diff --git a/applications/test/dimensionedType/Test-dimensionedType.C b/applications/test/dimensionedType/Test-dimensionedType.C
index 965de25ead..892552fa70 100644
--- a/applications/test/dimensionedType/Test-dimensionedType.C
+++ b/applications/test/dimensionedType/Test-dimensionedType.C
@@ -81,6 +81,10 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     }
 
 
+    Pout<< "zero scalar (time): " << dimensionedScalar(dimTime) << endl;
+    Pout<< "zero vector: " << dimensionedVector(dimLength) << endl;
+    Pout<< "zero tensor: " << dimensionedTensor(dimLength) << endl;
+
     Info<< "End\n" << endl;
 
     return 0;
diff --git a/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceCheck/surfaceCheck.C b/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceCheck/surfaceCheck.C
index dcbf38b870..0af29e1962 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceCheck/surfaceCheck.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceCheck/surfaceCheck.C
@@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ Usage
 #include "triangle.H"
 #include "triSurface.H"
 #include "triSurfaceSearch.H"
+#include "triSurfaceTools.H"
 #include "argList.H"
 #include "OFstream.H"
 #include "OBJstream.H"
@@ -64,79 +65,6 @@ Usage
 
 using namespace Foam;
 
-// Does face use valid vertices?
-bool validTri
-(
-    const bool verbose,
-    const triSurface& surf,
-    const label facei
-)
-{
-    // Simple check on indices ok.
-
-    const labelledTri& f = surf[facei];
-
-    forAll(f, fp)
-    {
-        if (f[fp] < 0 || f[fp] >= surf.points().size())
-        {
-            WarningInFunction
-                << "triangle " << facei << " vertices " << f
-                << " uses point indices outside point range 0.."
-                << surf.points().size()-1 << endl;
-            return false;
-        }
-    }
-
-    if ((f[0] == f[1]) || (f[0] == f[2]) || (f[1] == f[2]))
-    {
-        WarningInFunction
-            << "triangle " << facei
-            << " uses non-unique vertices " << f
-            << " coords:" << f.points(surf.points())
-            << endl;
-        return false;
-    }
-
-    // duplicate triangle check
-
-    const labelList& fFaces = surf.faceFaces()[facei];
-
-    // Check if faceNeighbours use same points as this face.
-    // Note: discards normal information - sides of baffle are merged.
-    forAll(fFaces, i)
-    {
-        label nbrFacei = fFaces[i];
-
-        if (nbrFacei <= facei)
-        {
-            // lower numbered faces already checked
-            continue;
-        }
-
-        const labelledTri& nbrF = surf[nbrFacei];
-
-        if
-        (
-            ((f[0] == nbrF[0]) || (f[0] == nbrF[1]) || (f[0] == nbrF[2]))
-         && ((f[1] == nbrF[0]) || (f[1] == nbrF[1]) || (f[1] == nbrF[2]))
-         && ((f[2] == nbrF[0]) || (f[2] == nbrF[1]) || (f[2] == nbrF[2]))
-        )
-        {
-            WarningInFunction
-                << "triangle " << facei << " vertices " << f
-                << " has the same vertices as triangle " << nbrFacei
-                << " vertices " << nbrF
-                << " coords:" << f.points(surf.points())
-                << endl;
-
-            return false;
-        }
-    }
-    return true;
-}
-
-
 labelList countBins
 (
     const scalar min,
@@ -377,14 +305,12 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 
     const fileName surfFileName = args[1];
     const bool checkSelfIntersect = args.optionFound("checkSelfIntersection");
-    const bool verbose = args.optionFound("verbose");
     const bool splitNonManifold = args.optionFound("splitNonManifold");
     label outputThreshold = 10;
     args.optionReadIfPresent("outputThreshold", outputThreshold);
 
     Info<< "Reading surface from " << surfFileName << " ..." << nl << endl;
 
