking on any element in this list will navigate to that element in the Catalogue Explorer.
The active field in the Changes Since pane depend on the form mode (Changes, Listing or
Difference). None of the controls are active in DB Listing mode. In DB Changes and DB
Differences modes, you can select the following radio buttons:
Savework
Will report on changes since the last Savework.
TimeDate
Will report on changes since a given time and date.

The time format is specified as HH:MM on a 24 hour clock, e.g. 16:15.
The date format is DD MMM YYYY, e.g. 9 Feb 1998 or 30 Aug 97
Session
Will report on changes since the given session number. Input a session
number or use the plus and minus (+/-) buttons to increment the session
number.
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Extract
is only active when the current element is in an extract database. When

you choose this option, the options in the Since Extract frame will
become active, see Changes Since Extract.
You can type in the session number, or change it using the + and buttons.
Stamp
Reports on the changes since the Stamp selected from the Since
Stamp list at the bottom of the form.
Remember that each DB has its own sessions. The current DB is
shown by Database Name at the bottom of the frame, see Changes
Since Stamp.
Note: TimeDate and Session are related, changing one will affect the other settings, and
also display the correct Session User.
The More button shows a form with the Session comment for the given session.
Changes Since Extract
The first drop-down list in the Extract frame shows all the databases in the extract hierarchy
above the current extract, with the Master at the top of the list.
The options on the next drop-down list are:
Only
compares the current database with the selected extract ancestor

database
Latest
compares the database with the latest version of the selected extract
ancestor database
Session
compares the database with the selected ancestor extract since session
nn of that extract
Date
compares the database with the selected ancestor extract since the given
date in a session of the ancestor extract
Changes Since Stamp

The Since Stamp part of the form is only available if the Stamp radio button has been
selected (see above). Select the Display pull-down to list Stamps by; Name, Date, Function
or Description.
Highlight Changes
This Highlight Changes button is only active when the form is in DB Changes or DB
Differences mode with a DESIGN database selected. If switched on, the changed elements
will be highlighted in all the 3D graphics views in the colour specified by Colour > Changes.
This option is useful after a Getwork to see the changes that other users have made.
Apply is only active when there are elements in the Elements list.
The Dismiss button dismisses the form and clears the Elements list.
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3.3
Settings
The following section details the functionality available below the Settings option in the main
window pull-down.
3.3.1
System Settings
The System Settings form allows basic configuration of the way the PARAGON GUI
behaves.
To open the System Settings form select Settings > System from the main window pulldown.
Toggle the following check boxes to active or de-active the following behaviours:
3.3.2
Beep On Error
When an error is generated in PARAGON the PC speaker will

make an audible beep.
Show Main Toolbar
Toggles the appearance of the main toolbar in the user interface
Large icons
Toggles large or standard sized icons in the user interface
Click window to raise
Toggles the docking of windows in the user interface
Graphics Settings
The Graphics Settings form lets you define the different colours that are used to display the
current element, the active element and other visible elements.
The Graphics Settings form is opened via the following routes:
Colour Tab
The Colour tab of the Graphics Settings form lets you set the colours that are used within
the plotfiles and 3D views to indicate different elements of the design.
To open the Graphics Settings form directly to the Colour tab select Settings > Graphics >
Colour from the main window pull-down.
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Representation Tab
The Representation tab of the Graphics Settings form lets you set some of the general and
piping representation parameters and presents control buttons allowing you to display
further forms for specifying the representations of more specific parameters.
To open the Graphics Settings form directly at the Representation tab select Settings >
Graphics > Representation from the main window pull-down.
It is also possible to alter the way Steelwork, Plines and Ppoints are represented by
selecting the Steelwork tab or the Plines & Ppoints tab.
Note: The Steelwork and Plines & Ppoints tabs do not have a shortcut on the main
window pull-down.
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Steelwork Tab
The Steelwork tab allows you to change the way Steelwork elements are displayed.
Structural steel profiles can be represented by a single Centreline or by a 2D outline. In
some cases, it helps to switch between the two representations to simplify an otherwise
complicated view. This form allows the user to change these settings as well as other
common display settings for Steelwork.
Plines and PPoints

P-line representation for structural Profiles may be set to ON or OFF. By default PLINES are
not displayed.
When p-lines are on, the size of the arrow showing their direction is controlled by the
Length option. P-line identifiers, in the form of the settings of their PKEY attributes (TOS,
BOS, NA, etc.) may also be displayed, as controlled by the PKEY option.
P-point representation may be set to ON or OFF. The default PPOINTS are OFF, although
p-points will be shown automatically as part of an identification operation.
When p-points are on, they are drawn as small arrows with a cross at the p-point position
and with the arrow indicating the p-point direction. The size of the arrow is controlled by the
Length option. P-point Numbers may also be displayed, as controlled by the NUMBERS
option.
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Axes
The Axes form allows you to set the Axes height for the current element.
To open the Axes form select Settings > Graphics > Axes Height from the main window
pull-down.
Type a valid Axes Height and select the OK button to save the value.
3.3.3
Naming Settings
In order that all the Points and Geometry sets created in PARAGON are given a meaningful
name Auto Naming should be active.
To open the Naming Settings form select Settings > Naming from the main window pulldown.
Auto Naming functionality is the same as that in the DESIGN application.

Naming rules are stored in the file: %pdmsdflts%\cat-nam.pmldat
Element type rules are stored in the file: %pdmsdflts%\cat-element-rules.pmldat
3.3.4
Storage Areas
The Storage Areas form lets you define the paths where different types of information are to
be stored when you select the Use Defined Storage Area tickbox on various forms (refer to
Application Modes within PARAGON).
To open the Storage Areas form select Settings > Storage Areas from the main window
pull-down.
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Select an individual field and type the required path. To change to the Current Element
select the CE button.
3.3.5
Model Settings
When you create a new component that uses design data attributes or parameters as part of
its definition, default values must be applied immediately if the component is to be
represented in a graphical view.
To open the Model Settings form select Settings > Model Parameters from the main
window pull-down.
Design data attributes have initial defaults that you can change; parameters must have their
defaults set for the appropriate type of component.
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The left-hand part of the form shows the current design data attribute defaults for piping
components.
These have standard default settings. Change any of the displayed settings as required.
The right-hand part of the form lets you set default values for any relevant types of
parameter. Use the option button at the top to choose the required parameter type; any
current settings will be shown in the scrollable list. Change existing settings, or set new
parameters, in either of the following ways:
3.3.6
To set parameters individually, enter a parameter number and its required default
setting in the text-boxes below the list, then select Insert to transfer the new setting to
the list.
To copy parameter settings from an existing catalogue or design item, navigate to an

element which has the parameter settings you want to use and select Use CE to copy
these to the current list.
To reset all standard defaults, click the Default button. This sets all design data
attributes to their standard settings and (CAUTION) clears all design parameter
settings.
Set Comparison Date

The Set Comparison Date form lets you set the Comparison Date to either an actual Time/
Date or to an existing Stamp.
To open the Set Comparison Date form select Settings > Comparison Date from the main
window pull-down.
Setting the Comparison Date enables you to produce reports or create expressions which
use the Comparison Date.
Display options
control the order in which Stamps are displayed in the Stamps list, and
the Stamp attributes that are shown. Set an appropriate Display mode
to make it easier to find the Stamp that you want.
Stamps
shows a list of all the existing Stamps, plus a Time & Date option so that
you can set the Comparison Date to an actual Time/Date.
Now
sets the Time & Date to the current time and date.
Date
specify a Comparison Date after clicking Time & Date in the Stamp list.
Click OK to set the comparison date.

Click Cancel to discard the changes.
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3.3.7
Drawing Representation Settings

The Drawing Representation Settings form lets a system administrator define the
appearance of a component, as displayed in a 3D graphical view depending on the following
drawing representation settings:
The range of drawing levels to be shown
The obstruction level
The centreline flag
The tube flag
To open the Drawing Representation Settings form select Settings > Representation
Rules from the main window pull-down.
You can define representation types, each corresponding to a given combination of these
representation settings. Users can then reference such a type to change the appearance of
a displayed component.
A set of sub forms show all the representation types currently defined, while the upper part
of the main form lets you edit the lists by adding, removing or modifying individual entries.
The File entry near the top of the form shows where the current type set, as listed on the
form, is stored.
Each representation type is defined by the following settings:
A keyword
A description
A drawing level range
An obstruction level
The centreline flag
The tube flag.
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Enter a value in each field pressing Enter on the keyboard after each value.
Note: Each input field will initially appear yellow and change to white when populated. Be
sure to press Enter on the keyboard after each value is entered to commit that value.
Above the Data sub form select one of the following values to add a rule to the list:
Insert After
Insert Before
Copy
Replace
Cut
For a detailed explanation of Drawing Representations refer to the Catalogues and
Specifications Reference Manual.
3.3.8
Generic Type Definitions

Structural Profiles, Joints and Fittings in the catalogue have a Generic Type (Gtype) attribute
that is set to a World. When a user selects a catalogue item via a Specification, this Gtype
may be used as a filter to ensure that only items suitable for the desired function are made
available.
To open the General Type Definitions form select Settings > Generic Types from the main
window pull-down.
The main area of the form contains a tabular list of all Generic Types. Values can be
changed by typing over an entry and clicking Apply to commit the change.
Use the Generic Type pull-down to select the overall class of catalogue, possible selections
are as follows:
Structural Profiles
Structural Joints
Structural Fittings
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The tabular data is delimited with a space; Gtype word occupies the first four columns and
the description begins in the sixth column.
3.3.9
Reset Window Layout

Reset the layout of open windows to a default position. By selecting Settings > Reset
Windows Layout from the main window pull-down.
3.3.10
Explorer Settings
The Explorer Settings form lets you set how the Catalogue Explorer will appear (see
PARAGON GUI).
To open the Explorer Settings form select Settings > Explorer from the main window pulldown.
Select the appropriate tree settings and the individual settings for DESIGN and DRAFT.
Select the OK button to save the settings.
3.4
Utilities
The following section details the functionality available below the Utilities option in the main
window pull-down.
3.4.1
Checker
The Checker form lets you run a customised data check specific to your company or project
requirements.
To open the Checker form select Utilities > Data Checker from the main window pull-down.
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The Check Items list contains the elements you want to check. Use the Add and Remove
menu options to edit this list.
Add/Remove Menus
The following options let you edit the Check Items list.
The Add options are:
CE
adds the currently selected element in the Catalogue Explorer.
CE Members
adds members of current element, but not the CE itself.
Pick
allows the user to graphically select items for checking.
Failed List
adds all elements listed as having failed a preceding check (useful for
rechecking items after correcting data).
List list_name
adds all elements in named list.
The Remove options are:

All
remove all items from the Check Items list.
Selected
removes items currently selected in Check Items list.
CE
removes current element.
CE Members
removes members of current element, but not the CE itself.
Pick
lets you remove items by picking them in a graphical view, using any
EDG options.
List list_name
removes all elements in named list.
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Once items are added to the check items list:

Select a value from the Classes pull-down (this typically represents a main application).
Select a value from the Groups pull-down (this typically represents a specific feature of a
application).
The Checks list will now show all individual checks applicable to that class and group.
Select one or more checks from the Checks list (click on a check to select it; click it again to
deselect it).
To make it easier to interpret the check results, you can highlight particular elements in the
graphical view. To do so, use the Highlight menu options.
Highlight Menu
The Highlight option is only available when the Checker is run from DESIGN. The highlight
option will always appear ghosted when the Checker is opened from PARAGON.
Control Menu
These options let you save your check results to a file, or reload such a file. They work as
follows:
Save > Results
saves both passed and failed results
Save > Failed Reference
saves the database references of elements that have failed,

together with the checks performed. This makes it easy to
recheck the failed elements later.
Load > Failed Reference
reloads a list of failed element references (saved using the

preceding menu option)
In each case, use the displayed File Browser to specify the required file name and location.
Checker Results Form
The Check Results form is displayed automatically when you run a data check.
The Passed list shows those elements which have passed all specified checks.
The Failed list shows those elements which have failed one or more checks, with a
brief description of the reason for the failure.
Click on an element in either list to navigate to that item; typically to correct the reason for
the failure before repeating the checks.
3.4.2
Autonaming
Two sub options are provided below Utilities > Autonaming from the main window pulldown.
3.4.3
Autonaming CE only
Automatically names only the current element.
CE Offspring
Automatically names the sub-elements of the current element.
Lists/Collections
You can define temporary lists of elements which can be positioned, orientated, deleted and
so on.
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To open the Lists/Collections form select Utilities > Lists from the main window pull-down.
Lists are not saved when the current session ends. The current list is shown in the box,
immediately to the right of the tool bar buttons, it can be changed by selecting another list
from the drop-down list.
To create a new list select Add > List and type a description into the Description Create
List window.
The text you enter will be displayed in the List drop-down list box.
Click OK to create the new list.
When you have created a list, you can add elements to it by selecting the other options
under Add on the menu:
CE
Add the currently selected element in the Catalogue Explorer to the list.
CE Members
Add member elements below the CE
Identified
Use the cursor to pick the items then press the Escape key when the
list is complete.
Selection
Displays the Add to List form.
The Format drop-down list controls how the list items will be displayed:
Name
Display only the name of the element.
Description
Display the description of an element (if set)
Name & Desc
Display the name and description (if set)
If the Highlight On check box is selected, items selected for the list are highlighted in the
graphical view.
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You can remove elements from the list using the options under Remove on the menu:
CE
Remove the currently selected element in the Catalogue Explorer from

the list.
CE Members
Remove member elements below the CE.
Identified
Use the cursor to pick the items to remove, then press the Escape key
when you have finished.
From List
Remove the highlighted item(s) in the list.
All
Remove all items from the list.
Selection
Displays the Remove from List form.
List
Removes the list itself.
You can give commands that will act on the current list: type the command into the text box
at the bottom of the form and select the Action button. See the DESIGN Reference Manual
for information about commands.
3.4.4
Multiwrite Claimlist
The Multiwrite Claimlist form is used to control user claims.
To open the Multiwrite Claimlist form select Utilities > Claimlists from the main window
pull-down.
If you are working in an extract database, you will also need to consider extract claims,
which are controlled using the Extract Data Control.
Multiwrite databases have a claim mode, which is set when the database is created:
If the claim mode is Explicit, you must claim an element before you can work on it
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If the claim mode is Implicit, an element which you start changing will be automatically
claimed, but you can also choose to claim it explicitly before you work on it, using this
form.
Claim List Pull-down

The Claim List pull-down can be set to:
Active Claimlist
This is your Claimlist. A list of all the significant elements that you
have claimed will be displayed in the Elements list.
Others Claimlist
The Elements scrolling list will show all claimed elements of all users
in the current MDB except those in the Active Claimlist. You name is
also shown in the Elements list next to the element name or Refno.
An additional option is added to this gadget for every individual user
who has a Claimlist. For example: USERA Claimlist.
Note: Clicking on any element in the Elements list will navigate to that element.
Elements are claimed and unclaimed using the options on the menu at the top of the form.
Control Options
Update
updates the list. The list will be automatically updated each time it is
shown.
Close
closes the form.
Claim Options
CE
claims or unclaims the CE and all of the hierarchy below it.
CE Members
claims or unclaims the members of CE and all of their hierarchy

below, but not CE.
CE only
claims or unclaims CE only, not any hierarchy below it. This can be
used, for example if you want to change an attribute such as a
description which will not affect any elements below the current
element.
CE Members only
claims or unclaims each member only and not the hierarchy below.
Pick
Only active in DESIGN. Allows you to claim or unclaim elements by

graphical picking using event driven graphics.
List
claims or unclaims all elements in the selected lists. Lists are

created using the Lists/Collections form.
Unclaim Options
Note: Unclaim is only active when there are elements in the Active Claimlist.
All
unclaims all elements in the from the Active Claimlist and updates all
the Claimlists.
Selected
unclaims all items selected in the Elements list.
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Colour Options
Colour is only active in DESIGN. The Colour option will always appear ghosted in the
PARAGON.
Database Options
MDB
allows you to see all the claimed elements in the MDB
DB
allows you to see all the claimed elements in the DB selected from
the submenu.
Note: You must unclaim any elements which you have claimed before other users can
access them. Other users must do a Getwork before they can see your changes. You
cannot unclaim an element that you have changed until you have done a Savework.
Changing module or leaving will unclaim all elements.
3.4.5
Extract Data Control

The Extract Data Control form is only available if there is an extract database in your MDB.
To open the Extract Data Control form select Paragon > Extract Control.
A database members list shows the hierarchy of database elements around a selected
element along with information about the extract claim status of each element.
The element hierarchy shown on this form is not the complete element hierarchy as shown
in the Members list: only significant elements are shown (or elements which own significant
elements) because extract operations only apply to significant elements.
Changes to elements selected from this list can be Flushed, Issued or Aborted (dropped)
by pressing the appropriate button at the bottom of the form.
Get Other Users
Changes
refreshes your view of data in databases which own extracts in the

current MDB.
Update for Current

Element
When you press this button, the list of elements is updated to show
the extract element hierarchy for the current element. This button
may be used to bring up-to-date the information shown on this form
if displayed data has changed since the form was last shown or
updated.
Scrolling list
Shows a hierarchy of elements. Selecting an element in this

window will make it the current element. The codes in front of the
elements describe the extract claim state:
Element is significant and claimed to an extract in this MDB
Element is significant and it, or one of its non-significant children,

has been modified in an extract in this MDB
Element is claimed from an extract in this MDB, so changes to this

element cannot be issued or aborted.
Element has been modified in a Variant extract in this MDB
No code means that the element is either a non-significant element, or it has not been
claimed to an extract in this MDB.
When an element is marked CM, changes to the element can be flushed, issued or aborted.
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If the World element is selected, then all changes made in all extract databases in the
MDB are selected for the Flush/Issue/Drop operation.
3.4.6
Operate on
Can be set to Element Hierarchy, in which case Flush/Issue/Abort

will work on the selected element and all elements that it owns
directly or indirectly, or to Single Element in which case Flush/
Issue/Abort will work on the selected element only.
Flush
Updates the database owning the extract. Extract claims for

selected elements are retained. A single element, or part of the
hierarchy will be flushed, depending on the Operate on setting.
Issue
Updates the database owning the extract and release the extract
claim. A single element, or part of the hierarchy will be issued,
depending on the Operate on setting.
Abort
Drops changes made to selected elements in extracts in this MDB

and releases extract claims.
Show Extract Data

List
Displays the Explorer Settings.
DB Listing
The DB Listing form lets you query aspects of the system databases and write a report to
either screen or a file.
To open the DB Listing form select Utilities > DB Listing from the main window pull-down.
The DB Listing form is part of a multi function form. For details of its use refer to DB
Changes/Listing/Differences.
3.4.7
Running a Report from a Saved Template

To run a saved report template from file select Utilities Reports > Run from the main
window pull-down.
You will see a File Browser, showing the contents of the directory REPORTS. This directory
will contain reports with a file extension .rep, some of which are supplied with the product,
and a TEMPLATES directory. Change to the TEMPLATES directory, and you will see a list of
templates with the file extension .tmp. Some of the templates are supplied with the product,
which correspond to the reports supplied, and you can look at these as examples. Select
the report template you want to use and select OK.
What happens next will depend on how the template has been set up:
If you have no control over the report, it will be run immediately. If the report is sent to
the screen, it will be written to the active output window, for example, the command
window or the Query window, or to a new window if there is no output window. If the
report is sent to a file, the file will be created in the directory REPORTS.
If you have some control over the way the report is produced, you will see the Report
Details form as follows:
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According to how the report or template is set up, you may be able to specify the following in
the Report Details form:
Filename
If you can specify a filename, the report will be sent to the given file
in the directory REPORTS. If you leave the text box empty, the
report will be sent to the screen. If there is no filename text box, the
file will be sent to the file named in the template, or to the screen, if
the template specifies a screen report.
Type(s)
Allows you to specify the types of item you want to report on. For
example, VALVes, ELBOws
with
Allows you to restrict the report to elements of the given type whose
properties satisfy given conditions.
For example, you can report on Elbows with ABORE greater than
100.
Hierarchy
Allows you to specify the level in the database hierarchy below

which the selection will be made
Volume
You can specify a Volume in the model, and report on elements

Completely within or Partially within it. Selecting Completely
within or Partially within option will display the Report Volume
form.
From
These options are used together with the Volume option. You can
specify:
MDB
which will select all elements in the master database within the
volume.
Drawlist
which will select all elements in the Drawlist within the volume.
Obstruction list
which will select all elements in the obstruction list within the
volume.
Running Reports in Batch Mode

Report templates are macros, which can be run in batch mode by giving the command $M/
template-name. For more information about batch mode, see the MONITOR Reference
Guide.
Note: Report templates for batch mode must not have any runtime prompts set.
3.4.8
New Report Template

The Report Template form lets you generate a new template to be used for equipment
reports.
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To open the New Report Template from select Utilities > Reports > Create from the main
window pull-down.
Page Info Options

The options under Page Info on the menu at the top of the New/Modify Report Template
form allow you to add information which is not specified in the body of the report. The
options are:
Header
Set a Header for the report
Footer
Set a Footer for the report
Introduction
Insert an Introduction into the report
Summary
Include a Summary in the report
Page Length
Set the page length of the report
Each option displays a form with a text pane. You type the information you want in the text
pane. Each line of information is entered as an expression. For full information about
expressions, see Introduction to Expressions, refer to the Software Customisation
Reference Manual.
A summary of the information you are most likely to need is given below.
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Text must be entered in quotes. For example:

'Page number'
You can include variables in the expressions. Any PML variables can be used.
Variables must be preceded by one of the functions vtext, vval or vlog, which ensure late
evaluation of the variables. For example, to show the page number on every page of the
report, enter the following expression in the header or footer:
vtext !pageno
If you want to combine text and variables in the same expression (that is, on the same line,
you must combine them using the text operator +. For example, if you want to number the
pages with the format Page 1, Page 2 an so on, you should enter the following expression
in the header or footer:
'Page ' + vtext !pageno
Selection Options
The Selection options on the New Report Template form are used as follows. These
options may also be available to the user running a report.
Type(s)
allows you to specify the type of item you want to report on, and the level
in the database hierarchy below which the selection will be made. Any
element type can be entered. If you want to report on several types, enter
the types in the text box, separated by spaces. For example:
VALV FLAN selects all valves and flanges
BRANCH ITEMS selects all branch items
BRANCH MEMBERS selects all branch members
With
allows you to restrict the report to elements of the given type whose
properties satisfy given conditions. For example, you can report on
Elbows with ABORE greater than 50.
Hierarchy
allows you to specify that only the parts of the database under given
owning elements will be included.
You can specify the element in two ways:
Type in the name of the elements. Note that except for WORLD, the slash
before the element name must be entered, because you can specify a list
of elements, and also use OF to specify members of elements. For
example:
WORLD to report on all items in the current world
/BRANCH1 OF PIPE211 to report on all items in BRANCH1 of
PIPE211
/PIPE211 /PIPE212 /PIPE213 to report on all items in the given
pipes.
CE to report on the current element.
Click the Hierarchy button.

Note: If you do not specify an element for the top of the hierarchy, the report will include all
the databases in your current Multi-database, unless you have use the Volume or
From options on the Hierarchy form.
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The Hierarchy form will be displayed as follows:
This Hierarchy form is used to specify which part of the database hierarchy you want to
report on.
The following methods are possible:
1. You can specify that only parts of the database under given owning elements will be
included. Specify an owning element by making it the current element and pressing
Add CE. The element's name will be displayed in the text box. You can specify several
owning elements. Remove an element from the list by highlighting it in the list and
pressing Remove.
When you press Apply on the form, the names of the elements will appear in the
Hierarchy option on the New/Modify Report Template form.
Note: Specifying elements using this option will override anything you specify in the
Volume or From option.
2. If you leave the Hierarchy option empty, you can specify a Volume, and report on
elements Completely within or Partially within it. Selecting Completely within or
Partially within option will display the Report Volume form.
Note: Specifying a Volume will select elements from the whole MDB. The other From
options cannot be used.
3. If you leave the Hierarchy option empty and do not specify a Volume, you can use the
From option. You can specify:
MDB
which will select all elements in the database within the

volume.
Drawlist
which will select all elements in the Drawlist within the volume.
Obstruction list
which will select all elements in the obstruction list within the
volume.
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System Command Option

The System Command text box on the New/Modify Report Template form allows you to
give a system command that will be run when the report has been completed.
For example, you could use this option to send the report output to a printer, or to run a
macro to process the report. The command is entered as an expression. For full
information about expressions, see Introduction to Expressions, in the Software
Customisation Reference Manual, but an example of how to enter a system command is
given below.
To send the report output to a printer, enter:
'print' + vtext !filename
where:
print is an MS DOS command, which must be enclosed in quotes.
vtext is a function used for the late evaluation of variables.
!filename is a variable, which outputs the file named in the Filename field to the
printer when the report is run.
With Option
The With option on the New/Modify Report Template form allows you to restrict the report
to elements of the given type whose properties satisfy given conditions. Enter an
Expression in the text box. For full information about expressions, see Introduction to
Expressions, in the Software Customisation Reference Manual, but a summary of the
information you are most likely to need is given below.
The expression you enter here is going to be a combination of attributes or pseudoattributes, logical operators and values.
For example, if you are reporting on Elbows (that is, you have entered ELBO) in the Type
text box), you can restrict the report to Elbows with ABORE greater than 50 by entering:
ABORE GT 50
where ABORE is the attribute, GT is an operator meaning greater than, and 50 is the value.
The operators you can use are:
EQ equal to
NE not equal to
GT greater than
GE greater than or equal to
LE less than
LT less than or equal to
You can specify more than one condition using the operators AND, OR and NOT. For
example, to report on Elbows with ABORE greater than 50 but less than 100 by entering:
(ABORE GT 50) AND (ABORE LT 100)
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3.4.9
Creating, Modifying and Deleting Report Templates

If you select Reports > Create, you will see the New Report Template form.
If you select Reports > Modify, you will see a File Browser, from which you can select the
template you want to modify. The Modify Report Template will be displayed.
If you select Reports > Delete, you will see a File Browser, from which you can select the
template or report you want to delete.
3.4.10
Modify Report Template

This is the standard windows file open form that lets you select the report to change.
3.4.11
Quick Reports
The Quick Reports form lets you create reports with basic formatting.
To open the Quick Reports form select Utilities > Quick Reports from the main window
pull-down.
The Quick Reports form allows you to quickly generate reports, however the report template
cannot be saved.
The options on the form are as follows:
File
Enter a filename for the output report. If you just want to see the report
on the screen, leave the File text box blank
Term
Check the Term box to ignore any filename specified and only output
to screen.
Types
Enter an Element type for example:

bran mem
VALVE
gask flan
If the Type text box is left blank ALL TYPES will be reported on.
With
This option is a way of narrowing down the report. Enter an

expression, for example:
abore gt 30
tpos[3] le 1000
abore gt 30 AND name of owner neq /B-1-2
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Columns
These are the attributes to be output in the report. The attributes you
specify will be used as headings to the columns. For example:
name owner hpos tpos
You can enter expressions, enclosed in round brackets. The following
example outputs the type, name, and the first three characters of the
owner's name: type name (substr(name of owner, 1, 3))
Hierarchy
Enter the element or elements at the top of the hierarchy that you want
to report on. Because you can give a list of elements, you must enter
the slash character before each name, except for WORLD. For
example:
World
/*
/200-B-4 /250-B-5
Run the Report
Click this button and the report will be generated.
Note: When you press the Dismiss button, the contents of the form are kept. Everything
you entered will be shown on the form when it is displayed again.
3.4.12
Surface Treatment Definition

The Surface Treatment Definition form allows you to define new surface parameters.
To open the Surface Treatment Definition form select Utilities > Surface Treatment >
Define from the main window pull-down.
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This form consists of three sections:

Surface Treatments
where all the available surface treatments for a project are

specified.
Selected Coatings
when the allowable paint types and manufacturers are

specified.
Paint definition
where the paint type, the coating thickness and the order in
which the coatings are applied is specified.
Creating the Surface Treatment List

The Surface Treatments sub form is used to create a list of allowable surface treatments
which will be used when defining the specifications.
The buttons at the bottom of the Surface Treatments area provide the following functions:
Create
Creates a new entry in the surface treatments list, into which the following
data is entered:
The NAME of the surface treatment
The material of the surface to which the surface treatment applies

(SURMAT)
The shop primer attribute (SHOPRI), set to true or false, indicating

whether or not a primer coating is required.
Copy
Creates a copy of the selected (highlighted) entry.
Delete
Removes the selected entry from the list.
Refresh
If the Command Line is used to make changes to any of the surface

treatment details, clicking this button updates the list to reflect the changes.
The Create, Copy and Delete operations are also available from the right-click options
menu.
Note: Surface treatments can be imported in from CSV and XLS (Excel) files via the Import
Data utility (Utilities menu).
Creating the Paint Definitions
The Paint Definition sub form is used to define a list of allowable paints. Each entry in the
List of PAINT Elements may be referenced by one or more entries in the surface treatment
specification.
Paint Definitions are created in a similar way to Surface Treatment Definitions:
Create
Creates a new entry in the List of PAINT Elements, into which the
following data (paint definition attributes) is entered:
The NAME of the paint definition.
A description (DESC) giving details of the type and colour of the paint.
The manufacturer (MAKER) of the paint.
The Create, Copy and Refresh buttons perform similar functions to the Surface Treatment
buttons.
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The Create, Copy and Delete operations are also available from the right-click options
menu.
Note: Paint Definitions can be imported in from CSV and XLS (Excel) files via the Import
Data utility (Utilities menu).
Specifying the Coatings
This Selected Coatings sub form is used to specify the paint coatings that are required for
the Surface Treatment, and the order in which they are to be applied.
Select a surface treatment and the required paint elements from the paint definition form.
Click on ADD to add the details to the Selected Coatings list.
Specify the coating Thickness (this is the Dry Film Thickness in microns) and click
UPDATE. The value will be copied to the THICKNESS field in the Selected Coatings list.
The Thickness value can later be changed by selecting the required row, entering a new
Thickness value and clicking UPDATE.
If any details in the Paint Definition list are modified, clicking the UPDATE button updates
the Selected Coatings list with the new data.
The Move Coating arrow icons are used to change the order in which the coatings appear
in the Selected Coatings list (i.e. the order in which the coatings are to be applied). The
Move Coating operations are also available from the right-click options menu. There are
also options for removing a selected coating or all coatings.
3.4.13
Surface Treatment Standard Report

The Surface Treatment Standard Report form displays a list of surface treatment reports
and lets you print or export a report.
To open the Surface Treatment Standard Report form select Utilities > Surface Treatment
> Report from the main window pull-down.
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3.4.14
Print
provides a print out of the report
Excel
provides an excel version of the report
Refresh
re-displays the list
Show Standard
opens the Surface Treatment Definition form allowing edits

(see Surface Treatment Definition)
Dismiss
closes the report list
Surface Treatment Selection Tables

When paint and surface treatment catalogue data has been defined, a set of Selection
Tables must be created to define the rules for applying Surface Treatment to Design items.
This is described in Surface Treatment.
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3.4.15
Import Data
Opens the standard windows form as Import Data, that lets you select a comma separated
value (csv) file to import.
3.4.16
Catalogue Copy
The Catalogue Copy form allows the user to copy catalogue items from read only databases
to local write databases. The read only databases may be foreign databases or locally
copied MASTER databases that the user has no write access to.
The following restrictions should be observed:
The system only allows items to be copied at the same level in the hierarchy within a
copy sequence.
The owning hierarchy must exist (or be created) in the database where the items are
going to be copied to.
Only members of top level items (e.g. SPWL, CATA etc.) can be copied, as it is not
possible to specify into which database an item is to be copied without actually having
an existing item in the target database.
To open the Catalogue Copy form select Utilities > Catalogue Copy from the main window
pull-down.
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The Catalogue Copy form is divided into the following frames:

Options
Allows the user to either select the Same Name or the

Prefix option. If the Prefix option is used the string in the
adjacent text gadget is used as the prefix to the Copy To
name. The Include Reference toggle is used to include any
references for any SCOM, SPRF or SFIT items that are
included in the Copy From frame, as these references may
or may not exist in the same part of the hierarchy.
Catalogue Explorer
Displays all the catalogue elements in the current set of

databases.
Copy From
Displays all the items that are to be copied in the current

sequence.
Copy To
Displays the name of the database items that will be created

when the Apply Copy button is applied. It also shows the
database item name in the target database into which the
item is to be copied.
Copy to Location
Displays all the possible locations in the target databases,

where the Copy From items can be copied to.
The Copy From frame can be populated by right clicking in the Catalogue Explorer frame
to display a sub-menu or by clicking either of the two top buttons to the right of the
Catalogue Explorer frame.
Either option will add the current element or its members to the Copy From pane.
Once the Copy From pane has been populated, the right click on the Catalogue Explorer
will only be active if the Catalogue Explorer item's owner is the same as the one in the pane.
The buttons are also only active based on the current catalogue explorer item and the Copy
From pane owner type.
Items can be removed from the Copy From pane by using the right click option:
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Or by clicking the two lower buttons to the left of the Copy From pane:
The Copy From pane can also be populated by using the Include References toggle and
Update button. These are only active if any items in the grid are of type SCOM, SPRF or
SFIT. This option will look for any references e.g. GMRE, PTRE, NGMRE, DTRE, PSTR,
GSTR and BLFARRAY.
Any items not already in the Copy From pane will be added.
If the Include References toggle is not checked then the references will be removed from
the pane. The Update button allows any new items that have been added to the pane after
the Include References toggle has been ticked to be added to the pane.
When the Copy From pane is populated the Copy To pane is also populated.
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The Copy To pane is populated with the name the item is to be given when the Apply Copy
button is applied. The green tick indicates that the name does not already exist in the target
databases. Any items where the specified name does exist in the target databases will be
highlighted with a red dot sphere and will not be copied. The target databases are defined
by any database in the current MDB that can be written to.
The Copy To column now needs to be populated with the new location in the target
databases.
Select an owning element in the Catalogue Explorer frame that you wish to copy to,
making it the currently selected item.
If the selected item in the Catalogue Explorer frame is of the correct owner type and the
database can be written to then a Set copy location from Explorer right click option will be
available in Copy To pane.
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For example if the element members that are to be copied are of type CATA then you must
select an owning element of type CATA in the destination database from the Catalogue
Explorer frame and then select Set copy location from Explorer.
Note: If the destination database does not have an owning element of the correct type then
it must be created in the database hierarchy. For example in the case of a CATA refer
to Create Catalogue
If an owning element of the correct type is already present when the Copy From grid is
populated then the Copy To Location pane is also populated with any items in the target
databases where the items in the Copy From pane can be created. In the following figure
the user is creating a copy of a number of SPRF items which need to be created at an STCA
level. Therefore the pane is populated with all STCA elements in all databases that can be
written to in the MDB.
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When an item is selected in the Copy to Location pane, the location of the selected items
in the Copy To pane can be set by either right clicking on the 'Copy To Location' pane.
Or by clicking the buttons located to the right of the pane.
Note: Different elements can be created in different locations in the target databases.
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Once the Copy To grid is populated and contains any items that have a name and copy
location that both contain a green tick, the Apply Copy button becomes active.
When the Apply Copy button is applied, all the items that can be copied (items with green
ticks in both columns of the Copy To grid) are copied from the Copy From pane to the
location in the Copy To pane with the applied name. All references that are included in the
copy are reset to the newly created references in the target databases.
The Catalogue Copy form is then cleared ready for the next copy sequence.
3.5
Create
The following section details the functionality available below the Create option in the main
window pull-down.
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3.5.1
Copy Element
The Copy Element form lets you copy an element, along with its attributes, to create a new
element. This is useful to save time having to re-enter attribute values.
To open the Copy Element form select Create > Copy from the main window pull-down.
The Copy text-box shows the element that is to be copied. Initially this is the element that is
current when the form is displayed. To change it, navigate to the required position in the
database and click the CE button.
In the To text-box, enter the name to be assigned to the copy, then click Apply to create the
new element. The copy will have all attributes (except its Name) set to the same values as
those of the original element; use the Modify menu options to edit these attributes as
required.
3.6
Modify
The following section details the functionality available below the Modify option in the main
window pull-down.
3.6.1
Modify Name
The Modify Name form lets you change the name of an element in the database hierarchy.
To open the Name form select Modify > Name from the main window pull-down.
The Modify Name form allows you to rename the currently selected element. You can also
rename all elements below that selection using the pull-down and selecting Re-name all or
Un-name.
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3.6.2
Modify Attributes
The Modify Attributes form is similar in presentation to the Attributes.
To open the Modify Attributes form select Modify Attributes from the main window pulldown.
The Modify Attributes form contains an additional field at its base allowing changes to be
made to the value. There are also status indicators at the top of the form showing is the
attribute value has Write Access and can be Modified.
Use the Track check box to allow the form to follow the currently selected element in the
Catalogue Explorer.
3.6.3
Global Attribute Change

