SmartPlant P&ID Rule

Manager
User's Guide

Version 2014 R1 (7.1)

March 2015

DPID2-PE-200006K
Copyright
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2 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide

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SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide 3

4 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide
Contents
Using SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager ...................................................................................................... 7
Using Rules for Consistency Checking ................................................................................................... 8
Additional Documentation ....................................................................................................................... 8
SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager Help Command (Help Menu)........................................................ 8
About SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager Command (Help Menu) ..................................................... 8
Printable Guides Command (Help Menu) ........................................................................................ 8

Navigating in Rule Manager ....................................................................................................................... 9

Navigating in SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager ....................................................................................... 9
Open Command (File Menu) .................................................................................................................. 9
Open an Existing Rule Base ............................................................................................................ 9
Most Recently Used List Command (File Menu) .................................................................................. 10
Open Database Command (File Menu) ................................................................................................ 10
Open Plant Structure Dialog Box ................................................................................................... 10
Connect to a Database ................................................................................................................... 11
Add Folder Command (Edit Menu) ....................................................................................................... 11
Create a Folder ............................................................................................................................... 11
Rename Command (Edit Menu) ........................................................................................................... 11
Rename a Folder ............................................................................................................................ 11
Rename a Rule ............................................................................................................................... 12
Delete Command (Edit Menu) .............................................................................................................. 12
Delete a Folder ............................................................................................................................... 12
Delete a Rule .................................................................................................................................. 12
Cut Command (Edit Menu) ................................................................................................................... 12
Cut a Rule ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Copy Command (Edit Menu) ................................................................................................................ 13
Copy a Rule .................................................................................................................................... 13
Paste Command (Edit Menu) ................................................................................................................ 13
Paste a Rule ................................................................................................................................... 13
Save Command (File Menu) ................................................................................................................. 14
Save a Rule Base ........................................................................................................................... 14
Save As Command (File Menu) ............................................................................................................ 14
Save a Rule Base Under a Different Name.................................................................................... 14
Exit Command (File Menu) ................................................................................................................... 14
Close SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager .......................................................................................... 14

Printing a Rules Summary Report ........................................................................................................... 15

Generate Report Command (File Menu) .............................................................................................. 15
Print a Rules Summary Report ....................................................................................................... 15

Creating and Modifying Rules .................................................................................................................. 17

Understanding Priority and Relationships ............................................................................................. 17
New Command (File Menu) .................................................................................................................. 17
Create a New Rule Base ................................................................................................................ 18

SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide 5

Contents

Add Rule Command (Edit Menu) .......................................................................................................... 18

Create a Rule ................................................................................................................................. 18
Example: Create a Rule to Copy Values From Piping to a Globe Valve ....................................... 19
Example: Create a Rule to Copy Values From a Valve Upon Placement ..................................... 20
Rule Options Command (Edit Menu) .................................................................................................... 20
Define Rule Options ....................................................................................................................... 21
Rule Options Dialog Box ................................................................................................................ 21
Properties Command (Edit Menu) ........................................................................................................ 22
Rule Properties Dialog Box ............................................................................................................ 22
Select Item Dialog Box ................................................................................................................... 29
Add Implied Item Dialog Box .......................................................................................................... 30
Display Rule Properties .................................................................................................................. 30
Modify a Rule .................................................................................................................................. 30
Approve All Rules Command (Edit Menu) ............................................................................................ 31
Approve All Rules ........................................................................................................................... 31

Defining Items ............................................................................................................................................ 33

Selecting Items...................................................................................................................................... 33
Using Implied Items .............................................................................................................................. 33
Using Filters .......................................................................................................................................... 34
Display Filter Properties ................................................................................................................. 34
Filter Properties Dialog Box ............................................................................................................ 34
Add Filter Dialog Box ...................................................................................................................... 35
Create a Simple Filter ..................................................................................................................... 36
Calendar Dialog Box....................................................................................................................... 37
Compound Filter Properties Dialog Box ......................................................................................... 38
Understanding Placement Properties ................................................................................................... 38
Choose a Placement Method ......................................................................................................... 39
Using Geometric Placement ........................................................................................................... 40
Using Inline Placement ................................................................................................................... 41
Using Label Placement................................................................................................................... 42
Using Snap-On Placement ............................................................................................................. 43
Using Line Run Placement ............................................................................................................. 44

Index ........................................................................................................................................................... 45

6 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide

SECTION 1

Using SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager

SmartPlant® P&ID Rule Manager is the environment used to create, manipulate and manage
sets of rules, or rule bases. These rules define how items within the model act and interact.
Rules are used in SmartPlant P&ID for the following reasons:
 Placement rules ensure that the correct relationships are created when you place a new
item or move an item in a drawing.
 Rules govern how properties are copied from one item to another in a relationship, how
properties are designated at placement, or when the Reapply Rules command is used.
 Rules check consistency.
 Implied items are defined in rules.
Rules provide the capability to customize how model items behave during placement and
manipulation within a drawing. A rule can identify two items and define the placement behavior
and the relationship between these items. The items can be catalog items or specified using a
filter. When you place or modify an item within the model, the software evaluates that placement
using the rules in SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager.
The software tests applicable rules for the new or modified item against items located within the
model. When a rule matches both items, the rule is carried out, and the software performs the
associated actions. These actions can include the following:
 Geometric changes to the two items, such as moving a source item into place with respect
to a target item.
 Graphical connections between items, such as ownership, fitting, or gluepoint.
 Creation of relationships between two items for the purpose of drawing consistency.
When an inconsistency is detected in the model, the software marks the location of the problem
with an error or warning symbol. These inconsistencies are based on criteria defined in
SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager, which must be taken into account when correcting the
inconsistencies. It is possible to override some rules while you are in the drawing software by
approving inconsistencies.
By setting up typical or standard design rules that define the placement characteristics of items
and how items interact with each other, you can quickly and easily place the required
equipment, interconnecting piping, instrumentation, and other accessories and confirm that you
are satisfying proper design criteria. All rules are applied while you create your drawing, not at
some arbitrary later time.
You can generate a Rules Summary Report that displays a detailed list of your current rules.
You can view the report in you default Web browser.
Use SmartPlant P&ID Options Manager to specify the default rule base for a plant or site.

SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide 7

Using SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager

Using Rules for Consistency Checking

The Consistency tab on the Rule Properties dialog box defines consistency check criteria and
specifies the copying guidelines for property values between items when you create
relationships. Each row defines one pair of properties to copy and compare. You can enter as
many rows as necessary.
Inconsistency indicators display the results of Consistency Checking. If the items do not satisfy
one or more of the consistency criteria, the inconsistency indicator changes to either a warning
or an error symbol.
The software copies property values only when you create a relationship. You create
relationships when you place an item on another item or connect items in a drawing. You can
place items from Catalog Explorer, the Engineering Data Editor, or by moving a placed item
into a new position. The software also compares property values whenever you change any
property. This validation process can happen many times during the lifetime of an item.
If you have already specified information on the Consistency tab before changing a
filter on the Items tab, you lose all the information on the Consistency tab.

Additional Documentation
This section describes the Help menu commands.

SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager Help Command (Help Menu)

Opens the Help viewer where you can read topics about commands, procedures, dialog boxes,
and so forth.

About SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager Command (Help

Menu)
Displays information about your copy of the software, including the version number and the
copyright, legal, and licensing notices.

Printable Guides Command (Help Menu)

Opens a page in your default browser that includes links to the user's guides in portable
document format. Click a link, and the guide is opened in the appropriate application from which
you can print it, if necessary. You can print it. The user's guides contain the same information as
the online Help.

8 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide

SECTION 2

Navigating in Rule Manager

Navigating in SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager

When you open the SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager software, the Rule List window displays all
rule folders stored in your rule base. You can create folders in this window to help organize
rules. Organizing rules into folders does not affect rule performance. The rules appear
alphabetically in each folder and can be moved between folders using the Cut, Copy, and
Paste commands.
The symbol beside a rule indicates that the rule cannot be loaded.
You must have the appropriate privileges to create, edit, or delete rules. User roles
are assigned in SmartPlant Engineering Manager.

Open Command (File Menu)

Displays the Open dialog box, from which you can access an existing rule base. The extension
for a rule base file is .rul.

Open an Existing Rule Base

1. Click File > Open.
2. On the Open dialog box, select the directory containing the rule base you want to open.
3. Type the name of the rule base or select it from the list of rule bases.

 You can open one of the last rule bases that you worked on by selecting it from the list of
recent files on the File menu.
 In the File Open dialog box, you can double-click the rule base name to open it.
 If you do not see the rule base you want to open, make sure the drive, directory, and type
are correct. You can also change the database in which you are working. For more
information, see Connect to a Database (on page 11).

SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide 9

Navigating in Rule Manager

Most Recently Used List Command (File Menu)

Displays a list of the last four rule bases that you opened and provides a shortcut to return to
these rule bases. You can return only to rule bases that are in the database to which you are
currently connected.

Open Database Command (File Menu)

Displays the Open Plant Structure dialog box allowing you to connect to the site and server
that you want to work with by choosing the appropriate SmartPlant initialization (.ini) file. You
can also view the plants to which you were recently connected. In order to use this command,
your computer must be able to connect to the network where the server is located.

Open Plant Structure Dialog Box

Sets options for connecting to a site and plant structure, and passes user access information to
the application. This dialog box opens when you click File > Open Database.

Available plant structures — Lists those plant structures found on the network. You can select
only one item from this List view at a time.
Application Type — Allows you to select an application for filtering the available plant
structures that are associated with that application. If all the plants in the site are associated
with one application only, the value is read-only.
Open — Connects you to the selected database. The Open command also checks to make
sure you have the correct access privileges for the selected plant structure and passes your
access information back to SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager.
Site Server — Opens the Open Site Server dialog box, allowing you to select a SmartPlant
initialization file from local and network directories. Plant structures that correspond to the
initialization file you choose appear in the list of available plant structures.

10 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide

 Navigating in Rule Manager

Connect to a Database
1. Click File > Open Database. The Open Database command is also available on the
toolbar.
2. On the Open Plant Structure dialog box, click Site Server.
3. On the Open Site Server dialog box, select the correct SmartPlant initialization (.ini) file and
click OK.
4. Click Open.
The Open command checks to make sure that you have the correct access privileges for
the selected plant structure and passes your access information back to the software.

Add Folder Command (Edit Menu)

Inserts a new folder below the active folder, or as a sibling to the currently selected rule, in the
rule list. If you select an open folder, the software creates the new folder inside the selected
folder.
The software assigns a default name of New Folder n to the new folder. The letter n represents
the next unused, sequential number. For example, if the last folder that you added was 15, the
next new folder is New Folder 16. The default folder name can be renamed.

Create a Folder
1. Select the rule or folder in which you want to add a new folder. If you select a rule, the new
folder is added as a sibling to the rule.

2. Click Edit > Add Folder. The Add Folder command is also available on the toolbar

Rename Command (Edit Menu)

Allows you to change the name assigned to the active rule or folder. Type a new name into the
edit box that appears. You can also select a rule or folder and click F2 to rename it.

Rename a Folder
1. Select the folder you want to rename.
2. Click Edit > Rename.
3. Type the new folder name over the existing folder name.

SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide 11

Navigating in Rule Manager

Rename a Rule
1. Select the rule you want to rename.
2. Click Edit > Rename.
3. Type the new rule name over the existing rule name.

Delete Command (Edit Menu)

Removes the active rule or folder. If you delete a folder, all child folders and rules are also
deleted. Deletions are permanent once you save your changes to the rule base.

Delete a Folder
1. Select the folder you want to delete.

2. Click Delete on the toolbar.

If you delete a folder, all child folders and rules are also deleted.

Delete a Rule
1. Select the rule you want to delete.

2. Click Delete on the toolbar.

3. Click File > Save to delete the rule from the database. If you decide you do not want to
delete the rule, do not save your changes.
Deletions are permanent once you save your changes to the rule base.

Cut Command (Edit Menu)

Removes the selected rule from the Tree view, and copies the information to the Clipboard.

12 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide

 Navigating in Rule Manager

Cut a Rule
1. Select the rule you want to remove.
2. Click Edit > Cut. The rule is placed in the Clipboard. The selected rule is now available to
paste into a rule folder. This rule remains in the Clipboard until you cut or copy another rule
or close the application.

Copy Command (Edit Menu)

Copies the active rule to the Clipboard.

Copy a Rule
1. Select the rule you want to copy.
2. Click Edit > Copy. A copy of the rule is placed on the Clipboard. You can now paste the
rule to another location or folder.

Paste Command (Edit Menu)

Inserts the contents of the Clipboard into the rule list under the active folder. If a rule is currently
selected, the software inserts the contents of the Clipboard as a sibling of the selected rule.

Paste a Rule
1. Select the location where you want to insert the rule.

 You can insert a rule into a folder or into a compound rule. If you select a simple rule in
step one, the rule on the Clipboard is inserted as a sibling, on the same level as the
selected rule.
 In order to be able to paste a rule, you must previously move a copy of a rule to the
Clipboard by using either the Cut or Copy command.

2. Click Edit > Paste. The Paste command is also available on the toolbar

SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide 13

Navigating in Rule Manager

Save Command (File Menu)

Writes any changes for the rule base that is currently open to the .rul file.

Save a Rule Base

Click File > Save.
The software automatically prompts you to save the open rule base when you close the
program.

Save As Command (File Menu)

Displays the Save As dialog box allowing you to specify how and where to save the current rule
base. You can rename the rule base, but in order to open it in SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager,
you must preserve the .rul extension.

Save a Rule Base Under a Different Name

1. Click File > Save As.
2. On the Save As dialog box, browse to the location where you want to store the file.
3. Enter the file name and file type.

Exit Command (File Menu)

Closes the SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager application. If you have not saved all your changes
to the open rule base, a message provides the option to cancel the Exit command.

Close SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager

Click File > Exit.
If you have not saved all the changes you made to the open rule base, a message box
appears with the option to cancel the Exit command.

