Data Capture Examples - How to Create a Deliverable
Complete Process Overview
The automet® FAB integrity loop standardizes spool replacement into an interconnected, error-free workflow.
Step 1: Preliminary design creation
In the absence of existing CAD drawings:
- Field reconnaissance: Visually inspect flange face types, nominal diameters, and pressure ratings. Measure pipe lengths using a tape measure, paying close attention to short-radius elbows, reducers, and non-standard fittings.
- Model creation: Construct a preliminary `.DES` file specifying fitting-to-fitting connections and taped segment lengths. This establishes the geometry framework required for the field survey.
Step 2: In-situ site survey
Execute total station observations to capture physical spool geometry, tie-ins, and adjacent support structures.
Video guide: automet® FAB - Integrity Loop Step 1 - Site Survey
Summary: Details creating preliminary design sketches, loading the `.DES` framework into automet® FAB, and executing multi-setup field surveys to capture tie-ins and support structures.
Step 3: Analysis transform and orientation
Capture circle fits along pipe runs to define centerlines. Load survey data into the analysis module and execute transforms to align the spool model with global grid or flange-aligned coordinate systems.
Video guide: automet® FAB - Translate Survey Data to Optimal Orientation
Summary: Demonstrates translating raw survey observations to optimal fabrication orientations, simplifying survey report interpretation and shop drawing creation.
Step 4: Text report generation
From the main menu, generate the site survey **Text Report** (and export a PDF copy). Light-blue shaded cells highlight the actual physical coordinates required to build the deliverable file.
Step 5: Deliverable creation
Convert the preliminary design file into a dedicated deliverable file (`.DEL`), ensuring original design files are preserved without overwriting.
Video guide: automet® FAB - Integrity Loop Step 4 - Create a Deliverable
Summary: Shows how to update segment lengths, flange coordinates, mitre angles, and bolt-hole rotations using values highlighted on the text report to produce finalized shop drawings.
Step 6: Deliverable cross-check verification
Fit the calculated site survey file against the new deliverable file within the analysis module. Achieving zero deviation guarantees the replacement spool will fit on site without modification.
Video guide: automet® FAB - Integrity Loop Step 5 - Crosscheck
Summary: Explains fitting calculated survey data to deliverable models, managing support exclusions, tidying drawings, and exporting PDF deliverable drawings alongside `.DEL` survey files.
Step 7: Fabrication shop inspection
Inspect the newly fabricated replacement spool prior to site dispatch by surveying terminal flanges against the deliverable file.
Video guide: automet® FAB - Integrity Loop Step 7 - Fabrication Survey
Summary: Covers shop inspection of fabricated spools against deliverable models, evaluating vector errors, making fit adjustments, and marking installation orientation for field teams.