Why COMPRESS

XML Data Export

In addition to the 3D Solid Model Export, COMPRESS also exports pressure vessel and heat exchanger data in Extensible Markup Language (XML) format. XML is a more structured form of HTML and has become the language of choice for communication between computer programs.

There are numerous advantages to using this widely implemented vendor and system independent standard. An XML file is written in plain text so it is easy to read, understand and modify. It does not require the use of expensive proprietary software to access, just a plain text editor. Also, XML documents can be hierarchical. Along with the data there is also a link between components. A simple hierarchical example would be a nozzle on a cylinder:

<Cylinder>

<nozzle>

</nozzle>

</Cylinder>

Another benefit of XML is that it protects your investment in custom software because extensions to the COMPRESS XML data structure will not break software written using the previous schema.

COMPRESS exports a large amount of information in XML for every vessel and exchanger, including:

• Physical dimensions
• Materials of construction
• Design specifications
• Component minimum thickness (t_min)
• Calculated forces and moments
• Component MAWP
• Component weights

The specification for this file is the schema, a road map which enables you to extract desired information from the XML file for a particular vessel or exchanger. This enables you to manipulate the data for your own purposes, such as:

• Developing company specific reports and mechanical calculations
• Importing information directly into your costing system
• Performing different weight calculations than those offered by COMPRESS
• Performing Fitness for Service calculations using extracted minimum thickness (tmin)

Codeware hereby places the schema for pressure vessels and heat exchangers which it has developed into the public domain. All parties are invited to use this schema for private and commercial purposes free of charge and are encouraged to be generous in sharing whatever they develop with the engineering community. Our belief is that by establishing a standard XML pressure vessel and heat exchanger schema, everyone will benefit.

To illustrate how to apply XML technology we have provided an example application, XML Reader. XML Reader is a basic application that reads any output XML file (*.xml) created by COMPRESS and displays a comprehensive list of specific vessel data such as dimensions, design conditions, materials, etc. The XML Reader is meant for illustrative purposes only and Codeware assumes no liability and expresses no warranty in the use of this program.

View COMPRESS XML Schema
View output XML file for a sample vessel
Download XML Reader (application)
Download XML Reader (source code)

Note 1: To activate XML output check the box "Export to XML" located in Set Mode/Environment. Output for vessels and exchangers will have the filename extension *.xml. The schema is called PresureVessel.xsd and is in the directory holding the COMPRESS compwin.exe file.

Note 2: If you receive the error "Run-time error '429': Active X component can't create object," then the required Microsoft XML Parser is not installed. View the Parser installation instructions.

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