14 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide

SECTION 3

Printing a Rules Summary Report

Generate Report Command (File Menu)

Compiles a rules summary report of all rules. The report displays in your web browser. If you
need a printed copy, click Print in your web browser.

Print a Rules Summary Report

1. Select a rule.
2. Click File > Generate Report. The Rules Summary Report displays in your default web
browser.
3. From your browser, select the Print command.
You can also use the other functions of your browser to save or e-mail the report.

SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide 15

Printing a Rules Summary Report

16 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide

SECTION 4

Creating and Modifying Rules

In the course of your design work, you can create new rules to add to an existing rule base, or
you can modify the rules delivered with SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager. You can do something
as simple as add a description to a rule or something as complicated as creating an entirely new
rule to govern a special relationship between two very specific items in the reference data.
You must have appropriate use access privileges to copy rules, create new rules, and modify
rules extensively before you can create an entirely new rule base.

Use the Add Rule command to create an entirely new rule, or use the Properties
command to modify an existing rule.
If you are using a Workshare environment, do not create, modify, or delete rules at a
satellite site.

Understanding Priority and Relationships

A rule's priority setting determines the order in which rules are applied. To assign priority to a
rule, click Edit > Properties and select the General tab. If several rules apply to the source and
target items, the software selects the rule with the highest priority to control placement. When
you create a relationship, if several rules apply to the source and target items, the software
instructs the highest priority rule to copy property values first. Then, each of the other applicable
rules copies unpopulated property values in order of priority.
Additionally, you can prevent the software from creating a relationship that a rule describes. For
example, you can create an exception to a rule by specifying filters for Item 1 and Item 2 on the
Items tab. Selecting the Prohibit check box on the General tab prohibits a relationship between
the two items that you defined. The Prohibit check box works for freestanding placement as
well as placement on a target.

New Command (File Menu)

Creates a new rule base. The new rule base folder appears in the Rule list. The file extension
for a rule base is .rul.

SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide 17

Creating and Modifying Rules

Create a New Rule Base

1. Click File > New.
2. Click the newly displayed folder name in order to rename it.
3. Create folders for your rules and add rules to the folders. For more information, see Create
a Folder (on page 11) or Create a Rule (on page 18).
4. Click File > Save As to save your new rule base under its own name in the proper place in
your directories.

Add Rule Command (Edit Menu)

Inserts a new rule below the active folder or as a sibling to the currently selected rule. If you
select an open folder, the software creates the new rule in that folder.
Each rule must have a unique name because the software assigns a default name of New Rule
n to each new rule. The letter n represents the next unused, sequential number. For example, if
the last rule you added was 15, the next assignment is New Rule 16.

Create a Rule
1. Select the folder or rule in which you want to store your new rule. If you select a rule, the
new rule appears as a sibling to the selected rule.

2. Click Add Rule .

The Add Rule command is also available from the Edit menu or from the shortcut
menu accessed by right-clicking on a rule.
3. Enter a name and a description for the rule.
The Description box can contain links to an Internet address so that a detailed
description can be stored on a website and accessed using this option.
4. In the Priority box, enter a priority value.
5. On the Items tab, select an item for Item 1.
6. Select a connect point type and a placement method for Item 1, if applicable.
7. Select an item for Item 2 or leave Item 2 freestanding, depending on the type of rule you are
creating.
8. Define a connect point type and a placement method for Item 2, if applicable.
9. Set the Comparison, Status, Severity, and Copy options on the Consistency tab.
10. On the Implied Items tab, use the options to specify implied items, if applicable.
11. Click OK.

12. Click Save on the toolbar to write the changes to the rule base.

18 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide

 Creating and Modifying Rules

Example: Create a Rule to Copy Values From Piping to a

Globe Valve
1. Click Edit > Add Folder.
If necessary, rename the new folder. For more information, see Rename a Folder (on
page 11).
2. Select the new folder, and click Edit > Add Rule.
3. On the Rule Properties dialog box, enter a name and a description for the new rule.
You can create an Internet link by typing a URL address in the Description box. This
action allows for storage of additional information on a website.
4. In the Priority box, select a priority value.
You can define a value from 1 to 100. One is the lowest priority, 100 the highest.
5. On the Items tab, define Item 1 by clicking the Browse button next to Item 1.
6. On the Select Item 1 dialog box, click Catalog item. In the Item selection Tree view, select
a gate valve and click OK.
7. Set the connect point type for Item 1 (Piping Point).
8. Set the placement method (Snap-on).
9. Click Properties next to Placement method for Item 1.
10. On the Snap-On Placement Properties dialog box, specify the gap distance and click OK.
11. Define Item 2 by clicking the Browse button next to Item 2.
12. On the Select Item 2 dialog box, click Catalog item. In the Item selection Tree view, click
Nozzles and then, click OK.
13. Set the connect point type for Item 2 (Piping Point).
For this example, you do not need to define a placement method for Item 2.
14. On the Consistency tab, set Compare to "=".
15. Set Status option to Warning.
16. Set Severity level to 1.
17. Set Copy to "<==" and click OK.
Values are copied only if the destination values are Null.
18. Click File > Save to write the changes to the rule base.

SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide 19

Creating and Modifying Rules

Example: Create a Rule to Copy Values From a Valve Upon

Placement
1. Click Edit > Add Folder.
2. Select the new folder, and click Edit > Add Rule.
3. On the Rule Properties dialog box, enter a name and a description for the new rule.
4. In the Priority box, select a priority value. You can define a value from 1 to 100. One is the
lowest priority, 100 the highest.
5. On the Items tab, define Item 1 by clicking the Browse button next to Item 1.
6. On the Select Item 1 dialog box, click Catalog Item.
7. In the Item selection Tree view, select a gate valve, and click OK.
8. Set the connect point type for Item 1 (Piping Point).
9. Set the placement method (Snap-on).
10. Click the Properties button next to Placement method for Item 1.
11. On the Snap-On Placement Properties dialog box, set the gap distance, and click OK.
12. Define Item 2 by clicking the Browse button next to Item 2.
13. On the Select Item 2 dialog box, click Catalog item.
14. In the Item selection Tree view, click Nozzles and then click OK.
15. Set the connect point type for Item 2 (Piping Point). For this example, you do not need to
define a placement method for Item 2.
16. On the Consistency tab, set Compare to "=".
17. Set Status option to Warning.
18. Set Severity level to 1.
19. Set Copy to "==>" and click OK. Values are copied only if the destination values are Null.
20. Click File > Save to write the changes to the rule base.

Rule Options Command (Edit Menu)

Opens the Rule Options dialog box, which allows you to define status and severity values for
inconsistencies in drawings. The software verifies in real-time if the composition of a drawing
and the underlying data model satisfy rules defined in Rule Manager. SmartPlant P&ID then
alerts you if an inconsistency arises.

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Define Rule Options

1. Click Edit > Rule Options.
2. For the inconsistency type you want to define, select the desired values from the Status and
Severity lists.

Rule Options Dialog Box

The Rule Options dialog box shows the inconsistency error types. You can select from any one
of the cells and change the value by selecting from the displayed list.

