Arent has obtained a patent for technology that automates spool numbering for plant piping. The technology, which corrects welding types on a 3D screen and automatically updates spool numbers, is used in ASPO Spool Manager.
Arent announced that it has obtained a patent for technology that assists in creating fabrication drawings for plant piping, known as spool drawings. The patent number is 7922896, and the patented technology includes a design-assistance function that allows users to identify and change welding types on a 3D screen.
The technology is designed to standardise the criteria for determining shop and field welds and automate the resetting of spool divisions when changes are made. By correcting welding types on a 3D model, it streamlines the reallocation of spool divisions and numbers. Users can check and make corrections without switching to 2D drawings.
The system is implemented as an add-in for AutoCAD Plant 3D called ASPO Spool Manager. It is designed to support determination rules tailored to each operator's procedures and consistent numbering even for piping with numerous branches.
ASPO Spool Manager automates spool splitting and numbering and the management of welding information. It also allows users to switch between shop and field welds, displayed as markers on a 3D model. The beta version became available at the end of April 2026, and the full version became available on 25 August.