Often in a piping model multiple identical paths are present and must be entered in PIPE-FLO.  Using PIPE-FLO's advanced drawing features piping systems with multiple paths can be created quickly.  This article describes how to use the group copy, attaching nodes, and adding vertex features of PIPE-FLO to simplify this task.

In this example we will draw a portion of a piping system that has three parallel paths.  The three paths have the same components, controls, and isolation valves.  All the pipelines are the same nominal size and schedule, but the pipe lengths and the number of elbows vary based on the pipe routing.

In this example we will place the component and control in one of the paths.  Since the pipe material, fluid, and isolation valves will be identical in all three paths we will enter the connecting pipe information prior to our copy operation.

Group Copy
Once the first path is drawn and the design details entered for the pipelines we will copy the entire path.  Refer to Figure 1.

1. Choose the pointer tool from the tool bar.
   
2. Move the mouse pointer above and to the left of the path.
   
3. Drag the mouse pointer to the lower right of the path.  
   
4. Release the mouse button and choose the Copy Group command from the context menu.
   
5. The original path is copied.  Using the mouse pointer move the copy of the path into place and click the mouse button.
   
6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 above to create the third parallel path.
   

NOTE: Make sure you select the entire pipeline including the junctions at the end of the pipes.



Attach Nodes
After the three paths are on the flow sheet the next step is to attach the nodes to the rest of the system.  Figure 2 Step 1 shows attaching the nodes.

1. Highlight the node the copied paths.
   
2. Drag the node of a copied path on top of the node for the original path.
   
3. Confirm that you want to attach the nodes.
   

Adding a Vertex
After the nodes are connected add the necessary vertices to the pipeline.  Figure 2 step 2 shows the addition of the vertex.

1. Press down and hold the Ctrl key
   
2. Highlight the pipeline on the FLO-Sheet to add the vertex.
   
3. Drag the mouse to the location for the new vertex.
   
4. Release the mouse and Ctrl key.

Finishing Up
Once the multiple paths have been added to the flow sheet you will want to make the necessary changes to the individual pipelines as needed.