Inconsistencies
Inconsistency Type — There are six inconsistency types on the Rule Options dialog box:
 Inconsistent property value — When you add a new consistency criterion to a rule, the
software uses the Status and Severity values you enter as defaults in the Consistency tab
of the Rule Properties dialog box. You can then modify these default values as desired.
 Inconsistent flow direction— Allows you to specify the default Status and Severity where
the software finds an inconsistency in the flow direction of the P&ID drawing. When you add
the consistency criterion Flow Direction to a rule, the software uses these Status and
Severity values as the defaults in the Consistency tab of the Rule Properties dialog
box. You can then modify these default values as desired.
 Unattached connect point — Allows you to specify the status and severity where the
software finds an unconnected piping connect point on a piping component, instrument, or
nozzle.
 Unattached connector — Allows you to specify the status and severity where the software
finds an unconnected end of a pipe run, signal run, or duct run.
 No applicable rules — Allows you to specify the status and severity where the software
finds two connected items for which there are no rules that allow the connection. This can
happen, for example, when you work with two different plants that have two different sets of
rules. When drawing data is copied from plant A to plant B, using Assemblies or Import
Drawings, items that were legally connected in drawing A may not be legally connected in
plant B. Also such an inconsistency may be generated if you edit a plant rule after drawings
have been created based on that rule. If the drawings contain connected items and the
rules that supported those connections are deleted, the result is connections that have no
applicable rules.
 Cannot evaluate consistency — When a pipe run, signal run, or duct run is attached to an
Off-Page Connector (OPC) but no corresponding run is attached to the mate OPC, the
consistency cannot be evaluated. This can happen when working in a project environment.
Two drawings that contain an OPC and its mate may be complete in the As-Built plant. If
only one of the drawings is fetched into the project, the consistency of the OPC connection
cannot be evaluated because the other drawing does not exist in the project.
Status — This column has the following possible values:
 Warning — The status is used to alert you of possible inconsistencies in your
drawing. These inconsistencies are of a non-critical nature. When you select this option, a
Warning symbol appears on the appropriate drawing object. You can double-click the
symbol to open the Consistency Check dialog box. On the Consistency Check dialog

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Creating and Modifying Rules

box, you have the option to approve the inconsistency, and therefore leave it in your
drawing, or you can correct the drawing and remove the inconsistency.
 Error — This status is used to alert you of critical inconsistencies within your
drawing. These errors must be fixed within the drawing for the inconsistency to be
removed. When you select this option, an Error symbol appears on the appropriate
drawing object. You can double-click the symbol to open the Consistency Check dialog box
for a more detailed view of the inconsistency.
Severity — This column can have numeric values from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest
severity. The software can be configured to show only those inconsistencies above a specific
value. For more details, see the View Properties dialog box.

Properties Command (Edit Menu)

Displays the Rule Properties dialog box, allowing you to define all of the properties for the
selected rule. The different tabs that make up the dialog box provide for general information,
placement details, consistency checking, and defining implied items.
The Rule Properties dialog box appears automatically when you add a new rule.

Rule Properties Dialog Box

Displays information about the active rule. This dialog box opens when you select a rule and
click Edit > Properties on the menu bar or when you create a new rule.

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General Tab (Rule Properties Dialog Box)

Contains general information that controls the way you perform rule checking.

Name — Defines the name of the rule. If the name is blank, the software creates a new rule
named New Rule n, where n is the next available number since the last new rule that you
created. If you change the name of a rule, click OK and the new name appears in the Rule list.
Description — Identifies the purpose or function of your rule. Rule names must be unique. In
addition, you can create an Internet link by entering a URL address, which provides another way
to include detailed information about a rule.
Priority — Determines which rule applies when rules conflict with each other. You can define a
value from 1 to 100: 1 is the lowest priority. When you place items in a drawing, if several rules
apply to the source and target items, the software selects the rule with the highest priority to
control placement. When you create a relationship, if several rules apply to the source and
target items, the highest priority rule copies property values first, and then each of the other
applicable rules copies unpopulated property values in order. Assigning a priority is required.
Prohibit — Specifies whether to prohibit the relationship between the two items defined on the
Items tab. When you check the Prohibit box, the relationship this rule describes cannot be
created. If you need to, you can create an exception to a broad rule by specifying more specific
filters or by using catalog items for Item 1 and Item 2 and checking Prohibit. This option works
for freestanding placement as well as placement on a target.

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Creating and Modifying Rules

Items Tab (Rule Properties Dialog Box)

Defines items to which a rule applies, including connect point and placement information.

Item 1
Displays the following options for the first item involved in this rule.
Name (Item 1) — Displays either a filter or catalog item. For a new rule, the field initially
appears as <None>. To choose an item name, click Browse and display the Select Item dialog
box. Name is a required field.
Connect point type (Item 1) — Displays valid connect point types. This property defines the
type of connect point to use when you connect one item with another. If the placement method
is inline, only the connect point type for the item you are placing is valid. The Label and
Geometric placement methods do not use connect point information.
Placement method (Item 1) — Defines the placement method to apply when placing an item to
a target object.
Browse (Item 1) — Opens the Select Item dialog box. You can select a new item that is either
defined by a filter or catalog item. You must specify this property for Item 1.
Properties (Item 1) — Displays the appropriate properties for your selected placement method.
If a placement method does not have properties to specify, the Properties button is not
available.

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Item 2
Displays the following options for the second item involved in this rule. There can be no second
item, in other words, this item can be defined as freestanding.
Name (Item 2) — Appears either as a filter, catalog item, or freestanding. To select an item
name, click Browse to display the Select Item dialog box.
Connect point type (Item 2) — Displays valid connect point types. This property defines the
type of connect point to use when you connect one item with another. If the placement method
is inline, only the connect point type for the item you are placing is valid. The Label and
Geometric placement methods do not use connect point information, and this option is not
available if you have not defined a second item.
Placement method (Item 2) — Defines the placement method to apply when placing an item to
target object.
Rules can be bi-directional. If a placement method exists for both Item 1 and Item 2, then
both rules are invoked when establishing such a relationship in the drawing.
Browse (Item 2) — Opens the Select Item dialog box, allowing you to select a new item that is
either a filter, catalog item, or freestanding. Item selection is not required for Item 2.
Properties (Item 2) — Displays the appropriate properties for your selected placement method.
If a placement method does not have properties to specify or you did not define a second item,
the Properties button is not available.

Consistency Tab (Rule Properties Dialog Box)

Defines the consistency criteria for a rule.

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Creating and Modifying Rules

Consistency Criteria
Lists the values for applying consistency criteria when items are placed in a drawing.
(Property of Item 1) — Displays the name of a property from Item 1 to be used for consistency
checking and system editing.
Copy — The copy action to be performed is displayed in this column. This column controls how
the property value is propagated when System Editing is turned on. The following table
describes the possible values and their meanings.

Copy Action Symbol Copy Action Name Property Modification

<> Copy Bi-directional The value can be copied in either

Always direction during propagation.

< Copy 2 to 1 Always The value from Item 2 is copied to Item

1 during propagation.

> Copy 1 to 2 Always The value from Item 1 is copied to Item

2 during propagation.

