PCF Format Guide

ALIAS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR TECHNICAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN NOR FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE OR USE OF THIS
MATERIAL.

It is the policy of Alias Limited to enforce any and all rights relating to protection of this information. The information contained in
this manual is proprietary in nature and may not be reproduced, copied or divulged in whole or in part without the prior written
consent of Alias Limited. This manual has been provided pursuant to the terms of a contract or confidentiality agreement. Unau-
thorised distribution or disclosure of its contents is a violation of that contract or agreement and persons doing so may be liable
for penalties as provided by law.

Copyright © 1999 Alias Limited Industrial Software Products.

Alias Limited Industrial Software Products

Stuart Road, Manor Park
Runcorn, Cheshire
WA7 1TS
United Kingdom
Telephone +44 (0) 1928 579311
Fax: +44 (0) 1928 579389
E-mail [email protected]

I-Sketch is a registered trademark of Alias Limited

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 Contents
This manual refers to the PCF features in ISOGEN Version 8.10

CHAPTER 1 Introduction

CHAPTER 2 PCF Basic Layout

CHAPTER 3 Basic Header Information

CHAPTER 4 Units Settings

CHAPTER 5 Pipeline Header Information

CHAPTER 6 Component Identifiers

CHAPTER 7 Component Information - Mandatory Attributes

CHAPTER 8 Component Information - Material Information Attributes

CHAPTER 11 Component Information - Supplementary Information Attributes

CHAPTER 12 Additional Pipeline Information Items

CHAPTER 13 Specialised Information Items

CHAPTER 14 Reference Dimensions

CHAPTER 15 The ISOGEN-FILES filename

CHAPTER 16 Material Descriptions

CHAPTER 17 Typical Pipeline PCF and Generated Isometric

CHAPTER 18 PCF Layout and content for a System Isometric

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 1 Introduction

Welcome to the Piping Component File from Alias.

A Piping Component File (PCF), is a simple to generate and easy to understand file format
that provides Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for the transfer of Pipeline content and
configuration information, between a 3D Piping Design System and ISOGEN - the leading
system for the production of piping isometrics.

This PCF Format Guide covers the rules and conventions that control the file layout, content,
and the presentation of data.

Listings of all allowable Pipeline Attributes, Specification Information, Component Identifiers,

Component Attributes, and a range of Specialised Information items, are provided.

Dimensional Unit variations (covering both Metric and Imperial Units), together with detailed
'data' requirements are described.

This Guide should be used in conjunction with the PCF Component Reference Guide which
contains individual Component Definition sheets listing both Mandatory and other allowable
Attributes.

Chapters 7 through 11 of this PCF Format Guide relate directly with the information
categories used on the Component Definition Sheets.

It’s recommended that the reader should examine the PCF File Layout diagram, example
PCF file and associated isometric that are included in Chapter 2 before proceeding with the
creation of a file generation program.

1-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 2 PCF Basic Layout

The diagram below shows the basic layout for a single Pipeline PCF.

ISOGEN-FILES ISOGEN.FLS
UNITS-BORE data
UNITS-CO-ORDS data Basic Header Information (One block per File)
UNITS-BOLT-DIA data
UNITS-BOLT-LENGTH data
PIPELINE-REFERENCE data
REVISION data
PROJECT-IDENTIFIER data
AREA data Pipeline Identifier and related Header information
PIPING-SPEC data
DATE-DMY data
PAINTING-SPEC data
END-CONNECTION-EQUIPMENT
CO-ORDS data
CONNECTION-REFERENCE data
GASKET
END-POINT data
END-POINT data
ITEM-CODE data
ERECTION-ITEM Pipeline Components and Connection Information
BOLT
CO-ORDS data
BOLT-DIA data
BOLT-LENGTH data
BOLT-QUANTITY data
BOLT-ITEM-CODE data
ERECTION-ITEM

2-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 VALVE
END-POINT data
END-POINT data
ITEM-CODE data
SKEY data
ERECTION-ITEM
SPINDLE-DIRECTION data
FLANGE Pipeline Components and Connection
END-POINT data Information
END-POINT data
ITEM-CODE data
SKEY data
FABRICATION-ITEM
END-CONNECTION-PIPELINE
CO-ORDS data
PIPELINE-REFERENCE data
MATERIALS
ITEM-CODE data
DESCRIPTION data
ITEM-CODE data Material Item Codes and Descriptions
DESCRIPTION data (One block per File)
ITEM-CODE data
DESCRIPTION data

}=Points to note.
1. All Basic Header Information Attributes must start in column position one.
2. PIPELINE-REFERENCE Attribute must start in column position one.
3. Pipeline Header Attributes must start in column position five.
4. Component Identifiers and other main function identifiers must start in column position
one.
5. Other Attributes must start in column position five.
6. MATERIALS identifier, that signals the start of the Item Code and Descriptions
section, must start in column position one.
7. ITEM-CODE entries must start in column position one.
8. DESCRIPTION entries must start in column position five.
9. All 'data' entries must be separated from the Attribute Identifier by at least one blank
character.

2-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 3 Basic Header
Information

Each PCF must commence with a section of Basic Header Information attributes that defines
an associated control file identifier (that is invoked when the file is used to generate an
isometric drawing) and identifies the various Units that are to be used to specify Bores, Co-
ordinates, Bolt Diameters, Bolt Lengths and Weights in the data associated with the piping
component definitions.

The table below lists the Attributes that are used.

Attribute Data Requirements

ISOGEN-FILES filename e.g. filename ISOGEN.FLS which is a commonly used

**
filename.
The actual filename specified may be a single
parameter name or a full pathname that identifies the
file that specifies all the INPUT and OUTPUT filenames
that are to be used during a run through the ISOGEN
system to generate an isometric drawing. See Chapter
15 for a description of the ISOGEN-FILES filename
contents.
UNITS-BORE data Setting for all BORE (Size) parameters.
**
UNITS-CO-ORDS data Setting for all co-ordinates included in the pipeline data.
**
UNITS-WEIGHT data Setting for all Weight parameters included in the
pipeline data.
UNITS-BOLT-DIA data Setting for all Bolt Diameters (Bolt Size) included in the
pipeline data.
UNITS-BOLT-LENGTH data Setting for all Bolt Lengths included in the pipeline data.

}=Points to note -
1. The Attributes marked ** are MANDATORY and must always be included.
2. The ISOGEN-FILES filename entry must be the first in the PCF.
3. The UNITS type Attributes may be included in any order.

3-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 4. All Attributes are entered one per line and must start in column position 1.
5. The input data must be separated from the Attribute Identifier by at least one blank
character.
6. Allowable Units data settings are listed in Chapter 4.
7. Only one Header Information block is allowed in a PCF.

3-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 4 Units Settings

The following sections describe the various valid Units settings for the Units Attributes that
must be included in the Basic Header Information of a PCF (see Chapter 3).

Separate settings covering Bores (N.S.), Co-ordinates, Bolt Diameters, Bolt Lengths and
Weight are provided. Once a Unit type has been specified for each Unit Attribute, all
component data included in the PCF must conform to the declared type (i.e. A mixture of units
for an individual Attribute is not allowed).

BORES (Nominal Sizes)

The valid data settings for the UNITS-BORE Attribute are -
INCH For INCHES in form 1/2 0.1/2 0.5 1 1.0 (Valid denominators when
specifying fractions are 2 4 8 and 16) (Inches expressed in decimal
format may have up to four decimal places)
INCH-SIXTEENTHS For 1/16s of INCH in the form 32 (2”) 96 (6”) etc.
MM For MILLIMETRES in form 50 or 50.00

}=Points to note -
1. The Bore Units declared in the PCF must match the Units that are required on any
isometric generated from the file. (No conversions between different units are
available.)

CO-ORDINATES (Positions, etc.)

The valid data settings for the UNITS-CO-ORDS Attribute are -
INCH For Decimal INCHES in form 22357.0254 (For accuracy purposes all
co-ordinates in this form must have four decimal places)
MM For MILLIMETRES in the form 223479.00 (For accuracy purposes all
co-ordinates in this form must have two decimal places)
MM-HUNDREDTHS For 1/100s MILLIMETRES in the form 22347900

4-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 }=Points to note –
1. The Co-ordinate Units declared in the PCF need not necessarily match the units that
are required on any isometric generated from the file. (Full conversion facilities are
available.)

BOLT DIAMETERS
The valid data settings for the UNITS-BOLT-DIA Attribute are -
INCH For INCHES in form 1/2 0.1/2 0.5 1 1.0 1.1/2 1.5 etc. (Valid
denominators when specifying fractions are 2 4 8 and 16 - Inches
expressed in decimal format may have up to four decimal places.)
MM For MILLIMETRES in the form 15 20 25.00 etc.
INCH-SIXTEENTHS For 1/16s of an INCH in the form 10 12 16 etc.

}=Points to note –
1. The Bolt Diameter Units declared in the PCF must match the units that are required
on any isometric generated from the file. (No conversions between different units are
available.) There is no requirement for Bolt Diameter Units to match the units
declared for Bores.

BOLT LENGTHS
The valid data settings for the UNITS-BOLT-LENGTH Attribute are -
INCH For INCHES in form 2.1/2 2.5 3 3.0 etc. (Valid denominators when
specifying fractions are 2 4 8 and 16) (Inches expressed in decimal
format may have up to four decimal places)
MM For MILLIMETRES in the form 55 55.00 etc.
MM-HUNDRETHS For 1/100's MILLIMETRES in the form 5500

}=Points to note -
1. The Bolt Length Units declared in the PCF must match the units that are required on
any isometric generated from the file. (No conversions between different units are
available.) There is no requirement for Bolt Length Units to match the units declared
for co-ordinates.

4-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 WEIGHT
The valid data settings for the UNIT-WEIGHT Attribute are -
KGS For the unit fitting weight or weight per unit length of tube in kilograms
(KGS)
LBS For the unit fitting weight or weight per unit length of tube in pounds (LBS)

}=Points to note -
1. The Weight Units declared in the PCF must match the units that are required on any
isometric generated from the file. (No conversions between different units are
available).

4-3

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 5 Pipeline Header
Information

Each Pipeline contained in a PCF must have an individual PIPELINE- REFERENCE attribute
that signals the start of the related data and also facilitates the input of the actual pipeline
name by which the Pipeline is identified with the Project.

This entry may be followed by any number of the related information Attributes that are listed
in the table below –

Attribute Data Requirements

PIPELINE-REFERENCE data Pipeline Name
AREA data BATCH data Use either keyword to name sections of a project
ATTRIBUTE0 data User defined Attributes for listing Pipeline Header
to Information
ATTRIBUTE99 data
BEND-RADIUS data Standard Pulled Bend Radius
DATE-DMY data D=Day M=Month Y=Year e.g. 03/02/2002. Specify in any
order.
HIGHEST-PART-NUMBER data Highest Material List Part Number generated on the
previous run of the pipeline
HIGHEST-SPOOL-NUMBER data Highest Spool Number generated on the previous run of
the pipeline
HIGHEST-WELD-NUMBER data Highest Weld Number that was generated on the previous
run of the pipeline
HIGHEST-WELD-SUPPORT- Highest Weld Support Number that was generated on the
NUMBER data
previous run of the pipeline
INSULATION-SPEC data Insulation Specification
ITEM-ATTRIBUTE0 data Provides up to ten User defined attributes for use where
to component material descriptions are broken down into a
ITEM-ATTRIBUTE9 data series of short elements where data is defined in dynamic
keywords like MATL RATING SPEC THKS etc. This provides
an alternative method to having a single long material
description in a component DESCRIPTION attribute. See
Chapter 16 for more details.

5-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 MISC-SPEC1 data User defined Miscellaneous Specifications
MISC-SPEC2 data
MISC-SPEC3 data
MISC-SPEC4 data
MISC-SPEC5 data
NOMINAL-CLASS data Use either keyword to define Pipeline Design Class
NOMINAL-RATING data
OFFSET-IMPERIAL data Offset in whole Feet from Datum point. The input value will
be added to component locations when calculating co-
ordinates for output on the generated isometric.
OFFSET-METRIC data Offset in whole Metres from Datum point. The input value
will be added to component locations when calculating co-
ordinates for output on the generated isometric.
OUTPUT-FILE-NAME data Name to be used for Isometric Drawing output file
PAINTING-SPEC data Painting Specification
PIPELINE-TEMP data Pipeline Operating Temperature
PIPELINE-TYPE data Type of Pipeline construction
PIPING-SPEC data Pipeline Specification
PROJECT-IDENTIFIER data Project Number or Name
REPLOT data Single isometric drawing re-plot request
REVISION data Pipeline Revision Identifier
SPECIFIC-GRAVITY data Specific Gravity of Pipeline contents (used for C of G
calculations)
SPOOL-PREFIX data Prefix to be used as part of Spool identifier names
START-CO-ORDS data Co-ordinate start position of the pipeline – defines which
open end of the pipeline the isometric should start from
SUPPORT-WELD-PREFIX- A set of prefix characters to be used for the identification
ERECTION data
of all Erection Support Welds
SUPPORT-WELD-PREFIX- A set of prefix characters to be used for the identification
FABRICATION data
of all Fabrication Support Welds
SUPPORT-WELD-PREFIX- A set of prefix characters to be used for the identification
OFFSHORE data
of all Offshore Support Welds
TRACING-SPEC data Tracing Specification
WELD-PREFIX-ERECTION data A set of prefix characters to be used for the identification
of all Erection Welds
WELD-PREFIX-FABRICATION A set of prefix characters to be used for the identification
data
of all Fabrication Welds

5-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 WELD-PREFIX-GENERAL data A set of prefix characters to be used for the identification
of all categories of Welds
WELD-PREFIX-OFFSHORE data A set of prefix characters to be used for the identification
of all Offshore Welds

Requirements that apply to certain of the preceding Pipeline

Attributes data -
HIGHEST-PART-NUMBER This attribute should only be used when use is being made
of the ISOGEN-Repeatability Function and the REPEAT-
PART-NUMBER attribute (see Chapter 8) is present on all
relevant components.
HIGHEST-WELD-NUMBER This attribute should only be used when use is being made
of the ISOGEN-Repeatability Function and the REPEAT-
WELD-IDENTIFIER attribute (see Chapter 11) is present at
all relevant Weld locations.
PIPELINE-TYPE This attribute is only required for the certain types of
Pipeline contsruction listed below. Valid data entries are -
FI Used to identify normally fabricated ‘Hygenic’ type
pipework.
FP Used to identify normal Fixed Length type piping (i.e.
Lined) where the Material Item Code identifiers for
straights are basic ones to which the program will
append the length (in mm or 1/16 “ units) to make
the code unique.
FX Used to identify normal Fixed Length type piping (i.e.
Lined) where the Material Item Code identifiers for
straights are defined uniquely by the User.
FZ Used to identify Fixed Length type ‘Hygenic’
pipework.
REPLOT The ‘data’ input associated with this Attribute will normally
be a simple number representing the DRG No. or SPOOL
NO. of the required re-plot.
If User defined SPOOL-IDENTIFIERS are being used then
the input would be the full identifier for the required Spool
re-plot. Any number of REPLOT entries can be included if
more than one re-plot is required.

5-3

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 }=Points to note -
1. The PIPELINE-REFERENCE attribute is mandatory and must be the first one listed
for a pipeline. It must start in column position one.
2. The use of all the other listed attributes is optional, but when used must be included
one per line and start in column position five.
3. Following the PIPELINE-REFERENCE attribute, others may be included in any
sequence.
4. The input ‘data’ must be separated from the Attribute Identifier by at least one blank
character.

5-4

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 6 Component Identifiers

Each piping component in a PCF is described in a self contained data block that consists of a
'Component Identifier' together with a list of attributes that locates, sizes, describes and
identifies specific requirements related to a physical component in a Pipeline.

The following table list all the components types that are currently supported.

Component Identifier Remarks

BEND All types. (Fabricated and Fittings)
BEND (Return) All types. (Fabricated and Fittings)
BEND-TEED (Fabricated) Bend with a Branch connection.
BEND-TEED (Flanged) Bend with a Branch connection.
BOLT Hex/Round/Hex and Stud Bolts.
CAP End Caps all types.
CLAMP Used on 'Hygenic' type pipework.
CONNECTOR (Expanded) Used on 'Hygenic' type pipework.
CONNECTOR (Welded) Used on 'Hygenic' type pipework.
COUPLING All straight coupling types.
CROSS All Fitting types.
CROSS-SET-ON Fabricated types.
CROSS-STUB Fabricated types.
ELBOLET Contoured branch connector.
ELBOW All types of elbow including flanged.
ELBOW (Return) All 180 degree elbow types.
ELBOW (Reducing) All types. Reduced N.S. at one end.
ELBOW-TEED (Fabricated) Elbow drilled for Branch connection.
ELBOW-TEED (Integral ends) Elbow with integral Branch connection.
FILTER All straight through (in-line) types.
FILTER-ANGLE All angled types.
FILTER-OFFSET All types including flanged.
(Primary Direction)

6-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 FILTER-OFFSET All types including flanged.
(Skewed Direction)
FILTER-RETURN All types including flanged.
FLANGE All types of flanges.
FLANGE-BLIND Also referred to as 'Blank' flanges.
FLANGE-REDUCING-CONCENTRIC Classified as Slip-on type.
FLANGE-REDUCING-ECCENTRIC Classified as Slip-on type.
GAP Physical break in a pipeline.
GASKET All types.
INSTRUMENT All straight through types.
INSTRUMENT-3WAY All three-way types.
INSTRUMENT-4WAY All four-way types.
INSTRUMENT-ANGLE All angled types.
INSTRUMENT-BALLOON Used for off-line Instrument depiction.
INSTRUMENT-DIAL All types of Instrument Dial indication.
INSTRUMENT-OFFSET All types including flanged.
(Primary Direction)
INSTRUMENT-OFFSET All types including flanged.
(Non Primary Direction)
INSTRUMENT-RETURN All types including flanged.
INSTRUMENT-TEE Sandwich (between flanges) type fitting.
LAPJOINT-STUBEND BW type used with loose backing flange.
LAPJOINT-RING Slip-on type used with loose backing flange.
MISC-COMPONENT Variety of straight through type items.
MISC-COMPONENT-ANGLE Variety of angled type items.
MISC-COMPONENT-OFFSET Variety of offset type items.
(Primary Direction)
MISC-COMPONENT-OFFSET Variety of offset type items.
(Non Primary Direction)
MISC-COMPONENT-RETURN Variety of return type items.
MISC-HYGENIC Range of items used on 'Hygenic'pipework.
MULTI-PORT-COMPONENT Component with multi connections
NOZZLE Pipeline connection indicator.
NUT Used on 'Hygenic' type pipework.
OLET All types of Branch connection fittings.

6-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 PENETRATION-PLATE A Special type of component used for passing a pipe
through a floor, bulkhead or wall.
PIPE All basic Pipe (Tube) elements.
PIPE-BLOCK-FIXED Fixed length Blocks used with Lined pipe.
PIPE-BLOCK-VARIABLE Variable length Blocks used with Lined pipe.
PIPE-FIXED Fixed length pipes - various End Types.
REDUCER-CONCENTRIC All types. (Fabricated and Fittings)
REDUCER-CONCENTRIC-TEED Reducer with a Branch connection.
REDUCER-ECCENTRIC All types. (Fabricated and Fittings)
REDUCER-ECCENTRIC-TEED Reducer with a Branch connection.
REINFORCEMENT-PAD Used with fabricated Tees and Crosses.
SAFETY-DISC Sandwich (between flanges) type fitting.
SUPPORT All types of Pipe Supports (Hangers).
TEE All Fitting types.
TEE-SET-ON Fabricated types.
TEE-STUB Fabricated types.
TRAP All straight through (in-line) types.
TRAP-ANGLE All angled types.
TRAP-OFFSET All types including flanged.
(Primary Direction)
TRAP-OFFSET All types including flanged.
(Skewed Direction)
TRAP-RETURN All types including flanged.
UNION Split type pipe connector.
VALVE All straight through types.
VALVE-3WAY All three-way types.
VALVE-4WAY All four-way types.
VALVE-ANGLE All angled types.

VALVE-MULTIWAY (Two levels) Maximum of three connections on each level.

WELD Various types of User positioned Welds.

Y-PIECE-FABRICATED Set-on component with 'Y' configuration.

Y-PIECE-FITTING Fitting with 'Y' configuration.

}=Points to note -
6-3

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 1. All Component Identifiers must start in column position one.

6-4

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 7 Component Information -
Mandatory Attributes
The table below lists all the Mandatory Attributes and associated ‘data’ requirements that
are used as the basic information that locates, sizes and identifies the various piping
components that are included in a PCF for a particular Pipeline.
Not all components carry all the listed attributes. The actual attributes used will depend upon
the type of component being described.
The Component Sheets contained in the PCF Component Reference Guide identify the
actual requirements for individual piping components.