-
     // Read
     // ~~~~
 
@@ -479,7 +405,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 
         forAll(surf, facei)
         {
-            if (!validTri(verbose, surf, facei))
+            if (!triSurfaceTools::validTri(surf, facei))
             {
                 illegalFaces.append(facei);
             }
diff --git a/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceClean/surfaceClean.C b/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceClean/surfaceClean.C
index 6c55ce14d5..b11845df04 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceClean/surfaceClean.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceClean/surfaceClean.C
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     argList::addBoolOption
     (
         "noClean",
-        "perform some surface checking/cleanup on the input surface"
+        "suppress surface checking/cleanup on the input surface"
     );
     argList args(argc, argv);
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceMeshConvertTesting/surfaceMeshConvertTesting.C b/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceMeshConvertTesting/surfaceMeshConvertTesting.C
index bc7d50f495..5f1c5e9a33 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceMeshConvertTesting/surfaceMeshConvertTesting.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceMeshConvertTesting/surfaceMeshConvertTesting.C
@@ -91,7 +91,11 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     argList::validArgs.append("inputFile");
     argList::validArgs.append("outputFile");
 
-    argList::addBoolOption("clean");
+    argList::addBoolOption
+    (
+        "clean",
+        "perform some surface checking/cleanup on the input surface"
+    );
     argList::addBoolOption
     (
         "orient",
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/dimensionedTypes/dimensionedType/dimensionedType.C b/src/OpenFOAM/dimensionedTypes/dimensionedType/dimensionedType.C
index f5381ef91e..dca595c6a3 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/dimensionedTypes/dimensionedType/dimensionedType.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/dimensionedTypes/dimensionedType/dimensionedType.C
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -169,6 +169,18 @@ Foam::dimensioned<Type>::dimensioned
 {}
 
 
+template<class Type>
+Foam::dimensioned<Type>::dimensioned
+(
+    const dimensionSet& dimSet
+)
+:
+    name_("0"),
+    dimensions_(dimSet),
+    value_(Zero)
+{}
+
+
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * Static Member Functions * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
 template<class Type>
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/dimensionedTypes/dimensionedType/dimensionedType.H b/src/OpenFOAM/dimensionedTypes/dimensionedType/dimensionedType.H
index fe817e4afe..fde67a1fc1 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/dimensionedTypes/dimensionedType/dimensionedType.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/dimensionedTypes/dimensionedType/dimensionedType.H
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -117,9 +117,12 @@ public:
         //- Construct from dictionary lookup with a given name and dimensions
         dimensioned(const word&, const dimensionSet&, const dictionary&);
 
-        //- Null constructor
+        //- Null constructor - a dimensionless Zero, named "undefined"
         dimensioned();
 
+        //- A dimensioned Zero, named "0"
+        explicit dimensioned(const dimensionSet&);
+
 
     // Static member functions
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/meshes/Identifiers/surface/surfZoneIdentifier.C b/src/OpenFOAM/meshes/Identifiers/surface/surfZoneIdentifier.C
index 88c3f2d788..d9179f4274 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/meshes/Identifiers/surface/surfZoneIdentifier.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/meshes/Identifiers/surface/surfZoneIdentifier.C
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ Foam::surfZoneIdentifier::surfZoneIdentifier()
 {}
 
 
-Foam::surfZoneIdentifier::surfZoneIdentifier(label index)
+Foam::surfZoneIdentifier::surfZoneIdentifier(const label index)
 :
     name_(),
     index_(index),
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/meshes/Identifiers/surface/surfZoneIdentifier.H b/src/OpenFOAM/meshes/Identifiers/surface/surfZoneIdentifier.H
index ff75b56afa..a084e0196a 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/meshes/Identifiers/surface/surfZoneIdentifier.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/meshes/Identifiers/surface/surfZoneIdentifier.H
@@ -86,10 +86,7 @@ public:
         surfZoneIdentifier();
 
         //- Construct null with specified index
-        explicit surfZoneIdentifier
-        (
-            const label index
-        );
+        explicit surfZoneIdentifier(const label index);
 
         //- Construct from components
         surfZoneIdentifier
diff --git a/src/meshTools/triSurface/triSurfaceTools/triSurfaceTools.C b/src/meshTools/triSurface/triSurfaceTools/triSurfaceTools.C
index 1915de7ecc..aec02f8e06 100644
--- a/src/meshTools/triSurface/triSurfaceTools/triSurfaceTools.C
+++ b/src/meshTools/triSurface/triSurfaceTools/triSurfaceTools.C
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ License
 #include "triSurfaceTools.H"
 
