Using Pipe Types to Create Piping System Types including Electrical Conduit

Piping Systems

Revit MEP is design to work with specific system types. The pre-designed types of systems
include:



This list leaves out quite a few types of systems. There are many more uses for piping than are included in this list. So, how do we create alternatives? The pipe type gives us this opportunity. Start by creating new pipe types and editing their properties to create sub-systems that represent the different system types you need.

The reason for making more system families is so there is a wider range of pipe types to select from based on the types of fittings used and/or what the piping system is design to carry. An example of this is sanitary waste and vent piping. It is usually made from PVC. Having this preconfigured and listed in the system types will help in selecting the right type of pipe.

Scroll down to the Families section in the project browser. Find and expand Pipes and then expand Pipe Types. Right click on the PVC pipe type, choose Duplicate. This will create a new Pipe Type. Right click on the new type and select rename. Change it to Plumbing Vent Pipe - PVC.

Right click on the new type and choose Properties.



Edit the Type Mark value, changing it to DWV. You can also provide descriptions, model, manufacturer name, etc. as needed. Since these are type parameters that are being changed, all examples of this pipe type will be affected. Choose OK to close the dialog. By applying unique Type Marks within the type, it makes it easier to sort and filter them later into a materials list.

While pipe types live in the template, the fittings are actually loaded from separate library files. As you begin to define the pipe types, you can review the library and import additional fittings as needed. To import fittings, go to the File menu and choose Load from Library, and then choose Load Family.

Browse to the Pipe folder, and then choose fittings. The following fitting types are available:

Caps
Crosses
Elbows
Lateral Tees
Profiles
Spuds
Tees
Transitions
Unions
Wyes

Select the PVC folder and browse to the DWV and then choose the Tee Reducing Double Vent - PVC - Sch 40 - DWV.rfa file.

A double tee is used as a cross in the pipe type. To change the fitting, scroll down to the Families section in the project browser. Find and expand Pipes and then expand Pipe Types. Right click on the Plumbing Vent Pipe - PVC pipe type and select Properties change the cross to the Tee Reducing Double Vent - PVC - Sch 40 DWV type.




By selecting the appropriate fittings for each category, Revit will use those when routing pipe for the respective pipe types. Since these are system families, they need to be configured in the templates so they are predefined for each project started. Name them so that the system and material clearly identify the pipe type and system type for each.

Using Pipe to Represent Conduit

Revit MEP doesnt include conduit (yet). So to create conduit we are going to make a pipe type similar to the process above. This will not be conduit but a pipe type that closely represents conduit. In short, were going to cheat.

To start we want to Create the fitting first. Copying an existing elbow fitting component, and then editing it to include a long radius set of values is going to be the easiest way to accomplish this. To keep this simple, were going to duplicate the Standard Pipe Style, and then modify the fittings that are assigned to it.

In Windows browse to the imperial library folder. (in most installations, the path is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RME 2009\Imperial Library). and open the Pipe > Fittings > Elbow folder. Right click on the Pipe Elbow and choose Copy, and then right click
In a blank area of the folder and choose Paste. Rename the copy to Conduit Elbow.

Open this new conduit elbow family, and then select Types from the Ribbon. Once the dialog is open, create a new family type:





Name the new type Long Radius. Under the new type, scroll down to the center radius setting this is set by formula that calculates the center line by adding the pipe radius and insulation thick, and then adds by default. Change the value to 1 (one foot).



Select OK.
Load the Fitting into the project or the template.

Create the Pipe Style

Follow the instructions above to create a new Pipe Type. Duplicate the Standard pipe type. Rename the copy to Conduit.

Right click on the Conduit pipe type and choose Properties. The material controls dimensions used for outside and inside radius. If were only using this for representation purposes, then leave the material and connection as they are. Change the Elbow type to Conduit Elbow Long Radius. Now you can draw pipe showing a long radius (or short radius) fitting. You can also make similar adjustments to tees, transitions as needed by simply making a copy of the fittings and then editing the copy.

Once these parts are created, make sure you include them in your template.