BRANCH1-POINT data Used to identify Branch connection points on various

BRANCH2-POINT data components.
i) Co-ordinates must be listed in the order East/West,
North/South, Elevation. West and South co-ordinates and
all Elevations below zero must be preceded by a minus (-)
sign.
ii) Nominal Bore (Size) of the component at the point
identified by the stated co-ordinates.
iii) Component Branch Connection type b for the point
identified by the stated co-ordinates.
Data in this position is only required if the End Connection
is different to the one identified by the component SKEY.
A typical record using MM Co-ordinates and INCH Bore
with an alternative End Connection would be -
BRANCH1-POINT 262210.50 16422.55 6410.00 2 SW
a
BRANCH1-DIRECTION data Branch leg direction on Flanged Bend-Teed components
and all Elbow-Teed components with integral (built in) type
ends.

a
Valid Directions that can be input as data on these attributes are - NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST, UP
or DOWN.

7-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 CENTRE-POINT data Co-ordinate data related to the Centre / Intersection point of
a component. Co-ordinates must be listed in the order
East/West, North/South , Elevation. West and South co-
ordinates and all Elevations below zero must be preceded by
a minus (-) sign. A typical record using MM Co-ordinates
would be –
CENTRE-POINT 262210.50 16492.55 6410.00
END-POINT data i) Co-ordinate data related to either Start or End of a
component. Co-ordinates must be listed in the order
East/West, North/South, Elevation.
West and South co-ordinates and all Elevations below zero
must be preceded by a minus (-) sign.
ii) Nominal Bore (Size) of the component at the point
identified by the stated co-ordinates.
b
iii) Component End Connection type for the point identified
by the stated co-ordinates.
Data in this position is only required if the End Connection is
different to the one identified by the component SKEY.
A typical record using MM Co-ordinates and INCH Bore with
an alternative End Connection would be –
END-POINT 262210.50 16422.55 6410.00 2 SW
SKEY data Valid ISOGEN SKEY (Shape Key) for the component being
processed.

b List of valid general End Connection types are –

BW Butt Weld End CP Compression End FL Flanged End
PL Plain End SC Screwed End SW Socket Weld End
LN Liner/Nut End MP Male Part End LC Liner (Clamped) End
LR Reducing Liner / Nut End

}=Points to note -
1. Attributes may be included in any order following the Component Identifier.
2. All Attributes are entered one per line and must start in column position five.
3. The input ‘data’ must be separated from the Attribute Identifier by at least one blank
character.

7-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 8 Component Information -
Material Information
Attributes

The table below lists all the Attributes and associated ‘data’ requirements that are used for the
input of Material related information for components.

Not all components carry the listed attributes. The particular ones used will depend upon the
type of component being described and in some cases the facilities that will be used during
the isometric generation.

The Component Sheets contained in the PCF Component Reference Guide identify the
Attributes that can be used on individual piping components.

Attribute Data Requirement

ADDITIONAL-ITEM Information related to Additional Items that are required to
be added to the Material List (B.O.M.).
(See chapter 1 of the PCF Component Reference Guide
for full details).
BOLT-ITEM-DESCRIPTION data Allows Bolts having the same item code to have different
material descriptions
BOLT-NOT-ON-MATERIAL-LIST
Causes the related BOLT to be not listed on the BOM.
CATEGORY data
data is FABRICATION, ERECTION or OFFSHORE.
This CATEGORY data attribute can be used as an
alternative to the FABRICATION-ITEM ERECTION-ITEM
and OFFSHORE-ITEM attributes.

8-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 COMPONENT-REMARK-NUMBER Used to associate a text Remark with a component. The
data
‘data’ to be input is a ‘Remark ID Number’ that is to be
extracted from a nominated Remarks File at isometric
generation time.
The Remark information appears on the BOM in two
areas -
i) A cross-reference number against the component.
ii) A list of Remarks is output at the bottom of the BOM
with a cross-reference number against each Remark.
ERECTION-ITEM No 'data' is required.This attribute is a simple trigger to
indicate that the component is designated as an Erection
item.
FABRICATION-ITEM No 'data' is required.This attribute is a simple trigger to
indicate that the component is designated as a
Fabrication item.
ITEM-CODE dataa Unique identifier for each component. The Item Code
(Material Code) will be used for component identification
on the Material List and in any generated Material Control
interface file.
ITEM-CODE-BRANCH1 dataa Unique identification of the tube required for the Branch
ITEM-CODE-BRANCH2 dataa legs of fabricated type Tees and Crosses. This data is not
required in cases where the Branch tube is the same as
the tube used for the main pipeline.
ITEM-CODE-ON-ISO No 'data' is required.
This attribute is a simple trigger to cause the
component's Item Code to be shown local to the
component on the isometric in addition to being used on
the Material List.
(Applies to in-line fittings only).
ITEM-DESCRIPTION data Allows components having the same item code to have
different material descriptions
MATERIAL-LIST data data is INCLUDE, INCLUDE-WITH-ISO or EXCLUDE.
This MATERIAL-LIST data attribute can be used as an
alternative to the ITEM-CODE-ON-ISO and NOT-ON-

a
The following conditions apply to Item Codes –
i) If the ITEM-CODE attribute is not present on a component then that component will not be listed
on the Material List.
ii) If an ITEM-CODE attribute is present but no ‘data’ is present then the component will be listed on
the Material List with a blank Item Code and Description.

8-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 MATERIAL-LIST attributes.
NOT-ON-MATERIAL-LIST Causes the component not to be listed on the BOM.This
NOT-ON-MATERIAL-LIST attribute can be used as an
alternative to the MATERIAL-LIST attribute.
OFFSHORE-ITEM No 'data' is required.This attribute is a simple trigger to
indicate that the component is designated as an Offshore
item.
REPEAT-PART-NUMBER datab data is the Material List part number that was initially
allocated.
REPEAT-PART-NUMBER-BRANCH1 These two are only used on Tees and Crosses with the
datab
SKEY's TESO and CRSO respectively.
REPEAT-PART-NUMBER-BRANCH2
datab data is the Material List part number that was initially
allocated.

b
When using the ISOGEN Repeatability function which makes use of the data that is input using the
REPEAT-PART-NUMBER Attribute, the HIGHEST-PART-NUMBER Attribute (see chapter 5) must also be
included in the Pipeline Header Information.

}=Points to note -
1. Attributes may be included in any order following the Component Identifier.
2. All Attributes are entered one per line and must start in column position five.
3. The input ‘data’ must be separated from the Attribute Identifier by at least one blank
character.

8-3

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 9 Component Information
Connection /
Continuation Attributes
All open ends of Pipelines (Start, End and all Branch ends) can be identified on the plotted
isometric. The ISOGEN system provides facilities for identifying a range of Continuation /
Termination situations.
Where a Pipeline connects to an Equipment Item the full Equipment Name / connecting
Nozzle Reference can be indicated.
Where one Pipeline connects to another, the connecting Pipeline Reference can be
indicated together with a number of components belonging to the connecting Pipeline.
These are indicated in dotted format to show the physical connection.
Five other termination types covering Open Ends, Closed Ends, Vents, Drains and simple
co-ordinate locations are provided.
Additional pipeline continuations in the form of a Tap Connection (point of secondary
connection) from most components is also provided. The table below lists the four Attributes
that cover the various situations. Full details of the valid data inputs associated with each
Attribute can be found in chapter 1 of the PCF Component Reference Guide.

Attribute Data Requirement

a
END-CONNECTION-xxxx Where xxxx is set to either -
EQUIPMENT if the Pipeline is connected to an Equipment Item
(Vessel, Tank, Pump etc.) or
PIPELINE if connected to another Pipeline.
END-POSITION-xxxxa Where xxxx is set to one of the five data types that are used at
Pipeline terminations.
TAP-CONNECTIONa Point of secondary connection on most components where a new
Pipeline can be attached or a Branch of the current Pipeline can
be positioned.

a
Full details of the Attributes and data that accompany these three basic Continuation/Termination
attributes can be found in Chapter 1 of the PCF Component Reference Guide.

9-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 CONTINUATION No data is required.
This attribute is a simple trigger to indicate that a component is
included for Dotted Pipeline Continuation indication. Components
with this attribute set will be un- dimensioned on the plotted
isometric and will not be included on the Material List.

}=Points to note –
1. END-CONNECTION, END-POSITION and TAP-CONNECTION attributes may be entered
in column positions one or five, depending on whether they are entered as
independent items or in association with a piping component (see Chapter 1 of the
PCF Component Reference Guide).
2. The CONTINUATION attribute must be entered in column position five.

9-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 10 Component Information -
Specification Information
Attributes
The table below lists the Attributes that can be used on individual components to –
1. Indicate changes in ‘Specifications’.
2. Indicate which components are Insulated and / or Traced.
Both types of information will be used at the isometric generation stage to graphically indicate
the input requirements.

Attribute Data Requirement

INSULATION-SPEC data Use on relevant components to indicate alternative Specification.
PAINTING-SPEC data
Input ‘data’ will be used to indicate Specification Change on
PIPING-SPEC data
plotted isometric.
TRACING-SPEC data
MISC-SPEC1 data Use on relevant components to indicate alternative User Defined
MISC-SPEC2 data
Specification. Input ‘data’ will be used to indicate Specification
MISC-SPEC3 data
Change on plotted isometric.
MISC-SPEC4 data
MISC-SPEC5 data
INSULATION data
data is ON or OFF.This INSULATION data attribute can be used as
an alternative to the INSULATION-ON attribute.
INSULATION-ON No ‘data’ is required. This attribute is a simple trigger to indicate
that the component is Insulated.
TRACING data
data is ON or OFF.This TRACING data attribute can be used as an
alternative to the TRACING-ON attribute.
TRACING-ON No ‘data’ is required. This attribute is a simple trigger to indicate
that the component is Traced.
A ‘Specification Change’ occurs whenever a single component or group of components are
to a different Specification than the one identified in the Pipeline Header Information.
There is no need to include Specification Attributes on individual components unless the
Specification is different to the one stated in the Pipeline Header section.

}=Points to note –
1. Attributes may be included in any order following the Component Identifier.
2. All Attributes are entered one per line and must start in column position five.
3. The input ‘data’ must be separated from the Attribute Identifier by at least one blank
character.

10-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 11 Component Information -
Supplementary
Information Attributes
The table below lists all the Attributes and associated ‘data’ requirements that are used for the
input of specialised information related to specific component types.
This type of information augments the ‘Basic’ component information and allows the
generation of isometrics that contain all the information relevant to the Fabrication and
Erection activities.
Not all components carry all the listed attributes. The particular ones used will depend upon
the type of component being described, and in some cases the facilities that will be used
during the isometric generation.
The use of any of the listed Attributes in this chapter is optional.
The Component Sheets contained in the PCF Component Reference Guide identify the
Attributes that can be used on individual piping components.