 #include "triSurface.H"
+#include "MeshedSurface.H"
 #include "OFstream.H"
 #include "mergePoints.H"
 #include "polyMesh.H"
@@ -2743,8 +2744,168 @@ void Foam::triSurfaceTools::calcInterpolationWeights
 
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
-// Tracking:
+// Checking:
 
+bool Foam::triSurfaceTools::validTri
+(
+    const triSurface& surf,
+    const label facei
+)
+{
+    typedef labelledTri FaceType;
+    const FaceType& f = surf[facei];
+
+    // Simple check on indices ok.
+    forAll(f, fp)
+    {
+        if (f[fp] < 0 || f[fp] >= surf.points().size())
+        {
+            WarningInFunction
+                << "triangle " << facei << " vertices " << f
+                << " uses point indices outside point range 0.."
+                << surf.points().size()-1
+                << endl;
+            return false;
+        }
+    }
+
+    if (f[0] == f[1] || f[0] == f[2] || f[1] == f[2])
+    {
+        WarningInFunction
+            << "triangle " << facei
+            << " uses non-unique vertices " << f
+            << " coords:" << f.points(surf.points())
+            << endl;
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    // duplicate triangle check
+
+    const labelList& fFaces = surf.faceFaces()[facei];
+
+    // Check if faceNeighbours use same points as this face.
+    // Note: discards normal information - sides of baffle are merged.
+    forAll(fFaces, i)
+    {
+        label nbrFacei = fFaces[i];
+
+        if (nbrFacei <= facei)
+        {
+            // lower numbered faces already checked
+            continue;
+        }
+
+        const FaceType& nbrF = surf[nbrFacei];
+
+        // Same as calling triFace::compare(f, nbrF) == 1 only
+        if
+        (
+            (f[0] == nbrF[0] || f[0] == nbrF[1] || f[0] == nbrF[2])
+         && (f[1] == nbrF[0] || f[1] == nbrF[1] || f[1] == nbrF[2])
+         && (f[2] == nbrF[0] || f[2] == nbrF[1] || f[2] == nbrF[2])
+        )
+        {
+            WarningInFunction
+                << "triangle " << facei << " vertices " << f
+                << " has the same vertices as triangle " << nbrFacei
+                << " vertices " << nbrF
+                << " coords:" << f.points(surf.points())
+                << endl;
+
+            return false;
+        }
+    }
+
+    return true;
+}
+
+
+bool Foam::triSurfaceTools::validTri
+(
+    const MeshedSurface<face>& surf,
+    const label facei
+)
+{
+    typedef face FaceType;
+    const FaceType& f = surf[facei];
+
+    if (f.size() != 3)
+    {
+        WarningInFunction
+            << "face " << facei
+            << " is not a triangle, it has " << f.size()
+            << " indices"
+            << endl;
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    // Simple check on indices ok.
+    forAll(f, fp)
+    {
+        if (f[fp] < 0 || f[fp] >= surf.points().size())
+        {
+            WarningInFunction
+                << "triangle " << facei << " vertices " << f
+                << " uses point indices outside point range 0.."
+                << surf.points().size()-1
+                << endl;
+            return false;
+        }
+    }
+
+    if (f[0] == f[1] || f[0] == f[2] || f[1] == f[2])
+    {
+        WarningInFunction
+            << "triangle " << facei
+            << " uses non-unique vertices " << f
+            << " coords:" << f.points(surf.points())
+            << endl;
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    // duplicate triangle check
+
+    const labelList& fFaces = surf.faceFaces()[facei];
+
+    // Check if faceNeighbours use same points as this face.
+    // Note: discards normal information - sides of baffle are merged.
+    forAll(fFaces, i)
+    {
+        label nbrFacei = fFaces[i];
+
+        if (nbrFacei <= facei)
+        {
+            // lower numbered faces already checked
+            continue;
+        }
+
+        const FaceType& nbrF = surf[nbrFacei];
+
+        // Same as calling triFace::compare(f, nbrF) == 1 only
+        if
+        (
+            (f[0] == nbrF[0] || f[0] == nbrF[1] || f[0] == nbrF[2])
+         && (f[1] == nbrF[0] || f[1] == nbrF[1] || f[1] == nbrF[2])
+         && (f[2] == nbrF[0] || f[2] == nbrF[1] || f[2] == nbrF[2])
+        )
+        {
+            WarningInFunction
+                << "triangle " << facei << " vertices " << f
+                << " has the same vertices as triangle " << nbrFacei
+                << " vertices " << nbrF
+                << " coords:" << f.points(surf.points())
+                << endl;
+
+            return false;
+        }
+    }
+
+    return true;
+}
+
+
+// * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
+// Tracking:
 
