Ple4Win 4.7.0 released

Ple4Win version 4.7.0 has been released. This version contains new import possibilities, new calculation functionality as well as a number of improvements, modifications and adaptations. For a detailed description of all that is new and changed, please see the change log.

The key highlights of this new release are:

• The Soil Model Wizard has been updated to the NEN3650-1:2020 norm.
• Pipeline Configuration Files (*.pcf) can now be imported.
• The deadweight table is extended to 4 columns.
• The deadweights can now be calculated automatically.
• New, longer and better understandable notices introduced in DF4.
• A lot of program features have undergone improvements.
• Quite a lot of bugs have been fixed.

Soil Model Wizard updated to NEN3650-1:2020

The main modifications are as follows:

• The angle of internal friction φ of the soil is no longer converted to a so-called effective angle of internal friction, but remains as is specified by the user.
• The conversion of the Young’s modulus E of the soil  has been adapted to the way descibed in the new NEN 3650 version.
• The formula for the neutral soil load has been extended for pipelines with large diameters.
• To the loading coefficients  K_q and K_c , K_cu  in the formulae for the horizontal bearing capacity of the soil as follow from the graphs in fig. C.14 correction (model) factors have been applied: 1.0 for K_q  and 0.85 for K_c , K_cu .

PCF file import

A new program module has been added to Ple4Win. If this ‘E1’ module is licensed the program now can import pipeline configurations through the Isogen PCF file format. This pipe component format file can be generated by a variety of pipeline and piping design programs such as AutoCAD Plant3D, Intergraph Smart 3D, PDS, CADWorx etc.

This import facility converts the pipe data contained in *.pcf file into input table data for Ple4Win. This first version of the new functionality generates data for the ‘Pipeline origin’, the ‘Pipeline polygon points’ and the ‘Outer diameter’ input tables.
Please note that the PCF file format is also used for piping, Ple4Win will only import pipe parts that can be used by the program. Irrelevant components and components which the program cannot model are ignored.

This import functionality will be expanded in future versions of the program. Subsequent versions will allow the import of more data into Ple4Win.

Deadweight table extended

In the previous versions the entered data was either interpreted as above and under water deadweight or as step changes in (above water) deadweight, as indicated by a Yes/No column. Now, that last column has been replaced by two new columns. The first two columns now define the deadweight above water level, the second two columns the deadweight under water. In both cases step changes in deadweight now can also be defined.

Deadweight calculation

When no data is provided in the Deadweight table, the deadweight can be calculated when sufficient additional information is available. At least the weight of the pipeline material should be known. When the pipeline is submerged, the weight of water must also be provided, to calculate buoyant forces. The weight of the medium can also be taken into account. Upto eight (internal and/or external) coatings can be defined at any location of the pipeline, their weights are also included in the calculation of the deadweight.

Longer notices texts in Design Function 4

In the previous version the Notices table was introduced as successor for the Warnings table. Starting with this version the new, extended possibilities of the Notices table are actually used. All error messages, warnings and normal messages in Design Function 4 have been replaced.

Now longer, better formatted texts can be displayed both in the Notices table and in the message pane. Also the new categories “severe warnings” (warnings that cannot be ignored and have to be mentioned and explained in reports) and “informational messages” (messages that are not deleted when saving the project) have been added.

In future releases this new type of messages will also be rolled out to all other design functions.

Courses for Ple4Win users

The performance, accuracy and speed of a project calculated using Ple4Win depends for not a small part on how the project is modelled. More often than not, a good pipeline model has greater benefits than e.g. a faster computer and may prevent lots of calculations on model variations. We are providing for a course on the art of making a good functional pipeline model. This half-day course is primarily intended for experienced users.

For more detailed information, call +31 (0)70 390 2386 or use the contact form.

We also offer courses for inexperienced users and dedicated training for individuals or small groups, focused on specified wishes of the attendees and/or going into details of specific problems the attendees have encountered. The combination of a course together with a project to be calculated is also possible. Again, contact us for more information.

Ple4Win forum

For support or advice, please visit the Ple4Win forum. There you can also read the FAQs, tips & tricks, report your findings or tell us your views.