Attribute Data Requirements

ANGLE data Angle values in 100 th's of degrees. Angle data is
required on ELBOW, BEND, OLET, TEE, CROSS, BEND-
TEED, and ELBOW-TEED type components plus any
MITRE WELD. Inclusion of Angle data where the
required angle is 90 or 180 degrees is optional as
neither of these two values will be shown on the
isometric.
ASSEMBLY-ATTRIBUTE1 data An Attribute for Bolt components only. Holds up to ten
to Attributes per assembly in ten numbered Attribute
ASSEMBLY-ATTRIBUTE10 data slots.
BEND-RADIUS dataa Use on a Pulled Bend to indicate the required Radius.
b
BOP-ELEVATION data Use on Tees, Crosses, Bends and Elbows to override
the standard Elevation output with a Bottom of Pipe
Elevation.

a
Bend Radius ‘data’ may be expressed in either Pipe Diameters (2D, 3D, 5D etc.) or as a measurement
in the same Units that are declared at the top of the file in the UNITS-CO-ORDS attribute.
b
BOP-ELEVATION data should be input in the same Units that are declared at the top of the file in the
UNITS-CO-ORDS attribute.

11-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 Attribute Data Requirements
CO-ORDS data Co-ordinate data related to the location of -
1. Supports
2. Reinforcement Pads
3. Instrument Dials and Instrument Balloons
4. Repeat Weld Identifiers
5. Bolts not included in association with
Gaskets or Nozzles (i.e. on Pipelines where
Gaskets are not used.)
Co-ordinates must be listed in the order East / West,
North / South, Elevation.
West and South co-ordinates and all Elevations below
zero must be preceded by a minus (-) sign.
A typical record using MM Co-ordinates would be -
CO-ORDS 262210.50 16422.55 6410.00
COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE1 data Holds up to ten Attributes per component in ten
to numbered Attribute slots.
COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE10 data

DETAIL-SKETCH-IDENTIFIER data Required ‘data’ is either the Name of a Cell (which is

the Detail Sketch) in a MicroStation Cell Library if using
DGN format, or the Filename of a file containing the
sketch definition if using DXF.
Nominated sketches are automatically positioned on
the plotted isometric.
DIAL-FACE-DIRECTION datac Direction of Face on Instrument Dials and Balloons.
Primary directions only.
DIRECTION datad Compound Direction Message on certain components.
Mainly used for skewed Spindles and Flat Directions
on Eccentric Reducers that are in skewed sections of a
Pipeline.
FLANGE-CUT-MINUS data Used on any Flange where a negative Cutting
Allowance is required. i.e. Flange types with SKEYS of
FLRC, FLRE, FLSO, FOSO. Set the required allowance
in units as specified at beginning of the file. Allowance
will be used when calculating Cut Pipe length.

c
Valid Directions that can be input as ‘data’ on these attributes are NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST, UP or
DOWN.
d
data associated with the DIRECTION attribute is a User-specified text string that conveys the required
orientation direction when output on the plotted isometric as a Message.
Mainly used to indicate Spindle directions and Eccentric Reducer flat directions that are not in primary
planes.
Inputs of the form UP 45 NORTH or U 45 N are in common use and augment the graphical outputs
which can only be shown in primary directions.

11-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 Attribute Data Requirements
FLANGE-CUT-PLUS data Used on any Flange where a positive Cutting
Allowance is required. i.e. Flange types with SKEYS of
FLFL or FLSJ.
Set the required allowance in units as specified at
beginning of the file. Allowance will be used when
calculating Cut Pipe length.
c
FLAT-DIRECTION data Direction of Flat side of Eccentric Reducers.
Primary directions only.
FLANGE-LEFT-LOOSE data
data is ON or OFF.This FLANGE-LEFT-LOOSE data
attribute can be used as an alternative to the LOOSE-
FLANGE attribute.
FLOW data Single digit indicator to identify fluid / gas flow direction
through a component.
1= Flow from first to second end as determined by the
sequence of END-POINT co-ordinates listed for the
component.
2 = Reverse of 1 above.
GASKET-CLASS data Use either to give a valid Gasket SKEY (which
GASKET-RATING data identifies the Class / Rating) of special transition
Gaskets used on Fixed Length type lined pipework.
GEARBOX data Use to identify Gearbox Orientation direction. Data is
Directional information message of any form,
generated by the User.
LEVEL1 No data is required. Used to indicate the connection
LEVEL2 level on Multiway Valves.
LOOSE-FLANGE No data is required. This attribute is a simple trigger to
indicate that a Flange is to be left loose for fitting at
site.
NAME data Use either one to identify a component with a User
TAG data defined identifier.
c
ORIFICE-TAP-DIRECTION data Direction of Tapping connection on Orifice Plate.
Primary directions only.
PLANT-AREA data Plant Area identification number where data is a single
digit number in the range 1 to 9. This is used in
conjunction with the WASTE attribute and certain Option
Control Switches, to allow variation on the Basic
Wastage Factor when calculating Pipe lengths in each
AREA of a project.
PORT-POINTn Used on multi port components where ‘n’ is the port
point number. e.g. 1, 2, etc.
PORT-REFERENCEn Used on multi port components where ‘n’ is the port

11-3

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 Attribute Data Requirements
reference number. e.g. 1, 2, etc.
e
REPEAT-WELD-IDENTIFIER data Used for previously allocated Weld Identifiers at single
Weld locations.
e
REPEAT-WELD-IDENTIFIER data Used for previously allocated Weld Identifier at multiple
data data
Weld locations.
SLIP-PLATE-TAIL-DIRECTION Direction of Tail on Slip Plate, Slip Ring or Spectacle
c
data
Blind. Primary Directions only.
SPECIAL-STATUS No data is required. This attribute is a simple trigger to
indicate that a component is part of a Special Status
(e.g. ON HOLD, EXISTING, etc.) section of a pipeline
and is to be drawn in dotted format. Components with
this attribute will be fully dimensioned on the isometric.
c
SPINDLE-DIRECTION data Direction of Spindle (Operator) on a valve. If direction
for Spindle is not set then no Spindle will be shown on
the isometric. Primary Directions only.
SPOOL-ATTRIBUTE1 data Holds up to ten Attributes per spool in ten numbered
to Attribute slots. The attributes can be listed against any
SPOOL-ATTRIBUTE10 data component in the spool.
SPOOL-IDENTIFIER data
STATUS dataf
data is STANDARD, DOTTED-DIMENSIONED, DOTTED-
UNDIMENSIONED or UNDIMENSIONED. This STATUS
data attribute can be used as an alternative to the
SPECIAL-STATUS, CONTINUATION and
UNDIMENSIONED attributes.
c
SUPPORT-DIRECTION data Direction of User Defined Support symbol. If direction
for this type of Support is not set then no Support
shape will be shown on the isometric. Primary
Directions only.
THICKNESS/RATING data
For use on WELD components.

e
When using the ISOGEN Repeatability function which makes use of any data that is input using the
REPEAT-WELD-IDENTIFIER attribute, the HIGHEST-WELD-NUMBER attribute must also be included in
the Pipeline Header Information (see Chapter 5).
f
This Attribute must not be used on any component where the CONTINUATION attribute (see chapter 9)
is being used.

11-4

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 UNDIMENSIONED No data is required. This attribute is used on the
following component types to suppress the dimension
that is usually associated with them -
1. A GAP element.
2. A MESSAGE - of the separate entry type only
(see Chapter 13).
3. A PIPE-SUPPORT.
UNIQUE-COMPONENT- IDENTIFIER data is the unique Database Identifier that is generated
data
by the host system for each component
WASTE data Basic Wastage Factor to be applied when the program
calculates tube lengths. Factor is expressed as a
percentage. e.g. - 1 for 1%, 1.5 for 1.5% etc. Default if
attribute is not used is zero percent. Used in
conjunction with the PLANT-AREA attribute if set.
WEIGHT datag Weight of component or Weight per unit length of tube
using the units specified at the beginning of the PCF
file.
g g
WEIGHT1 data WEIGHT2 data
Used in place of WEIGHT on fabricated Tees and
Crosses having un-equal Branch bores. That is, on
Tee types TEE-SET-ON or TEE-STUB and CROSS
types CROSS-SET-ON or CROSS-STUB.
WEIGHT1 is for BRANCH1 tube and WEIGHT2 for
BRANCH2 tube. Weight data value is for the unit
length of tube using the units specified at the
beginning of the PCF file.
WELDING-ALLOWANCE data
data is EP1, EP2 or BOTH. This attribute is used on a
PIPE component record to denote which ends of the
pipe are to have any associated Field Fit Weld (FFW)
allowances taken from.

g
Weight ‘data’ must conform to one of the following three input formats -
Integer number (55 625 1350)
Real number (55.5 625.0 1350.0)
Tons/Tonnes (22T5 99T9 [Maximum] - values given to nearest 0.1)

11-5

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 WELD-REMARK-NUMBER data Used to associate a text Remark with a particular
Weld. The ‘data’ to be input is a Remark ID Number
that is to be extracted from a nominated Remarks File
at isometric generation time.
The Remark information appears on the isometric in
two areas –
1. A cross-reference number against the Weld
Identifier in the Weld Box.
2. In a list of Remarks tht is output at the bottom
of the BOM with a cross-reference number
against each Remark.
WELD-SPEC data Used on a Weld component or in association with the
REPEAT-WELD-IDENTIFIER attribute to identify a
Welding Specification.
WINDOW-DIRECTION data Direction of Window on Sight Glass. Primary directions
only.

}=Points to note -
1. Attributes may be included in any order following the Component Identifier.
2. All Attributes are entered one per line and must start in column position five.
3. The input data must be separated from the Attribute Identifier by at least one blank
character.

11-6

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 12 Additional Pipeline
Information Items

The table below lists a range of Information Items related to a Pipeline that can be included in
a Piping Component File (PCF).
They are not piping components, but each one fulfils a particular function, and when included
add to the overall detailed information that is output on the generated isometric.
Each one is treated on an individual basis, and any number of each type may be included in
an individual file.
INDUCTION-START and INDUCTION-END attributes should be used in pairs.
Individual entries showing the input format and list of associated Attributes for each Item can
be found in Chapter 2 of the PCF Component Reference Guide.