 // Test point on surface to see if is on face,edge or point.
 Foam::surfaceLocation Foam::triSurfaceTools::classify
diff --git a/src/meshTools/triSurface/triSurfaceTools/triSurfaceTools.H b/src/meshTools/triSurface/triSurfaceTools/triSurfaceTools.H
index 24fd96322e..46db7124cb 100644
--- a/src/meshTools/triSurface/triSurfaceTools/triSurfaceTools.H
+++ b/src/meshTools/triSurface/triSurfaceTools/triSurfaceTools.H
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -50,11 +50,14 @@ namespace Foam
 {
 
 // Forward declaration of classes
-class triSurface;
 class edge;
 class labelledTri;
 class polyBoundaryMesh;
 class plane;
+class triSurface;
+class face;
+template<class Face> class MeshedSurface;
+
 
 /*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*\
                            Class triSurfaceTools Declaration
@@ -516,6 +519,15 @@ public:
         static triSurface delaunay2D(const List<vector2D>&);
 
 
+    // Surface checking functionality
+
+        //- Check single triangle for (topological) validity
+        static bool validTri(const triSurface&, const label facei);
+
+        //- Check single triangle for (topological) validity
+        static bool validTri(const MeshedSurface<face>&, const label facei);
+
+
     // Tracking
 
         //- Test point on plane of triangle to see if on edge or point or inside
diff --git a/src/sampling/cuttingPlane/cuttingPlane.C b/src/sampling/cuttingPlane/cuttingPlane.C
index 5cf7a37dd7..22314049af 100644
--- a/src/sampling/cuttingPlane/cuttingPlane.C
+++ b/src/sampling/cuttingPlane/cuttingPlane.C
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ void Foam::cuttingPlane::calcCutCells
         listSize = cellIdLabels.size();
     }
 
-    cutCells_.setSize(listSize);
+    meshCells_.setSize(listSize);
     label cutcelli(0);
 
     // Find the cut cells by detecting any cell that uses points with
@@ -70,9 +70,7 @@ void Foam::cuttingPlane::calcCutCells
         }
 
         const labelList& cEdges = cellEdges[celli];
-
         label nCutEdges = 0;
-
         forAll(cEdges, i)
         {
             const edge& e = edges[cEdges[i]];
@@ -87,8 +85,7 @@ void Foam::cuttingPlane::calcCutCells
 
                 if (nCutEdges > 2)
                 {
-                    cutCells_[cutcelli++] = celli;
-
+                    meshCells_[cutcelli++] = celli;
                     break;
                 }
             }
@@ -96,7 +93,7 @@ void Foam::cuttingPlane::calcCutCells
     }
 
     // Set correct list size
-    cutCells_.setSize(cutcelli);
+    meshCells_.setSize(cutcelli);
 }
 
 
@@ -114,7 +111,7 @@ void Foam::cuttingPlane::intersectEdges
     // Per edge -1 or the label of the intersection point
     edgePoint.setSize(edges.size());
 
-    DynamicList<point> dynCuttingPoints(4*cutCells_.size());
+    DynamicList<point> dynCuttingPoints(4*meshCells_.size());
 
     forAll(edges, edgeI)
     {
@@ -258,15 +255,15 @@ void Foam::cuttingPlane::walkCellCuts
     const pointField& cutPoints = this->points();
 
