Autodesk software brings model-based design to mainstream plant design projects

Aberdeen, UK - Autodesk Inc. has introduced AutoCAD Plant 3D 2010, a new software product that brings the benefits of model-based design to mainstream plant design projects. Purpose-built for the design, modeling and documentation of process plants, the product is claimed to make modern 3D design more affordable and accessible to project teams of all sizes.

Built on the AutoCAD platform, Plant 3D allows project teams to increase productivity, and improve accuracy and coordination of shared information. The vast majority of plant design and engineering projects support the operation, maintenance and expansion of existing facilities.

These projects are typically executed by small teams facing tight time and budget constraints, noted Autodesk. Plant 3D, it said, can increase the productivity of these teams by reducing setup time, facilitating straightforward information sharing, and minimising the impact of changing project information.

“The value of 3D modeling is proven in the process plant industry, but existing design solutions are complex and expensive, serving primarily the largest projects,” said Mark Strassman, vice president, AEC Plant Solutions Group at Autodesk.

“The most common plant design and engineering projects today are retrofits, upgrades, and expansions that run on tight budgets and fixed shutdown windows. The teams that execute these projects simply can’t afford to waste time and overhead with complicated solutions.

Since AutoCAD Plant 3D leverages the familiarity of AutoCAD and the popularity of the .dwg file format, project teams can get up and running quickly, more easily share design information and finish projects faster – with potentially significant savings in time and cost.”

Plant 3D features specification-driven design and standard parts catalogs to help streamline the placement of piping, equipment, and support structures. Also included in the product is integrated AutoCAD P&ID functionality and quick generation of isometric and orthographic drawings. It joins AutoCAD, AutoCAD P&ID, and Autodesk Navisworks software products in a line-up of Autodesk products built specifically for the plant design and engineering industry.

Autodesk also announced the launch of a new community for plant designers and engineers on AutoCAD Exchange. On AutoCAD Exchange Plant, users can network, learn from experts, enhance professional skills, engage in discussions, and provide feedback to Autodesk product teams. Visitors can create profiles to personalise their experience and share their tips, projects, and experiences with other global plant design and engineering professionals.

Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies, the global water and wastewater treatment experts headquartered in Singapore, is using AutoCAD Plant 3D Beta 3 on a bid for a water treatment plant project. According to Veolia CAD Manager Alan Chew, “Our team of CAD and piping engineers is very interested in using a 3D plant design product that is compatible with the other Autodesk products we use. I’m already impressed with AutoCAD Plant 3D’s ease of use; I downloaded the software and started designing the project the very next day.”

“We use 2D and 3D software to design machined equipment and related buildings,” said Mark McLeod, CAD Manager at EnergySolutions, a provider of integrated services and solutions for the nuclear energy industry. “Currently, we are blind to obvious clashes, have duplicate tag numbers, and cannot see our piping designs in 3D model review. As we evaluate AutoCAD Plant 3D, we expect to benefit from correct tagging, 3D model reviews, clash detection, connection to P&ID work, orthographics, and isometrics. Being able to pass useful data to structural engineering and fabricators will also add a lot of value.”