Pipeline Isometry: How to Draw the Isometry of a Pipeline

Pipeline isometry is a technical drawing that is crucial in plant engineering. It shows the course of a pipeline system in a simplified, isometric representation. In this way, you can clearly and comprehensibly depict complex pipeline strings on a single drawing page.

What Is Pipeline Isometry?

A pipeline isometry is a technical drawing showing the course of a pipeline system in isometric projection. This special display method shows the pipes and their components three-dimensionally, with the main axes being at an angle of 60° to each other. In doing so, the lines are immeasurable shown, which means that the proportions do not exactly correspond to the real dimensions. However, the isometric representation enables a clear and compact depiction of even very long and complex pipe runs on a single drawing sheet.

Characteristics of Pipeline Isometry

• Unscaled presentation: The drawing is not true to scale, but focuses on the geometric shape and course of the pipes.
• Isometric projection: The axes intersect at an angle of 60°, which enables a three-dimensional display on a two-dimensional sheet.
• Simple symbolism: Individual components such as valves, welds and connections are represented by standardized symbols.
• Dimensions and slope information: These indicate the lengths and angles of the pipeline.
• Additional notes and tables: Parts lists, welding or bending tables can be included to provide detailed information.

Use and Application

Pipeline isometry is mainly used in plant engineering, in particular in the planning and manufacturing of pipeline systems in large industrial plants such as refineries, power plants and production sites in the chemical industry. These drawings are essential for:

• Documentation: They document the course and arrangement of the pipes in detail.
• Manufacturing: The isometrics serve as a starting point for cutting and assembling the pipes.
• Project communication: Thanks to the simple and clear presentation, all project participants, including engineers and pipeline manufacturers who easily understand and implement drawings.

The Right Drawing Sheets for Isometrics

Pipeline isometries are traditionally created on DIN A3 or A4 drawing sheets in portrait or landscape format. These sheets often contain additional elements such as north arrows or coordinate systems to show the exact orientation of the pipeline in the system. In current practice, however, pipeline isometries are mainly created with CAD software. This software makes work much easier as it supports isometric guidelines and standardized symbols and standards.

Components of Pipeline Isometry

• Piping: Represented as lines with labels.
• Components and fittings: symbols for valves, welds, bends, flanges, pumps and other components.
• Dimensions: Information on the length, inclination and angle of the pipe segments.
• Additional notes: Further information on materials, connections and special requirements.
• Parts lists: Lists of all parts required to manufacture the pipeline.
• Welding and bending tables: Detailed tables for the execution of welds and bends.

Important note: Pipeline isometry is not suitable for testing whether the planned installation of the pipelines in the manner described is even possible. This audit is carried out on the basis of a detailed pipeline plan.

You can use pipeline isometry both to plan and to implement a project in practice. The use of modern CAD systems makes it much easier to create such drawings and provides you with a precise and standard-compliant basis for your project.

Create Isometrics Automatically

Creating pipeline isometry usually requires special software and tools developed for pipeline construction. Here is a general guide on how to create a pipeline isometry automatically:

1. Select CAD Software

AutoCAD Plant 3D

AutoCAD Plant 3D is a specialized AutoCAD extension specifically designed for planning pipeline systems and creating pipeline isometries. We also use this tool when creating our isometrics.

Advantages:

• Widely used and known by many engineers.
• Integrates with the AutoCAD environment and can easily collaborate with other AutoCAD data.
• Automated creation of isometrics based on 3D models.
• Good customization and editing options.

Disadvantages:

• Relatively high costs for licenses.
• Can be resource intensive and requires powerful hardware.

Intergraph Smart 3D (formerly PDS)

Smart 3D is a comprehensive 3D CAD platform from Intergraph, specifically designed for large plant engineering projects. It supports the creation of pipeline isometries.

Advantages:

• Very powerful and suitable for large projects.
• Automated creation of pipeline isometries.
• Integrated workflows and collaboration options.