     // use dynamic lists to handle triangulation and/or missed cuts
-    DynamicList<face>  dynCutFaces(cutCells_.size());
-    DynamicList<label> dynCutCells(cutCells_.size());
+    DynamicList<face>  dynCutFaces(meshCells_.size());
+    DynamicList<label> dynCutCells(meshCells_.size());
 
     // scratch space for calculating the face vertices
     DynamicList<label> faceVerts(10);
 
-    forAll(cutCells_, i)
+    forAll(meshCells_, i)
     {
-        label celli = cutCells_[i];
+        label celli = meshCells_[i];
 
         // Find the starting edge to walk from.
         const labelList& cEdges = mesh.cellEdges()[celli];
@@ -330,20 +327,18 @@ void Foam::cuttingPlane::walkCellCuts
     }
 
     this->storedFaces().transfer(dynCutFaces);
-    cutCells_.transfer(dynCutCells);
+    meshCells_.transfer(dynCutCells);
 }
 
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Constructors  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
-// Construct without cutting
 Foam::cuttingPlane::cuttingPlane(const plane& pln)
 :
     plane(pln)
 {}
 
 
-// Construct from plane and mesh reference, restricted to a list of cells
 Foam::cuttingPlane::cuttingPlane
 (
     const plane& pln,
@@ -369,7 +364,7 @@ void Foam::cuttingPlane::reCut
 )
 {
     MeshStorage::clear();
-    cutCells_.clear();
+    meshCells_.clear();
 
     const scalarField dotProducts((mesh.points() - refPoint()) & normal());
 
@@ -391,7 +386,7 @@ void Foam::cuttingPlane::remapFaces
     const labelUList& faceMap
 )
 {
-    // recalculate the cells cut
+    // Recalculate the cells cut
     if (notNull(faceMap) && faceMap.size())
     {
         MeshStorage::remapFaces(faceMap);
@@ -399,9 +394,9 @@ void Foam::cuttingPlane::remapFaces
         List<label> newCutCells(faceMap.size());
         forAll(faceMap, facei)
         {
-            newCutCells[facei] = cutCells_[faceMap[facei]];
+            newCutCells[facei] = meshCells_[faceMap[facei]];
         }
-        cutCells_.transfer(newCutCells);
+        meshCells_.transfer(newCutCells);
     }
 }
 
@@ -420,7 +415,7 @@ void Foam::cuttingPlane::operator=(const cuttingPlane& rhs)
 
     static_cast<MeshStorage&>(*this) = rhs;
     static_cast<plane&>(*this) = rhs;
-    cutCells_ = rhs.cutCells();
+    meshCells_ = rhs.meshCells();
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/sampling/cuttingPlane/cuttingPlane.H b/src/sampling/cuttingPlane/cuttingPlane.H
index c6c3669ebd..460e936f99 100644
--- a/src/sampling/cuttingPlane/cuttingPlane.H
+++ b/src/sampling/cuttingPlane/cuttingPlane.H
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ class cuttingPlane
     // Private data
 
         //- List of cells cut by the plane
-        labelList cutCells_;
+        labelList meshCells_;
 
 
     // Private Member Functions
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ protected:
 
     // Protected Member Functions
 
-        //- Recut mesh with existing planeDesc, restricted to a list of cells
+        //- Recut mesh with existing plane, restricted to a list of cells
         void reCut
         (
             const primitiveMesh&,
@@ -157,15 +157,15 @@ public:
         }
 
         //- Return List of cells cut by the plane
-        const labelList& cutCells() const
+        const labelList& meshCells() const
         {
-            return cutCells_;
+            return meshCells_;
         }
 
         //- Return true or false to question: have any cells been cut?
         bool cut() const
         {
-            return cutCells_.size();
+            return meshCells_.size();
         }
 
         //- Sample the cell field
diff --git a/src/sampling/cuttingPlane/cuttingPlaneTemplates.C b/src/sampling/cuttingPlane/cuttingPlaneTemplates.C
index ba1c80eb72..b774e1e254 100644
--- a/src/sampling/cuttingPlane/cuttingPlaneTemplates.C
+++ b/src/sampling/cuttingPlane/cuttingPlaneTemplates.C
@@ -28,8 +28,6 @@ Description
 
 #include "cuttingPlane.H"
 
-// * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
-
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Member Functions  * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
 template<class Type>
@@ -38,7 +36,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::Field<Type>> Foam::cuttingPlane::sample
     const Field<Type>& fld
 ) const
 {
-    return tmp<Field<Type>>(new Field<Type>(fld, cutCells()));
+    return tmp<Field<Type>>(new Field<Type>(fld, meshCells()));
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurface.C b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurface.C
index dc93fd1684..d5d8b7fbde 100644
--- a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurface.C
+++ b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurface.C
@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ License
 #include "OFstream.H"
 #include "meshTools.H"
 #include "triSurfaceSearch.H"
+#include "triSurfaceTools.H"
 #include "surfaceIntersection.H"
 #include "intersectedSurface.H"
 #include "searchableBox.H"
@@ -1257,76 +1258,6 @@ void Foam::isoSurface::trimToBox
 }
 
 
-bool Foam::isoSurface::validTri(const triSurface& surf, const label facei)
-{
-    // Simple check on indices ok.
-
-    const labelledTri& f = surf[facei];
-
-    if
-    (
-        (f[0] < 0) || (f[0] >= surf.points().size())
-     || (f[1] < 0) || (f[1] >= surf.points().size())
-     || (f[2] < 0) || (f[2] >= surf.points().size())
-    )
-    {
-        WarningInFunction
-            << "triangle " << facei << " vertices " << f
-            << " uses point indices outside point range 0.."
-            << surf.points().size()-1 << endl;
-
-        return false;
-    }
-
-    if ((f[0] == f[1]) || (f[0] == f[2]) || (f[1] == f[2]))
-    {
-        WarningInFunction
-            << "triangle " << facei
-            << " uses non-unique vertices " << f
-            << endl;
-        return false;
-    }
-
-    // duplicate triangle check
-
-    const labelList& fFaces = surf.faceFaces()[facei];
-
-    // Check if faceNeighbours use same points as this face.
-    // Note: discards normal information - sides of baffle are merged.
-    forAll(fFaces, i)
-    {
-        label nbrFacei = fFaces[i];
-
-        if (nbrFacei <= facei)
-        {
-            // lower numbered faces already checked
-            continue;
-        }
-
-        const labelledTri& nbrF = surf[nbrFacei];
-
-        if
-        (
-            ((f[0] == nbrF[0]) || (f[0] == nbrF[1]) || (f[0] == nbrF[2]))
-         && ((f[1] == nbrF[0]) || (f[1] == nbrF[1]) || (f[1] == nbrF[2]))
-         && ((f[2] == nbrF[0]) || (f[2] == nbrF[1]) || (f[2] == nbrF[2]))
-        )
-        {
-            WarningInFunction
-                << "triangle " << facei << " vertices " << f
-                << " fc:" << f.centre(surf.points())
-                << " has the same vertices as triangle " << nbrFacei
-                << " vertices " << nbrF
-                << " fc:" << nbrF.centre(surf.points())
-                << endl;
-
-            return false;
-        }
-    }
-    return true;
-}
-
-
 Foam::triSurface Foam::isoSurface::subsetMesh
 (
     const triSurface& s,
@@ -1756,8 +1687,7 @@ Foam::isoSurface::isoSurface
 
         forAll(*this, triI)
         {
-            // Copied from surfaceCheck
-            validTri(*this, triI);
+            triSurfaceTools::validTri(*this, triI);
         }
 
         fileName stlFile = mesh_.time().path() + ".stl";
diff --git a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurface.H b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurface.H
index 267cc04c90..e947405566 100644
--- a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurface.H
+++ b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurface.H
@@ -377,9 +377,6 @@ class isoSurface
             List<FixedList<scalar, 3>>& interpolationWeights
         );
 
-        //- Check single triangle for (topological) validity
-        static bool validTri(const triSurface&, const label facei);
-
         static triSurface subsetMesh
         (
             const triSurface& s,
diff --git a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurfaceCell.C b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurfaceCell.C
index 9771659586..47ec36069f 100644
--- a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurfaceCell.C
+++ b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurfaceCell.C
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ License
 #include "mergePoints.H"
 #include "tetMatcher.H"
 #include "syncTools.H"
+#include "triSurfaceTools.H"
 #include "addToRunTimeSelectionTable.H"
 #include "Time.H"
 #include "triPoints.H"
@@ -1049,73 +1050,6 @@ Foam::triSurface Foam::isoSurfaceCell::stitchTriPoints
 }
 