The Global Attribute Change form lets you modify the attributes of several elements
simultaneously. For example, you can change the Obstruction Level (OBST) settings for all
primitives that represent a component's geometry.
To open the Global Attributes Change form select Modify > Attributes Global from the
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The form will change the attributes values of all the elements below the current selection
(but not the CE itself).
To change the attributes of the CE, select Modify > Attributes.
To change attributes below a different element, navigate to it in the Catalogue Explorer and
click the CE button.
The form will initially list the attribute types (but not their settings) for the current element.
Navigate to an element below the CE which has an attribute of the type you want to change.
Click the Attributes button. The list will now show the attribute types for this lower level
element.
Select the attribute type you want to modify.
To change the setting of all elements which have the selected attribute, click the All
attribute data radio button and enter the new setting in the With text box.
To change only those settings which already have a specified value for the selected
attribute, click the middle radio button and enter the relevant current setting in the
adjacent text box. Enter the new setting in the With text box. For example, you might
change to only those OBST attributes which are currently set to. Click Apply to the
changes.
For more information about element attributes, see the Catalogues and Specifications
Reference Manual.
Note: The change will be applied to all elements below the specified level that have the
selected attribute type. For example, if you pick a DISH and change the DIAM
attribute, this change will be applied to all primitives which have a diameter setting
(CYLI, SLCY, etc.); not just to Dishes.
3.6.4
Lock
The Lock form lets you lock any catalogue element to prevent it from being modified or
deleted.
To open the Lock form select Modify > Lock from the main window pull-down.
No changes to the element are then possible until it is subsequently unlocked.
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Use the option button to specify the action required. The choices are:
Lock CE
Locks current element only
Lock CE and below
Locks current element and its members
Unlock CE
Unlocks current element only
Unlock CE and below
Unlocks current element and its members
Click Apply to change the current protection.
3.6.5
Include
The Include form lets you move elements from the members list of one owner to that of
another.
To open the Include form select Modify > Hierarchy > Include from the main window pulldown.
Near the top of the form is shown the name of the element whose members list is to be
modified by the inclusion of new elements (we will refer to this as the new owner). Below
this are two scrollable lists:
Members
(with its associated Goto button etc.) lets you navigate around the
hierarchy just like the standard Members List.
Included Members
shows the current list of members already owned by the new owner.
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Use the form as follows:

1. If necessary, use the Members list or Navigation menu to navigate to the element that
is to be the new owner and use the CE button to reset the form (the Included
Members list will be updated automatically).
2. In the Included Members list, select an element adjacent to the required insertion
position.
Set the Before Item/After Item option button to specify the exact position relative to
the selected member.
3. Select the element(s) which are to be included as members of the new owner in one of
the following ways:
Navigate to the required element in the Members list and set the option button below
that list to CE or CE Members, depending on precisely which elements you want to
move.
Set the option button to ID Cursor or *ID Cursor and, when prompted, use the cursor
to pick the elements in a graphical view. ID Cursor lets you pick one element; *ID
Cursor lets you pick several elements (click Cancel when you have finished).
4. Click the Include button to move the selected elements to the new location.
5. When you have finished with the form, select Control > Close to remove it.
Reverse Order
Display and member elements below the current selection in reverse order. If you change
your mind, you can undo this operation by immediately repeating the command.
From the main window pull-down select Modify > Hierarchy > Reverse Order.
3.6.6
Reorder
The Reorder form lets you rearrange the members list order for any owning element.
To open the Reorder form select Modify > Hierarchy > Reorder from the main window pulldown.
The form shows two lists of members of the current element. To move an element to a
different list position:
In the left-hand list, select the element to be moved.
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In the right-hand list, select an element adjacent to the required list position. Set the
Before/After option button to specify the exact position relative to the selected
member.
Click Apply to move the element to its new list position.
Repeat this process if you want to move other elements before you Dismiss the form.
3.7
Delete
window pull-down.
There are several methods for deleting specified elements from the catalogue database.
Note: Each time you use a Delete option you must confirm (or cancel) the deletion. This is
an important safety feature, since deleted elements cannot be restored.
From the main window pull-down select:
Delete > CE
to delete the current element.
Delete > Name
to delete explicitly named elements.
Delete > Members to delete all members or selected members of the current element
without deleting the current element itself.
3.7.1
Delete Selection
The Delete Selection form lets you delete members from an element.
To open the Delete Selection form select Delete > Members > Selection from the main
window pull-down.
Select a member from the list and select the OK button to remove the member from the
current element.
All Lets you delete all members of the selected element, via Delete > Members > All.
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3.8
Search
A search facility is provided as an extension to several forms within PARAGON. The Search
form can be invoked from a number of other forms such as the Tasks sub forms of the
Create Specification, or Create Part World. There is no direct route to the Search form via
the main window pull-down.
The example below shows the Search form invoked from the Draft Symbol Set form (see
Draft Symbol Sets).
The individual components of the search form (DB Type, Element Types, etc) will be pre
populated by the opening form. However these values can be adapted by the user.
The DB Type pull-down allows you to specify which database to search, possible values
are:
Catalogue
Design
Dictionary
Draft
Menu
Property
Schematic
Spooler
Note: These are the databases that are available to a standard project, additional
databases may appear in the list if an administrator has customised the project.
In most cases, only the Catalogue and Property databases will be relevant when using
PARAGON.
In the Element Types field enter a space delimited list of elements types to search. Clicking
the box to the right of this will open the following form:
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The list of elements displayed in this form are dependant on the Database Type (selected in
the DB Type pull-down).
Pick from the list of Available Element Types by highlighting an entry and click Add ->> to
include the element in the Selected Element Types list.
To remove an element from the list of Selected Element Types highlight an entry and click
<<-Remove.
Click OK to return to the search form.
By default the Search In field will be pre-populated with an asterisk. This value is a wildcard
which indicated the search will be conducted on all elements in the database hierarchy.
If you only want to search below a certain position in the database hierarchy, specify the
name of the element you intend to search below in the Search In field (eg DRA/PRJ/TMP/
PIPING/A0). Alternatively select the item in the Catalogue Explorer and click Add CE.
Click Reset to reset the Search In field to its default value.
Use the grid part of the form to build a list of criteria to be used when conducting the search.
These conditions allow the search to test certain criteria based on the values of attributes
within the specified elements. There will normally be a pre-populated entry depending on
the opening form.
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Click in a cell in the Attribute column to expand a list of valid attributes available to the
element. The list of attributes is dependant on the selection made in the Element Types
field.
Click in the cell in the operator column to expand a list of available comparison criteria,
possible selections are as follows:
=
Attribute value is equal to
<>
Attribute value is more than or less than
<
Attribute value is less than
<=
Attribute value is less than or equal to
>
Attribute value is more than
=>
Attribute value is equal to or more than
Like
Attribute value is like (specified string).
To remove an entry from the list of search criteria click Remove Statement.
Click Choose Result Cols to open a window allowing you to alter the presentation of the
search results:
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In the Search Result Presentation Settings form select the desired attributes to be displayed
in the search results. Do this by checking a box beside the particular attribute.
Change the order attributes are displayed by selecting Move Up or Move Down.
The list of attributes is dependant on the Element Types.
Click Referenced Attributes to open the following form allowing Referenced Attributes to
be displayed in the search results.
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The Referenced Attributes are dependant on the Element Types.

Select Referenced Attributes from the hierarchical list and click Add ->> to include them in
the Selected Attributes list.
To remove entries from the list of Selected Attributes, highlight an entry and click <<Remove.
Click OK to return to the search form.
When all fields of the search form have been populated, click Find to begin the search. The
time taken to display search results is dependant on the size of the database and complexity
of the search criteria.
A search results form will be displayed as follows:
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Results are displayed in a grid list.

Click to highlight an entry. Depending on the form that originally launched the search, it may
be possible to select multiple entries by holding CTRL while making selections.
Click Use Selected to pass the selection back to the form that invoked the search form.
To discard the results and conduct a new search, right click within the results and select
New Search.
Click Back to exit the Search form.
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Working With PARAGON Applications

When working within an application an extended set of pull-down options become available.
This section describes the common features available when working to the Pipework,
Steelwork and Equipment application.
For an explanation of common form functionality refer to Application Modes within
PARAGON.
4.1
Create
The following section details the functionality available below the Create option in the main
window pull-down when working within an application.
4.1.1
Create Catalogue
Sections and Categories are administrative elements which let you segregate particular
types of catalogue data into logical parts of the hierarchy. Sections which subdivide an
overall CATA are obligatory; Categories, which subdivide Sections, are optional.
A CATA can contain a number of Catalogue Sections. These are of two types: Piping
Sections (SECT) and Structural Sections (STSEC), for a more detailed explanation of the
Catalogue database hierarchy refer to the Catalogues and Specifications Reference
Manual.
A Catalogue (CATA element) is the highest level element of the Catalogue Database
hierarchy.
To open the Create Catalogue form select Create > Catalogue from the main window pulldown.
Enter the Name to be assigned to the new Catalogue.

Select an appropriate Purpose from the pull-down.
Click OK to create a Catalogue (CATA element) in the database hierarchy.
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4.1.2
Create Section
A Piping Section (SECT) or Structural Section element (STSE) can only be created below a
Catalogue (CATA) element.
To open the Create Section form select Create > Section from the main window pull-down.
Enter the Name to be assigned to the new Section.

Click OK to create a Section (SECT/STSE element) in the database hierarchy.
4.1.3
Create Table World

Spec Tables are used to help with the creation of specifications and are used to control the
Bore Ranges and the Branch and Reducer Types.
A Spec Table World (TABWLD) is a top level administrative element.
To open the Create Table World form select Create > Spec Table > World from the main
window pull-down.
Enter a Name to be assigned to the new Table World.

Click OK to create a Table Section (TABWLD element) in the database hierarchy.
4.1.4
Create Nominal Bore Table

A Nominal Bore Table must be created below a Table World (TABWLD) element.
Note: The Nominal Bore Table is only used for specification creation and not for providing
wall thickness data in the Design. Refer to Wall Thickness Table.
To open the Create Nominal Bore Table form select Create Spec > Table > Size Range
Table from the main window pull-down.
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Enter a Name to be assigned to the new Nominal Bore Table.

Click OK to create a Nominal Bore Table (NOMTAB element) and open the following
window:
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Highlight bores in the Available Nominal Bores (mm) list by left clicking on the desired
bore size. Multiple bores can be selected at once by left clicking and dragging the mouse
pointer. To remove particular highlighted entries hold down the CTRL key and left click on a
bore size.
Add highlighted bores to the Size Range Table by clicking on the ADD > button.
Add all available bores to the Size Range Table by clicking on the ADD ALL >> button.
Remove a bore from the Size Range Table by highlighting a light blue entry in the main table
and click on the Remove < button.
To remove all bores from the Size Range Table click on the Remove All << button.
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Set the Schedule Thickness by selecting the Schedule radio button under Grid Insertion
Type and then clicking in the Wall Thickness column to display a pull-down of appropriate
values:
To input a value directly in the Wall Thickness column, select the Wall Thickness radio
button under Grid Insertion Type and click in a cell in the Wall Thickness column of the
grid. It is now possible to input a desired value (a decimal place is automatically visible).
Click Apply to commit the changes.

Close the form by clicking the X on the top right.
To return to the Size Range table select Modify > Spec Table from the main window pulldown.
4.1.5
Create Branch Tables

Branch tables are used as a way of selecting the type of fitting used for example BW could
indicate a Butt Weld Tee, SW a Socket Weld Tee, WOL a Butt Weld Outlet Boss and SOL a
Socket Weld Outlet Boss.
A Branch Table must be created below a Table World (TABWLD) element.
To open the Create Branch/Reducer Table form select Create > Spec Table > Branch/
Reducer Table from the main window pull-down
Enter the Name to be assigned to the new Branch Table.

Note: Branch and Reducer tables are created from the same form and underlying element
(BRTAB) within the database. To distinguish the table type; a Purpose attribute on
the BRTAB is applied. To create a Branch Table ensure the purpose is set to BRAN.
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Click OK create a Branch Table (BRTAB element with BRAN purpose) and open the
following window:
Highlight bores in the Available Nominal Bores (mm) list by left clicking on the desired
bore size. Multiple bores can be selected at once by left clicking and dragging the mouse
pointer down the list.
To remove particular highlighted entries hold down the CTRL key and left click once on a
bore size.
Add highlighted bores to the Branch Table by clicking on the ADD > button.
Add all available bores to the Branch Table by clicking on the ADD ALL >> button.
Remove a bore from the Branch Table by highlighting a light blue entry in the Branch Table
and clicking on the Remove < button.
To remove all bores from the Branch Table click on the Remove All << button.
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After adding Bores to the Branch Table add Short Codes as follows:
BW
TR
PAD
SOL
SW
ST
WOL
WOF
TOL
STUB
TOL
From the Cell Click Action list Select Add.

You can now click on empty cells in the Branch Table to fill them with a BW value.
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Select multiple cells to populate by holding down CTRL and left clicking and dragging the
mouse pointer.
To remove Items from a cell set the Cell Click Action to Clear and left click on the cell
within the Branch Table you wish to empty.
Return the Cell Click Action to None to return the mouse pointer to normal operation.
To edit the name of the Branch Table type over the value in the Name field and click Apply.
Enter a valid description for the branch table in the Description field.
Because the forms are multi purpose a status field indicates the current form Purpose to
the left of the Description field (for example BRAN indicates a Branch Table).
Click Apply to commit changes.
To return to the Branch table select Modify > Spec Table from the main window pull-down.
Reducer/Sizes Toggle Button
A ghosted Reducer Sizes check box is visible on the form. This check box is only active
when used in conjunction with the Specification creation forms. When a Spec is associated
with a Specification Table this toggle allows the user to quickly switch between attached
forms allowing faster edits to be made.
4.1.6
Create Reducer Tables

The Reducer Table creation form behaves in exactly the same manner as the Branch Table
form. To avoid repetition this section only lists the differences between the two.
A Reducer Table must be created below a Table World (TABWLD) element.
To open the Create Branch/Reducer Table form select Create > Spec Table > Branch/
Reducer Table from the main window pull-down.
Enter the Name to be assigned to the new Reducer Table.

Note: Ensure the Purpose is set to REDU.
Click OK to create a Reducer Table (BRTAB element with REDU purpose) and open a
window similar in appearance as the Branch Table form.
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The only difference in behaviour to the Branch Table form is the list of Short Codes available
for population, by default, these are:
ECC
CONC
SWGE
SWGC
Short codes are under user control and are stored in the defaults file: pdmsui\dflts\catpipetablecodes. Populate the table as described in the previous section.
4.1.7
Create Specification World

The component Specifications, which define the availability of components for particular
types of use, are held in the SPWL (Specification World) Elements of the Catalogue DB.
To open the Create Specification World form select Create > Specification > World from
Enter the Name to be assigned to the new specification world.

Click OK to create the Specification World (SPWL element) in the database hierarchy.
4.1.8
Create Specification
A SPECification is equivalent to an engineering specification for a given class of piping or
structural component. It may contain all components of a given material, for example carbon
steel, or all components for a given class of use, for example all piping components with a
particular pressure rating.
For a detailed explanation of a Specification refer to the Catalogues and Specifications
Reference Manual.
A specification (SPEC element) must be created below a Specification World (SPWL
element).
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To open the Create Specification form select Create > Specification > Specification from
Enter the Name to be assigned to the new Specification.

