pipe-translator

A Python utility for translating pipe layout files from CAESAR II (.NTXT format) to PIPESTRESS (.FRE format).

Overview

This tool converts piping system data exported from CAESAR II stress analysis software into a format readable by PIPESTRESS. It processes .NTXT files and generates .FRE files with appropriate PIPESTRESS cards for piping elements.

Features

• Automatic File Detection: Scans the working directory for .NTXT files
• Interactive File Selection: Allows users to choose from multiple .NTXT files
• Comprehensive Element Support: Currently translates some piping elements including:
  • CROS - Cross-sections/pipe properties
  • TANG - Tangent/straight pipe sections
  • BRAD - Bend radius definitions
  • VALV - Valve components
  • CRED - Concentrated reducers
  • ERED - Eccentric reducers
  • SUPP - Support points
  • JUNC - Junction points
  • ANCH - Anchor points
• Logging: Detailed operation logging with timestamps
• Error Handling: Robust error handling for file operations

Requirements

• Python 3.x
• pandas library
• os (built-in)
• datetime (built-in)

Installation

1. Clone or download the repository
2. Install required dependencies:

   pip install pandas

Usage

1. Place your .NTXT files in the same directory as pipe-translator.py
2. Run the script:

   python pipe-translator.py

3. If multiple .NTXT files are found, select the desired file when prompted
4. The translated .FRE file will be generated as output.FRE

File Structure

Input Format (.NTXT)

• Fixed-width format exported from CAESAR II
• Contains element types: ELMT, REST, RIGD, BEND, RED
• Includes node information, displacements, and pipe properties

Output Format (.FRE)

• PIPESTRESS-compatible format
• Organized into two sections:
  • PROPERTIES: CROS cards defining pipe cross-sections
  • PIPING: Element cards defining the piping layout

Classes

Base

Base class providing common functionality:

• File system operations
• Logging capabilities
• Working directory management

NtxtObj

Handles .NTXT file operations:

• File discovery and listing
• User file selection
• File parsing and dataframe creation

PepsObj

Manages PIPESTRESS file generation:

• Element translation logic
• PIPESTRESS card generation
• Output file writing

Translation Logic

The translator processes elements in the following manner:

1. ELMT (Elements): Converted to TANG cards with displacement and property data
2. REST (Restraints): Converted to SUPP cards for support points
3. RIGD (Rigid): Converted to VALV cards for valve components
4. BEND (Bends): Converted to BRAD cards with radius information
5. RED (Reducers): Converted to CRED or ERED cards based on displacement data

Output

• Log File: pipe-translator.log - Contains detailed operation logs
• Output File: output.FRE - PIPESTRESS-compatible piping data
• Console Output: Real-time operation status and prompts

Example

> Base class created...
> NtxtObj class created...
> PepsObj class created...
> output.FRE file created...
>>> .NTXT file [0] --> example_pipe
>>> Read file [0]
> output.FRE file cleared...
> Translation job started...
> Translation job finished...
> Writing .FRE file...
>>> 5 CROS cards created!
>>> 25 element cards created!

Error Handling

The application includes error handling for:

• File access issues
• Invalid file formats
• Missing data elements
• Index out of range errors

Notes

• The tool assumes node numbering starts from 10 (anchor point)
• Cross-section properties are automatically numbered starting from 100
• Junction cards are automatically cleaned up to prevent duplicates
• All output includes proper PIPESTRESS formatting and syntax

Software Information

• Source Software: CAESAR II
• Target Software: PIPESTRESS
• File Formats: .NTXT (CAESAR II export) → .FRE (PIPESTRESS input)

Version History

• v1.0.0: First and current version
• Previous versions available in /old directory

Author

André Buchmann Müller

License

See LICENSE.md file for licensing information.