Disadvantages:

• Complex operation and training required.
• High license costs.
• Requires extensive training and implementation.

AVEVA E3D (formerly PDMS)

AVEVA E3D is one of the leading software solutions in the field of 3D plant engineering. The software offers extensive functions for modeling piping systems and automatically generating isometries.

Advantages:

• Highly integrated with larger 3D plant engineering projects.
• Very detailed and accurate isometric creation.
• Extensive customization and collaboration options.

Disadvantages:

• Very expensive to buy.
• Complex user interface.
• Requires training and experience to use it effectively.

Bentley OpenPlant Isometrics Manager

This software is part of Bentley Systems' OpenPlant suite and enables pipeline isometries to be created.

Advantages:

• Automated creation of isometrics from 3D models.
• Integrates with other Bentley products, such as MicroStation.
• Good features for project collaboration and management.

Disadvantages:

• High price.
• Integrating with non-Bentley products can be complicated.
• Complex learning curve for new users.

CADworx Plant Professional

CADworx is a comprehensive solution for plant engineering and pipeline planning, which also supports the automatic creation of pipeline isometries.

Advantages:

• More cost-effective than other premium software solutions.
• Simpler user interface compared to some competitors.
• Good for small to medium-sized projects.

Disadvantages:

• Not as efficient for large and very complex projects.
• Fewer features for extensive collaboration.

Smap3D

Smap3D is a module that can be integrated into many CAD programs to simplify pipeline planning and create isometrics automatically.

Advantages:

• Integrates with systems such as SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Inventor, and others.
• Intuitive operation for CAD users.
• Automatic creation of isometrics and derivations from 3D models.

Disadvantages:

• Functionality limited compared to specialized solutions such as AutoCAD Plant 3D or AVEVA.
• Less suitable for very large and complex projects.

SmartPlant Isometrics (SPISO)

SmartPlant Isometrics is another tool from Intergraph that was developed specifically for creating pipeline isometrics. It is independent of a 3D modeling program.

Advantages:

• User-friendly and specialized in isometrics.
• No 3D modeling required, making it more accessible.
• Ideal for small and medium-sized projects.

Disadvantages:

• Not as comprehensive as other 3D modeling platforms.
• Only for isometrics, without integration into larger modeling processes.

M4 PLANT

M4 PLANT is specialized software for plant planning and offers comprehensive tools for creating pipeline isometries.

Advantages:

• Very powerful functions for modeling and automated creation of isometrics.
• Flexible and adaptable for various industries.

Disadvantages:

• Higher learning curve.
• Not as widely used as other solutions (smaller market share).

SolidPlant 3D

SolidPlant is a plugin for SOLIDWORKS that provides specific tools for pipeline planning and creating isometrics.

Advantages:

• Easy integration into the SOLIDWORKS environment.
• Easy to use and well suited for small to medium projects

Disadvantages:

• Limited functionalities compared to high-end solutions.
• Less suitable for very complex or extensive projects.

Spoolgen

Spoolgen is specialized software for creating isometrics of pipeline splice drawings (spool drawings), which are primarily used in manufacturing and assembly.

Advantages:

• Very specialized in splice drawings.
• Easy handling for specialized tasks.

Disadvantages:

• Not as comprehensive as other pipeline isometry software.
• Functionality is heavily limited to a specific use case.

2. Create a 3D Model of the Pipeline

In most CAD software solutions, you must First a 3D model of the pipeline is created. This includes placing the pipe components (pipes, flanges, valves, etc.) in a 3D environment.

The software then automatically generates an isometric view of the pipeline, based on the 3D model.

3. Generate Pipeline Isometry

Automatic generation: Most modern CAD programs offer a function to automatically generate isometries from the 3D model. This is done by selecting the desired pipeline (s) in the model and selecting the isometric generation option.

Isometric settings: Before generating, it may be necessary to define specific isometric settings, such as scale, dimensions, labels, and other layout options.

