Top 30 PDMS Software Training Interview Questions

PDMS (Plant Design Management System) is a comprehensive 3D CAD software used for designing, modeling, and analyzing complex industrial plant structures, including piping, equipment, and structural components, predominantly in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

Multisoft Virtual Academy’s PDMS software online training involves learning to use Plant Design Management System (PDMS), a 3D CAD tool for designing and modeling industrial plants. The training covers modules like piping, equipment, structural design, and drafting, focusing on creating detailed models, managing data, and collaborating in a multidisciplinary environment for efficient plant design.

Have a look at these top 30 PDMS Software Training interview questions, and prepare well!

Q1. What is PDMS and its uses?

PDMS is a multi-disciplinary, customizable software used primarily for engineering, design, and construction projects in offshore and onshore. It allows the creation of a 3D model of a plant or facility, enabling engineers to design complex structures, piping systems, and equipment layouts in a simulated environment.

Q2. Explain the main features of PDMS.

PDMS offers features like 3D modeling, which includes piping, equipment, HVAC, and cable trays; customizable catalogues and specifications; clash detection; isometric and orthographic drawing generation; and integration with other design and analysis software.

Q3. Can you describe the PDMS architecture?

PDMS architecture consists of a database server that stores the project data, application servers for processing data, and client workstations where users interact with the software. It supports multi-user collaboration, allowing different disciplines to work concurrently on a project.

Q4. How does PDMS contribute to project efficiency?

By allowing the creation of a detailed 3D model, PDMS helps in identifying design errors early, reducing rework. It streamlines the design process, improves accuracy, and enhances collaboration, ultimately leading to time and cost savings.

Q5. What are the key modules in PDMS?

Key modules include Design, Draft, Isodraft, and Admin. The Design module is used for 3D modeling; Draft for creating drawings; Isodraft for isometric drawings; and Admin for project setup and administration.

Q6. How do you create a new project in PDMS?

A new project in PDMS is created through the Admin module. It involves setting up the project hierarchy, defining databases, and configuring user access and design parameters.

Q7. Explain the role of the Equipment Modeling module.

The Equipment Modeling module in PDMS is used to design complex equipment models. It allows for the creation of detailed, custom-shaped 3D models, which are crucial for accurate space allocation and interference checking.

Q8. What is Piping Design in PDMS and its importance?

Piping Design in PDMS involves creating accurate 3D models of the piping system, including pipes, valves, and fittings. It’s crucial for space management, clash detection, and generating accurate materials take-off.

Q9. Describe the procedure for creating a valve in PDMS.

Creating a valve in PDMS involves selecting the appropriate specifications from the catalogue, choosing the valve type, and placing it in the desired location in the 3D model. Parameters like size, rating, and orientation are also defined.

Q10. How do you perform clash detection in PDMS?

Clash detection in PDMS is done through the Clash Manager tool. It checks for interferences between different components in the 3D model and generates reports for any detected clashes, which can then be resolved by the design team.

Q11. What are the types of drawings that can be generated from PDMS?

PDMS can generate various types of drawings, including plan drawings, elevation views, section views, detailed fabrication drawings, and isometric drawings.

Q12. How does PDMS handle revisions and changes in design?

PDMS allows for efficient management of revisions. Changes in the design are tracked, and the impact on related components is automatically updated. This ensures consistency and integrity of the project data.

Q13. Can you explain how to use the HVAC module in PDMS?

The HVAC module in PDMS is used for designing Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems. It involves creating duct layouts, selecting HVAC components, and ensuring compliance with design standards and requirements.

Q14. What is the role of the Isodraft module?

The Isodraft module in PDMS is used for generating isometric drawings of piping systems. These drawings are crucial for fabrication and installation, providing detailed views of individual pipelines with dimensions, annotations, and material specifications.

Q15. How do you integrate PDMS with other software?

PDMS can be integrated with other software like structural analysis tools, electrical design systems, and project management applications using various data exchange formats like .dxf, .stp, and .iges.

Q16. Explain the data export capabilities of PDMS.

PDMS allows for the export of data in various formats for use in other applications. This includes graphical data for CAD software, lists and reports for analysis and review, and model data for integration with other engineering software.

Q17. Discuss the significance of the admin module in PDMS.

The admin module in PDMS is critical for project setup and management. It involves defining user roles and permissions, setting up project parameters, managing the project database, and ensuring data integrity and security.

Q18. How do you customize catalogues and specifications in PDMS?

Customizing catalogues in PDMS involves defining the set of standard components, materials, and specifications to be used in a project. This ensures compliance with project standards and simplifies the selection process during design.

Q19. What is the significance of the Material Take-Off (MTO) feature in PDMS?

The MTO feature in PDMS automatically generates a list of materials required for the project based on the 3D model. This is crucial for cost estimation, procurement planning, and inventory management.

Q20. Can you describe the process of modeling cable trays in PDMS?

Modeling cable trays in PDMS involves designing the layout of the cable trays in the 3D environment, including their paths, sizes, and types, ensuring that they meet design requirements and don’t clash with other systems.

Q21. How do you manage large projects with multiple users in PDMS?

PDMS supports multi-user collaboration by allowing different users to work on separate parts of the project simultaneously. Access controls and project structuring are used to manage the contributions of multiple users effectively.

Q22. Explain the use of the Structural Design module in PDMS.

The Structural Design module in PDMS is used for the 3D modeling of structural components like beams, columns, and bracings. It ensures structural integrity and compliance with design codes.

Q23. Explain how PDMS supports collaboration and coordination among different engineering disciplines.

PDMS is designed to facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration in complex projects. It allows different engineering teams, such as piping, structural, electrical, and instrumentation, to work concurrently on the same 3D model. The software ensures real-time updates and visibility, enabling engineers to view changes made by others instantly, which reduces the risk of conflicts and errors.

Q24. What are the best practices for efficient use of PDMS in a project?

Best practices include thorough planning and structuring of the project database, regular training for users, effective collaboration between different disciplines, and routine data validation and clash detection.

Q25. How do you troubleshoot common issues in PDMS?

Troubleshooting in PDMS involves identifying the issue, checking for common causes like data corruption or user errors, consulting the software documentation, and seeking support from the PDMS community or software provider.

Q26. Discuss the role of PDMS in safety and compliance in plant design.

PDMS plays a critical role in ensuring safety and compliance by allowing detailed design reviews, clash detection, and adherence to industry standards and regulations throughout the design process.

Q27. What are the future trends or developments expected in PDMS?

Future trends may include enhanced integration with BIM (Building Information Modeling), increased use of AI and machine learning for design optimization, and improved collaboration features for remote and cross-disciplinary teams.

Q28. How do you manage documentation and reports generated from PDMS?

Documentation and reports generated from PDMS are managed through structured file systems, version control, and integration with document management systems to ensure accessibility and traceability.

Q29. How does PDMS handle changes in project requirements or design modifications?

PDMS is equipped with robust features to manage changes and modifications efficiently. When project requirements change or design modifications are necessary, PDMS allows users to make adjustments in the 3D model while maintaining data integrity and consistency. The software automatically updates related components and systems affected by the change, ensuring that all aspects of the design remain synchronized.

Q30. How does PDMS contribute to sustainability in plant design?

PDMS contributes to sustainability by enabling efficient design that minimizes resource use, optimizes energy efficiency, and reduces waste during construction and operation.