Preparation of MEP Components

The components must be modeled as parametric blocks equipped with advanced connectors.
Using parametric blocks helps reduce the number of components to be created and makes it easier for the user to modify them. Modeling figures for MEP requires good modeling skills and parameter definition.

Connector Definition

The connectors to be used are advanced-type connectors. They are blocks named “qsmate” that define three attributes:

  • Name
    The name of the connector. This attribute handles what the basic connector handles in the block name. It can be of type "in" or "out", although other names can be used.
  • Joint
    Not yet used.
  • Params
    Defines the list of parameters to propagate through the connector. The names must be separated by commas.

Propagation Parameter Definition

The parameters to be propagated must follow certain rules. When two parametric blocks are connected through two mates (connectors), the software checks which parameters can be propagated through the pair of connectors. The selection follows this dual criterion:

  1. Pairs of parameters with the same name are selected first.
  2. Pairs of parameters with a common prefix are selected next. The prefix is defined by the characters preceding an underscore "_".


In the previous example, we see a connection with a T-joint. The straight pipe has a parameter "diam". The T-joint pipe has two parameters: "diam" and "diam_side". The connectors have the PARAMS attribute filled in as follows:

Parameter Propagation Example:

Main Pipe Diameter - Propagation of "diam" Parameter

The main pipe diameter propagates the "diam" parameter, while the secondary pipe diameter propagates the "diam_side" parameter. Let's see the sequence of connections:

Connection

Description

Placing the T-joint on the existing pipe

The connector of the existing pipe propagates "diam". The T-joint connector propagates "diam". The parameter is propagated because it meets the first condition.

Placing the pipe on the main pipe of the T-joint

The connector of the existing pipe propagates "diam". The T-joint connector propagates "diam". The parameter is propagated because it meets the first condition.

Placing the pipe on the secondary pipe of the T-joint

The connector of the existing pipe propagates "diam". The secondary connector of the T-joint propagates "diam_side". The parameter is propagated because it meets the second condition.

Parameter Names

The parameter names must be set appropriately for correct parameter propagation. The name of the reference connector must be "in". The suggested name for the outgoing connector is "out". If there are multiple connectors, names like "in2" or "out2" can be used.

Setting the MEP Component Library Path

For the library to function properly, the components must be well-defined. The MEP library path is a separate directory within the application settings, and it must be pointed to the correct folder.

When the path will be set the control panel will show the folders and the correct component.

If there are no adeguate BOM, it's possibile to download our standard ccomponent  QS informatica from the cloud library