Development of an Engineering Database System for Fluid System Design

This paper describes Procad, an engineering database system developed for workstations based on PC compatible microcomputers that can be applied for the design of fluid systems of ships and industrial plants. Procad permits the production of Process and Instrumentation Flow Diagrams, with automatic generation of the associated design engineering documents such as equipment, valve, pipe line and instrument lists. By using the design data stored in the Procad database, the sizing computation of lines, equipment and instruments are also automatically calculated through peripherical programs specially developed and directly connected to the Procad System. In addition, it is possible to integrate Procad with process simulation programs designed to evaluate process configuration and operating parameters. The Procad system has been used in the design of new installations with significant improvement in quality, productivity and reliability when compared with traditional design methods, being an important tool to reduce engineering costs.