 
-bool Foam::isoSurfaceCell::validTri(const triSurface& surf, const label facei)
-{
-    // Simple check on indices ok.
-
-    const labelledTri& f = surf[facei];
-
-    forAll(f, fp)
-    {
-        if (f[fp] < 0 || f[fp] >= surf.points().size())
-        {
-            WarningInFunction
-                << "triangle " << facei << " vertices " << f
-                << " uses point indices outside point range 0.."
-                << surf.points().size()-1 << endl;
-
-            return false;
-        }
-    }
-
-    if ((f[0] == f[1]) || (f[0] == f[2]) || (f[1] == f[2]))
-    {
-        WarningInFunction
-            << "triangle " << facei
-            << " uses non-unique vertices " << f
-            << endl;
-        return false;
-    }
-
-    // duplicate triangle check
-
-    const labelList& fFaces = surf.faceFaces()[facei];
-
-    // Check if faceNeighbours use same points as this face.
-    // Note: discards normal information - sides of baffle are merged.
-    forAll(fFaces, i)
-    {
-        label nbrFacei = fFaces[i];
-
-        if (nbrFacei <= facei)
-        {
-            // lower numbered faces already checked
-            continue;
-        }
-
-        const labelledTri& nbrF = surf[nbrFacei];
-
-        if
-        (
-            ((f[0] == nbrF[0]) || (f[0] == nbrF[1]) || (f[0] == nbrF[2]))
-         && ((f[1] == nbrF[0]) || (f[1] == nbrF[1]) || (f[1] == nbrF[2]))
-         && ((f[2] == nbrF[0]) || (f[2] == nbrF[1]) || (f[2] == nbrF[2]))
-        )
-        {
-            WarningInFunction
-                << "triangle " << facei << " vertices " << f
-                << " coords:" << f.points(surf.points())
-                << " has the same vertices as triangle " << nbrFacei
-                << " vertices " << nbrF
-                << endl;
-
-            return false;
-        }
-    }
-    return true;
-}
-
-
 void Foam::isoSurfaceCell::calcAddressing
 (
     const triSurface& surf,
@@ -1569,8 +1503,7 @@ Foam::isoSurfaceCell::isoSurfaceCell
 
         forAll(*this, triI)
         {
-            // Copied from surfaceCheck
-            validTri(*this, triI);
+            triSurfaceTools::validTri(*this, triI);
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurfaceCell.H b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurfaceCell.H
index ec496319ec..f848cc4736 100644
--- a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurfaceCell.H
+++ b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/isoSurface/isoSurfaceCell.H
@@ -272,9 +272,6 @@ class isoSurfaceCell
             labelList& triMap               // merged to unmerged triangle
         ) const;
 
-        //- Check single triangle for (topological) validity
-        static bool validTri(const triSurface&, const label);
-
         //- Determine edge-face addressing
         void calcAddressing
         (
diff --git a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledPlane/sampledPlane.H b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledPlane/sampledPlane.H
index 4171cb3e36..8c8867070a 100644
--- a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledPlane/sampledPlane.H
+++ b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledPlane/sampledPlane.H
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ public:
         //- For every face original cell in mesh
         const labelList& meshCells() const
         {
-            return cuttingPlane::cutCells();
+            return cuttingPlane::meshCells();
         }
 
         //- Sample field on surface
diff --git a/src/surfMesh/MeshedSurfaceAllocator/MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator.C b/src/surfMesh/MeshedSurfaceAllocator/MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator.C
index 9d063409df..06b6339b5b 100644
--- a/src/surfMesh/MeshedSurfaceAllocator/MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator.C
+++ b/src/surfMesh/MeshedSurfaceAllocator/MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator.C
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -72,8 +72,32 @@ Foam::MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator::MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator
 {}
 
