Converting PDS (SP3D) file to Caesar II

Posted by: elchin01

Converting PDS (SP3D) file to Caesar II - 10/12/09 12:38 PM

I am trying to convert a SP3d file to a Caesar II file. For some reason, my units are not converting correctly. Whenever PDS exports a model, it exports in metric. For my purposes, I need the units in Caesar to be US Customary. The current units file I have on my computer only converts the pipe size, but displays the other lengths and weights as being "inches" and "pounds" but the values are actually "mm" and "kg". For example, we have had a 1" ball valve that when converted, displays as being 6 feet long. Has anyone else come across this problem? How should I go about resolving it? I did not have this issue with Caesar 5.10, but since we upgraded to 5.20 this has been an issue.
Posted by: Richard Ay

Re: Converting PDS (SP3D) file to Caesar II - 10/12/09 11:56 PM

From a "units handling" point of view, there is no difference between c2 Version 5.10 and Version 5.20.

You state SP3d, which I assume is SmartPlant? SmartPlant interfaces with c2 via the "PCF Interface", but there is a configuration switch in SmartPlant to create a PCF file for stress analysis - it will contain optional data needed for the stress analysis.

The units to be used for the conversion, from the neutral file to c2, must be match between the two programs. This is accomplished in c2 by selecting the appropriate units file in the Configuration Module.

If you're running PDS, the neutral file created (the .N file) does not have units specified for weights or insulation. This why the interface provides radio buttons for you to specify how these values should be converted.