Page in
Compont
Item Identifier Remarks
Ref.
Guide
BIP-IDENTIFIER User defined Break In Point identifier and location. 16
CO-ORDS data Used to indicate “Break-In’s” to existing Pipelines when
TEXT data doing re-vamp type Projects.
FLOOR-SYMBOL Used to request and position a Floor Penetration (Hole) 16
CO-ORDS data symbol in vertical sections of a Pipeline.
SKEY FLOR
FLOW-ARROW Used to request and position a Fluid / Gas Flow Symbol 17
CO-ORDS data at User selected locations along the Pipeline.
FLOW data
‘data’ associated with the FLOW attribute is a single
SKEY FLOW
digit indicator to identify the flow direction.
1 = Flow from first to second end of the component on
which the Flow Arrow is positioned.
2 = Reverse of 1 above.
In both cases first and second ends are as determined
by the sequence of END-POINT entries on the
associated Component.
INSULATION-SYMBOL Used to request and position an Insulation Symbol at 17
CO-ORDS data User selected locations along the Pipeline. Must be
SKEY INPP located on Pipe (Tube).

12-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 INDUCTION-START User defined Identification Tag for an Induction Bend. 18
CO-ORDS data Co-ordinate position identifies the Start of the Induction
TEXT data Bend.
INDUCTION-END Used to indicate the End of an Induction Bend. Co- 18
CO-ORDS ordinate position indicates the physical End of the
Induction Bend.
ISO-SPLIT-POINT Used to indicate a User selected Isometric Split Point. 19
CO-ORDS data (May also be included to position a previously
positioned Split Point when using the ISOGEN
Repeatability facility.)
LOCATION-POINT Used to request and position a Location Point Symbol 19
CO-ORDS data at User selected locations along the Pipeline. (See
SKEY LOPT Development Specification No. 71A for full details.)
SPOOL-IDENTIFIER User defined and positioned Spool Identifier. (May also 21
CO-ORDS data be included to indicate a previousl allocated Spool
TEXT data Identifier when using the ISOGEN Repeatability
facility.)
SYSTEM-SPLIT Used to indicate a User selected System Isometric 21
CO-ORDS data Split Point.

}=Points to note -
1. All Item Identifiers must start in column position one.
2. All secondary attributes are entered one per line, and must start in column position
five.
3. The input data must be separated from the Attribute Identifier by at least one blank
character.

12-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 13 Specialised Information
Items
The table below lists a range of Specialised Information Items that can be included in a Piping
Component File (PCF) for any Pipeline.
They cover items with a physical presence in a Pipeline (Bolts, Gaskets, Supports, etc.),
information items in the form of 'Messages', a Nozzle component that is used to carry
Connection information, through to a Gap element that is used to indicate a break in a
Pipeline.
Gap, Gasket, Nozzle, Support and Weld items must be included as individual entries.
Bolts may be included as either a stand-alone entry or in association with the data input for a
Gasket or Nozzle.
Messages may be included as either a stand-alone entry or part of the input for an associated
component.
Support Lugs (which are entered using the ADDITIONAL-ITEM facility) must be included as
part of a 'Support' input.
Any number of each type may be included in an individual PCF.

Page in
Component
Item Identifier and Basic Remarks
Ref.
Attributes
Guide
BOLT Stand-alone entry for a set of Bolts. 5
CO-ORDS data Location of end of component to which the
Bolts belong.
BOLT-DIA data Diameter of Bolts. Must be in the same Units
that are declared at the top of the file for the
UNITS-BOLT-DIA entry (see Chapters 4 & 5).
BOLT-ITEM-CODE data Unique identifier for required Bolts. The
ITEM-CODE (Material Code) will be used for
component identification on the Material List
and any generated Material Control Interface
files.
BOLT-QUANTITY data Number of Bolts required. (Integer No.)

BOLT-LENGTH data Length of Bolts. Must be in the same Units

that are declared at the top of the file for the
UNITS-BOLT-LENGTH entry (see Chapters 4 &
5).
Other Attributes See BOLT Component Sheet. 29/30

13-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 GAP This Item is used to -
1. Indicate a break in a Pipeline.
2. Allow related but un-connected
Pipelines to be included on the same
System Isometric drawing.
Full details of the range of uses of a GAP
element can be found in ISOGEN
Development Specification No. 47.
END-POINT data Position of Start of Gap.
END-POINT data Position of End of Gap.
Other Attributes
See GAP Component Sheet. 68
GASKET Stand-alone entry for a Gasket.
END-POINT data Location of one side of the Gasket.
END-POINT data Location of the other side.
Other Attributes
See Gasket Component Sheet. 69
GASKET Gasket with associated Bolts. 4
END-POINT data Location of one side of the Gasket.
END-POINT data Location of the other side.
Other attributes
See Gasket Component Sheet. 69
BOLT-DIA data See BOLT entry above for Attribute
BOLT-ITEM-CODE data definition.
BOLT-QUANTITY data No CO-ORDS entry is required.
BOLT-LENGTH data Bolts belong to the Gasket.
MESSAGE Stand-alone entry for Un-boxed Message. 10
CO-ORDS data Message position on Pipeline.
TEXT data The required Message to be displayed on the
plotted isometric.
MESSAGE Un-boxed Message input in association with 9
another component.
TEXT data The required Message to be displayed on the
plotted isometric.
The Message will be pointed to the centre of
the component.

13-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 MESSAGE type Stand-alone input for a Boxed Message. 10
The range of Message Enclosure Boxes
can be found in Chapter 1 of the PCF
Component Reference Guide.
CO-ORDS data Message position on Pipeline.
TEXT data The required Message to be displayed on
the plotted isometric.
MESSAGE type Boxed Message input in association with 9
another component.
The range of Message Enclosure Boxes
can be found in Chapter 1 of the PCF
Component Reference Guide.
TEXT data The required Message to be displayed on
the plotted isometric.
The Message will be pointed to the centre
of the component.
NOZZLE Stand-alone input for a Nozzle. 7/98
Not a component as such, but a commonly
used item in Piping Design Systems to
carry Pipeline connection information.
CO-ORDS data Position of Nozzle to Pipeline connection
point.
CONNECTION-REFERENCE Equipment Item Name / Nozzle identifier
data
that will be output on the plotted isometric.

NOZZLE Nozzle entry with associated Bolts. 4

CO-ORDS data Position of Nozzle to Pipeline connection
point.
CONNECTION-REFERENCE Equipment Item Name / Nozzle identifier
data
that will be output on the plotted isometric.
BOLT-DIA data See BOLT entry above for Attribute
BOLT-ITEM-CODE data definition.
BOLT-QUANTITY data No CO-ORDS entry are required.
BOLT-LENGTH data The Bolts belong to the Nozzle.
REINFORCEMENT-PAD Stand-alone entry for a Reinforcement Pad
on a Set-on type Tee or Cross.
CO-ORDS data Location of the Pad is at the Centre Point of
the Branch intersection.
ITEM-CODE data Material Code for the Pad.
Other Attributes
See REINFORCEMENT-PAD Component 113
Sheet.
SUPPORT Stand-alone entry for a Pipe Support
13-3

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 (Hanger).
CO-ORDS data Location of the Support on the Pipeline
SKEY data Identifier for the Support symbol to be used
on the plotted isometric.
Other Attributes
See SUPPORT Component Sheet. 115
Support Lugs These are input in association with a
SUPPORT using the ADDITIONAL-ITEM input
116
facility.
See the SUPPORT Component Sheet for full
details.
WELD Stand-alone input for a User positioned
WELD element.
END-POINT data Location of one side of the Weld.
END-POINT data Location of the other side.
(Location points will be the same for zero
length Welds.)
SKEY data Identifier for Weld Type and Weld Symbol
to be used on the plotted isometric.
Other Attributes
See WELD Component Sheet. 139

}=Points to note -
1. When entered on a Stand-alone basis, all Item Identifiers must start in column
position one.
2. MESSAGE Identifiers when input in association with another component must start in
column position five.
3. All other Attributes may be included in any order following the Item Identifier.
4. All attributes are entered one per line and must start in column position five.
5. The input ‘data’ must be separated from the Attribute Identifier by at least one blank
character.

13-4

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 14 Reference Dimensions

The ISOGEN system provides a facility that allows ‘Reference Dimesions’ (between the
Pipeline and the Centre/Datum Line of a variety of project elements) to be included on the
plotted isometric drawing.
The sketch below indicates a typical example -

In this example, there are a pair of Reference Dimensions (430 and 1493 MM) indicating the
distance between the pipe and the centre-line of the Referenced Item which is Vessel
E-683.
Note that the direction of the Vessel centreline is also indicated.

14-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 Typical Reference Dimension Data Layout –

1. Primary Reference Dimension

Referenced Equipment in Primary Direction (Using simple ITEM-DIRECTION to orientate).

REFERENCE-DIMENSION (Item Identifier)

REFERENCE-POINT-LOCATION
CO-ORDS E/W N/S ELEV
UNDIMENSIONED (Optional input - default is Dimensioned)
REFERENCE-DIMENSION-PRIME
CO-ORDS E/W N/S ELEV
ITEM-DIRECTION data
SKEY data
MESSAGE type
TEXT data

2. Skewed Reference Dimension Referenced Equipment in Primary Direction

(Using two CO-ORDS entries to orientate).
REFERENCE-DIMENSION (Item Identifier)
REFERENCE-POINT-LOCATION
CO-ORDS E/W N/S ELEV
UNDIMENSIONED (Optional input - default is Dimensioned)
REFERENCE-DIMENSION-SKEWED
CO-ORDS E/W N/S ELEV
REFERENCED-ITEM
CO-ORDS E/W N/S ELEV
CO-ORDS E/W N/S ELEV
SKEY data
MESSAGE type
TEXT data

14-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

The various Attributes and 'data' entries shown in the previous lists have the following
meanings –

Attribute Remarks
REFERENCE-POINT-LOCATION The point on the Pipeline where the Reference
CO-ORDS E/W N/S ELEV Dimension starts from.
Co-ordinate location of start point.

REFERENCE-DIMENSION-PRIME Identifier for a Reference Dimension lying in a Primary

CO-ORDS E/W N/S ELEV direction.
Co-ordinate location of the point on the Referenced Item
(Equipment, Steelwork, etc.) where the Reference
Dimension ends.

REFERENCE-DIMENSION-SKEWED Identifier for a Reference Dimension in a Skewed

CO-ORDS E/W N/S ELEV direction.
Co-ordinate location of the point on the Referenced Item
(Equipment, Steelwork, etc.) where the Reference
Dimension ends.

ITEM-DIRECTION data Direction of the referenced Item. Primary direction only.

NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST UP or DOWN

ITEM-DIRECTION data Direction of the referenced Item. Primary direction only.

NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST UP or DOWN

REFERENCED-ITEM Identifier for the input of Co-ordinates to give the

direction of the Centre Line of the Referenced Item.
Mainly used for skewed Items but can be used for
Primary directions as an alternative to the ITEM-
DIRECTION input.

CO-ORDS E/W N/S ELEV Co-ordinate location of one end of the Centre Line.
CO-ORDS E/W N/S ELEV Co-ordinate Location of the other end of the Centre Line.
SKEY data Identifies the category of the Referenced Item. See the
following SKEY list.
MESSAGE type Type of Box Enclosure for the output of the Referenced
Item identifier. MESSAGE 'Box Types' can be found in
Chapter 1 of the PCF Component Reference Guide.
MESSAGE attribute can be input without a 'type' if an
un-boxed Message is required.
TEXT The Referenced Item identification text.

14-3

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Valid SKEY data for Referenced Item identification.

Default Dotted Default

SKEY Item Category Line No. Plotted Line Type
BLD* Building 2
EQU* Equipment Item 2
FLR* Floor Level 3
GRD* Grid Line 3
HST* Horizontal Steelwork element 1
PIP* Pipeline 4
VST* Vertical Steelwork element 1
WAL* Wall 3
XXX* Miscellaneous category (User defined) 'Normal'

}=Points to note -
1. The * character in the SKEY is used to specify that the 'Normal' Dotted Line Type
should be used for the Referenced Item Centre Line depiction on the plotted
isometric.
2. This may be replaced by -
a. A single 'blank character' to indicate that the default Dashed / Dotted Line Type
associated with a particular SKEY is to be used.
b. A single digit (1 to 4) to indicate that one of the four numbered Dashed / Dotted
Line Nos. should be used.

14-4

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Example Reference Dimension Input Data.
This is for the example pipeline isometric containing the Reference Dimension on page 16-10.
ISOGEN-FILES ISOGEN.FLS
UNITS-BORE INCH
UNITS-CO-ORDS MM-HUNDREDTHS
UNITS-BOLT-DIA INCH-SIXTEENTHS
UNITS-BOLT-LENGTH MM
PIPELINE-REFERENCE REFD-1
REVISION 1
BATCH AR-26A-C
PIPING-SPEC CS150
DATE-DMY 03/02/99
END-POSITION-NULL
CO-ORDS 1511500 2900000 1412600
PIPE
END-POINT 1511500 2900000 1412600 3.0000
END-POINT 1588411 2900000 1412600 3.0000
ITEM-CODE PAW40
FABRICATION-ITEM
ELBOW
END-POINT 1588400 2900000 1412600 3.0000
END-POINT 1600000 2911600 1412600 3.0000
CENTRE-POINT 1600000 2900000 1412600
ITEM-CODE EAM90L40
ITEM-CODE EAM90L40
SKEY ELBW
FABRICATION-ITEM
REFERENCE-DIMENSION
REFERENCE-POINT-LOCATION
CO-ORDS 1600000 3010000 1412600
REFERENCE-DIMENSION-PRIME
CO-ORDS 1643000 3010000 1561900
REFERENCED-ITEM
CO-ORDS 1643000 3010000 1561900
CO-ORDS 1643000 4010000 1561900
SKEY EQU
MESSAGE
TEXT E-683
PIPE
END-POINT 1600000 2911600 1412600 3.0000
END-POINT 1600000 3138500 1412600 3.0000
ITEM-CODE PAW40
FABRICATION-ITEM

14-5

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 ELBOW
END-POINT 1600000 3138500 1412600 3.0000
END-POINT 1611600 3150100 1412600 3.0000
CENTRE-POINT 1600000 3150100 1412600
ITEM-CODE EAM90L40
SKEY ELBW
FABRICATION-ITEM
PIPE
END-POINT 1611600 3150100 1412600 3.0000
END-POINT 1784600 3150100 1412600 3.0000
ITEM-CODE PAW40
FABRICATION-ITEM
END-POSITION-NULL
CO-ORDS 1784600 3150100 1412600

14-6

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 15 The ISOGEN-FILES
filename.

The file pointed to in the ISOGEN-FILES ‘filename’ entry at the top of each PCF is a text file
that contains a list of filename pointers to all the various ‘external’ files that are read and
written during the execution of a PCF based ISOGEN system operation.
Although the filename is fully User definable a commonly used filename is ISOGEN.FLS.
In the list of files here, the following conditions apply -
1. Mandatory files are marked thus ***. Files not marked in this way are optional and
should be included only when the related facility is being used.
2. Each file type has a fixed keyword name which must always be used. e.g.
ALTERNATIVE-TEXT
ASCII-SYMBOLS
etc.
3. Input and output ‘filenames’ are fully User definable and full pathnames may be used
where applicable.
1
4. Filenames having paired superscript numbers like this - are alternatives where only
one of the alternatives should be used.

15-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

File Identifiers in the FLS.

File keyword name File Description

Type
ALTERNATIVE-TEXT ‘filename’ Input Contains User Defined Alternative Text
definitions. The file layout is one ATEXT
identification number plus the associated
Alternative Text in ASCII format on each
line.
1
ASCII-SYMBOLS ‘filename’ Input Definition in ASCII format of alternative /
new component symbol shapes.
1
BINARY-SYMBOLS ‘filename’ Input Definition in Binary format of alternative /
new component symbol shapes.
BENDING-DATABASE-FILE ‘filename’ Input Define bending machine characteristics.
2
BENDING-FILE-APPEND ‘filename’ Output Intermediate output file containing bending
and cutting information - Append.
BENDING-FILE-OVERWRITE Output Intermediate output file containing bending
2
‘filename’ and cutting information - Overwrite.
BENDING-REPORT-FILE ‘filename’ Output Works in conjunction with the BENDING-
DATABASE-FILE to provide a type of
bending output data.
BOLT-INFORMATION-FILE ‘filename’ Input Contains bolting-up data - e.g. torque
settings.
BULK-MATERIAL-LIST ‘filename’ Output Grouped up Materials List for a batch of
pipelines.
CENTRELINE/INSULATION-LENGTH Output Combined Centreline Length / Insulation
‘filename’
summary output report.
CENTRELINE-LENGTH ‘filename’ Output Pipeline Centreline Length Summary output
report.
COMPONENT-INFORMATION ‘filename’ Input Part of the CIM system. Contains the basic
input data used by Isogen for -
1. Weight and C of G calculations
2. Pipe thicknesses and hole diameters for
use with pipe cutting machines
3
CUT-LIST-SUMMARY ‘filename’ Output Cut pipe list output report - Overwrite.
CUT-LIST-SUMMARY-APPEND Output Cut pipe list output report - Append.
3
‘filename’
DETAIL-SKETCH-DIRECTORY Output Contains the Pathname of the directory
‘filename’
where Detail Sketch files are stored.

15-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 DRAWING-CROSS-REF-FILE Output Gathers together a range of identification
4
‘filename’ information related to individual isometrics
generated for each Pipeline.
The file can be used either to transfer
information to a downstream monitoring
system, or be printed and used as a simple
register.
DRAWING-DEFINITION ‘filename’ Input Contains information related to Users
customisation requirements for isometric
presentation and layer structure.
DRAWING-FRAME ‘filename’ Input Isometric Backing frame filename
(underlay).
4
DRAWING-REPORT-FILE ‘filename’ Output Gives the User information about drawing
files that have been created.
FONT-INFORMATION-FILE ‘filename’ Input Contains required font information when the
Isogen text fonts system is being used.
FUNCTION-DEFINITION ‘filename’ Input Part of the CIM system. Defines the content
and layout of the CIF IWF & SGF files.
HEATTREATMENT/NDE-FILE Input Contains Heat Treatment and No-
‘filename’
Destructive Examination data on a pipeline
specification basis.
INSULATION-WEIGHT ‘filename’ Input Part of the CIM system. Contains Insulation
weights data.
MATERIAL-LIST-DEFINITION Definition of layout and content of User
‘filename’
Defined Material List report .
MATERIAL-CONTROL ‘filename’ Output Material Control output file for transfer of
component usage to external systems.
MATERIAL/SHEET-IDENTIFICATION Output Used for the external transfer of DRG,
‘filename’
SHEET and SPOOL information for Unique
Component Identifiers only.
MESSAGE ‘filename’ *** Output Defines the Messages file name where
warning and error information is written to
during processing.
5
OPTION-SWITCHES-LONG ‘filename’ Input Contains the settings for the 140 switches
***
that make up the ISOGEN Option Control
Block. This is an ASCII file containing 140
lines, each of which carries one setting.
Any number of blank characters between
the Switch Number and the Setting value
are permitted.

15-3

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 OPTION-SWITCHES-SHORT ‘filename’ Input Is an alternative type of control file to the
5
***
OPTION-SWITCHES- LONG file.
The file layout is 10 switches per line on
each of 14 lines. Any number of blank
characters between the Switch settings are
permitted. Switch numbers are not required.
PIPE-CUTTING-FILE ‘filename’ Output Contains cutting data to directly drive a
cutting machine.
PIPELINE-ATTRIBUTES-FILE Input Contains Pipeline header Attribute data on
‘filename’
a pipeline name basis.
PLOTFILE-PREFIX ‘prefix’ Input Defines the leading characters of the first
part of Isometric Plotfile name.
e.g. 'ISO-' . To this, the program
automatically appends a 3 digit number to
give a complete first part identifier. e.g.
ISO-001 ISO- 002 etc.
POSITIONED-TEXT ‘filename’ Input Contains User Defined Frame Text Position
information. The file layout is one Text
Record identification number plus Frame
position co-ordinates plus related data per
line in ASCII format.
PRINTED-MATERIAL-LIST ‘filename’ Output Printed Material List report.
REMARKS ‘filename’ Input Contains 'Remarks' for use on either the
Weld Summary or Material List or in the
Weld Box.
The data format is a number followed by
text data. e.g.
1 PAINT RED
REPEATABILITY-RETURN ‘filename’ Output Used with the Repeatability option whereby
isometric information may be passed back
to the Design Systems databases for the
purpose of future i.d. and numbering
consistency.
SITE-ASSEMBLY-FILE-APPEND Output Contains Site assembly number and
6
‘filename’
attributes. - Append.
SITE-ASSEMBLY-FILE-OVERWRITE Output Contains Site assembly number and
6
‘filename’
attributes. - Overwrite.
SITE-WELD-INFORMATION-FILE Output User Defined Printed Weld Summary file.
7
‘filename’
SPECIAL-INSTRUMENTS ‘filename’ Input Contains a list of SKEYS that should be
treated as Instruments where identification
on the Material List is concerned. (ISOGEN
-4 records). File layout is one SKEY per line
in ASCII format

