Logical diagramming

Routing Logical is an extension of Routing, which itself is an extension of the NX product. All modeling, drafting, and assembly operations are available (with proper licensing). The same tools provided by Routing — intelligent part placement, advanced path creation techniques, design rule processing, parts list generation, and complete customization options — are available for Routing Logical.

Routing Logical provides the tools to make diagrams in an NX part file. The tools are mostly the same tools used in Routing Mechanical to place components and create the paths connecting those components. The difference is that in Routing Logical the parts are 2D Symbols and the connections are simple lines rather than solid bodies.

The term P&ID refers to the creation of diagrams to communicate the logical structure of piping and tubing systems. P&ID most correctly stands for Process and Instrumentation Diagramming, but is also used as Piping and Instrumentation Diagramming.

The creation of diagrams to represent a routing system exists in areas aside from piping or process design. Routing offers capabilities necessary to design practically any type of system that contains fluid, gas, or electrical flow. The narrow meaning of P&ID is therefore too restrictive for a diagramming package intended to support all fields of design that NX Routing supports.

The product that supports the creation of P&ID drawings is named Routing Logical. This name allows this versatile application to be applied to any area in which two-dimensional diagrams are needed. The product is introduced as an add-on to Routing Mechanical.

Until this product existed, comparing a logical diagram with a three-dimensional model was, to a greater or lesser degree, a manual process — ranging from no comparison at all, to visually comparing a 2D drawing with a 3D drawing or on-screen 3D model, to comparing a list of critical components in the diagram with a list generated from the 3D model. To varying degrees, these methods are time consuming and error prone, and managing design changes with them is difficult.

The integration of Routing Mechanical and Routing Logical provides automatic comparison between the two designs. The two NX assemblies are compared directly, without intermediate files. Instantly you know if something is missing or extra in one design compared to the other. Operations to simplify modifying a design so it matches the design being compared to are included — in any direction: 2D to 3D, 3D to 2D, 2D to 2D, or 3D to 3D.

Symbol libraries

Routing Logical provides examples of diagramming symbols only; these examples do not adhere to any given standard. The software is designed such that any system of diagramming can be used, given the proper set up. Many symbols of different standards are available in neutral formats that can be imported into the NX system and the necessary intelligence added.

Routing Logical uses the same data to select symbols as the Routing Mechanical module uses to select parts. If a symbol is fully defined in a diagram, the existence of a corresponding 3D part is virtually guaranteed. If complete part information is not available for the diagram, universal symbols may be used, with as much information as is available attached to the symbol. The choices offered to the 3D designer when selecting a suitable corresponding 3D part are then limited to those parts that agree with the information provided by the 2D diagram symbol.

For example, if a gate valve symbol carries only the information that NPS = 20, the 3D user is offered only those gate valves that have NPS=20. If, on the other hand, the 2D diagram fully defines the gate valve, including the part number, then only that specific part is selectable for placement into the 3D assembly.

Where do I find it?

• Application: Routing Logical

Related topics

• Learn more: Routing Logical — disciplines and specifications, Run Navigator — Compare command, Counter, Pass, Label, Piping Report, Rules, Rules Information, Routing Logical Legend
• Look up more details: Standard assembly structure, Run position numbering, Electrical schematics support