4. Adjust Isometric Details

After automatic generation, adjustments may be required to refine isometrics. This includes checking dimensions, adding tags and notes and customizing the display of piping details.

Some software solutions offer the option of applying rules and standards for isometrics to ensure that all drawings comply with the required standards.

5. Exporting Isometrics

The finished isometry can be exported to various formats, such as DWG, PDF or ISOGEN (a special isometric format).

It is also possible generate parts lists, 2D derivatives and material lists (BOMs) directly from the isometrics.

6. Validation

Before the final export, it is important to check the isometrics for accuracy. This includes the verification of flow directions, dimensions and possible collisions.

Example: AutoCAD Plant 3D

1. Create the 3D model of the pipeline.
2. Go to the Isometric Drawings tab.
3. Select the pipeline or pipeline group for which you want to create an isometric.
4. Click “Produce” to generate isometrics.
5. Make necessary adjustments and export the isometrics.

With this procedure, you can efficiently and automatically create pipeline isometries, which are required in the planning and construction of pipeline systems.

Manually Draw the Isometry of a Pipeline

1. Initial Considerations

Before you start drawing, you need to have the route of the pipe clearly in mind. Think about where the pipeline starts and ends and how it should be routed through the room. Define your local coordinate system. Use the right-hand rule for this: the fingers of your right hand indicate the directions of the axes. This helps you to define the orientation of the pipes correctly.

2. Draw a Coordinate System

Use isometric paper or an isometric template to represent the pipeline in space. Note that the Z-axis (height) always points vertically upwards. Draw a small coordinate system in the top corner of the paper and label the axes. Place a point on the isometric paper as the starting point of the pipeline - the exact position is not important.

3. Draw the Pipeline Route

Now draw the pipeline as a center line that represents the course of the pipeline in space. Make sure that slopes or gradients are represented by corresponding lines. For gradients, the hatching must be drawn vertically. If there are any pipe bends, draw them directly as bends.

4. Insert Components

Add valves, flanges or reducers at the appropriate points. Draw these components as isometric symbols on the centerline of the pipeline. If you are using CAD software, you can import symbols or create your own symbol libraries.

5. Dimensioning the Pipeline

Dimensioning is carried out along the center line of the pipes. Measure the distances between the pipe sections on site, e.g. with a meter rule and spirit level. Make sure to only indicate the axial dimensions (distances between the center points). Draw in separate dimensions for gradients and slopes. If you are using CAD software, you can use special tools for isometric dimensions.

6. Mark Welds

Mark weld seams as points along the pipe. Number them if necessary. As a rule, two weld seams are required for each bend, one for a flange.

7. Create a Parts List

Divide the pipe isometry into its components. Count the flanges, bends and weld seams and determine the length of the straight pipe sections by calculating the total length and subtracting the length of the bends and flanges. Add a parts list in which the individual components are listed with their item numbers. These item numbers must be clearly assigned both on the drawing and in the parts list in order to create a clear link between the two documents.

8. Summary of Results

The finished pipe isometric drawing should contain all the information required to install the pipes correctly: the exact route, the components such as flanges and valves, the weld seams, the dimensions and the parts list. Item numbers link the drawing to the parts list and ensure clarity.

With these steps, you can ensure that your pipeline isometry optimally supports the entire planning process and delivers precise results.

Norms and Iso Standards for Isometrics

Various standards and ISO standards are relevant for drawing pipeline isometries. These help you to implement the technical drawings correctly and in a standardized way.

ISO standards:

1. ISO 14617 - “Graphic symbols for flow charts”
   This standard regulates graphical symbols that are used to represent pipelines in flow charts and isometric representations. It includes symbols for valves, appliances, machines and pipeline systems.
2. ISO 10628 - “Flow charts for the chemical and petrochemical industry”
   This standard specifies the way pipelines and plants in the chemical and petrochemical industries are represented in isometrics. It specifies the use of symbols and presentation techniques.

