PDS Design Review

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Introduction

PDS (Plant Design System) Design Review is a solution for performing design reviews using 3D models, primarily in plant design and large facility construction projects. It visually verifies design components such as piping, equipment, and structures through interactive 3D visualization, enabling interference checks and early detection of design errors.

Data Format Overview

DGN: A MicroStation-based 2D/3D design data format, and the main file format for PDS.
DRV (Design Review): Lightweight 3D view data optimized for design reviews, generated from DGN.
**MDB: **A Microsoft Access format database that stores component information (attributes and specifications) in PDS.
ISO file: An intermediate file for generating isometric drawings. Often used in piping design.
**NWD/NWC (Navisworks): **A view format that is sometimes converted for linking PDS data.

Pros

Easy interference checking: It is easy to visually check interference between complex 3D models, reducing errors at the design stage.
Simultaneous checking possible across multiple departments: The same model can be shared by stakeholders in different positions, such as design, construction, and operations.
Improved work efficiency: View operations are intuitive, and it is easy to extract information and enter comments.
Utilize legacy data assets: Existing PDS data can be reused as is for reviews.

Cons

Highly software-dependent: Depends on Intergraph (now Hexagon) PDS environment, and compatibility with other 3D CAD is limited.
Requires skill to operate: Some UI and functions are somewhat difficult for beginners to use.
Limited ability to reduce data size: With large-scale models, DR views can also become heavy, requiring a high-spec PC environment.

Application Scenario

PDS Design Review is widely used in large-scale plant construction projects such as petrochemical plants, nuclear power plants, pharmaceutical factories, and energy-related facilities. For example, it is used to check for interference at the piping design stage, consider safety areas, and evaluate maintainability.

It is also effective for mock assembly simulations before construction and 3D training for operator education. It can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as remote reviews with overseas parties, visualization of design changes, and history comparison.