<> Copy Bi-directional if Null The value can be copied in either

direction during propagation but only if
the current value on the target item is
Null.

< Copy 2 to 1 if Null The value from Item 2 is copied to Item

1 during propagation but only if the
current value on Item 1 is Null.

> Copy 1 to 2 if Null The value from Item 1 is copied to Item

2 during propagation but only if the
current value on Item 2 is Null.

| None The property is not propagated across

this relationship.

Compare — Displays how the property values from Items 1 and 2 are compared. The
comparison occurs whenever any property on either item is changed. The following table
describes the possible values and their meanings

Comparison Operator Meaning

None No comparison

= Equal

< Less than

<= Less than or equal to

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 Creating and Modifying Rules

Comparison Operator Meaning

> Greater than

>= Greater than or equal to

<> Not equal to

(Property of Item 2) — Displays the name of a property from Item 2 to be used for consistency
checking and System Editing.
Status — Defines the display status of the inconsistency marker when an inconsistency is
generated. If this value is set to Error, the inconsistency marker appears as a red X in your
drawing. If it is set to Warning, the marker displays a blue exclamation point. This list appears
after you select the field.
Severity — Displays a list for you to specify the severity of the inconsistency. Severity displays
as a number between 1 and 10.
The following columns appear when both Item 1 and Item 2 are used. For example, Nominal
Diameter is frequently different in a branch as compared to the main run it connects
to. Therefore you may want to set the value for Non-colinear to None for the Nominal
Diameter property.
Colinear Copy — Defines the copy action to be used at a colinear connection. The values
available for selection for this column are the same as those in the Copy column.
Colinear Compare — Defines the comparison operator to be used at a colinear
connection. The values available for selection for this column are the same as those in the
Compare column.
Non-colinear Copy — Defines the copy action to be performed at a non-colinear
connection. The values available for selection for this column are the same as those in the
Copy column.
Non-colinear Compare — Defines the comparison operator to be used at a non-colinear
connection. The values available for selection for this column are the same as those in the
Compare column.
The following commands can be used to add and delete rows in the Consistency Criteria table.
Add — Adds a new row to the bottom of the list of consistency criteria. You must select the
name of the Item 1 property from the drop-down list in the first column. Default values for the
remaining columns are automatically displayed.
Add All — Fills in the table with default values for all matching properties of Item 1 and Item 2.
For each matching pair, the Compare field is set to "=" by default, and the Copy field is set to
None.
Delete — Removes the selected rows. It is enabled when one or more rows in the consistency
criteria list are selected.

 When defining consistency criteria in a rule, and the property you select is a connect point
(Piping Point, Ducting Point or Signal Point) property, you are not defining a specific
connect point. The specific connect point is defined dynamically by the software when the
rule is applied to a specific relationship. Although the displayed property name in the Rule

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Creating and Modifying Rules

Properties dialog box may display End 1 Nom Diam, it actually means the Nominal
Diameter property on that connect point in this relationship.
 It is possible that no matching properties can be found for the two items. If no match is
found, defining consistency criteria for the two items is not possible.
 You can highlight one or several rows by clicking the row tab at the far left side. A row
marker is shown to indicate the current row. Once a row or several rows are selected, you
can delete the rows by pressing Delete or change the Compare, Status, Severity, and
Copy values for selected rows by clicking on the appropriate heading and choosing from the
list.

Implied Items Tab (Rule Properties Dialog Box)

Defines implied items for a rule.

Owned by
Defines the items that own the implied items you are defining.
Item 1 — Defines ownership of the implied item you are identifying.
Item 2 — Defines ownership of the implied item you are identifying. If you have not defined a
value for a second item, or defined it as freestanding, this option is not available.
Implied items — Displays a list of the implied items to claim. A thumbnail icon appears beside
the symbol name.

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Add — Displays the Add Implied Item dialog box allowing you to select a catalog item, and it
appears in the Implied items list.
Delete — Removes the selected implied item from the list.

Select Item Dialog Box

The Select Item dialog box displays information about the Item type and Item selection.
Different options are available, depending on your selection of Filter, Catalog item, or
Freestanding. This dialog box appears when you click one of the Browse buttons on the Items
tab of the Rule Properties dialog box.

Item type
Filter — Defines the item as a filter.
Catalog item — Specifies that the item is a catalog item.
Freestanding — Defines the item as freestanding. This option is available only for Item 2.

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Item selection
Displays three possible views:
 Filter Control when the Item type is Filter.
 Catalog Explorer when the Item type is Catalog item.
 Blank when the Item type is Freestanding. This option is available only for Item 2.
New — Opens the New Filter dialog box where you can create a new filter to define an item
type. This button is available only when the Item type is Filter.
Properties — Opens the Filter Properties dialog box allowing you to view and edit properties
for a selected filter. This button is available only when the Item type is Filter.

Add Implied Item Dialog Box

Appears when you click Add on the Implied Items tab of the Rule Properties dialog box. Use
this dialog box to select your implied items. The dialog box display is similar to Catalog
Explorer:
Tree view — Displays a tree view of catalog items.
List view — Displays a list view of implied items with their symbols.

Display Rule Properties

1. Select the individual rule for which you want to view the properties.

2. Click Properties on the toolbar. The Properties command is also available from the
Edit menu or from the shortcut menu accessed by right-clicking on a rule.
3. On the Rule Properties dialog box, navigate to the information you need.

Modify a Rule
1. Select a rule to modify.

2. Click Properties .
3. On the Rule Properties dialog box, make your modifications.
4. Click OK.

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Approve All Rules Command (Edit Menu)

Automatically approves all of the rules that are in a disabled state because of modifications to
the filters they depend on.
If you get a message stating One or more rules did not load properly when you open Rule
Manager, this indicates that a filter used by a rule has been edited or deleted in Filter
Manager. If this message box displays click OK to open Rule Manager. Then, expand the
Tree views. Any rules that do not load properly display the Disabled icon.
If you are sure all the changes to the filters are acceptable, you can use the Approve All
Rules. You can also review and approve each individual disabled rule using the Rule
Properties dialog box.

Approve All Rules

1. Select a folder in the Tree view.
2. Select Edit > Approve All Rules.

3. Click Yes. All rules are automatically approved.

4. Select File > Save to save the rule file changes.

If you want to review and approve each rule marked as disabled individually, click No to
use the Rule Properties dialog box.

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32 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide

SECTION 5

Defining Items

Selecting Items
The Items tab on the Rule Properties dialog box allows you to define information about the
items to which a rule applies. You define Item 1 and Item 2 by selecting a filter or a catalog item
for each. A filter allows you to specify an extensive class of items to which the rule applies. A
catalog item allows you to specify a single, specific catalog item or symbol. For example, if you
want a rule to apply between nozzles and vessels, define Item 1 by using a filter for nozzles and
Item 2 by using a filter for vessels.
For each item, you can specify a connect point type. Some of the placement methods use
connect points to calculate the placement geometry. For methods that use connect points, you
must specify an appropriate Connect point type.
A rule can apply to a pair of items or a single item. For rules that apply to a single item, you must
use Item 1 to define the item and set Item 2 to Freestanding. The software needs rules that
apply to a single item to support placement of items in free space without relationships to other
items. For example, if you want to place a vessel in free space, define Item 1 by using a filter for
vessels and Item 2 as Freestanding.
For each item, you can specify a placement method that defines how to place the item relative
to the other item. Placement method controls orientation of the geometry and relationships that
the software creates when you place the item. For example, if you want to place nozzles on
vessels, you can define a placement method for Item 1, the nozzle.