15-4

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 SPECIFIC-GRAVITY ‘filename’ Input Part of the CIM system. Contains Specific
Gravity data on a pipeline name basis.
SPOOL-INFORMATION-FILE Output Contains Spool related information.
‘filename’
SUPPORT-INFORMATION-FILE Output Contains Pipe Support related information.
8
‘filename’
8
SUPPORT-SUMMARY ‘filename’ Output Pipe Supports printed output report file.
TITLE-BLOCK ‘filename’ Input Contains lines of Title Block text. .
Maximum of 39 characters per line. ASCII
format.
TRACEABILITY-FILE ‘filename’ Output Uses the generation of ‘Unique Part
Numbers’ to enable the tracking of
individual components.
Typically, the feature is used for the
addition of Heat Numbers to individual
components.
WEIGHT/COFG-SUMMARY-APPEND Output Definition of User Defined Printed pipeline
9
‘filename’
Weight and Centre of Gravity Summary file.
- Append
WEIGHT/COFG-SUMMARY-OVERWRITE Output Definition of User Defined Printed pipeline
9
‘filename’
Weight and Centre of Gravity Summary file.
- Overwrite.
WELDING-DEFINITION ‘filename’ Input Definition of User Defined Weld Box and
Weld Summary output file.
7
WELD-SUMMARY-APPEND ‘filename’ Output User Defined Printed Weld Summary file. -
Append
WELD-SUMMARY-OVERWRITE Output User Defined Printed Weld Summary file. -
7
‘filename’ Overwrite.

15-5

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 16 Material Descriptions

Material Descriptions related to the Item (Material) Codes that have been input as part of the
Component Information input, are the last items to be included in a Piping Component File
(PCF).
Following the last Attribute entry for the actual Pipeline data, the identifier MATERIALS is
entered on the next line, starting in column position one.
Two forms of Material Description input are offered -
1. Single entry comprehensive Description using DESCRIPTION as the identifying
Attribute.
2. Multiple entry itemised Description using up to ten User defined Attributes for the
various parts that make up the complete Description.
Type 1 is used where any Material List that is to be generated is of the ‘Regular’ type where a
single entry continuous Description is output.
Type 2 is used where any Material List that is to be generated is of the ‘Columnised’ type with
an individual column for each data element.
In both cases the ITEM-CODE attribute together with the relevant ‘data entry’ is used as the link
between the Component and Material Description sections of the file.

1, PCF input for single entry comprehensive Description.

MATERIALS
ITEM-CODE data
DESCRIPTION data (Single line Description)
ITEM-CODE data
DESCRIPTION data (Multiple line Description)
DESCRIPTION data

Sample Input.
ITEM-CODE FAM150WN80
DESCRIPTION WN FLANGE ANSI B16.5 CL 150#. C.S. ASTM A105 SCHD. 80 THK.

}Points to note –
1. Only one MATERIALS data line is required per PCF.
2. ITEM-CODE attribute data starts in column position one.
3. DESCRIPTION attribute data starts in column position five.

16-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 4. data associated with either attribute must be separated from the Attribute Name by at
least one blank character.
5. Descriptions that would extend beyond column position eighty must be split over
multiple lines of input using a DESCRIPTION attribute on each separate line.
6. Any number of DESCRIPTION attributes may be used for a single Item Code.
7. The ‘@’ character may be used at the start or end of any DESCRIPTION text to obtain
leading or trailing blanks.

2. PCF input for multiple entry itemised Description.

MATERIALS
ITEM-CODE data
TYPE data
SPEC data
CLASS data
MATERIAL data
GRADE data
SCHEDULE data

Sample Input.
ITEM-CODE FAM150WN80
TYPE WN FLANGE
SPEC ANSI B16.5
CLASS #
MATERIAL C.S.
GRADE ASTM A105
SCHEDULE 80

In the above example the User Defined Attributes are -

TYPE SPEC CLASS MATERIAL GRADE and SCHEDULE
Up to a maximum of ten different Attributes may be used. The standard DESCRIPTION attribute
may be one of those used.

}=Points to note –
1. Only one MATERIALS data line is required per PCF.
2. ITEM-CODE Attribute data starts in column position one.
3. User Defined Attributes data starts in in column position five.
4. data associated with attributes must be separated from the Attribute Name by at least
one blank character.
5. The @ character may be used at the start or end of any text that is associated with any
User Defined Attribute to obtain leading or trailing blanks.

16-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 17 Typical Pipeline PCF and
Generated Isometric

The PCF listing shown on the following pages is for a typical single welded construction
Pipeline.
In order to facilitate ease of cross reference with the accompanying isometric drawinIg
example the data appears in the order of how the components sequentially appear in the
pipeline.
The isometric generated using the listed data is shown on page 17-9.

ISOGEN-FILES ISOGEN.FLS
UNITS-BORE INCH
UNITS-CO-ORDS MM
UNITS-BOLT-LENGTH MM
UNITS-BOLT-DIA INCH
UNITS-WEIGHT KGS
PIPELINE-REFERENCE 6-DSM-3500
REVISION 1
PROJECT-IDENTIFIER P-500
AREA AR-1
PIPING-SPEC CS150
NOMINAL-RATING 150#
PIPELINE-TYPE W
DATE-DMY 01/08/2002
PAINTING-SPEC PNT-1
PIPELINE-TEMP 200C
SPECIFIC-GRAVITY 1
SPOOL-PREFIX SPL-
ATTRIBUTE1 10 %
ATTRIBUTE2 T-50
ATTRIBUTE4 PROCESS 502
ATTRIBUTE5 AR-100
ATTRIBUTE6 56-902
ATTRIBUTE7 TSR
ATTRIBUTE8 HJM
ATTRIBUTE9 WAL
ATTRIBUTE10 SPECIALITY OILS
ATTRIBUTE11 10 %

17-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 ATTRIBUTE12 YES
ATTRIBUTE13 C-51
ATTRIBUTE14 T-28
ATTRIBUTE15 F-56
ATTRIBUTE16 P-25
START-CO-ORDS 126800.0000 346800.0000 25000.0000
GASKET
END-POINT 126800.0000 346800.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 126800.0000 346798.4300 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE GCA150-RG2
ERECTION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D0005C-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
END-CONNECTION-EQUIPMENT
CO-ORDS 126800.0000 346800.0000 25000.0000
TEXT E-800/NZ-2
FLANGE
END-POINT 126800.0000 346798.4300 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 126800.0000 346792.0800 25000.0000 6.0000
SKEY FLSO
ITEM-CODE FCD150-SOR
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00065-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
BOLT
CO-ORDS 126800.0000 346798.4300 25000.0000
BOLT-DIA 0.75
BOLT-ITEM-CODE BSBS0.75X4.25
BOLT-QUANTITY 8
BOLT-LENGTH 107.95
ERECTION-ITEM
PIPE
END-POINT 126800.0000 346792.0800 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 126800.0000 345011.1200 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE PA5BSTD
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D0004F-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
FLANGE
END-POINT 126800.0000 345011.1200 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 126800.0000 345004.7700 25000.0000 6.0000
SKEY FLSO
ITEM-CODE FCD150-SOR
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00064-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
GASKET
END-POINT 126800.0000 345004.7700 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 126800.0000 345003.2000 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE GCA150-RG2
ERECTION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D0005B-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39

17-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 VALVE
END-POINT 126800.0000 345003.2000 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 126800.0000 344596.8000 25000.0000 6.0000
SKEY VGFL
ITEM-CODE VVGCF150-FLO
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D0004E-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
SPINDLE-DIRECTION UP
ERECTION-ITEM
BOLT
CO-ORDS 126800.0000 345003.2000 25000.0000
BOLT-DIA 0.75
BOLT-ITEM-CODE BSBS0.75X4.25
BOLT-QUANTITY 8
BOLT-LENGTH 107.95
ERECTION-ITEM
GASKET
END-POINT 126800.0000 344596.8000 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 126800.0000 344595.2300 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE GCA150-RG2
ERECTION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D0005A-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
FLANGE
END-POINT 126800.0000 344595.2300 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 126800.0000 344588.8800 25000.0000 6.0000
SKEY FLSO
ITEM-CODE FCD150-SOR
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00063-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
BOLT
CO-ORDS 126800.0000 344595.2300 25000.0000
BOLT-DIA 0.75
BOLT-ITEM-CODE BSBS0.75X4.25
BOLT-QUANTITY 8
BOLT-LENGTH 107.95
ERECTION-ITEM
PIPE
END-POINT 126800.0000 344588.8800 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 126800.0000 343550.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE PA5BSTD
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00067-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39

17-3

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 SUPPORT
CO-ORDS 126800.0000 343550.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
SKEY 01HG
ITEM-CODE PSL
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00066-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
SUPPORT-DIRECTION UP
ERECTION-ITEM
NAME PS-100
PIPE
END-POINT 126800.0000 343550.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 126800.0000 343028.6000 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE PA5BSTD
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D0004D-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
ELBOW
END-POINT 126571.4000 342800.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 126800.0000 343028.6000 25000.0000 6.0000
CENTRE-POINT 126800.0000 342800.0000 25000.0000
SKEY ELBW
ANGLE 9000
ITEM-CODE EEL90CFSTD-LBW
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00045-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
PIPE
END-POINT 126571.4000 342800.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 124000.0000 342800.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE PA5BSTD
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00048-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
TEE-SET-ON
CENTRE-POINT 124000.0000 342800.0000 25000.0000
BRANCH1-POINT 124000.0000 342800.0000 24915.8600 6.0000
SKEY TESO
ITEM-CODE-BRANCH1 PA5BSTD
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00047-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
PIPE
END-POINT 124000.0000 342800.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 121428.6000 342800.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE PA5BSTD
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00042-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39

17-4

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 ELBOW
END-POINT 121200.0000 343028.6000 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 121428.6000 342800.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
CENTRE-POINT 121200.0000 342800.0000 25000.0000
SKEY ELBW
ANGLE 9000
ITEM-CODE EEL90CFSTD-LBW
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00043-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
PIPE
END-POINT 121200.0000 343028.6000 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 121200.0000 343550.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE PA5BSTD
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00069-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
SUPPORT
CO-ORDS 121200.0000 343550.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
SKEY 01HG
ITEM-CODE PSL
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00068-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
SUPPORT-DIRECTION UP
ERECTION-ITEM
NAME PS-101
PIPE
END-POINT 121200.0000 343550.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 121200.0000 344588.8800 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE PA5BSTD
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00051-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
FLANGE
END-POINT 121200.0000 344588.8800 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 121200.0000 344595.2300 25000.0000 6.0000
SKEY FLSO
ITEM-CODE FCD150-SOR
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D0005F-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
GASKET
END-POINT 121200.0000 344595.2300 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 121200.0000 344596.8000 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE GCA150-RG2
ERECTION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00056-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39