Select OK to create the Specification (SPEC element) in the database hierarchy and open
the following form:
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This form allows you to access various tasks which administer all aspects of a new
Specification.
At the top of the form is a CE button which allows you to populate the form with the currently
selected element in the Catalogue Explorer.
If the CE button is used, the pull-down to the right acts as a History. This allows the user to
select between Specification elements which have been selected while the window has
been opened.
The Headings pull-down acts in a similar way allowing selections between the component
GTYPEs of the specification.
A grid area lists the items assigned to the Specification. Directly below are the following
options:
Eng. View
displays the items in the grid list in engineering view
CAD View
displays the items in the grid list in CAD view
Select All
highlights all of the items in the grid list
Clear Selection
removes the highlight from the items in the grid list
Below these options is a Tasks sub form. This in turn contains sub forms which are
displayed as the user follows the process of creating a Specification.
Setting Specification Attributes
The Specification form contains a set of Tasks sub forms allowing you to modify the
attribute values of the SPEC element created in the Catalogue DB and create the
appropriate sub elements using an intuitive interface.
Click Edit Spec Atts to open the General Attributes sub form.
The General Attributes sub form allows changes to be made to the general attribute values
of the SPEC.
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In the Description field enter an appropriate explanation of what the specification is to be

used for.
In Spec Type select a value from the pull-down, valid options are:
Piping
Insulation
Tracing
Bolting
The following are optional fields useful for tracking certain activity in the database:
In the Input By field enter the name of the administrator creating the new specification.
In the Issue field enter an issue number.
In the Status field enter any additional tracking information that may be useful for identifying
the status of the specification.
Click on Apply to commit the changes.
Click Back to return to the list of tasks.
Click Edit CAD Atts to open the Cad Attributes sub form.
The CAD Attributes sub form allows changes to be made to the references to reference
attributes of the piping specification. These point to the material, fluid, bolting specification
and any user defined Nominal Bore/Branch/Reducer tables.
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In the Catalogue Explorer locate the elements created in the previous sections for Create
Nominal Bore Table, Create Branch Tables and Create Reducer Tables. Use the CE button
to pick the Spec Tables from the Catalogue explorer and bind them to the Cad Attributes
form.
Alternatively click on the search icon to the left of CE to conduct a search in the Catalogue
DB for the appropriate tables.
Click on Apply and then Back to return to the Tasks form.
Note: Optionally you could set Material Reference, Fluid Reference and Bolting.
Access to Tables
Once the references to the Size, Branch and Reducer Tables have been made they can be
accessed via the appropriate Tables shortcut on the Tasks sub form as follows:
Clicking on a link will take you to the appropriate modify spec table form allowing changes to
be made.
Renaming a Specification
Click Rename Spec to open the Rename Specification sub form.
Select a radio button to change the way a spec is renamed.
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By default Auto Name will be selected. When this is the case a message will be displayed
to prompt the user to Press Apply to autoName your spec or selection doing so will
rename the spec with the next incremental auto number value (for example spec/005 will be
renamed spec/006).
Clicking the Specify radio button allows the user to enter a specific name for the spec. The
input field will also change to Specify. Enter a new name in the Specify.
Clicking the Replace radio button allows the user to replace part of the spec name with a
new string. Two input fields will become available; Replace and With. In each case click
Apply to commit the change.
Export Spec
Click Export to open a standard windows file browser.
The export feature allows the user to export the current specification to an output file. This
can be used later in a macro to import the specification into a project.
Spec Headings
Headings must be added for each type of component in a specification.
The heading will define the column headings of the new piping specification table. There are
four distinct sorts of information in a header:
TYPE is the generic type (GTYPE) of the component represented by an SPCOM.
NAME is the unique identifier for each SPCOM.
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Selector Questions define the SELEC choices which will be used to choose an
appropriate SPCOM for a given design purpose (eg STYPE, ANGLE etc).
Reference Pointers link each SPCOM to the corresponding definitions in the other
parts of the Catalogue (eg CATREF points to SCOM, DETAIL points to DTEXT, and so
on).
For more information refer to the Catalogues and Specifications Reference Manual.
Populate Spec Headings
Click Add Headings to open the Headings sub form.
The Headings form allows you to build the Headings row of the new Specification.
The Questions table to the left of the form lists all the current Heading columns of the
Specification.
Using the buttons below the table the user can add, remove and re-organise the order of
columns to be included in the Specification.
Click to add a column to the Specification
Click to remove the currently selected heading from the
Specification
Click to move the currently selected heading up the list
(changing the order the heading will be displayed)
Click to move the currently selected heading down the list
(changing the order the heading will be displayed)
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Open a sub form allowing a selection of pre-defined

Headings.
Save a constructed heading for later selection in the
Standard Headings list.
Note: Creating a Question has the result of creating a SELEC element within the database.
To change a Question type; highlight a row in the Questions table and select a new value
from the Question pull-down to the right of the table. The available Question types are as
follows:
Angle
Pbore
Pconn
Pressure
Shop
Stype
Type
Radius
Rating
Temperature
Bolt Diameter
Bolt Type
Bolt Select
When dealing with a PBORE, a Qualifier can be either a null value or a numeric value from
0 9, change the value by selecting a value from the Qualifier pull-down to the far right of
the form.
Each Question column must have a default value set to either a definite answer (a value,
word, etc) or to a or = character. TYPE, NAME and PBOR columns must have (null)
defaults values and the Reference Pointer columns must have no default entries at all.
Click Set Headings to commit changes.
Click Back to return to the Tasks sub form.
Clicking on Use Standard Heading Sets will open the following sub form:
From this form it is possible to pick from pre-defined headings.

The selections available in the list depends on whether the user is editing an existing spec,
or creating a new one, as the left hand list will contain the list of questions available from the
spec.
The Standard Headings list contains a list of stored questions.
Upon selection of the required Standard Heading the right hand Questions and Defaults
list will be populated with appropriate questions.
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Note: The list of available Standard Headings is maintained in the standard-headings file
located in PDMSUI>cats>dflts. The location of the PDMSUI folder may vary
depending on installation.
Click Use Standard Headings to commit changes.
Add Item to a SPEC
After creating the main column headings for the Specification parts can be retrieved from the
Catalogue by using the Add New Items form.
Click Add New Items to open the Add Items sub form.
The Add Items form is used to retrieve the Answer part of the Question.
In the Size Range group select a from and to value (minimum size and maximum size)
from the pull-down lists. These values are constrained by the spec tables selected in the
CAD Atts form.
Use the Stype and Heading Type fields to enter a valid sub type and GTYPE value, this will
be used in the Specification heading (but not as part of the Question).
Populate Stype with a value such as TUB.
In the Heading Type enter a valid value such as TUBE.
The Add From group allows the user to select a CATEgory or Part Family form within the
Catalogue database where the Specification is to locate the desired parts.
It is possible to enter directly a top level element in the Name field or alternatively use one of
the following tools to help locate a top level element to pick from:
Category List
Part Family List
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CE
Search
To search within a catalogue click on Search to open the following form:
The Search form displayed is a generic search facility (fully described in Search), it will be
pre-populated with an appropriate criteria designed to return valid top level Catalogue
elements.
It is recommended to click Find without changing any of the search criteria. However if
experienced it is possible to adapt the search if more than one Catalogue databases are
present in a project (see Search).
After clicking Find a list of results will be displayed which can then be filtered further if
required.
This is done by using the standard tools available through the PDMS user interface detailed
in the Getting Started with PDMS.
In the following example a filter will be applied to the Description field to return results that
contain the string PIPE.
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Click on the A icon in the heading of the Description column. This will display a list of filter
options. Select Contains from the pull-down list.
In the Description field to the left of the filter button type a value such as PIPE to filter and
display all entries that contain the word Pipe in the description.
At this stage clicking New Search will clear the results and return to the Add Items Search
Form.
Clicking Back will return to the Add Items form without making a selection.
Highlight an entry in the list of results and click Use Selected, this will return to the Add
Items form and pass through the selection to the Add From group in the Add Items form. As
follows:
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Select Apply to now run the Question query on the Catalogue database on all elements
below the selection made in the Add From group. The results will be formatted with the
headings specified in the Add Heading form.
Click Back to return to the Tasks form.

Editing the Answers
To edit the Answers begin by highlighting the Answer table by left clicking and highlighting
rows of the table which are to be changed.
Click Edit Answers to open the Edit Answers sub form.
Note: The available fields are dependant on the Headings specified earlier in the Add
Headings Form.
Make changes to the Heading field values by typing directly over the entries.
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Edit Ref/Attributes
Once a piping specification has been created the columns containing references can be
edited.
Click Edit Ref/Attributes to open the Edit Ref/Attributes sub form.
To edit a Reference use either the Search, choose the currently selected element in the
Catalogue Explorer (CE) or pick from a list of items in the grid.
Clicking on the List button to the right of Detail Ref will display the following form:
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The list can be filtered using the standard filter tools provided in grid tables, for a detailed
explanation of grid lists refer to Getting Started with PDMS.
To choose a new reference select an element in the list and click Use Selected.
Click the Refresh List button to clear any filters applied.
Click Back to return to the previous form.
Edit Extra UDAs
This feature is in development and will be available in a future release of PARAGON.
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Rename Items
The Rename Items form provides the same functionality for Items as that available in the
Renaming a Specification form.
Click to highlight an item in the list then click Rename Items.
Refer to Renaming a Specification for a detailed explanation.
Remove to Limbo
Remove item from a specification but retains system references. This allows historic parts to
be present in an existing design, but not available for selection in a new design.
Delete Permanently
Selecting Delete Permanently will remove the selected item from the specification.
Note: There are implications in removing an item from a specification which is already in
operation. Be aware that removing items from a specification can have adverse
results in a project which has already been deployed.
To return to the Specification table select Modify Specification from the main window pulldown.
4.1.9
Create Part World

Parts are used in the catalogue to fully describe the components. Catref, Detail and Material
text is linked without the need for defining a specification.
A Part World (PRTWLD) is a top level administrative element.
To open the Create Part World form select Create > Part > World from the main window
pull-down.
Enter the Name to be assigned to the new Part World.

Select OK to create the new Part World (PRTWLD element) in the database hierarchy.
4.1.10
Create Part Family

A Part Family must be created below a Part World (PRTWLD).
To open the Create Part Family form select Create > Part > Family from the main window
pull-down.
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Enter the Name to be assigned to the new Part Family.

Select the OK button to create the new Part Family (PRTELE elements) and open the
following screen.
This form allows you to access various tasks which administer all aspects of a new Part
Family.
The form is divided into separate sub Tasks.

In the list of Tasks below View and Edit Properties there are two options available:
General Attributes
Allows the general attributes of a GPART element to be edited
References
Allows the references of the Part to be edited
These selections are ghosted till a GPART is created in the database hierarchy.
To create a new GPART select Create a New Part in the list of tasks.
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A new GPART element will be created in the database hierarchy below the Part World and a
new part entry will appear in the Part Family form as follows:
At this stage it is possible to select General Attributes to display the following sub form:
The following form fields should be populated as follows:

Name
Enter a suitable element name
Type
Enter a suitable value such as ELBO
Subtype
Enter a suitable value such as BW
Description
Enter an optional long description for the element
Comment
Additional comment field for administrator use
Purpose
Enter an appropriate purpose such as PIPE
Uncheck Allow References from Design to not allow the Part to be referenced in DESIGN
(by default this is checked).
Click Apply Changes to commit the changes to the Catalogue database.
Click Edit All Attributes to allow manual edits to be made to all the attributes of the GPART.
Clicking this will open the following form:
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Click the CE button to populate the form with the currently selected element in the
Catalogue Explorer.
Use the standard Track check box to allow the form to follow the currently selected element
in the Catalogue Explorer.
The Write Access and Modify Allowed boxes will check depending on the status of the
element (these boxes are for information only and cannot be changed from this form).
Highlight an attribute in the list and use the input field at the bottom of the form. The input
field will change depending on the currently selected attribute in the list.
Type a new value into the input field and commit the change by clicking Apply.
Close the form once edits have been made.
Creating Parts from a Category
It is possible to create Parts from a previously created Category.
A full description of how to create a Category follows this section. Creating a Part Family
from a Category is simply a case of selecting a previously created Category in the
Catalogue Explorer and clicking on Create Parts from Category:
1. In the Catalogue Explorer highlight a previously created Category.
2. Select Create Parts from Category to add elements below the Category to the Part
Family list from the currently selected Category element.
Note: If the currently selected item is not a Category then a standard search form will open,
pre-populated with a search criteria for a Category (CATE STCA).
3. Click Use.
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4. Select General Attributes.
The General Attributes form allows changes to be made to the attributes of the Parts
added to the Family.
Values such as Type and Subtype can be changed as described in the previous
section.
Create Parts from Template Area
As with Categories, it is possible to Parts from a previously created Template Area.
Creating a Part Family from a Template Area is simply a case of selecting a previously
created Template Area in the Catalogue Explorer and clicking on Create Parts from
Template Area:
1. In the Catalogue Explorer highlight a previously created Template Area.
2. Select Create Parts from Template Area to add elements below the Template Area to
the Part Family list from the currently selected element.
Note: If the currently selected element is not a Template Area then a standard search form
will open, pre-populated with a search criteria for a Template Area (TMAR).
3. Select General Attributes.
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The General Attributes form allows changes to be made to the attributes of the Parts
added to the Family.
Values such as Type and Subtype can be changed as described in the previous
section.
Part Names
Each part name should describe the component in full Material and Schedule Thickness,
short codes can be incorporated within the part name.
For example: 100NB and 150NB Elbows are Schedule 40 whilst the 200NB Elbow is
Schedule 30, all elbows are Carbon Steel ASTM A53 GR A.
The above shows typical part names and descriptions.

AAA
Carbon Steel ASTM A53 GR A
SG
Schedule 40
SE
Schedule 30
The rest of the code is the name of the catref.

The Parts should be renamed and the description set as shown above.
Part References
Parts can reference database items such as Isometric Description and Material, Weights
etc.
1. Highlight a Part from the list of Parts in the Family

2. Select References.
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The References form allows you to set the following reference attributes at GPART
level.
3D Model
Catref
3D Template
Tmpref
2D Symbols
Drssref
ISO Description
Detref
ISO Material
Matxt
Bolts
Bltref
Weights
Cmpref
Surface Treatment
Srftref
3. Select the desired element to reference in the Catalogue Explorer.

4. Select the appropriate Reference Type from the Tasks Reference form (for example
Bolts).
5. Click CE
6. Click Apply Change to add the reference to the Part.
The appropriate Part reference will then be set (Bltref in the case of Bolts).
A description of the referenced element will also be visible:
7. Close the form by clicking the X on the top right.

8. To return to the Part Family form select Modify > Part Family from the main window
pull-down.
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4.1.11
Create Category
A Category (CATE element) must be created below a section (SECT element). Depending
on the purpose of a Category the appropriate element will be created in the Catalogue DB
(CATE for piping and STCA for Steelwork).
To open the Create Category form select Create > Category from the main window pulldown.
Enter the Name to be assigned to the new Category.

Select OK to create the new Category and open the following Category Creation form:
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Parameter Definitions
Parameters define the size, geometry and other characteristics of Components. They are
used in setting the attributes of the Pointsets, Geomsets and Datasets to which Component
elements refer.
All classes of Component can use component parameters, design parameters and
insulation parameters. Structural Components can also use attached and owning design
parameters. Component parameters are defined in the Catalogue; the other classes of
parameters allow characteristics to be set during the design process.
To add a parameter, do the following:

1. Type a description for the parameter in the Description input field
2. Click the New button. This will append a numbered row to the Parameter Definitions
list. A new parameter with value set to zero will be added to any component found that
uses this parameter definition.
To modify a parameter description, do the following:
1. Highlight the parameter.
2. Modify the description in the Description input field and click the Apply button.
To delete a parameter definition, do the following:
1. Highlighting the last parameter entry.
2. Click the red cross to delete the parameter.
Note: Only the last parameter in the parameter list can be deleted. Warnings will be issued
because deleting a parameter definition does not change any component geometry
or component property expressions that are dependent on the deleted parameter.
The corresponding parameter value is removed from any component found that uses
this parameter definition.
Creating Components
To create a component highlight Category in the Model Operations group:
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This will display the following sub form:
This sub form contains a grid listing all component elements currently below the Category.
The following tools are available:
New
Create a new component entry
Copy
Make a duplicate of the currently selected component
Import
Import a spreadsheet containing a list of pre-defined components
Export
Export the current list of components to a spreadsheet
Highlight a row and click the red cross to delete a component.

Click Category Attributes to allow edits to be made to the attributes of the owning
Category element.
The grid will also contain a column for each parameter created in the previous section.
The parameters can be populated by clicking within a cell and entering a desired value.
To edit the properties of the component, highlight an entry in the list and click Element in the
Model Operations group to display the following form:
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The References form allows the attributes of the component to be edited.

Change the component name by typing a new value over the Name field.
A GTYPE must be set be selecting a value from the Generic Type pull-down.
The following values can be changed by using the Catalogue Explorer to select an
appropriate element:
P-Point Set
Geometry Set
Data Set
Bolt Holes
Click Apply to commit the changes
Click Back to return to the previous form.
Creating P-Points
Depending on the type of component it may be necessary to create a series of p-points.
1. Select Point Ref: on the Model Operations Pane.
2. In the bottom part of the form choose a point type from the pull-down shown below:
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Possible values are as follows:

Axial P-Point (PTAX)
Cartesian P-Point (PTCA)
Mixed Type P-Point (PTMI)
Position Type P-Point (PTPOS)
Depending on the selection made, a set of input fields will appear allowing the Point
Reference to be populated as below:
3. Click the Copy button to create a duplicate of the Point Ref.

4. Click the Red Cross to delete the Point Ref
5. Click Apply to commit the changes.
6. Click All Attributes to open a popup window allowing all attributes of the Point Ref to
be edited as follows:
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Displaying the P-points

To display an axis in the 3D view pane check the Axes Radio button at the top of the
Category form:
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The 3D view will display an axis as follows:
Click the Representation button to change the way the 3D view draws the geometry of the
element (when geometry is associated, see following):
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Creating Geometry
To reference geometry begin by selecting Geometry Ref. on the Model Operations Pane:
The Geometry References sub form will be displayed.
From the Positive pull-down select a 3D primitive. The following options are available:
BOXI
Boxing
LCYL
Cylinder
LINE
Line
LPYR
Pyramid
LSNO
Snout
SBOX
Box
SCON
Cone
SCTO
Circular Torus
SCYL
Cylinder defined by the distance to the bottom face from the origin and the height.
SDIS
Disc
SDSH
Dish
SEXT
User defined extrusion
SLINE
Alternative line
SREV
Solid of revolution
SRTO
Rectangular Torus
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SSLC
Slope bottomed cylinder
SSPH
Sphere
TUBE
Tube
If required select a Negative Primitive from the Negative pull-down.