Using Implied Items

An implied item is an item in the database with no graphical representation in the drawing file.
You can establish implied items by the existence of a single item, or by the existence of a
relationship between two items.
A common example of a symbol with implied items is a vent drain detail. In the drawing, the vent
drain detail is represented graphically by only one symbol. However, when the symbol is placed,
it represents a 1-inch secondary pipe, a 3/4-inch root valve, and a plug in the database.
Clicking Edit > Properties and selecting the Implied Items tab on the Rule Properties dialog
box allows you to define the method for specifying implied items. The list shows all implied items
for a rule. You can add or delete items by using the Add or Delete buttons beside the list.
If you associate implied items with a single item on the Items tab (Item 2 is freestanding), then
the software creates implied items for each instance of that item in the design. If you associate
implied items with a pair of items, then the software creates implied items for each instance of
the relationship between those two items.
When you delete an item, the software deletes all of the implied items that the item owns.
Because implied items are not graphical, you cannot see them in a drawing. However, you can
display the items in the table view and in reports generated from the database.

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Using Filters
You can use filters in many ways throughout the software and its standalone applications and
utilities.
In SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager, you use filters to define items in individual rules. Provided
you have the correct user access permissions, designated in SmartPlant Engineering Manager,
you have all the capabilities for handling filters in SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager that you have
in SmartPlant Filter Manager itself. Therefore, you can create, modify, and reorganize filters.
You cannot create a compound filter(s) in SmartPlant Rule Manager, but you can view the
properties of compound filters.

 Compound filters cannot be used to define items for individual rules, but you can use the
simple filters inside compound filters to define items for rules.
 If you are using a Workshare environment, Project Filters should not be created at a satellite
site. However, you can always create My Filters in the SmartPlant Filter Manager interface.

Display Filter Properties

1. On the Rule Properties > Items tab, click the Browse button beside the item whose filter
properties you want to view.
2. On the Select Item dialog box, choose Filter in the Item type list.
3. Select the filter for which you want to view properties.
4. Click Properties.
If you have the Select Item dialog box open and are creating or modifying a filter,
do not open SmartPlant Filter Manager and make changes to filters in that utility at the same
time.

Filter Properties Dialog Box

Specifies properties of a filter, including the name, description, and the other properties for
which you want to filter. Each item type owns a set of properties. Examples of item types are
Equipment, Instrument, and Pipe Run, and examples of properties for these item types are
Equipment Type, InstrLoop Part Number, and Estimated Length respectively.
Name — Specifies the filter name. The name can be any combination of characters and any
length. Filter names within a plant must be unique. This name appears as the filter name on the
Filter Manager interface.
Set as asking filter — This check box is selected if the filter is defined as an asking filter.
Description — Allows you to specify a phrase or sentence about the filter. The description can
be any combination of characters and any length. The description appears as a ToolTip when
you point to the filter name on the Filter Manager interface.
Filter for — Contains the top-level items from the Data Dictionary. This area allows you to
specify available properties in the Definition grid.

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Definition
Displays all defined criteria associated with a filter. To add to or modify the definition list, you
must select a line in the list and then define or edit the property in the Edit group.
Match all — Specifies that only items matching ALL of the filtering criteria pass through the
filter.
Match any — Specifies that items matching any one or more of the filtering criteria pass through
the filter. Match any is the default matching method.
Add — Places a new entry at the end of the existing definition list and enables the options in the
Edit group so you can edit the new entry.
Delete — Removes the selected criterion from the definition list. This button is available only
when you select a criterion in the definition list.

Edit
Allows you to define or edit a single line of filter definition criteria.
Property — Displays a list of all properties for a certain item type. Examples of properties
include Equipment Type, Instrument Loop Item Tag, and Estimated Length. You define or
modify filtering criteria by selecting a property, an operator, and a value.
Operator — Specifies the relationship between the property and its value. Examples of
relationships include greater than (>), equal to (=), and not equal to (<>).
Value — Lists appropriate values for the property specified in the Property column. If a list of
attributes is not already associated with the Value box, you must type a value, which can be free
text, or choose null. You can use a percent sign (%) as a wildcard character to find multiple
characters or an underscore (_) as a wildcard character for a single character. Do not use an
asterisk (*) in the Value box.

Add Filter Dialog Box

Specifies properties of a filter, including the name, description, and the other properties for
which you want to filter. Each item type owns a set of properties. Examples of item types are
Equipment, Instrument, and Pipe Run, and examples of properties for these item types are
Equipment Type, Instr. Loop Item Tag, and Estimated Length respectively.
Name — Specifies the filter name. The name can be any combination of characters and any
length. Filter names within a plant must be unique. This name appears as the filter name on the
SmartPlant Filter Manager interface.
Description — Allows you to specify a phrase or sentence about the filter. The description can
be any combination of characters and any length. The description appears as a ToolTip when
you point to the filter name on the SmartPlant Filter Manager interface.
Filter for — Contains the top-level items from the data dictionary. This area allows you to
specify available properties in the Definition grid.

Definition
Displays all defined criteria associated with a filter. To add to or modify the definition list, you
must select a line in the list and then define or edit the property in the Edit group.

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Defining Items

Match all — Specifies that only items matching ALL of the filtering criteria pass through the
filter.
Match any — Specifies that items matching any one or more of the filtering criteria pass through
the filter. Match any is the default matching method.
Add — Places a new entry at the end of the existing definition list and enables the options in the
Edit group so you can edit the new entry.
Delete — Removes the selected criterion from the definition list. This button is available only
when you select a criterion in the definition list.

Edit
Allows you to define or edit a single line of filter definition criteria.
Property — Displays a list of all properties for a certain item type. Examples of properties
include Equipment Type, Instrument Loop Item Tag, and Estimated Length. You define or
modify filtering criteria by selecting a property, an operator, and a value.
Operator — Specifies the relationship between the property and its value. Examples of
relationships include greater than (>), equal to (=), and not equal to (< >).
Value — Lists appropriate values for the property specified in the Property column. If a list of
attributes is not already associated with the Value box, you must type a value, which can be free
text, or choose null. You can type a percent sign (%) as a wildcard character to find multiple
characters or an underscore (_) as a wildcard character for a single character. Do not use an
asterisk (*) in the Value box.

Create a Simple Filter

1. On the Rule Properties > Item tab, click the Browse button beside the item whose filter
you want to view.
2. Open the Select Item dialog box.
3. Select the folder in which you want to add the filter and click New.
4. On the Add Filter dialog box, type a name for the new filter.
5. Type a description in the Description box.
6. Click the Filter for drop-down list, and specify the item type for the new filter.
The selection in the Filter for box determines which properties are available in the Edit
group.
7. In the Definition area, click either Match all or Match any.
Match all means that only those items matching ALL of the filtering criteria pass
through the filter. Match any means that items matching any one or more of the filtering
criteria pass.
8. In the Edit group, select the filter property, operator, and corresponding value for the first
filter criterion.

