The Function Definition File (FDF) provides various functions, as follows:

1. It defines the Units for

Lengths

Weights

Nominal sizes

2. It defines the content and structure of other files that form part of the Component Information Facilities, namely:

COMPONENT INFORMATION FILE (CIF)

INSULATION WEIGHT FILE (IWF)

SPECIFIC GRAVITY FILE (SGF)

4. Through a system of cross reference pointers in the COMPONENT-INFORMATION-SELECTION Section, it defines the functions of the various columns of data in the COMPONENT INFORMATION FILE.

5. Bend Radius identification.

6. The format of the Weight and C of G summary file.

7. Definition of IDF changes - where nominated IDF record types can have their normal use either changed or deleted.

8. The format of the

Bolting output.

Pipeline attribute file.

HeatTreatment/NDE file.

Site Assembly report.

Spool attribute file.

The FDF has several sections, each having a keyword identifier

UNITS-DEFINITION

COMPONENT-INFORMATION-FILE

COMPONENT-INFORMATION-SELECTION

INSULATION-WEIGHT-FILE

SPECIFIC-GRAVITY-FILE

MISC-DEFINITIONS

WEIGHT/COFG-SUMMARY-FILE

IDF-REVISIONS

BOLTING-INFO-OUTPUT

PIPELINE-ATTRIBUTE-FILE

HEATTREATMENT/NDE-FILE

SITE-ASSEMBLY-REPORT

SPOOL-ATTRIBUTE-FILE

Each of these section then has its own list of data inputs.