Note: For a full list of available Positive and Negative Primitives in PARAGON refer to the
Catalogues and Specifications Reference Manual.
Check the Show Geometry Plot to display the primitive in the 3D view.
The Napp pull-down is only available when using a Negative Primitive. Possible selections
are as follows:
Default
Nothing Removed From Attached
Removed From Owner
Removed From Item
Removed From All
Removed From Attached and Owner
Removed From Attached and Item
Removed From Owner and Item
For a full explanation of Negative Primitives refer to the Catalogues and Specifications
Reference Manual.
Select from the Representation pull-down a value from the following choices:
Unknown
Default
Profile Obstruction
Profile Centreline
Profile Obstruction
Piping Reserved
Piping Detail
Piping Centre Line
Detail With No Obst
Detail Volume
Obstruction Volume
Insulation Volume
Reserved Volume
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To define the obstruction level of the primitive when in DESIGNs clash checking facility
select from one of the following:
None
The primitive will not clash with anything (used for symbols and negative
volumes)
Soft
Used for insulation, access volumes, penalty volumes, etc
Hard
DESIGNs clash checking facility will report hard interference.
Whether a primitive is drawn or not depends on setting the following values:
If the PARAGON LEVEL setting is within the LEVEL range specified for the primitive (as its
LEVEL attribute) then the primitive will be considered for drawing, otherwise it will not be. If
the level condition is satisfied, then whether a primitive is displayed or not in PARAGON
depends upon the settings of its Tube Flag and Centre Line Flag.
Depending on the type of Primitive selected the Geometry Ref form will also provide an
input area to specify the appropriate dimensions of the component, the following is an
example input area for an snout (LSNO).
After populating the form click Apply to commit the changes.

In Model Operations select Data Ref to create Data Set references.
Similar functionality is available for Bolting References.
To return to the Category form select Modify > Category from the main window pull-down.
4.1.12
Create DTSE
A Data Set (DTSE element) is a grouping of DATA elements, holding any catalogue data not
stored more specifically elsewhere and which is required for use in DESIGN or DRAFT. For
a detailed explanation of a Data Set refer to the Catalogues and Specifications Reference
Manual.
A Data Set can be created below a Section (SECT element) or a Category (CATE element).
To open the Create Data Set form select Create > Dataset from the main window pull-down.
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Enter a Name to be assigned to the new Data Set.

Click OK to create a Data Set (DTSE element) and open the Catalogue Property
Definitions form (see following).
4.1.13
Catalogue Property Definitions

Opened from Dataset form.
This form lets you create (or modify) a catalogue properties dataset.
The upper part of the form lets you specify the details for a single property, while the lower
part displays a list of all of the properties that are currently defined. When modifying a
dataset, the CE button reinitialises the form to modify the DTSE element currently selected
in the Members form (see Members). The name of the dataset to be modified is displayed
adjacent to the CE button. For a detailed list of definitions refer to the Catalogue and
Specifications Reference Manual.
To return to the Catalogue Property Definitions form select Modify > Data Set from the main
window pull-down.
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4.1.14
Text Definition
Text Definition (TEXT elements) can be used to store any textual data at almost any level in
the database hierarchy.
To open the Create Text Definition form select Create > Text from the main window pulldown.
Type over unset in the first input field to name the element.
Type the required text string into the Text field. This data, which is stored in the STEX
attribute of the Text element, is restricted to a maximum of 120 characters.
Note: Do not enclose the text between apostrophes (as is the standard PDMS convention)
unless you want these to form part of the text string.
Use the pull-down to change the form to a modify mode.
Click Apply to create the text element
Close the form by clicking the X on the top right or click Dismiss.
To return to the Text Definition form select Modify > Text from the main window pull-down.
4.1.15
Detail and Material Text

Creating Detail Text
Detail Text (DTEXT elements) hold any general text which is used to describe the
corresponding component in schedules, on isometric drawings and so on.
To open the Detail Text Definition form select Create > Detail from the main window pulldown.
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Enter a name for the DTEXT element in the top input field.
From the Generic Type list select a desired value.
Depending on the Generic Type a list of available Descriptions will become available.
The Symbol Key is set automatically.
If required enter a Length and Quantity.
For ISODRAFT populate the fields for Detail, Interface B and Interface C. For more
information refer to the PDMS ISODRAFT Reference Manual.
To return to the Detail Text Definition form select Modify > Detail Text from the main
window pull-down.
Toggle Create and Modify from the top pull-down.
Creating Material Text
As Material Texts are common across component types it is normal to create them in a
separate section (below a SECT element).
Material Text (SMTE elements) contain descriptive text describing the material(s) from
which the physical component is constructed.
To open the Material Text Definition form select Create > Material from the main window
pull-down.
Enter a name for the SMTE element in the top input field.
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Enter material text in the Material (ISODRAFT) field.

Optionally populate the Interface A and Interface B fields.
To return to the Material Text Definition form select Modify > Material Text from the main
window pull-down.
Toggle Create and Modify from the top pull-down.
4.1.16
Draft Symbol Sets

This Draft Symbol Sets form lets you define symbols for components to be used on Draft
drawings.
To open the Draft Symbol Set form select Create > Draft Symbol Set from the main window
pull-down.
A Draft Symbol Set should be created below a CATE or SECT element.
Enter a Name to be assigned to the new Draft Symbol Set.

Click OK to create a Draft Symbol Set (DRRSET element) and open the following form:
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The Name will be populated based on the previous form.

In the Description and Function fields enter an appropriate value
The Purpose will automatically populate depending on the application currently active in
PARAGON.
Draft Symbol Sets can own a number of Draft Symbol Links (DRSYLKs).
To add a Draft Symbol Link to the list click Add.
To delete a Draft Symbol Link click Delete.
Selecting a DRSYLK in the list allows its attributes to modified in the lower panel of the form.
Draft Text or Symbol Templates (TXTM or SYTM elements) can be referenced by typing in
their names, navigating to them in the Catalogue Explorer and clicking CE, or clicking the
Search button to invoke a standard Search.
The Criteria expression determines which Draft views the symbols will be used on. An
expression can be typed into the combo gadget, or an existing expression can be selected
from the drop down list. Clicking on a Draft Symbol Link in the list will add its Criteria
expression to the combo, so that all expressions accessed during the current session are
available.
Refer to Create Part Family for creating a 2D Symbol reference to a DRRSET.
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Close the form by clicking the X on the top right or click Close.
To return to the Draft Symbol Set form select Modify > Draft Symbol Set from the main
window pull-down.
4.1.17
Properties
The Properties form allows you to edit component properties such as weights and material
data.
To open the Properties form select Create > Properties from the main window pull-down.

To return to the Properties form select Modify > Properties from the main window pulldown.
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4.2
Utilities
window pull-down when working within an application.
4.2.1
Convert Spec
The Convert Spec form allows older style specifications to be converted into new style
GPART families or TABGRO element types depending on application mode such as Pipe or
Steel.
The conversion process takes all the referenced catalogue data from the incoming
specification and creates the new structure, it will also create a new specification with the
GPART reference at the same time.
For non-piping specifications the Convert Spec creates a TABGRO>CTABLE>TABITE
structure to match the incoming spec, so that the new selection option can be used when in
DESIGN.
To open the Convert Spec form select Utilities > Convert Spec from the main window pulldown.
Note: The Convert Spec may not open instantly. Before the form is displayed a conversion
list is built. While this process takes place a progress bar will be displayed at the
bottom of the PARAGON interface.
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Using the Discipline pull-down select the type of specification to convert. The Source
specification list will populate with the applicable specifications.
From the Source specification list highlight the specification to be converted. You can
change the display of the specifications by dragging a column heading to the group heading
field.
Select an entry in the Source specification list to display possible target elements in the
database hierarchy for the converted Spec to output to. These are listed in the Destination
Spec Worlds/Table Groups and Destination Part Worlds.
If no destinations are listed the you can create new elements using Create Spec World
(which will launch the Create Specification World) and Create Part World (which will launch
the Create Part World).
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Choose an entry from the Destination Spec Worlds/Table Groups and Destination Part
Worlds.
Click Apply to convert the specification and create the desired database hierarchy as in the
following example:
After conversion the database structure can be modified.

Select Modify > Part Family from the main window pull-down to edit the new Part Family.
Select Modify > Selection Table Group from the main window pull-down to edit the new
table group:
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Other sub-headings can be selected:
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4:50
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Additional Pipework Tools

The following sections describe features which are only available when working specifically
within the Pipework application of PARAGON.
To switch to Pipework application select PARAGON > Pipework from the main window pulldown.
5.1
Utilities
The Pipework application provides the following added functionality below the Utilities
option of the main window pull-down.
5.1.1
Edit Ckeys
The CKEY attribute can be set for each pair of Connection Types in the COCO elements in
the Coco (CCTAB) tables. It is used by ISODRAFT to determine what type of connection is
used to join two elements (for example Butt weld, Screwed, etc.).
For more information relating to Coco Tables refer to Create Coco Table.
For more information relating to ISODRAFT refer to the ISODRAFT Reference Manual .
To open the Edit CKeys form select Utilities > Modify Ckeys from the main window pulldown.
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Click CE when a CCTAB element is selected in the Catalogue Explorer to list the connection
types, in a grid list.
Click the Select All button to select all entries in the list.
Click the Unselect All button to deselect all entries in the list.
Click the Delete button to remove selected COCO elements from the table. A confirmation
dialogue is displayed.
Click the Dismiss button to commit changes and close the Edit CKeys form.
Modify CKey
Select the a connection types from the list and click the Modify Ckeys button to display the
following pop up form:
Select the required CKEY from the drop down list and click OK.
Click Cancel to close the form without change.
Filter CKey
Click Filter to open the following form and to allowing filtering of the list of Connections.
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The CType part of the form acts as a selection expression. Use wildcards or specify filter
rules in the CTYPE fields and toggle an And OR expression from the pull-down.
In the CKey Filter part of the form check the boxes for the CKey you want to display.
Click OK to apply the filter or Cancel to close the form without change.
5.1.2
PCONN/SKEY Compatibility Reports

The PCONN/SKEY Compatibility Report form allows you to generate a report (in .csv
format) detailing the SKEYs and Pconns for all the elements in the selected specifications.
The reports are saved into the selected directory, default %PDMSUSER%.
To open the PCON/SKEY Compatibility Reports form select via Utilities > PCONN/SKEY
Report from the main window pull-down.
Highlight the Spec Element you wish to report on by clicking an entry in the list.
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To highlight multiple entries hold down the CTRL button while clicking entries in the list.
Click Select All to highlight all entries in the list.
Click Unselect All to remove the highlight from all entries in the list.
Click Apply to output the report to the path specified in the Directory field of the form. The
filename(s) will be the name of the Spec Element(s) selected.
To change the path where the report is generated; type a new value into the Directory field.
The reports can then be viewed in a spreadsheet or text processor.
5.1.3
Modify PConns
The Modify PConns form allows you to change the connection types on the Ppoints of
elements with a given SKEY for one or more specifications.
To open the Modify PConns form select Utilities > Pconns from the main window pulldown.
Select the specifications you wish to change, in the SPEC Elements list.
Enter the SKEY you wish to modify into the SKEY text box and define the changes in the
Modify Pconns From - To text boxes.
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To select the Pconns to modify, enter the Ctype for each Pconn in numerical order,
separated by spaces, into the From text box. To change all the Pconns for an SKEY enter a
* into the From box.
The new Ctypes must be entered for each Pconn in numerical order, separated by spaces,
into the To text box.
Note: Text box entries are case sensitive.
Click the Apply button. The changes are carried out and the details are shown in the
Output list box.
If the Report changes to file box is checked, a report of the changes is saved to the file
specified in the File text box.
This file will act as a macro to reverse the changes if you require so to do. It can be run by
typing $M <Path & Filename> in the Command Window.
5.2
Create
The Pipework application provides the following added functionality below the Create option
of the main window pull-down.
5.2.1
Wall Thickness Table

Wall thickness tables are a reference list of elements with a bore and a wall thickness value.
To create a Wall Thickness Table (WTHTAB) the user must first create or navigate to a
Table World element (TABWLD) and then select Create > Spec Table > Wall Thickness
Table from the main menu bar to display the Create Wall Thickness Table window.
Note: The window is displayed with a default name based on the current element.
Enter the Name to be assigned to the new Wall Thickness Table.

Set the Purpose to PIPE.
Click OK to create a Wall Thickness Table in the database hierarchy and open the Wall
Thickness Table window.
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The Wall Thickness Table builds a set of wall thickness elements (WTHELE) matching the
bore sizes in the specification to which it's applied. The user must select a list of bore sizes
to match those in the specification from the Bores list.
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Click Add to populate the Nominal Bores column. To add the complete Bore list click Add
All.
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After adding the required Bores, the Remove and Remove All options become active
allowing the user to remove Bores from the Nominal Bores list.
After setting the required bores, the Wall Thickness values can be entered.
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When all the Wall Thickness values have been entered, click Apply to create the Wall
Thickness Table.
5.2.2
Pipe Data Table

Pipe Data Tables are designed to store bore specific data and are referenced by a
specification. Each specification will reference its own specific Pipe Data table.
Each Pipe Data Table will own a number of Pipe Data Elements matching the bore sizes of
the specification components. Each pipe data element has attributes to identify wall
thickness, corrosion allowance and flange excess allowance and these will be accessible for
each component.
To create a Pipe Data Table the user must first create or navigate to a Table World element
(TABWLD) and then select Create > Spec Table > Pipe Data Table from the main menu
bar to display the Create Pipe Data Table window.
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Enter the Name to be assigned to the new Pipe Data Table.

Set the Purpose to PIPE
Click OK to create a Pipe Data Table in the database hierarchy and open the Pipe Data
Table window.
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Nominal Bores
The user must select a list of bore sizes to match those in the specification from the Bores
list.
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Click Add to populate the Nominal Bores column. To add the complete Bore list click Add
All.
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After adding the required Bores the Remove and Remove All options become active
allowing the user to remove Bores from the Nominal Bores list.
After setting the required bores the user must complete the three data columns.
Wall Thickness Ref.
A reference to an existing wall thickness table.
Corrosion Allowance
A numeric value to represent the corrosion allowance at that

bore.
Flange Allowance
A numeric value or expression for setting extra tube lengths for

flared or loose flanges.
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Wall Thickness Ref

The Wall Thickness Reference column is a link to a set of wall thickness tables.
Rather than enter the values for wall thickness for each size, the pipe data element for each
bore size is set to reference the values of a wall thickness table which enables a standard
set of tables to be created and referenced by many specifications.
Corrosion Allowance
Corrosion Allowance provides data for applications like pipe stressing or to store the value
from the specification definition. A single value of corrosion allowance can be set by setting
the CORRO attribute of the pipe data table. It is not necessary to enter corrosion allowance
values for each bore size unless the allowance changes for different bore sizes, in which
case an entry is required for each size.
Flange Allowance
The flange allowance column allows a default method of specifying the extra material
required for loose flanges or extruded.
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Any flange with an SCOM COMPYPE attribute set to ALLO will be considered as requiring
extra material. If a flange requires an allowance then the value will be taken from the Pipe
Data Table and put into the ALLOW attribute of the flange and the LOOSE attribute will be
set to TRUE.
The flange allowance value in the Pipe Data Table is an expression so it could be related to
the wall thickness for example (10 * pwallth(1)) would give a value of 10 times the wall
thickness at p1 of the flange.
Referencing the Pipe Data Table
In order to use the data within a Pipe Data Table, the table must be referenced by a pipe
specification by setting the attribute Pdareference on the specification to the name of a Pipe
Data Table.
For example:
PDAREF /A3B.PDATAB
To do this the user must navigate to a specification in the explorer and then select Modify >
Specification from the Paragon Main Menu bar to display the Modify Specification
window.
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To set the Pipe Data reference, select the CAD View radio button and then click Edit CAD
Atts. The Modify Specification window will now display the Cad Attributes.
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The Pipe Data Table reference can then be set in the conventional way using the search
tools to find suitable tables. On clicking Search
the search panel is displayed.
Clicking Find will then search for all PDTAB elements and displays them in a list.
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To set the reference, select a table and the click Use Selected.
When the table name is displayed in the Pipe Data Table Ref field, click Apply.
Provision for None Standard Wall Thicknesses

The wall thickness table references provided in the pipe data tables are intended to cover
the majority of cases, but in certain circumstances extra wall thicknesses will be required. If
a specification has a choice of tubes with different wall thicknesses then the Pipe Data
Table can only provide one value. To accommodate this, each spec component (SPCOM)
has a reference to a Pipe Data Table (PDAREF) but importantly, this may reference either a
Pipe Data Table or a Wall Thickness Table. The dual purpose is to allow a wall thickness
to be set on a component without the need to create additional Pipe Data Tables.
To set the reference to individual components, select them from the list, select a Pipe Data
Table and click Apply to set the values.
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5.2.3
Bolt Table Utilities

Bolt Tables are used to hold Bolt Length Tables (LTAB element) which store Standard Bolt
Lengths for specific diameters (DTAB element). Bolt Lists are also used to group together
Standard Bolt Elements (SBOL).
Although the Bolt Table is part of the Catalogue Database, it has been designed for the
exclusive use with ISODRAFT and so is described in detail in the ISODRAFT Reference
Manual.
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To open the Bolt Table Utilities form select Create > Bolt Table Utilities from the main
window pull-down.
Enter the Name to be assigned to the new Bolt Table.