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9. Click Add to add a line for another filter definition, if needed, and repeat the previous step.

 If you select a date-formatted property, you can specify a date for that property. Click
near Value in the Edit group and select a date on the Calendar dialog box.
 If you have the Select Item dialog box open and are creating or modifying a filter, do not
open SmartPlant Filter Manager and make changes to filters in that utility at the same time.

Calendar Dialog Box

Specifies a date in the Value box on the Filter Properties dialog box. For example, you may
want to filter for pumps that have a date value defined. A date Value is available only for those
properties that are date formatted as specified in SmartPlant Data Dictionary Manager. Select
the date you want and click OK.

Month — Allows you to choose the correct month.

Year — Allows you to choose the correct year.
Dates — Allows you to specify the date of the month.

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Defining Items

Compound Filter Properties Dialog Box

A compound filter consists of more than one simple filter. Simple filters are added to the
compound filter either by dragging the simple filter to the compound filter folder or by creating
new simple filters under the compound filter in the filter hierarchy. Compound filters apply only to
homogeneous item types. This dialog box specifies the properties of a compound filter,
including the name, description, and whether to match all or any of the simple filter criteria.

Name — Specifies the filter name. The name can be any combination of characters and has no
length limit. Filter names within a plant must be unique. This name appears as the filter name on
the Select Item dialog box.
Description — Specifies a phrase or sentence about the filter. The description can be any
combination of characters and has no length limit. The description appears as a ToolTip when
you point to the filter name on the Select Filter dialog box.

Filter method
Allows you to decide whether items must meet all or only one criterion to pass through the filter.
Match all — Specifies that items matching ALL of the filtering criteria pass through the filter.
Match any — Specifies that items matching any one or more of the filtering criteria pass through
the filter. Match any is the default matching method.

Understanding Placement Properties

Under different circumstances with different catalog items, you want to control how that item is
placed in a design and how it relates to other items nearby. Placement properties allow you to
specify how items appear in the drawing and how they are related to other items.
You choose the type of placement in a rule when you choose the items involved in that rule. On
the Items tab of the Rule Properties dialog box, you can specify the placement type and
options for the placement type that you choose.
The following placement type options are available:
 None — Use this option for freestanding or non-existent items or for rules that do not pertain
to the placement of an item. For example, a rule that prohibits the placement of an item can
naturally use None for the placement type.
 Geometric — This placement type is frequently used for equipment and equipment
components. You can specify rotation and mirroring with this placement type, making it the

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appropriate way to control how, for example, a nozzle behaves when you place it inside or
outside of a piece of equipment. You can click Properties to define the options for this
placement type on the Geometric Placement Properties dialog box.
 In-Line — Use this option to control how an item is placed in relationship to a signal or pipe
run. This placement type is used for inline piping and instrument components. Click
Properties to define the options for this placement type on the In-Line Placement
Properties dialog box.
 Label — Specify this placement type for rules governing the placement of a label on its
target.
 Snap-On — Use this option to connect items without the geometric implications of the
geometric placement type. It is used, for example, to connect an instrument to an
instrument. Click Properties to define the options for this placement type on the Snap-On
Placement Properties dialog box.
 Line Run — Use this placement type for rules governing the placement of line or signal
runs.

Choose a Placement Method

1. Select the rule you want to modify, and click Edit > Properties.
2. On the Rule Properties dialog box, click on the Items tab.
3. In the Placement method list for Item 1, choose a placement type.
4. Click Properties next to the Placement method list in order to further specify options for
the placement type you have chosen.
If you select a placement method that does not have further options to specify, the
Properties button is not available.
5. If you have specified an Item 2 for this rule, choose a placement type for Item 2 and then
specify the placement method properties.

 Occasionally, you may want to specify a placement method for both items. For example, if
you have a rule that applies to valves and pipes and want to place valves on pipes and also
connect pipes to valves, you should specify a placement method for each item. You are not
required to select a placement method for both items.
 You select a placement method for an item only if you can place that item on another item.
In the nozzle example, you do not select a placement method for the vessel because you do
not want to place a vessel on an existing nozzle.
 You do not need to select any placement method at all. If a rule does not have a placement
method associated with it, the rule does not participate in placement. You can use this type
of rule for consistency checking or implied items.

SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide 39

Defining Items

Using Geometric Placement

The Geometric placement method is designed to support placement of one item, the source, as
a freestanding item or relative to an existing item, the target. The method assumes that the
source item is a symbol and does not use connect points. You do not need to specify connect
point types on the Items (see "Items Tab (Rule Properties Dialog Box)" on page 24) tab of the
Rule Properties dialog box.
This placement method allows you to snap to the target, rotate perpendicular to the target, and
mirror to the inside or the outside of the target.
Use this placement method to place freestanding items, such as equipment, and to place
equipment components, such as nozzles and trays.

Geometric Placement Properties Dialog Box

Defines placement methods according to the geometry of the items that you are placing. You
can select options that allow you to define snap placement (using connect points), orthogonal
placement, mirroring, assign ownership of items, and so forth. Distances can be defined for
items you are placing inside other items.
This dialog box opens when you click the Properties button next to the Placement type list
when you select Geometric on the Items tab of the Rule Properties dialog box.

Action
Position — Defines the action to take when positioning the target item. Choose from the
following options:
 None — Allows you to place an item without it actually touching the item on which it is being
placed.

40 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide

 Defining Items

 Snap — Allows you to actually place an item that automatically attaches to the geometry of
the item on which you are placing it.
Rotation — Defines the action to take when rotating an item that you are placing. Choose from
the following options:
 None — Indicates that no rotation applies.
 Align — Rotates the item that you are placing perpendicular to the geometry of the item on
which you are placing it. You can place the item at any angle.
 Orthogonal — Sets the rotation to 90 degrees using the north, south, east, and west
positions.
Mirror — Defines an action to take when mirroring an item. Choose from the following options:
 Mirror to Cursor — Mirrors the item according to location of the pointer. If the pointer is
outside the item, then you can mirror and place your item there. If the pointer is inside the
item, then you can mirror the item and place it.
 Mirror to Outside — Mirrors the item that you are placing outside of the geometry of the
item already placed.
 Mirror to Inside — Mirrors the item that you are placing inside of the geometry of the item
that you already placed.
 None — Does not allow mirroring of the item you are placing.
Owner — Defines the item that owns the item that you are placing. For example, if you are
placing a nozzle on a pump, then the pump is defined as the owner of the nozzle. If the pump is
moved later, then the nozzle moves with the pump. Choose from the following options:
 None — Implies items that you are placing are not associated and do not move with the
item already placed.
 Glue to Target — Establishes an association with the item you are placing and the item
already placed. If one of these items is moved, all associated items move also.
Reach — Allows you to place an item inside another item without touching the geometry of the
item already placed.
Reach distance — Defines the effective distance between the source and target items for
associated actions to exhibit their behavior. This distance is measured in meters.

