Reduce Pumpsim DESIGN file size by Simplifying reference layers

[Don Wallace]

Pumpsim DESIGN files will grow as the model is updated and pipes and fittings added. One component that will also quickly increase the size of the file is reference graphics that can be imported into the file. When working with mining models for Pumpsim DESIGN it is common to import reference layers from external applications that create DXF files.

Using follow methods of reducing the size of reference layers in Pumpsim DESIGN model files we have been able to successfully reduce the size of the files to 20 to 30 percent of their original size while still containing useful reference layers. We would recommend users with files larger than 10MB with significant reference layers use this approach.

The reference layers are displayed in the Reference Layer tab of the Display manager form.

Reference Layers

As more Reference Layer are added the file size will increase and it will take longer to load and save the file. There are 2 types of reference layers.

1. Solids - these consist many triangles used to display a solid shape. Often the density of triangles in the layer can be reduces (simplified) without dramatically affecting the look of the reference layer.
2. Lines - these consist of just line and can not be simplified (however they are not as large as solid layers)

In Pumpsim DESIGN we have 2 ways of "Simplifying" reference layer that will lead to an overall reduction in the size of the Pumpsim DESIGN model file.

Before "Simplifying" reference layer it is recommended that you make a backup of your model file.

1. Simplifying during the import of the DXF layer.

• From the main menu select File -> Import and select the DXF file to import
• In the "Simpilfy Options" section of the from set the "Simplify %" - recommended a value of 50 - 20%. You may want to experiment with this value. The value set will be remember for next time you import a DXF file.
• The simplification of the reference layer will result in creating the set percentage number of triangle that what would have been created if it was left at 100%. That is is the reference layer would have been created with 50 000 triangles and the Simplify % was 30 it would create the layer with 15 000 triangles.

2. Simplifying existing reference layer using the Filter tool.

• On the Display manager switch the Reference Layers tab. This will display all reference layer with a size of the layer in its description
• You may individual select or multiple select layers with a large size (>1.0 MB). It is recommended that you  "Simplifying" a single reference layer by selecting all layers off (black light bulb button) and then just selecting a single layer.
• From the main menu select Tools -> Filter to open the Filter form
• Switch to the "References" tab.
• Set the "Simplify %" - recommended a value of 50 - 20% and leave Replace Layers checked on.
• Click on the "Simplify" to run the process of reducing the number a triangles in the selected layer.
• Check the updated reference layer stills looks acceptable before continuing a saving the updated model file.

 

You may re-run the "Simplifying" of a reference layer a second time on a layer, but if you do this it would require increasing the "Simplify %" for the second pass.

Point of caution - do not attempt to reduce the reference layer size to far as it will affect how the reference layer appears in the graphics window.