Ensure the Purpose is set to PIPE.
Click OK to create a Bolt Table (BLTA element) in the database hierarchy and open the
following window:
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The Bolt Table Utilities form is divided into tabs which are detailed in the following
sections. By default the Bolting Table Utilities form will open to the Bolt Lengths tab:
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Create a Length Table

To create a Length Table begin by entering suitable Length Name.
Click Apply located at the bottom of the Bolt Table Utilities form.
A new LTAB element is created in the database hierarchy and the element will appear in the
list of Available Bolts.
More entries can be added to the list of Available Bolts by repeating the above steps.
Clicking Delete Bolt will remove the currently selected item from the Available Bolts list.
A Diameter Table can now be created:
Enter a valid name in Diameter Name field.
Click Apply located at the bottom of the Bolt Table Utilities form. A new DTAB element is
created in the database hierarchy and the element will appear in the Diameter Name
column:
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The Diameter Table allows a range of values to be input:
Populate the Diameter Table as follows:

1. Enter a starting value such as 10 in the Start Length / mm field.
2. Enter a stepping value such as 5 in the Interval / mm field.
3. Enter an end range value such as 60 in the End Length / mm field.
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The newly created values will be displayed in the Lengths in ... column (the caption will
change depending on the current selection in the Available Bolts list).
Click Delete Length to remove the currently selected Length.
Click Delete Diameter to remove the currently selected Diameter.
To modify a value, highlight an entry and then type over the existing value, then click Apply
located at the bottom of the Bolt Table Utilities form.
Click Dismiss to close the form.
Create a Single Bolt Table
Click the Single Bolting tab of the Bolt Table Utilities form.
Enter a Bolt Name for the new Single Bolting list

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A new BLIS element will be created in the database hierarchy and the entry will appear in
the list of Available Bolts.
Clicking Delete Bolt will remove the currently selected item from the Available Bolts list.
With an entry highlighted in the Available Bolts list it is now possible to add Single Bolt
Elements (SBOL) .
The caption above the Single Bolt Elements table states Available Sbolts in ... This will
change depending on the selected entry in the list of Available Bolts.
To add a new row to the Single Bolt Elements table click on the Add Sbolt button.
Populate the table with data as follows:

Bolt Name
Enter a name for the bolt element.
Diameter / mm
Enter the diameter for the bolt.
Length / mm
Enter the length of the bolt.
No.off Bolts
Enter the number of bolt items to be used when calculating bolt

length.
Extra Length / mm
Specify any additional Bolt length required, for example to cater

for extra threads beyond the end of the Nuts.
Non Std Bolt Length
If a non standard bolt length is required select a DTAB element

in the Catalogue Explorer. Refer to Create a Length Table.
Click Apply located at the base of the Bolt Table Utilities form.
Click Delete Sbolt to remove a column of data (an existing Sbolt).
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Additional attributes or Bolt Items can be added to the Single Bolt Element for example for
washers, nuts, etc.
Click Add Item to add a row to the Bolt Items list.

Populate the table with data as follows
Item Name
Enter a name for the bolt item.
Item Lengths / mm
Enter a bolt item length.
To replace a value in the list highlight an entry then enter new values in the fields and then
click Apply located at the base of the Bolt Table Utilities form.
To delete a Bolt Item click Delete Item.
Create a Multi Bolt Table
Click the Multiple Bolting tab of the Bolt Table Utilities form.
Enter a Bolt Name for the new Multiple Bolt List and click Create.
Click Apply at the bottom of the Bolt Table Utilities form.
A new MBLI element will be created in the database hierarchy and the entry will appear in
the list of Available Bolts.
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With an entry highlighted in the Available Bolts list it is now possible to add Multiple Bolt
Elements.
The Mbolts in ... column will show MBOL elements that are currently included in the
selected Available Bolts list (the caption will change depending on the currently selected
Available Bolts).
Click Add to add a new MBOL entry.
Click Delete to remove an MBOL entry from the list.
If Single Bolts have been created (refer to Create a Single Bolt Table) they can be added to
the selected MBOL.
Available SBOL elements will be listed in the column labelled Available Sbolts in .., the
caption will change depending on the current Bolting Table:
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Highlight an entry in the MBolts in ... column.

Next highlight an entry in the Available Sbolts in ... column (the caption will change
depending on the name of the Bolting Table currently being edited).
Click Add > to add the entry to the Sbolts in ... column.
Click Remove << to remove the currently selected entry from the Sbolts in ... column.
Click Add All >> to add all available Sbolts to the currently selected Multiple Bolts list.
Click Remove All << to remove all Sbolts from the Multiple Bolts list.
5.2.4
Create Coco Table

The Coco Table can be used to construct a Connection Compatibility table which sets out all
of the permissible connection pairs.
If an attempt is made to connect two pipework components in DESIGN, then a check is
made to see if the p-leave PCON attribute of the first component and the p-arrive PCON
attribute of the second component appear as a matching pair in the connection table. If
there is such a matching pair then the components are connected, otherwise a similar check
is made on the p-leave PCON attributes of each component. If a matching pair is now found,
the second component is flipped and connected to the first. If no matching pair is found
then an incompatible connection type error message is output and the second component
is left in its original position and orientation.
To open the Create Coco Table select Create > Coco Table from the main window pulldown.
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In the Name text-box, enter the name to be assigned to the new table.
Click OK to create the new Coco Table (CCTA element) in the database hierarchy and open
the following form:
Note: The table will initialise with an error message as shown below if, for example, the
table in question is from a read-only Master project.
The table will still appear and the data in the grid will be readable but the table will be in
read-only mode.
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Select the required Connection types from the Available Connection Types list. Multiply
selections can be made by holding down the CTRL key and using the left click on the
mouse.
Add highlighted Connection Types to the Coco table by clicking the Add > button.
Add all available Connection Types to the Coco table by clicking the Add All >> button.
Remove a Connection Type from the Coco table by highlighting a light blue entry in the
Coco table and click the Remove < button.
To remove all Cocos click the Remove All << button.
When a connection type is added from the Available Connections Types list to the Coco
table its value will be removed from the Available Connections list and vice versa.
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Coco Element Entry and Manipulation

Click an empty cell in the Cocos table to display a pull-down list of connection types.
Modifications to existing Coco configuration can be made by selecting a new value or
deleting the configuration currently present to remove it.
If a new connection type is required that is not available in the pull-down list then simple
type a new value into the cell.
Click Apply to commit changes made to the table.
The figure below shows a populated Coco table and an example of the pull-down values
available when making a connection:
Note: Changes made in the table are only saved when the Apply is clicked. Until then they
are held in the life time of the form. If Dismiss is clicked then the changes will be lost.
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Adding and Removing Grid Data Columns

If additional columns are required in the grid they can be added by right clicking the mouse
button in the Coco table header to display the following options:
Click Add Column to insert an additional Coco column to the table.

Click Delete Column to remove the Coco table, you will be prompted to confirm this action:
Click Apply to commit changes.
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To remove a column, click on the column heading to make it active then right click the
mouse button to display a Delete Column option.
Specifying Pipe End Conditions for use by ISODRAFT
In the center bottom of the dialog is an ISODRAFT CKey pull-down. The pull-down
becomes active once an entry has been populated in the Coco table.
This pull-down box can be used to view and also modify the currently configured ISODRAFT
CKey for that particular Coco combination element in the table. Possible values are as
follows:
BW Butt Weld
CP Compression
FL Flange
SC Screwed
SW Socket Weld
PL Plain
For more information on ISODRAFT refer to the ISODRAFT Reference Manual.

Connection Type Descriptions
In the bottom left of the Coco table form is a CType Description read-only text box. Each
time a different connection type is selected in either the Available Connection Types list or
the Cocos table will display any previously created/modified Coco description (see Coco
Descriptions) to you to aid the user when populating the form.
Coco Descriptions
Click the Create/Modify Coco Descriptions button to open the following form:
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The Connection Compatibility Descriptions form allows a long description to be added to

Connection Types.
To add a description:
Select a Connection Short Code from the pull-down list.
In the Description field enter an appropriate description of the Connection Type.
Click Apply to commit the change and add the description to the list.
To remove a description highlight an entry in the list and click Delete.
To discard changes and return to the Coco Table form click Dismiss.
5.2.5
Create Nominal Bore World

For users who require bores, bolt diameters, bolt lengths, and rod diameters that are not
included in the standard nominal values stored in the software, a facility exists for the
creation of tables that hold the required values in the catalogue database.
When being switched from module to module, the catalogue database is scanned for a
NBRWLD element. Purpose on NBRWLD can be set to either BLEN or BDIA depending on
whether the elements are being used to store metric/imperial equivalent Bolt Lengths or Bolt
Diameters. If so, the nominal bore-checking routine is switched to the user defined nominal
bores.
To open the Create Nominal Bore World form select Create > Bold Diameter/Length
World from the main window pull-down.
This form lets you create a new Nominal Bore World.
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Enter the Name to be assigned to the new Nominal Bore World.

From the pull-down change Name to AutoName to assign an automatically generated
name.
Click Create to create a Nominal Bore World (NBRWLD element) and open the following
form:
Bolt Diameter and Length Tables
Once a NBRWLD element has been created it is possible to add bore values to a table of
nominal bores. These values a recorded in NOMIMB elements.
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Left click to highlight an entry in the left hand list. Select multiple entries by left clicking and
dragging the mouse pointer. To remove particular highlighted entries hold down the CTRL
key and left click on a bore size.
ADD >
Add highlighted entry from the left hand table to the right hand
Specification table.
ADD ALL >>
Add all entries in the left hand table to the right hand
Specification table..
Remove <
Remove highlighted entry from the right hand table.
Remove All <<
Remove all entry from the right hand Specification table. A

warning will be displayed prompting for confirmation.
Grid Insertion Type
Select the radio button to change between the equivalent bolt

dimension or lengths. The effect of this will be to set the PURP
attribute of the NBRWLD to BLEN or BDIA.
This option will be greyed out if the Specification table is already
populated with data.
Add a row
Add a new row of data to the Specification table. New bolt

specifications can be entered directly in the cells of the new row.
Delete a row
Delete a row from the Specification table.
Save Data to File
Save all of the entries in the Specification table to the bolting

defaults file located in the PDMSUI environment variable
cat\dflts directory.
Apply
Apply the data input in the Specification table to the database

below the NBRWLD element.
Populate the Specification table with equivalent values for millimeters and inches.
Click Dismiss to close the form and discard any changes which have not been applied.
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Additional Steelwork Tools

within the Steelwork application of PARAGON.
The Steelwork application uses tasks which are common throughout the PARAGON
application, refer to Working With PARAGON Applications before continuing to read this
section.
To switch to Steelwork mode select PARAGON > Steelwork from the main window pulldown.
6.1
Create
The Steelwork application provides the following added functionality below the Create
6.1.1
Create Category for Profiles

A Structural Profile is a 2D cross-sectional shape defined in the catalogue for later use in
DESIGN.
Profiles require a Geometry Set, a Pline Set, a Data Set and a Specification to function
correctly. The profiles are usually defined parametrically such that a single definition may be
used for a wide variety of similar shaped profiles with different dimensions.
All structural profiles have a Generic Type set via the GTYPE attribute of the SPRF element.
A Gtype is an abbreviated description (a maximum of four letters) that refers to a generic
shape of a profile, for example a BEAM, TUBE, ANG and so on.
There are a number of reserved GTYPES as listed below:
Gtype
Description
Gtype
Description
ANG
Angle
JISU
JIS Channel
BSC
British Channel
JISI
JIS Tapered I
RSJ
British Tapered I
BEAM
Parallel Flanged I
BULB
Bulb Flat
TEE
Parallel Flanged Tee Section
TUBE
Circular Hollow Section BOX
Rectangular Hollow Section
DINU
DIN Channel
SCTN
Section
DINI
DIN Tapered I
RBAR
Solid Round Bar
DINT
DIN Tapered Tee
JANG
Uneven Angle
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The reserved Gtypes are held in the file %PDMSDFLTS%UI-GTYPE-SELEM. This is a read
only file. If new Gtypes are required then the read only attribute must be removed from the
file and then use the Generic Type Definitions to edit the list.
A Profile Category must reside below a STSE which in turn must reside below a CATA
element.
Select Create > Catalogue to open the Create Catalogue. Create a new Steelwork
Catalogue in the database hierarchy with the purpose set to STL.
Select Create > Section to open the Create Section. Create a new Steelwork Section in the
database hierarchy with the purpose set to STL.
Select Create > Category for Profile. The Category for Profile form is similar in layout to a
standard Create Category, but contains added sub forms specific to Steelwork Profiles.
Referring to Parameter Definitions create a set of parameters with the following
Descriptions:
Make sure that the values are also populated by using the sub form as illustrated below:
Click on Element in the Model References part of the form to open the References sub
form.
The References sub form allows basic editing of attributes as well as references to elements
contained in the Structural Profile.
Name
Specify the name of the Structural Profile.
Description
Enter a suitable description of the Structural Profile.
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Generic Type
Select from the pulldown from a list of standard GTypes.
Parameters
Lists the Parameters specified in the Parameter Definitions form.
Profile Geom
Pick or specify a positive geometry element from the database

hierarchy (Automatically set if a Geometry Ref set is later create
using the Category form).
Data Set
Pick or specify a Data Set element in the database hierarchy

(Automatically set if a Data Ref set is later create using the
Category form).
P-Line Set
Pick or specify a P-Line Set element from the database hierarchy

(Automatically set if a Geometry Ref set is later create using the
Category form).

Click Back to return to the main Category form.
Profile Geometry Components
A Profile Geometry is created using Parameter values so that one definition can be used for
any size of profile.
Refer to Understanding Parameters for a detailed explanation of Parameters.
Click on Geometry Ref in the Model References part of the form to open the Geometry
References sub form.
There are three components that may be used to define the geometric shape of the profile,
select the New pulldown to expand options for SREC,SANN and SPRO.
All geometry sub forms have Component Visibility, Drawing Level and Obstruction options,
these are used to control the way the geometry behaves in the 3D view and with other
geometry when created.
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Selecting SREC will display input criteria for a Structural Rectangle (SREC) as follows:
A Structural Rectangle (SREC) is a profile geometry component comprising of a simple

rectangle. An SREC consists of the following attributes:
X Co-ordinate (PX)
Specify position in the X axis
Y Co-ordinate (PY)
Specify position in the Y axis
X Length (PXLEN)
Specify length in x axis to define shape
Y Length (PYLEN)
Specify length in y axis to define shape
Axis (PLAX)
Define axis orientation
Offset X (DX)
Offset of X co-ordinate of centre of rectangle between ends of

the profile
Offset Y (DY)
Offset of Y co-ordinate of centre of rectangle between ends of

the profile
Offset X (DXL)
Difference in rectangle dimensions in the X direction
Offset Y (DYL)
Difference in rectangle dimensions in the Y direction
Selecting SANN will display input criteria for a Structural Annulus (SANN).
A Structural Annulus (SANN) is a profile geometry component comprising of a circular arc.
X Co-ordinate (PX)
Specify position in the X axis
Y Co-ordinate (PY)
Specify position in the Y axis
Axis (PLAX)
Define axis orientation
Angle (PANG)
Subtended Angle attribute may be any angle up to a maximum

of 180
Radius (PRAD)
External Radius
Width (PWID)
Annulus Width
Offset X (DX)
Offset of X co-ordinate of centre of annulus between ends of

the profile
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Offset Y (DY)
Offset of Y co-ordinate of centre of annulus between ends of

the profile.
Offset Radius (DRAD)
Change of external radius between ends of profile. +VE tapers

outwards from start to end, -VE tapers inwards from start to
end.
Offset Width (DWID)
Change of width between ends of profile
As the subtended angle cannot be greater than 180, a Circular Hollow Section (Gtype
TUBE) must be made of two SANN components.
Selecting SPRO will display input criteria for a Structural Profile (SPRO).
A Structural Profile is a shape defined by a series of vertex elements placed at each change
in direction of the shape
The shape must have a minimum of three vertices. Each vertex is defined with local X and Y
co-ordinates with respect to the profiles origin, i.e. the Neutral Axis (NA).
When defining the vertices the following practices should be observed to ensure correct
results:
Vertex numbering should maintain rotational order, either clock wise or anti-clockwise.
Lines between vertices should not self intersect or cross each other.
When creating an enclosed shape consider using two touching SPRO components to
simplify the shape.
Click on Modify Points in the SPRO sub form to enter vertices.
Each row in the list of points represents a vertex point.

Click New to add a row.
Click Copy to duplicate a row.
Click the red cross to delete a row.
Click OK to complete adding points and return to the Structural Profile (SPRO) sub form.
Sample Structural Profile
In the following example a Structural Profile with the following representation will be created:
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In the Geometry References sub form create a new SPRO.

Set the Drawing levels to 5 to 8.
Set Obstruction to Hard and check the Tube Flag check box
The SPRO requires 8 vertices. The numbering will start in the top left-hand corner and go in
a clockwise direction. For vertex 1 enter the following values into the Modify points form:
Vertex
PX
PY
PRAD
(-PARA[2] / 2)
(PARA[1] / 2)
(PARA[3] * 2)
(PARA[1] / 2)
(PARA[1] / 2 - PARA[3])
(-PARA[2] / 2 + PARA[3])
(PARA[1] / 2 - PARA[3])
(PARA[3])
(-PARA[2] / 2 + PARA[3])
(-PARA[1] / 2 + PARA[3])
PARA[3])
(-PARA[1] / 2 + PARA[3])
(-PARA[1] / 2)
(-PARA[2] / 2)
(-PARA[1] / 2)
(PARA[3] * 2)
The resultant Structural Profile should be displayed as follows in the 3D preview:
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Creating Pline Sets

Click on Plinesref in the Model References part of the form to open the Pline Definitions
sub form.
It is important to define Plines at every significant part of the profile to allow connectivity,
justification and positioning. For the rectangular hollow profile the following Plines will be
used:
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In the P-Line definitions form create five new P-Line definitions as illustrated below:
Enter the below data into the P-Line Definition form.

PKEY
PX
PY
PLaxis
TOS
(PARA [1] / 2)
LTOS
(-PARA [2] / 2)
40
RTOS
(PARA [2] / 2)
(PARA [1] / 2)
RBOS
(PARA [2] / 2)
(-PARA [1] / 2)
-y
LBOS
(-PARA [2] / 2)
(-PARA [1] / 2)
-y
BOS
(-PARA [1] / 2)
-y
LEFT
(-PARA [2] / 2)
-x
RIGH
(PARA [2] / 2)
6:8
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The P-Line Definition form creates PLIN elements in the appropriate database hierarchy.
A PLIN element has several attributes which play an important part in varying uses of a
Pline. The most important attributes are:
P-Line (Pkey)
A maximum of 4 letter name for the Pline. The Pkey is normally

an acronym of the Pline description, eg NA is Neutral Axis, TOS
is Top of Steel.
Description (DESC)
Enter a suitable description of the Pline.
Axis Direction (PLAX)
The direction of the PLine. This is important as it is used to

determine the orientation of fittings and joints.
X Co-ordinate (Px)
The X offset of the Pline from the profile origin (Neutral Axis).
These are expressed in Profile Parameters (see Understanding
Parameters).
Y Co-ordinate (PY)
The Y offset of the Pline from the profile origin (Neutral Axis).
These are expressed in Profile Parameters (see Understanding
Parameters).
Level
determines the drawings level on which the Pline will be visible

(default 0-10).
Tube Flag
determines the visibility of the Pline and may be set to TRUE

(checked) or FALSE (un-checked).
Create Data Sets

Data sets allow parameters to be set on the profile which can be later queried from the
Design Module.
Click on Data Ref in the Model References part of the form to open the Data References
sub form.
Data sets (DTSE elements) own DATA elements. A data set must have a DATA element for
each of the profile parameters and, if applicable, any design parameters. DATA elements
may also be used for information purposes and may contain expressions that refer to other
SPRF attributes or parameters.
6:9
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6.1.2
Description
Enter a full description of the property
Key
Maximum of 4 characters, used to identify the property when queried.

This is usually an acronym of the parameter or property, e.g. RRAD
for Root Radius.
Definition
Parameterised Property expression. The expression that is evaluated

when the property is queried
Type
Property type. May be selected from Distance (default), Bore,

Numeric, Integer, Logical or String
Default
Parameterised Property expression. The default value for the

property. Used mainly with design parameters.
Expression
Parameterised Property expression. The expression that is evaluated

when the property is queried.
Create Category for Joints

Structural joints are catalogue components that are referenced via the Spref attribute of an
SJOI element and are associated with the owning and attached members of the connection.
Joints may be complex or a simple, depending on the engineering requirement, i.e. the time
and effort spent on their creation.
Joints can consist of positive and/or negative 3D geometry components and may be any
shape that can be defined by these components.
A joint require a 3D Positive Geometry Sets and/or a 3D Negative Geometry Set, a Pline
Set, a 3D Point Set, a Data Set and a Specification to function correctly.
Joints are usually defined parametrically such that a single definition may be used for
different size combinations of the Owning and Attached sections Gtype.
A Joint Category must reside below a STSE which in turn must reside below a CATA
element.
Select Create > Category for Joints. The Category for Joints form is similar in layout to a
standard Create Category, but contains added sub forms specific to Steelwork Joints.
Before entering data it is good practice to sketch the joint to help determine what geometry
components are required, where the origin will be, what the axes will be, what the
parameters and design parameters (if any) will be and any other data that may be
applicable.
6:10
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To achieve the above layout, two Negative Structural Extrusions (NSEX) will be used. The
Posline of the SJOI will be NAR, the SLOO for the NSEX lies in the XZ plane. with respect to
the Pline axes, the Paaxis and Pbaxis of the SEXT will be set to Z and -X respectively.
The NSEX will require five vertices whose positioning attributes will be expressed in terms
of owning, attached and design parameters.
The negative extrusion will be created at the joint origin and then moved to its correct
location.
This joint has one design parameter, i.e. Rathole Radius, and the geometry uses some
parameters from the owning and attached sections. Therefore, for Model Parameters,
Design Parameters and Owning Parameters and Attached Parameters must be set.
Select Settings > Model Parameters from the main menu to display the Model Settings.
Set Design Parameter No. 1 to 25.
Set the Attached Parameters 1 to 200 and 2 to 120
Set the Owning Parameters as follows:
1 - 600
2 - 200
6:11
12.0

3 - 100
4 - 10
Create the Joint Geometry
Click on Negative Geom in the Model References part of the form to open the Negative
Geometry References sub form.
Select NSEX in the pulldown to open the Negative Extrusion Definition sub form.
In the A Axis (PAAX) enter Z

In the B Axis (PBAX) enter X
In the height enter (APAR[2] + 20mm)
Check Tube Flag and leave the remaining fields as the default value.
Click Modify Points.
In the Modify Points form populate the following data:
Verte
x
PX
PY
PRAD
( OPAR[2 ] / 2 - OPAR[3 ] / 2 )
( OPAR[2 ] / 2 - OPAR[3 ] / 2 )
(OPAR[4])
( OPAR[2 ] / 2 - OPAR[3 ] / 2
+ DESP[1])
(OPAR[4]
( OPAR[2 ] / 2 - OPAR[3 ] / 2
+ DESP[1])
(OPAR[4] + DESP[1])
(DESP[1])
(OPAR[4] + DESP[1])
Click OK to close the Modify Points form and return to the NSEX.
The NSEX must be moved to its creation position, enter the following values in the position
attributes:
PX 0
6:12
12.0

PY (-OPAR[1] / 2)
PZ (-OPAR[2] / 2 - 10mm)
The second negative extrusion is an exact copy of the first except the Pbaxis is in the
opposite direction.
On the command line enter
NEW NSEX COPY PREV PBAX -X
Create the Pline Set
The Pline Set will contain a single Pline, the NA. This will be used for all joints unless a joint
requires more than one Pline, in which case a new Pline Set will be required which will still
include an NA Pline.
Click on Pline Ref in the Model References part of the form to open the Pline Definitions
sub form.
Create a new Pline with a Pkey set to NA and set the description to Neutral Axis.
Leave all other attributes with the default value.
Create Point sets
For this joint there will be a Ppoint at each vertex of the NSEX and one on the circumference
of the rathole. The Ppoints will be located on the centreline of the attached member.
Click on Point Ref in the Model References part of the form to open the Point Set
In the pulldown select Cartesian P-Point PTCA to expand the appropriate input form.
New create 14 P-Points and populate the values as in the table below:
NO.
PX
PZ
(OPAR[1] / 2 OPAR[4] DESP[1])
(OPAR[1] / 2 OPAR[4] DESP[1])
(OPAR [2] / 2 OPAR [3] / 2)
(OPAR[1] / 2 OPAR[4] DESP[1] /

SQRT(2))
(OPAR[2] / 2 - OPAR[3] / 2 + (DESP[1] /

SQRT(2)))
(OPAR[1] / 2 - OPAR[4])
(OPAR[2] / 2 - OPAR[3] / 2 + DESP[1])
(OPAR[1] / 2 - OPAR[4])
(OPAR [2] / 2 OPAR [3] / 2)
(OPAR[1] / 2)
(OPAR [2] / 2 OPAR [3] / 2)
(OPAR[1] / 2)
(-OPAR[1] / 2 + OPAR[4] + DESP[1])
(-OPAR[1] / 2 + OPAR[4] + DESP[1])
(OPAR [2] / 2 OPAR [3] / 2)
10
(-OPAR[1] / 2 + OPAR[4] + DESP[1] /

SQRT(2))
(OPAR[2] / 2 - OPAR[3] / 2 + (DESP[1] /

SQRT(2)))
11
(-OPAR[1] / 2 + OPAR[4])
(OPAR[2] / 2 - OPAR[3] / 2 + DESP[1])
12
(-OPAR[1] / 2 + OPAR[4])
(OPAR [2] / 2 OPAR [3] / 2)
6:13
12.0

NO.
PX
PZ
13
(-OPAR[1] / 2)
(OPAR [2] / 2 OPAR [3] / 2)
14
(-OPAR[1] / 2)
Create Data Set

The Data Set only requires one DATA element for the design parameter.
sub form.
In the Description field enter Rathole Rad.
In the Key enter RRAD
In Definition enter Design Parameter
Enter 1 in the No field
From Type Select Distance
Set the Default to (25)
Click Apply.
Now that a Category has been create, a part world and specification can be created which
can be used within DESIGN.
6.1.3
Create Category for Fitting

Using the Steelwork mode of PARAGON it is possible to create a structural fitting such as a
Lifting Lug using data sets and design parameters.
A Fitting Category must reside below a STSE which in turn must reside below a CATA
element.
Select Create > Category for Fittings. The Category for Fittings form is similar in layout to
a standard Create Category, but contains added sub forms specific to Steelwork Fittings.
Referring to Parameter Definitions populate the form with a set of data as follows:
Ensure that the values are also populated.

Referring to Creating Geometry select Geometry Ref in the Model References part of the
form.
6:14
12.0

Initially the Geometry References sub form will appear unpopulated.

Create a New SBOX element by selecting SBOX in the Positive pulldown and populate the
remainder of the form as illustrated below.
sub form.
The form may appear pre-populated. If this is the case clear the values using the cross at
the base of the sub form.
Create the first data element by clicking NEW and declare this as a Design Parameter as
below:
6:15
12.0

Create three additional Data References with the Definition set to Expression and values
as follows:
Description
Key
Expression
Height of Hole From Base
LHEI
100
Lug Radius
LRAD
40
Hole Diameter
LHOL
50
The populated form should appear as follows:
Select SEXT from the Positive pulldown to create a new Structural Extrusion.
Populate the form as below.
6:16
12.0

Click Modify Points to open the Modify Points sub form.

Click NEW to add a new point.
Enter values into the columns of the newly created point.
Highlight a row and click Copy to duplicate the point.
Create a set of Lug Profile points as below:
Referring to Creating P-Points select PPoint Ref in the Model References part of the form.
Select Cartesian P-Point (PTCA) then populate the form as below:
6:17
12.0

Click on the SEXT element in the list of Geometry References

Select NLCY from the pulldown list of Negative geometry.
Populate the NLCY element with the following values:
Once the form has been populated open the Representation form:
Click on Holes Drawn to display the NLCY as a hole in the Structural Extrusion.
To improve the rendering level of the curve on the lug specify a numeric value of 1-10 in the
Arc Tolerance field. The value of 1 provides the best visual quality and a value of 10 being
the most optimised for speed.
At this point a Part Family and Table Group can be created from the Category, then selected
from DESIGN.
6:18
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6.1.4
Create Category for Templates

In PARAGON it is possible to define parameters for a template which can later be used in
DESIGN. The following section demonstrates how to create a Part Family with three
different pump sizes.
A Template Category must reside below a STSE which in turn must reside below a CATA
element.
Select Create > Category for Templates. The Category for Templates form is similar in
layout to a standard Create Category, but contains added sub forms specific to Steelwork
Templates.
Referring to Parameter Definitions populate the form with a set of data as follows:
Create three new components with the following parameter values.
When components are added to the list they are auto named with a numeric identity. To
rename a component simply type a new value in the name field.
Click New to add a new component.
Now that a set of parameters have been defined, close the Category for Templates form.
Add a new part world to the database hierarchy using the Create Part World.
Refer to Create Part Family to open the Create Part Family form.
In the Tasks part of the Create Part Family form select Create Parts from Category.
6:19
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6.1.5
Understanding Parameters
There are several different types of parameters available in PARAGON. Profile geometry
components normally only use those defined for the profile, however, Design Parameters
may be used.
Parameter Types
Type
Description
Structural Usage
PARA
Parameter
Profiles, fittings, joint and penetrations
DESP
Design Parameter
Profiles, fittings, joint and penetrations
OPAR
Owning Parameter
Fittings, joints and penetrations
APAR
Attached Parameter
Joints and penetrations
ODESP
Owning Design Parameter
Fittings, joints and penetrations
ADESP
Attached Design Parameter
Joints and penetrations
Parameter Operations
Parameter values may be manipulated using mathematical operators to derive the
appropriate value for the geometry component.
The following table shows the different operators available with query examples:
Operator
Description
Query Example
Result
add
Q (10 + 10)
20
subtract or minus
Q (10 20 (100))
-110
multiply
Q (10 * 10)
100
divide
Q (10 / 10)
SIN
singe of angle (degrees)
Q (sin (30))
0.5
COS
cosine of angle (degrees)
Q (cos (60))
0.5
TAN
tangent of angle (degrees)
Q (tan (45))
ASIN
arc sine ( degrees)
Q (asin (1))
90
ACOS
arc cosine (degrees)
Q (acos (-1))
180
ATAN
arc tangent (degrees)
Q (atan (1))
45
ATANT
arc tangent of two lengths
Q (atant (5, 2))
68.119
MIN
minimum of two or more values
Q (min (5, 4, 8))
MAX
maximum of two or more values
Q (max (1, 50, 1348))
1348
SQRT
square root
Q (sqrt (16))
POW
raise to the power of
Q (pow (2, 3))
ABS
absolute value
Q (abs (-156))
156
6:20
12.0

Parameter Syntax
Expressions in the structural application of Paragon require a specific syntax, e.g. round
parentheses are used in the expression to control the sequence of calculation, square
parentheses are used to contain parameter numbers and there must be a space either side
of a mathematical operator.
When the expression is entered, either via an appropriate form or via the command line,
Paragon re-evaluates the expression and it may appear different to the way it was entered if
it is edited. Some typical expressions are:
(PARA [1] / 2)
(PARA [1] / 2 PARA [4] (PARA [2] / 2 PARA [3] / 2) / 2 * TAN (8))
(OPAR [4] * COS (30))
(- OPAR [1] / 2 + APAR [4] + DESP [6])
(ODESP [1] / 2 ADESP [1])
6.1.6
Component Visibility, Drawing Level and Obstruction

2D and 3D geometry components have a number of attributes that control the
representation in the graphics window. The most important of these attributes are:
Tubeflag
The Tubeflag attribute may be set to TRUE or FALSE (the default) and is effectively an ON/
OFF flag for component visibility. For structural geometry components it is essential that
Tubeflag is set to TRUE, i.e. ON.
Level
The Level attribute contains two numbers indicating the inclusive range of the drawing
levels that the component will be displayed on, e.g. if a components Level attribute is set to
4 8, the component will be visible on drawing levels 4 through 8 inclusive in the graphics
window.
For SPRF components it is usual to create three geometry definitions with the appropriate
components on different drawing levels, for example:
Simplified: Level 0 4 Obstruction value 0

This representation is used in Draft if an isometric view of the profile is required.
6:21
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Actual: Level 5 8 Obstruction value 2

This representation is used for most 3D and 2D graphics as it is the true representation of
the profile.
Obstruction: Level 9 -10 Obstruction value 1

This representation is used for the obstruction volumes of the profile.
Obstruction
The Obstruction attribute informs the clash detection facility whether a geometry component
should be considered as:
Hard
Obstruction value of 2
Soft
None
The SANN, SREC and SPRO creation sub forms have a Representation button that
enables pre-set values for Level, Obstruction and Tubeflag to be set. The following table
gives the details of the Representation available:
Representation
Level
Obstruction
Tube flag
Default
0-10
FALSE
Profile Obstruction
3-5
TRUE
Profile Detail
6-8
TRUE
6:22
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6.1.7
Representation
Level
Obstruction
Tube flag
Profile Centreline
0-10
FALSE
Piping Obstruction
0-10
FALSE
Piping Reserved
0-10
FALSE
Piping Detail
0-10
TRUE
Piping Centreline
0-10
FALSE
Detail with No Obst
2-10
TRUE
Detail Volume
2-10
TRUE
Obstruction Volume
9-10
TRUE
Insulation Volume
7-10
TRUE
Reserved Volume
8-10
TRUE
Profile Specification
To open the Profile Specification form select Create > Profile Spec from the main window
pull-down.
6:23
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Much of the functionality available in the Profile Specification form is available in the
standard Create/Modify Specification forms. However the Profile Specification form
simplifies creation of Profile Specifications by only including fields relevant to that type of
specification.
By default the Profile Specification form will attempt to load all profiles below the catalogue
explorer CE.
To select a different set of profiles to include in the specification; select a steel catalogue
(STCA) or a steel section (STSE) in the catalogue explorer which contains profiles, as
below:
Click the Load CE button at the top of the form to load in all profiles below the CE.
The upper part of the form lets you specify details of the overall SPEC element to be
created; the lower part lists all profiles below the current level in the catalogue and lets you
specify which profiles are to be included in the specification.
Set the Sort by generic type and Owner type pull-down. The Sort by Generic Type will
usually be set to Yes and the Owner Type option to either Section or Category, depending
on how your structural catalogue is configured.
Sort by generic type may be either Yes or No.
Possible values for Owner Type are as follows:
Section
Category
Catalogue
Any
To change the name of the Profile Spec type over the default value in the Spec field.
Enter a value in the Description field such as "SWE Standard".
Enter value in the Standard field such as "mats".
The Spec World pulldown button lists all available SPWL elements for the appropriate
generic Type (as controlled by the setting of the PURP attribute; see Create Specification
World). If more than one is available, select the one below which the new SPEC element is
to be created.
Selected from the Material pulldown to set a Material reference. The options available are
dependant on the Materials already defined in the project (an example value may be
"Aluminium or Aluminium cast").
The left-hand list shows a list of generic types (GTYPES) below the selected STCA element,
while the right-hand list shows the profiles in the selected category.
By default, all profiles in a category will be included in the specification. To prevent one or
more profiles or complete categories being included in the specification, select them in the
relevant list and click the Remove button below that list. The 'removed' entries will only be
shown (marked with a * symbol) if the Hidden button above the list is set to On. To reverse
the process, select a 'removed' entry and click the Reinstate button.
6:24
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To add a description to a GTYPE, highlight a GTYPE in the list and then enter value in the
Description field (below the GTYPE button).
Click Modify to apply the change to the GTYPE list.
To change a GPTYPE highlight the entry and then select from the pulldown list of available
GTYPES (to the right of the GTYPE button).
Clicking the GTYPE button will reset the value to the first available GTYPE.
When the lists show only those profiles which are to be selectable via the new specification,
click OK to build the specification.
6:25
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6:26
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Spec Generator Specific Tools

within the Spec Generator application of PARAGON.
To switch to Spec Generator mode select PARAGON > Spec Generator from the main
window pull-down
7.1
Display
The Spec Generator application provides the following added functionality below the Display
7.1.1
Specification Structure
The Specification Structure form displays a summary of the currently selected specification
in the hierarchy.
To open the Specification Structure form select Display > Spec Structure from the main
window pull-down.
7:1
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Use this form to quickly view the structure of a selected Specification.

