The Branch Table node (the Pipe Branch sheet in the workbook) defines the rules for selecting a short code for the automatic insertion of branches. The rules for selecting the short code are based on the header and branch diameter and the angle. The type of branch fittings that can be selected by this rule include a tee, a reducing tee, a tee with a reducing insert or a bushing, a lateral, an olet-type branch, a reinforcing weld, a reinforcing pad, a half coupling, and so forth. If you want to provide optional branches for manual insertion to override the branch rule, you need to create entries in the Piping Commodity Filter and set the Selection Basis for those entries to "Branch Fitting by User" (115).
If the short codes do not display in the branch table, click Tools Menu > Options Command and then select the Short Codes Tab (Options Dialog). Define or edit the short codes as needed, or to accept the default short codes, simply click OK.
After the short code is identified, the software goes to the Piping Commodity Filter to lookup the short code. When the short code is found on the Piping Commodity Filter sheet, the corresponding commodity code is found to find the correct part.
Angle Low (Required)
Type the minimum angle for this short code to be considered.
Angle High (Required)
Type the maximum angle for this short code to be considered.
Branch Size (Required)
Type the branch size for this short code to be considered. You define the units for this size in the BrSizeNPDUnitType column.
Br Size NPD Unit Type (Required)
Specify the units for the branch maximum and minimum sizes that you have defined in the BranchSize_Lo and BranchSize_High columns. For example, you can type m, cm, mm, ft, or in.
Header Size (Required)
Type the header size for this short code to be considered. You define the units for this size in the HdrSizeNPDUnitType column.
Hdr Size NPD Unit Type (Required)
Specify the units for the header maximum and minimum sizes that you have defined in the HeaderSize_Lo and HeaderSize_High columns. For example, you can type m, cm, mm, ft, or in.
Secondary Short Code (Optional)
Type an optional short code for this size and angle range. A value is required here only when branch reinforcement calculations are being used, and a size reducing branch applies. This short code represents a branch of more strength than the primary short code, but less strength than the tertiary short code.
Short Code (Required)
Type the short code to use for this size and angle range. The software uses this short code to find the commodity code on the Pipe Spec sheet. If branch reinforcement calculations are being used, and a size reducing branch applies, this short code represents the branch of least strength.
Spec Name (Required)
Type the name of the piping materials class for which you are defining pipe branch rules. The piping materials class that you enter must be defined on the Piping Materials Classes.
Tertiary Short Code (Optional)
Type an optional short code for this size and angle range. A value is required here only when branch reinforcement calculations are being used, and a size reducing branch applies. This short code represents the strongest branch.