Save as C:\AVEVA\E3D\MACROS\create_vessel.mac
Objective: Determine the maximum extent of a gas cloud for a leak from a specific pipe segment under 12 different wind directions.
Manual Approach:
Macro Approach:
In the world of 3D plant design, time is money. AVEVA E3D (Everything3D) is a powerhouse for designing complex oil rigs, chemical plants, and power stations. However, even with its intuitive interface, repetitive tasks—such as placing standard nozzles, creating specific primitives, or adjusting viewports—can consume hundreds of man-hours.
Enter AVEVA E3D Macros.
Macros are scripted sequences of commands that automate repetitive workflows. A single macro can replace 50 mouse clicks with one keyboard shortcut. For project leads, mastering macros isn't just about speed; it's about consistency, error reduction, and standardization.
This article will dissect everything you need to know about AVEVA E3D macros, from basic recording to advanced parameterization and error handling.
Instead of manually clicking "Primitives -> Cylinder -> Enter coordinates," a macro can generate a complete structural node, nozzle, or stiffener in 0.5 seconds.
Example use case: Creating a standard 24" nozzle with a 150# flange, 200mm neck, and specific bolt hole orientation.
Here is a macro used daily in plant design to create standard nozzles. aveva e3d macros
-- macro: nozzle.mac (Usage: MACRO nozzle A 150 1000 N 200) $ Name, Size, East, North, Up, Direction DEFINE N_NAME 'ARGV[1]' DEFINE N_SIZE ARGV[2] DEFINE N_EAST ARGV[3] DEFINE N_NORTH ARGV[4] DEFINE N_UP ARGV[5] DEFINE N_DIR 'ARGV[6]'NEW NOZZ NAME #N_NAME SPREF "FLANGE-RF-" + #N_SIZE POS E #N_EAST N #N_NORTH U #N_UP DIRECTION #N_DIR LENGTH 150 CREATE FINISH
$ Example: MACRO nozzle H-101 300 2000 500 1500 N
Cause: You typed a command in the macro that exists in E3D Design but not in the current module (e.g., using DRAFT commands in the MODEL module).
Fix: Precede with MODULE DRAFT or MODULE DESIGN.
Subject: Utilization of Automation and Macros within the E3D (Environmental, Explosion and Dispersion) Modeling Suite. Audience: Safety Engineers, Risk Analysts, and E3D Users. Save as C:\AVEVA\E3D\MACROS\create_vessel
Scenario: An EPC firm needed to model 450 identical pipe racks across a refinery. Each rack had 20 handrails, 15 grating panels, and 8 vertical supports.
Manual time per rack: 45 minutes. Total manual: 337.5 hours.
Solution:
A senior designer wrote a parameterized macro (rack.mac) that accepted:
The macro contained logic to:
Result: