Piping Isometrics
Piping Isometrics
Piping Isometrics
Chapter 8
An isometric drawing is a type of pictorial drawing in which three sides of an object can be seen in one view. Its popular within the process piping industry because it can be laid out and drawn with ease and portrays the object in a realistic view. Sometimes it is used in lieu of plans and elevations but typically it is used to supplement the plan drawings Isometrics are used as fabrication & shop drawings for pipe run fabrication Isometrics also provide a drafter with the ability to calculate angular offsets in the pipe run.
Isometric Layout:
Isometric lines: one vertical & two at 30 from horizontal
In the example at left, note that all directions of the pipe match the three isometric axis lines
Scale:
isometrics are seldom drawn to scale however, pipe lengths should be shown proportionately many companies draw isometrics on B-size paper (11 x 17) which is a limited space so sometimes proportion may be sacrificed because of the lack of scale in an isometric, its IMPORTANT that the written dimensions are accurate
dimensions MUST always be given to points of reference; such as structures, existing equipmentetc
coordinates should also be shown on the isometric drawing
Isometric planes: there are three planes that exist in isometric drawings with three planes, there are a number of ways for valves and fitting to be shown
the illustration shown above and on page 218 in your book shows the planes and possible positions of fittings & valves remember that if pipes or features are parallel in the piping layout, they theyll be parallel in the isometric view
Fitting symbols and orientation: when orienting fittings and valves its important to know that there are good methods and poor methods in this orientation process the general rule for producing an isometric using GOOD techniques, is to draw the fittings so they are parallel to the last direction change or branch in the pipe
Not following the general rule leads to a chaotic looking isometric it doesnt look professional Not ice how the flow of the isometric is continuous and provides a clear picture of the pipe run
fittings are drawn the same shape as they appear on the plan & elevation drawings EXCEPT theyre at an isometric angle elbows can be drawn a couple of ways check with company standards In this class we will use square corner elbows not only is this the most typical method used, but its also quicker to draw.
Connected piping: one run of pipe per isometric drawing branches of the pipe run or continuations are placed on other drawings typically shown as short portion of dashed line on main pipe run usually a note indicates he name or specification of the branch line existing piping is sometimes shown using double line method or dashed lines in this class we will use dashed lines either method is useful in that it distinguishes new pipe from existing piping
Notice spec change between new and existing pipe & note for reference drawing Example of double-line method showing existing piping
Dashed line showing pipe continuation and note providing reference drawing information.
Isometric drawing techniques: To increase drawing efficiency: Create a prototype for isometric drawings set up grid, snap, isometric plane orientation, border and title block, BOM, text styles & dimension settings Develop library of isometric symbols valves, fittings, instruments, equipment common drawing components Create dimension styles in all three isometric planes Construct menus that you can pick symbols from
Drawing Isometric Offsets: Offset: indicates that a piece of pipe is shifted from one line of direction to another is done with a fitting (typically a 45 elbow) one of the few times you might have artistic license in making a piping drawing Horizontal offsets: If you draw a horizontal pipe with a 45 elbow running form southeast to northwest technically correct, it would look like a vertical line to prevent confusion, the offset is drawn 22 from vertical to give the illusion of the angle.
Thats why many companies use a squaringin plane within the plane of the offset
Vertical Offsets:
These offsets can get just as confusing as the horizontal offsets. Using the same techniques; 22 and the squaring in planes help remedy the visualization of these offsets as well.
FYI: As a drafter, you should always be aware of some of the confusing qualities inherent to isometric piping drawings and take measures to ensure the drawings are easily understood.
2. Now all you have to do is plug the numbers into your formula:
a) c = (5 -6 ) + (5 -6 )
BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS: FYI: 5 -6 = 5.0 ft. 6 = 6/12 = .5 in. = .25/12 = .0208 in. = 5.5208 ft.
SMOLEYS TABLES:
Before there were calculators there was Constantine K. Smoley, an educator and civil engineer.
Smoley published a book in 1901 that became the bible for any professional (engineers and architects) or student that needed to be able to calculate squares, square roots, logarithms & trig functions. If we had used the Smoleys Tables to solve the previous problem: 1. We would have flipped through the pages to find 5 2. Then we would look for 6 column heading 3. Then in the far left column we would have looked down to find the row labeled 4. At the intersection of the Square column under 6 and the Row, wed find the square for 56 given in decimal form 30.4796 a) c = 30.4796 + 30.4796 b) c = 60.9592 c) c = 60.9592 d) c = 7.8076
TAN = SO/SA
When angle A is used, a is the side opposite (SO) and b is the side adjacent (SA). When angle B is used, a is the side adjacent (SA) and b is the side opposite (SO).
Get familiar with the formulas for solving angles and lengths in piping offsets.
Four terms associated with a rolling offset configuration: RUN: Length of total offset in direction of pipe run SET: Depth of offset ROLL: Breadth of offset TRAVEL: True length of pipe through offset
FYI: Separate tutorial Working with Offsets provides in depth detail of solving for lengths of pipe and angles itll come in handy with some assignments!
4. One of the extension lines of the dimension should be a centerline of the run of pipe
5. Vertical lines of text should always be parallel with extension lines
Isometric lettering:
Basic guidelines for lettering isometric drawings: 1. If the pipes vertical, the lettering should be written vertically and at 30 angle 2. If pipe is in horizontal plane, the lettering will appear as if it is lying down and will be oriented on both 30 angles 3. Dimensions appear to be lying down if the pipe is horizontal or standing on end if the pipe is vertical.