German and European standards:

1. DIN EN ISO 6412 - “Technical drawings - Simplified presentation of pipelines”
   This standard describes how pipelines should be presented in a simplified way in isometric views and flow charts. It helps you to efficiently implement the various requirements for technical drawings.
2. DIN 28004 - “Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID)”
   This standard gives you guidelines for the presentation of instruments and pipes in flow charts, which form the basis for detailed isometrics.
3. DIN EN ISO 129 - “Technical drawings - dimensions”
   This standard is particularly important to ensure the correct dimensioning in isometrics of pipes. It ensures that distances and dimensions are uniform and clearly defined.
4. VDI 3805 - “Product data sheets for technical building equipment (TGA)”
   This guideline provides you with support in the presentation and processing of pipelines, in particular with documentation and digital data exchange.

Supplementary standards and guidelines:

• ANSI/ASME B31.3 - “Process Piping”
  This standard sets safety requirements and regulations for process pipelines. The isometrics of pipes, particularly in industry, are often based on these requirements.
• EN ISO 15609-1 - “welding process”
  This standard contains requirements for the presentation and testing of welds, which are important in pipeline isometries.

Important to know:

• Pipeline isometrics are usually part of larger documentation such as pipeline and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID), which are often based on the standards mentioned here.
• Accuracy in presentation and the application of the appropriate norms and ISO standards ensure that isometrics correctly describe pipelines and comply with industry standards.

These norms and ISO standards are crucial if you want to draw an isometric drawing for pipelines that meets the current technical requirements.

Common Questions About Pipeline Isometries

What Is Isometry?

An isometric view is a three-dimensional representation of objects in which all three axes (X, Y and Z) are at an angle of 120° to each other. As a result, all dimensions appear evenly foreshortened, creating a technically distortion-free perspective that precisely depicts distances and proportions.

What Is the Isometry of a Pipeline?

The isometric drawing of a pipeline is a special technical drawing that shows a pipeline in a three-dimensional view. The pipes and their connections are shown from an isometric perspective in order to visualize the spatial arrangement and course of the pipeline. This representation is used to clearly show lengths, diameters, bends and angles.

How Do I Draw a Pipeline Isometry?

To draw a pipeline isometry, follow these steps:

1. Draw the three isometric axes at a 120° angle to each other.
2. Draw the pipeline along these axes.
3. Add valves, flanges, bends and other components.
4. Make sure that angles and lengths are correct.
5. Label all relevant dimensions, such as pipe diameters, lengths and wall thicknesses.
6. Make sure the lines are clean without overlaps.

What Are the Advantages of Creating Isometrics Automatically Compared to Creating Them Manually?

• Saving time: Automatic systems generate isometrics faster.
• Error reduction: Automation reduces human errors.
• Consistency: All isometries are generated according to the same specifications.
• Easier changes: Changes are easier and faster to implement.

What Is Pipeline Isometry For?

Pipe isometrics are used to clearly illustrate the route and dimensions of a pipe. It helps to understand the pipe route, facilitates installation and serves as a basis for production drawings, material lists and cost calculations.

What Is the Angle of Isometric Drawings?

In isometric drawings, the three main axes are at a 120° angle to each other. This creates an even representation of all three dimensions.

Does Pipeline Isometry Have a Scale?

No, a pipeline isometric drawing does not have a fixed scale in the conventional sense. Although lengths and distances are indicated in the drawing, the pipeline is shown in a distortion-free, but not to scale, representation. The isometric drawing is used to visualize the course of the pipe and its components without having to reproduce the proportions realistically.

What Is an Isometric Pad?

An isometric pad is a special drawing pad for creating isometric drawings. It is often printed with pre-drawn isometric lines at a 120° angle, which make it easier to draw isometric drawings neatly.

Is Isometry a Perspective?

Yes, an isometric view is a special form of perspective view, but one in which there is no distortion due to perspective. In an isometric view, all lines appear the same length, regardless of how far away they are from the viewer. This distinguishes it from central perspective, in which objects further away appear smaller.