The Spec Generator contains forms which will be removed in later versions of PARAGON.
The earlier sections of this manual detail the preferred method of creating Specifications
within the Catalogue Database.
7.2
Create
The Spec Generator application provides the following added functionality below the Create
7.2.1
Nozzle Specification
The Nozzle Specification form lets you build up a specification by reference to the attribute
settings of existing nozzles in the catalogue database. The specification simply acts as an
index to allow any required nozzle to be located easily.
To open the Nozzle Specification form select Create > Nozzle Spec from the main window
pull-down.
Before you begin, you should have created at least one Specification World with its PURP
attribute set to indicate its suitability for storing nozzle specifications. Set the purpose for
NOZZLE spec to EQUI, and the SPEC purpose set to NOZZ.
To build such a specification, navigate to a catalogue element (CATA, SECT or CATE) that
contains all nozzles that are to be accessed via the new specification.
7:2
12.0

The upper part of the form lets you specify details of the overall SPEC element to be
created; the lower part lists all nozzles below the current level in the catalogue and lets you
specify which ones are to be included in the specification.
If required, change the default settings for Spec, Description and Standard.
The Spec World option button lists all available SPWL elements for the appropriate generic
type (as controlled by the setting of the PURP attribute). If more than one is available, select
the one below that the new SPEC element is to be created.
The left-hand scrollable list shows the category (CATE) elements, while the right-hand list
shows the nozzles in the selected category. By default, all listed nozzles will be incorporated
into the specification. To prevent one or more nozzles or complete categories being included
in the specification, select them in the relevant list and click the Remove button below that
list. The 'removed' entries will only be shown (marked with a * symbol) if the Hidden button
above the list is set to On. To reverse the process, select a 'removed' entry and click the
Reinstate button.
When the lists show only those nozzles which are to be selectable via the new specification,
click OK to build the specification.
7.2.2
Create Specification
The Create Specification form available in the Spec Generator application is used when
creating Specifications for Nozzles or Structural Steel.
To open the Create Specification form select Create > Specification while in the Spec
Generator from the main window pull-down.

Enter a Description for the specification and select the appropriate generic and type
specification.
Click OK to create the new specification.
In principle, you can create an empty Specification element and then modify it by reference
to any specified catalogue item. In practice, you can only create Specifications for structural
profiles or equipment nozzles using this method.
To create a Specification in this way (perhaps for later modification), check that you are at
SPWL level.
Enter a meaningful Name and Description.
The Generic Type option button currently restricts you to Equipment (with a corresponding
Spec Type of Nozzles) or Structural Steel (with a corresponding Spec Type of Steel
Sections, i.e. Profiles). Choose the one you want.
7:3
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7:4
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Additional Room Design Tools

within the Room Design application of PARAGON.
To switch to Room Design mode select PARAGON > Room Design from the main window
pull-down.
8.1
Create
The Room Design application provides the following added functionality below the Create
8.1.1
Create Category for Room Design

For Room Design the format is slightly different to other "Category" definitions, mainly
because there are more choices and combinations available to the end user.
A Room Design Category must reside below a STSE which in turn must reside below a
CATA element.
Select Create > Catalogue to open the Create Catalogue. Create a new Catalogue in the
database hierarchy with the purpose set to ROOM.
Select Create > Section to open the Create Section. Create a new Section in the database
hierarchy with the purpose set to ROOM.
To create a Category select Create > Category for Room Design from the main window
pull-down.
8:1
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The following selections are available below Create Type:

General
Room - Wall Panel
Room - Windows
Information Panels - Hangings
Electrical Fittings
Fire Protection - Extinguishers
Fire Protection - Detectors
Furniture - Chairs
Ceiling - Grid Lights
Ceiling - Grid Profile
Ceiling - Tiles
For a detailed explanation of the selections available below Create Type refer to the Room
Design User Guide.
Enter an appropriate Name.
Click OK to open the Category form and create the appropriate database structure in
PARAGON as follows:
The database hierarchy is set depending on the choice made in the "Create Type". The
available choices are defined in a defaults file and can be customised.
The defaults file can be found in the following folder:
PDMSUI>cat>dflts>room-design-defaults
The PDMSUI folder location is dependant on the installation of the machine being used and
can vary.
The contents of the delivered defaults file is as follows:
Either additions or changes are allowed, as long as the correct file format is followed, as the
forms rely on the format for correct operation.
8:2
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Format is important, but the user can have as many options as they feel they need to
achieve the required combination of element types.
First column is descriptive.
Second being the "FUNC" attribute required.
Third and Fourth describe the ownership of the remaining hierarchy, and must be
consistent with what PDMS allows.
Five through the end of the line describe the hierarchy required for a given type of
Room Design element to be defined in the catalogue.
The column 1 of each line is used for the text in pull-down menu selections of the Create
Category for Room Design form, and is also used as the description of the owning
element in PDMS, and can be seen in the "description" attribute.
From this point use of the "Modify Category" is as other modules.
8:3
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8:4
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Additional Electrical Tools

within the Electrical application of PARAGON.
To switch to Electrical mode select PARAGON > Electrical from the main window pulldown.
9.1
Create
The Electrical application provides the following added functionality below the Create option
of the main window pull-down.
9.1.1
Cable Tray
Use the Create Category for Cable Tray form for the creation of the actual cable tray
elements, including types such as Elbows, Tees, Crosses, Risers, Straights etc.
To create a Category for Cable Tray select Create > Category for Cable Tray from the
Enter a Name.
Ensure the Purpose is set to TRAY.
Click OK to create the following database hierarchy and open the Category form.
9:1
12.0

Definition of the Cable Tray elements is as in other modules, being a task of building up the
model data using the references and modelling techniques used elsewhere.
Once defined all elements can then be used in other catalogue element structures, for
example GPARTS, TABGRO and subsequently used in DESIGN using appropriate
selection techniques.
9.1.2
Cable Cores
The user is can define the Cable cores, and sets them for use in the Cable application.
To create a Cable Core select Create > Category for Cable Core from the main window
pull-down.
9:2
12.0

Enter a Name.
Ensure the Purpose is set to CORE.
Definition of cores is slightly different to other category types, and includes the additional
functions shown here in the category form.
An option for Cable Core Set is available in the Model References part of the Category
form. Clicking on this option will display the following sub form:
9:3
12.0

Click New Core to create a new Cable Core. As new Cable Cores are created the will be
visible in the table.
Click Copy to duplicate a currently selected Cable Core.
Click on the red cross to delete the currently selected Cable Core.
The following fields are also available:
Number (NUMB)
Purpose (PURP)
Description (DESC)
Core Tag
Core Group
9:4
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The above screen shot shows a populated Cable Core form which would result in the
following database hierarchy:
The SCOM here would typically reference a "ccorse" (Cable Core Set) , if more than one
cable core set is required, users can copy the SCOM using the normal "Copy" routine in the
category grid:
9:5
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then using normal "Copy" from main menu for the CCORSE element in the category, user
would then use the category form to re-reference the new CCORSE element.
9.1.3
Cable Node Representation

Use the Create Category for Node Representation form when the user is required to define
the necessary representation of the Cable Nodes in design, which will eventually be drawn
on drawings as symbols.
To create a Cable Node Representation select Create > Category for Cable Node
Representation from the main window pull-down.
Enter a Name.
Ensure the Purpose is set to REPR.
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Elements would be defined as in the example shows above, the geometry is defined to
make the symbol as the user wishes to see it eventually in design.
Once defined as SCOM elements, it would be then required to create GPART Family,
example
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The references here would then point to the previous SCOM elements defined, the CABLE
application in DESIGN uses the GPART as reference for the representation of the desired
element types, in this case, MAIN, SEAM and PENE elements.
9:8
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Additional Equipment Tools
10

within the Equipment application of PARAGON.
To switch to Equipment mode select PARAGON > Equipment from the main window pulldown.
10.1
Create
The Equipment application provides the following added functionality below the Create
10.1.1
Table Group
The Equipment application allows Table Groups to be created for the purpose of selecting
equipment and equipment electrical components in the DESIGN application.
A Table Group (TABGRO element) must be created below a Specification World (SPWL).
To create a Specification World select Create > Selection Table > Spec World from the
main window pull-down. For details of this form refer to Application Modes within
PARAGON.
To create a Table Group select Create > Selection Table > Table Group from the main
window pull-down. Enter a name and purpose on the displayed form:
Click OK to display the Table Group Selection form.
10:1
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The Table Group form makes use of Task based sub forms similar to those used in the
Specification and Part Family forms.
Click Table Attributes to open the Table Attributes sub form.
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In the Description field enter an appropriate explanation of what the Table Group is to be
used for.
In Discipline select a value from the pull-down, valid options are:
Unknown
Room Design
Cable
Equipment
HVAC
Steelwork
The Sub-Discipline must be set to EQUI for the selection table to be presented to the
Design Equipment Application user.
The following are optional fields useful for tracking certain activities in the database:
In the Input By field enter the name of the administrator creating the new specification.
In the Status field enter any additional tracking information that may be useful for identifying
the status of the specification.
On the task panel, click Add Heading to create a new table in the Table Group. The Add
Heading sub form opens. Enter a Description for the new Table and click on Apply.
The Edit Heading sub form opens and allows changes to be made to the Description, Name
and Purpose attributes of the Table.
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Click Edit Heading Questions to open the Edit Questions sub form. This allows you to add
a heading to the Table.
The Questions table to the left of the form lists all the current Heading columns in the Table.
Using the buttons below the table the user can add, remove and re-organise the order of the
columns to be included in the Table.
Click to add a column to the Table Group header

Click to remove the currently selected heading from the Table Group
Click to move the currently selected heading up the list (changing the
order the heading will be displayed)
Click to move the currently selected heading down the list (changing the
In the Purpose field enter an appropriate heading identifier.
Enter a value for the Header Description.
Select a Question Type from the pull-down, possible values are as follows:
10:4
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Text
Word
Expression
Attribute
Enter the appropriate value into the Question field. The value entered here is dependant on
the selection made in the Question Type. For example if Text was selected, enter a text
string.
Select an Answer Type from the pull-down, possible values are as follows:
Text
Word
Real
Boolean
Enter a value for the Default Answer (if required). This entered here is dependant on the
selection made in Answer Type. For example if Text was selected, enter a valid text string
such as 'Vertical'.
Now add the parts to this table. This can be achieved by specifying the search criteria to find
all GPART elements that will appear in this table, or you can navigate to a GPART element
or to a PRTELE element that owns GPART elements and select these.
Click Add Items (from CE) to add the currently selected GPART items in the Catalogue
explorer to the list of Table Items (TABITE elements) in the Table.
For a detailed explanation of GPARTS refer to Create Part Family Form.

Now the selection data (Answers) is added to columns (Questions) in the table. Select one
or more entries in the list of Table Items.
Click Edit Selection to open the Edit Items sub form. This form allows answer values to be
set for each of the selected Table items.
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Highlight an entry in the Questions list.

Use the radio buttons to toggle the Table Items to be Active or Inactive.
The Format pull-down will display the valid answer type, for example Single.
In the Answer field enter a value if desired, such as VPUMP. This will appear in the selection
table presented to the user in the Equipment Design application, and can be used for
filtering the selection of Equipment items available to design users.
There is a special case for a Question with Purpose TYPE. This will be used by the
equipment selection application to filter automatically on User Defined Element Type. For
example, if the project has a User Defined Element Type :VPUMP, then the Equipment
application user will be presented only with Table Items that have answer VPUMP to the
TYPE question.
All questions other than Type are filtered by the user using the functions available on the
Equipment Selection form.
10.1.2
Equipment Electrical Component Selection

Equipment elements can contain electrical component (ELCONN) elements that represent
electrical components within an equipment. Cables are connected to ELCONN elements.
The Equipment application allows Table Groups to be created for the purpose of selecting
equipment electrical components in the DESIGN application. This is achieved by using the
Table Group form described in the previous section. The only difference is in the SubDiscipline must be set to ELEC on the Table attributes sub form.
10:6
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General Purpose Specification Tables
11

The following sections describe the creation of Table Groups and Specification Tables which
fall outside the more common tasks detailed in earlier sections of this guide.
11.1
Surface Treatment
The Equipment application provides the following added functionality below the Create
11.1.1
Surface Treatment Table Groups

The Equipment application allows Table Groups to be created for the purpose of setting up
specific Surface Treatments (refer to Surface Treatment Definition) for parts prior to being
applied to a model in the DESIGN application.
To open the Table Group form select Create > Selection Table > Table Group from the
11:1
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A Table Group (TABGRO element) must be created below a Specification World (SPWL).
A TABGRO must be created for the following types of selection table:
IPSP Selection criteria for the inside surface treatment SPEC of PIPES/HVAC based in
the PSPE.
OPSP Selection criteria for the outside surface treatment SPEC of PIPES/HVAC based
in the PSPE.
FACE Selection criteria for the surface treatment SPEC based on the FACE CODE of
the owning ZONE.
GENE Generic Selection Criteria for the surface treatment SPEC.
When dealing with a Surface Treatment a TABGRO will reference a PART family listing all
the surface treatments that are to be available to the project (refer to Create Part Family).
11:2
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The Table Group form makes use of Task based sub forms similar to those used in the
Specification and Part Family forms.
Click Table Attributes to open the Table Attributes sub form.
Edit the basic attributes of the Table Group and display the following sub form:
In the Description field enter an appropriate explanation of what the Table Group is to be
used for.
In Discipline select a value from the pull-down, valid options are:
Unknown
Accommodation
Electrical
HVAC
Steelwork
The following are optional fields useful for tracking certain activity in the database:
In the Input By field enter the name of the administrator creating the new
specification.
In the Status field enter any additional tracking information that may be useful for
identifying the status of the specification.
Click Add Head Heading to open the Add Heading sub form.
11:3
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The Add Heading sub form prompts the user to enter a description for the Table Group.
Enter a descriptive name such as IPSP from PSPE of PIPE/MAIN

Click Apply to commit the change and go directly to the Edit Heading form below:
The Edit Heading form is opened either via the Add Heading form or by clicking Edit
Heading Attributes from the parent form.
The Edit Heading form allows changes to be made to the Description, Name and Purpose
attributes of the Table Group.
11:4
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Enter appropriate values in each field and click Apply to commit the changes.
Click Back to return to the parent form.
Click Edit Header Questions to open the Edit Questions sub form.
The Edit Questions form allows you to build the Heading row of the new Table Group.
Note: Inside and outside surface treatments can be assigned based on the PSPE attributes
of the PIPE or HVAC elements. In this case, the TABGRO (Table Group) and all the
TABITE elements (Table Items) must have their purpose attributes set to IPSP and
OPSP.
11:5
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The Questions table to the left of the form lists all the current Heading columns of the Table
Group.
Using the buttons below the table the user can add, remove and re-organise the order of the
columns to be included in the Table Group.
Click to add a column to the Table Group header
Click to remove the currently selected heading from the Table Group
Click to move the currently selected heading up the list (changing the
Click to move the currently selected heading down the list (changing the
In the Purpose field enter an appropriate value such as IPSP, OPSP and so on.
Enter a value for the Header Description.
Select a Question Type from the pull-down, possible values are as follows:
Text
Word
Expression
Attribute
Enter the appropriate value into the Question field. The value entered here is dependant on
the selection made in the Question Type. For example if Expression was selected, enter a
suitable expression such as NAMN OF PSPE OF PIPE
Select an Answer Type from the pull-down, possible values are as follows:
Text
Word
Real
Boolean
Enter a value for the Default Answer (if required). This entered here is dependant on the
selection made in Answer Type. For example if Text was selected, enter a valid text string
such as C150.
Click Back to return to the parent form.
Click Add Items (from CE) to add a currently selected GPART in the Catalogue explorer to
the list of Table Items in the Table Group (TABITE elements).
11:6
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The list of Table Items will populate as follows:
For a detailed explanation of GPARTS refer to Create Part Family.

Click on the entry in the list of Table Items to highlight the entry.
Click Edit Selection to open the Edit Items sub form.
This form allows answer values to be populated with a value.
Highlight an entry in the Questions list.

Use the radio buttons to toggle the Table Group to be Active or Inactive.
The Format pull-down will display the valid answer type, for example Single.
In the Answer field enter a value if desired, such as C150.
11.2
Bolting Specifications
A Bolting Specification is based on a set of existing bolts, predefined using normal CATE
and SCOM definitions.
To create a Bolting Specification begin by selecting PARAGON > Pipework.
11:7
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Select Create > Specification > Specification from the main window pull-down.

Select PIPE or Steel as the Purpose.
Select OK to create the Specification (SPEC element) in the database hierarchy and open
the Specification form.
Click Add Headings to open the Headings sub form.
In the Headings sub form click Use Standard Heading Sets to display a list of Standard
Headings.
Click on BOLT. The Questions and Defaults table will automatically populate accordingly.
Click Apply to return to the Headings sub form. The form will appear pre populated.
Click Apply followed by Back to return to the main Tasks form.
Click Edit CAD Atts to open the Cad Attributes sub form.
In the N.b. Ref field enter the name of an existing Nominal Bore Table or select it from the
Catalogue Explorer.
Click Apply to set the attributes for the bolt tables. These values will be used later when
selection of sizes takes place.
Click Back.
Click Add New Items to open the Add Items sub form.
The Heading Type will appear pre-populated based on Use Standard Heading Sets option
selected in the Headings sub form.
11:8
12.0

The Size Range will reflect the data retrieved when the Nominal Bore Table was selected.
In the BTYPe field enter the value STUD.
In the Add From part of the Add Items sub form select an existing SCOM element in the
database by inputting the name or using the CE or Search feature.
Click Apply to create the specification.
Subsequent additions can be made to the final specification by adding BTYPes to the
returned results. For example enter WASH or NUT in the Btype field and select Apply to rebuild the specification.
11:9
12.0

11:10
12.0
Index
ABORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-32, 3-34, 3-36
Failed Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26

Footer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
B
Backtrack Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
C
CATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
CATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
CAUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
CCTAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
CKEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
COCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Ctype . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Customised Data Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
CYLI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
G
GE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Get Other Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gtype . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-36
3-30
3-30
3-36
3-23
H
Header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
I
ID Cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-53
D
DAC restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
DIAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
DISH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
DRSYLK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-44
DTSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40
L
Last Modified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
LE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
LT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
N
E
NE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
ELBO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32, 3-36

element attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
O
OBST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-50, 3-51
Index page 1
12.0
Operate on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
P
Page Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Path & Filename . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Pconns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Pick.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
PURP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
R
REPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
S
Savework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
SECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Since Extract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Since Stamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
SKEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
SLCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
SPEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4, 7-3
SPWL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
T
template-name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
U
Unhighlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
V
VALV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
vlog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
vtext . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34, 3-36
vval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
W
WORLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Index page 2
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