17-5

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 VALVE
END-POINT 121200.0000 344596.8000 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 121200.0000 345003.2000 25000.0000 6.0000
SKEY VGFL
ITEM-CODE VVGCF150-FLO
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00050-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
SPINDLE-DIRECTION UP
ERECTION-ITEM
BOLT
CO-ORDS 121200.0000 344596.8000 25000.0000
BOLT-DIA 0.75
BOLT-ITEM-CODE BSBS0.75X4.25
BOLT-QUANTITY 8
BOLT-LENGTH 107.95
ERECTION-ITEM
GASKET
END-POINT 121200.0000 345003.2000 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 121200.0000 345004.7700 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE GCA150-RG2
ERECTION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00055-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
FLANGE
END-POINT 121200.0000 345004.7700 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 121200.0000 345011.1200 25000.0000 6.0000
SKEY FLSO
ITEM-CODE FCD150-SOR
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D0005E-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
BOLT
CO-ORDS 121200.0000 345004.7700 25000.0000
BOLT-DIA 0.75
BOLT-ITEM-CODE BSBS0.75X4.25
BOLT-QUANTITY 8
BOLT-LENGTH 107.95
ERECTION-ITEM
PIPE
END-POINT 121200.0000 345011.1200 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 121200.0000 346792.0800 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE PA5BSTD
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00041-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
FLANGE
END-POINT 121200.0000 346792.0800 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 121200.0000 346798.4300 25000.0000 6.0000
SKEY FLSO
ITEM-CODE FCD150-SOR
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D0005D-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39

17-6

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 BOLT
CO-ORDS 121200.0000 346798.4300 25000.0000
BOLT-DIA 0.75
BOLT-ITEM-CODE BSBS0.75X4.25
BOLT-QUANTITY 8
BOLT-LENGTH 107.95
ERECTION-ITEM
GASKET
END-POINT 121200.0000 346798.4300 25000.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 121200.0000 346800.0000 25000.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE GCA150-RG2
ERECTION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00054-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
END-CONNECTION-EQUIPMENT
CO-ORDS 121200.0000 346800.0000 25000.0000
TEXT E-801/NZ-2
PIPE
END-POINT 124000.0000 342800.0000 24915.8600 6.0000
END-POINT 124000.0000 342800.0000 21478.6000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE PA5BSTD
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00046-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
ELBOW
END-POINT 124000.0000 342800.0000 21478.6000 6.0000
END-POINT 124000.0000 342571.4000 21250.0000 6.0000
CENTRE-POINT 124000.0000 342800.0000 21250.0000
SKEY ELBW
ANGLE 9000
ITEM-CODE EEL90CFSTD-LBW
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D0004A-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
PIPE
END-POINT 124000.0000 342571.4000 21250.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 124000.0000 341011.1200 21250.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE PA5BSTD
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00049-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
FLANGE
END-POINT 124000.0000 341011.1200 21250.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 124000.0000 341004.7700 21250.0000 6.0000
SKEY FLSO
ITEM-CODE FCD150-SOR
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00060-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39

17-7

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 BOLT
CO-ORDS 124000.0000 341004.7700 21250.0000
BOLT-DIA 0.75
BOLT-ITEM-CODE BSBS0.75X4.25
BOLT-QUANTITY 8
BOLT-LENGTH 107.95
ERECTION-ITEM
GASKET
END-POINT 124000.0000 341004.7700 21250.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 124000.0000 341003.2000 21250.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE GCA150-RG2
ERECTION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00057-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
VALVE
END-POINT 124000.0000 341003.2000 21250.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 124000.0000 340596.8000 21250.0000 6.0000
SKEY VGFL
ITEM-CODE VVGCF150-FLO
SPINDLE-DIRECTION UP
ERECTION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00052-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
BOLT
CO-ORDS 124000.0000 340596.8000 21250.0000
BOLT-DIA 0.75
BOLT-ITEM-CODE BSBS0.75X4.25
BOLT-QUANTITY 8
BOLT-LENGTH 107.95
ERECTION-ITEM
GASKET
END-POINT 124000.0000 340596.8000 21250.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 124000.0000 340595.2300 21250.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE GCA150-RG2
ERECTION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00058-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
FLANGE
END-POINT 124000.0000 340595.2300 21250.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 124000.0000 340588.8800 21250.0000 6.0000
SKEY FLSO
ITEM-CODE FCD150-SOR
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00061-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
PIPE
END-POINT 124000.0000 340588.8800 21250.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 124000.0000 338807.9200 21250.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE PA5BSTD
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00053-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39

17-8

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 FLANGE
END-POINT 124000.0000 338807.9200 21250.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 124000.0000 338801.5700 21250.0000 6.0000
SKEY FLSO
ITEM-CODE FCD150-SOR
FABRICATION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00062-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
BOLT
CO-ORDS 124000.0000 338801.5700 21250.0000
BOLT-DIA 0.75
BOLT-ITEM-CODE BSBS0.75X4.25
BOLT-QUANTITY 8
BOLT-LENGTH 107.95
ERECTION-ITEM
GASKET
END-POINT 124000.0000 338801.5700 21250.0000 6.0000
END-POINT 124000.0000 338800.0000 21250.0000 6.0000
ITEM-CODE GCA150-RG2
ERECTION-ITEM
UNIQUE-COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 61D00059-85D3-11D5-BC28-0000397D3C39
MESSAGE
CO-ORDS 124000.0000 338800.0000 21250.0000
TEXT E-950/NZ-4
UNDIMENSIONED
MATERIALS
ITEM-CODE PA5BSTD
DESCRIPTION PIPE, CS API 5L SML, GRD B, STD WT
ITEM-CODE EEL90CFSTD-LBW
DESCRIPTION ELBOW, 90 DEG, FRG CS A234 WPB, STD WT, LR, BW
ITEM-CODE SET-ON-T
DESCRIPTION SET ON TEE
ITEM-CODE VVGCF150-FLO
DESCRIPTION VALVE, GLOBE, CS ASTM A234, 150#, FL, OS&Y
ITEM-CODE GCA150-RG2
DESCRIPTION GASKET, CAF, 150#, RING, 1/16 IN
ITEM-CODE FCD150-SOR
DESCRIPTION FLANGE, CS ASTM A105, 150#, SO, RF
ITEM-CODE BSBS0.75X4.25
DESCRIPTION STUD BOLT SS 1% CR MO WITH TWO WASHERS AND HEAVY HEX NUTS
DESCRIPTION 0.75” DIA X 4.25” LNG
ITEM-CODE PSL
DESCRIPTION SUPPORT TO SITE STANDARDS. SEE LIST OF SPECIAL ITEMS.

An isometric drawing generated using the above PCF data is shown on the next page.

17-9

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 17-10

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

Chapter 18 PCF Layout and content
for a System Isometric

A ‘System Isometric’ in the context of the ISOGEN System is defined as a drawing that
contains a number of individual Pipelines that are physically connected in such a way that they
form a network.
The network (say, for a Steam Distribution System) may consist of any number of Pipelines
with any number of connections to Equipment and possibly other Pipelines that are part of an
adjacent System.
A 'GAP' type component is an acceptable way of connecting two related but unconnected
Pipelines that would not normally be allowed as part of a System Isometric.
The Piping Component File (PCF) layout and content for a System varies only slightly from
that for a single Pipeline.
An additional block of information to allow the input of the 'System Identifier' together with
basic System Attributes, is included immediately following the 'Basic Header Information'.
This additional information is in this form -
SYSTEM-ISOMETRIC-REFERENCE data
AREA data
DATE data
PROJECT-IDENTIFIER data
REVISION data

Other Attributes

The data associated with the SYSTEM-ISOMETRIC-REFERENCE entry is the System Isometric
Identifier that will be output on the plotted isometric.
Additional Attributes (all optional) which relate to the 'System' may be entered as required.
The available Attributes and 'data' requirements are the same as those listed for a Pipeline
(see Chapter 5).
Following this block, data for each Pipeline is included using the same rules for the layout and
content that are used for a 'Pipeline PCF'. Material Descriptions are entered following the last
component of the last Pipeline.

18-1

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 The layout of a typical System Isometric PCF will be of the form –

ISOGEN-FILES ISOGEN.FLS
UNITS-BORE INCH-SIXTEENTHS
UNITS-CO-ORDS MM-HUNDREDTHS Basic Header Information
UNITS-BOLT-DIA INCH-SIXTEENTHS
UNITS-BOLT-LENGTH MM
SYSTEM-ISOMETRIC-REFERENCE SYS-14A/ZA System Identifier
AREA A10/23
DATE-DMY 03/02/99
PROJECT-IDENTIFIER P8604A Any Attributes entered in this block
can be output to the drawing frame
REVISION 1
of the generated System isometric

Any other Attributes

PIPELINE-REFERENCE XCZA014 Only the Pipeline Reference and

'Specification' type Pipeline Header
Attributes will be output on the
Pipeline Header Attributes generated isometric. Others are
ignored.
END-CONNECTION-EQUIPMENT
CO-ORDS 275000 2525000 68100
CONNECTION-REFERENCE P302A-DEL
GASKET

Attributes

BOLT

Attributes

Other Pipeline Components

Attributes

18-2

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 PIPELINE-REFERENCE XCZA018 Only the Pipeline Reference and
'Specification' type Pipeline Header
Attributes will be output on the
Pipeline Header Attributes
generated isometric. Others are
ignored.

Pipeline Components

PIPELINE-REFERENCE XCZA022 Only the Pipeline Reference and

'Specification' type Pipeline Header
Attributes will be output on the
Pipeline Header Attributes
generated isometric. Others are
ignored.

Pipeline Components

Materials

Item Codes and Descriptions for all

pipelines

}=Points to note –
1. Any number of Pipelines may be included in a System.
2. Normal Pipeline input (for individual Pipelines) MUST NOT be included in a System
type PCF.
3. All the rules for the input of Pipeline References, Pipeline Header Attributes,
Component Identifiers and related Attributes that are used for the input of individual
Pipelines, also apply when creating a System PCF.
4. A typical 'System' isometric drawing is shown on the following page.

18-3

ALIAS PCF Format Guide

 18-4

ALIAS PCF Format Guide