Using Inline Placement

Inline placement is designed to support placement of one item, the source, relative to an existing
item, the target. The method assumes that the source item is a symbol and the target item is a
line run. Inline placement uses connect point information in the source item and calculates
placement configurations with the geometry of the target line run. When you use this placement
method, you specify the connect point type for the source item, but you do not specify connect
point type for the target item.
You specify options for inline placement on the In-Line Placement Properties dialog box. This
placement method works in two ways:
 If the Rotate and mirror to fit option is True, the software explores all possible
combinations of rotation and mirroring to find the ways that the source can fit on the target
geometry. The software can generate multiple configurations and display them by using the
configuration tool in the design software.

SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide 41

Defining Items

 If the Rotate and mirror to fit option is False, the software finds the connect points on the
source that match the target geometry. If a match is found, the software generates a single
configuration with zero rotation.
Placement is available for both the endpoints and at any internal points within a line. If you place
an item at an internal point, the line is broken into two runs, and the new item is inserted.
Use this placement method primarily to place instruments and piping components into pipes and
signal lines. You can place off-page and utility connectors on end-points by using this method,
too.

In-Line Placement Properties Dialog Box

Defines inline component placement methods. This dialog box opens when you click the
Properties button next to the Placement type list when you select In-Line on the Items tab of
the Rule Properties dialog box.

Action
Rotate and mirror to fit — Enables mirroring and rotating to fit options.
Place only at end point — Allows for inline placement only at an endpoint.
Add to line run — Allows you to add items to a run. If you do not choose Place only at end
point, this option is not available.

Using Label Placement

Use the Label placement type for rules that relate labels to their targets. Look in the delivered
Label Placement folder in SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager for some examples.

42 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide

 Defining Items

Using Snap-On Placement

Snap-On placement supports placement of one item, the source, relative to an existing item, the
target. The method assumes that symbols represent both the source and target items. Snap-on
placement relies on connect points in both the source and target to define the placement
configurations. When you use this placement method for an item, you specify the connect point
types for both items.
You can use this placement method to place actuators on valves, TEMA ends on TEMA shells,
and instrument functions on instruments. You can also use this method to place inline
components, such as valves, directly on nozzles and other inline components.
This placement method works in two ways:
 If the Rotate To Fit option is True, the software generates a configuration for each connect
point in the source. Each configuration rotates the source by an angle to allow the source
and target connect points to match.
 If the Rotate To Fit option is False, the software finds the one connect point on the source
that matches with the target connect point. The software generates a single configuration
with zero rotation.

Snap-On Placement Properties Dialog Box

Specifies placement options for the snap-on method. You can define the mirroring options, an
owner for the item being placed, and a gap distance that defines the placement distance
between items. This dialog box opens when you click the Properties button next to the
Placement type list when you select Snap-On on the Items tab of the Rule Properties dialog
box.

Action
Rotate to fit — Rotates the item being placed so that the connect points fit together. If not
selected, the software locates the connect points and no rotation is applied.
Mirror — Allows you to choose to mirror, or flip, the orientation of an item. For example, set this
option if you want nozzles to always point out from the geometry of equipment.
Owner — Defines how the item being placed is related to the target item. Choose from the
following options:

SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide 43

Defining Items

 Glue To Target — Implies items are kept together during a move. For example, when you
move equipment, all components attached to it also move.
 Connect to Target — Implies the item being placed is connected to the target item by
means of a pipe run or a signal run.
 None — Implies items you are placing are not associated and do not move with the item
already placed.
Gap distance — Defines the distance between your items. This distance is in meters.

Using Line Run Placement

Line Run placement supports placement of one item, the source, relative to an existing item, the
target. The method assumes that the source item is a line run and the target item is a symbol.
Line run placement uses connect point information in the target item to calculate the placement
configurations. When you use this placement method, you specify the connect point type for the
target item. Do not specify connect point types for the source item.
The Line Run Placement method uses this placement method to attach piping and signal lines
to instruments and piping components.

44 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide

Index
Exit Command (File Menu) • 14
A
About SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager F
Command (Help Menu) • 8 Filter Properties Dialog Box • 34
Add Filter Dialog Box • 35
Add Folder Command (Edit Menu) • 11 G
Add Implied Item Dialog Box • 30
Add Rule Command (Edit Menu) • 18 General Tab (Rule Properties Dialog Box) •
Additional Documentation • 8 23
Approve All Rules • 31 Generate Report Command (File Menu) •
Approve All Rules Command (Edit Menu) • 15
31 Geometric Placement Properties Dialog
Box • 40
C
I
Calendar Dialog Box • 37
Choose a Placement Method • 39 Implied Items Tab (Rule Properties Dialog
Close SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager • 14 Box) • 28
Compound Filter Properties Dialog Box • 38 In-Line Placement Properties Dialog Box •
Connect to a Database • 11 42
Consistency Tab (Rule Properties Dialog Items Tab (Rule Properties Dialog Box) • 24
Box) • 25
Copy a Rule • 13 M
Copy Command (Edit Menu) • 13 Modify a Rule • 30
Create a Folder • 11 Most Recently Used List Command (File
Create a New Rule Base • 18 Menu) • 10
Create a Rule • 18
Create a Simple Filter • 36
Creating and Modifying Rules • 17
N
Cut a Rule • 13 Navigating in Rule Manager • 9
Cut Command (Edit Menu) • 12 Navigating in SmartPlant P&ID Rule
Manager • 9
New Command (File Menu) • 17
D
Define Rule Options • 21
Defining Items • 33
O
Delete a Folder • 12 Open an Existing Rule Base • 9
Delete a Rule • 12 Open Command (File Menu) • 9
Delete Command (Edit Menu) • 12 Open Database Command (File Menu) • 10
Display Filter Properties • 34 Open Plant Structure Dialog Box • 10
Display Rule Properties • 30
P
E Paste a Rule • 13
Example Paste Command (Edit Menu) • 13
Create a Rule to Copy Values From a Print a Rules Summary Report • 15
Valve Upon Placement • 20 Printable Guides Command (Help Menu) • 8
Create a Rule to Copy Values From Printing a Rules Summary Report • 15
Piping to a Globe Valve • 19 Properties Command (Edit Menu) • 22

SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide 45

Index

R
Rename a Folder • 11
Rename a Rule • 12
Rename Command (Edit Menu) • 11
Rule Options Command (Edit Menu) • 20
Rule Options Dialog Box • 21
Rule Properties Dialog Box • 22

S
Save a Rule Base • 14
Save a Rule Base Under a Different Name •
14
Save As Command (File Menu) • 14
Save Command (File Menu) • 14
Select Item Dialog Box • 29
Selecting Items • 33
SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager Help
Command (Help Menu) • 8
Snap-On Placement Properties Dialog Box
• 43

U
Understanding Placement Properties • 38
Understanding Priority and Relationships •
17
Using Filters • 34
Using Geometric Placement • 40
Using Implied Items • 33
Using Inline Placement • 41
Using Label Placement • 42
Using Line Run Placement • 44
Using Rules for Consistency Checking • 8
Using SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager • 7
Using Snap-On Placement • 43

46 SmartPlant P&ID Rule Manager User's Guide