 
+// * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Destructor  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
+
+Foam::MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator::~MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator()
+{
+    clear();
+}
+
+
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Member Functions  * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
+void Foam::MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator::setInstance(const fileName& inst)
+{
+    points_.instance() = inst;
+    faces_.instance()  = inst;
+    zones_.instance()  = inst;
+}
+
+
+void Foam::MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator::setWriteOption(IOobject::writeOption w)
+{
+    points_.writeOpt() = w;
+    faces_.writeOpt()  = w;
+    zones_.writeOpt()  = w;
+}
+
+
 void Foam::MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator::clear()
 {
     points_.clear();
@@ -136,4 +160,20 @@ void Foam::MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator::reset
 }
 
 
+bool Foam::MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator::writeObject
+(
+    IOstream::streamFormat fmt,
+    IOstream::versionNumber ver,
+    IOstream::compressionType cmp
+) const
+{
+    return
+    (
+        points_.writeObject(fmt, ver, cmp)
+     && faces_.writeObject(fmt, ver, cmp)
+     && zones_.writeObject(fmt, ver, cmp)
+    );
+}
+
+
 // ************************************************************************* //
diff --git a/src/surfMesh/MeshedSurfaceAllocator/MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator.H b/src/surfMesh/MeshedSurfaceAllocator/MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator.H
index 6c8aa07e2a..ed74141bb9 100644
--- a/src/surfMesh/MeshedSurfaceAllocator/MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator.H
+++ b/src/surfMesh/MeshedSurfaceAllocator/MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator.H
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -106,8 +106,21 @@ public:
         );
 
 
+    //- Destructor
+    virtual ~MeshedSurfaceIOAllocator();
+
+
     // Member Functions
 
+        // Database
+
+            //- Set the instance for mesh files
+            void setInstance(const fileName&);
+
+            //- Adjust the write option for all components
+            void setWriteOption(IOobject::writeOption);
+
+
         // Access
 
             //- Non-const access to the points
@@ -177,6 +190,18 @@ public:
                 const Xfer<faceList>& faces,
                 const Xfer<surfZoneList>& zones
             );
+
+
+        // Writing
+
+            //- Write using given format, version and compression
+            virtual bool writeObject
+            (
+                IOstream::streamFormat,
+                IOstream::versionNumber,
+                IOstream::compressionType
+            ) const;
+
 };
 
 
diff --git a/src/surfMesh/surfMesh/surfMesh.C b/src/surfMesh/surfMesh/surfMesh.C
index c7eef6b72b..f1ed76a7eb 100644
--- a/src/surfMesh/surfMesh/surfMesh.C
+++ b/src/surfMesh/surfMesh/surfMesh.C
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -229,18 +229,25 @@ Foam::surfMesh::~surfMesh()
 
 void Foam::surfMesh::updatePointsRef()
 {
-    // Assign the reference to the points (this is truly ugly)
-    reinterpret_cast<SubField<point>&>
+    // Assign the reference to the points (quite ugly)
+    // points() are returned as Field but are actually stored as SubField
+    reinterpret_cast<typename MeshReference::PointFieldType&>
     (
         const_cast<Field<point>&>(MeshReference::points())
-    ) = reinterpret_cast<SubField<point>&>(this->storedPoints());
+    ).shallowCopy
+    (
+        this->storedPoints()
+    );
 }
 
 
 void Foam::surfMesh::updateFacesRef()
 {
-    // Assign the reference to the faces
-    shallowCopy(this->storedFaces());
+    // Assign the reference to the faces (UList)
+    static_cast<MeshReference&>(*this).shallowCopy
+    (
+        this->storedFaces()
+    );
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/surfMesh/surfMesh/surfMesh.H b/src/surfMesh/surfMesh/surfMesh.H
index 64e7c0239a..a839d79a70 100644
--- a/src/surfMesh/surfMesh/surfMesh.H
+++ b/src/surfMesh/surfMesh/surfMesh.H
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@ public:
 
     // Member Functions
 
-        // Database
+      // Database
 
             //- Return the local mesh directory (dbDir()/meshSubDir)
             fileName meshDir() const;
@@ -200,10 +200,17 @@ public:
             const fileName& facesInstance() const;
 
             //- Set the instance for mesh files
-            void setInstance(const fileName&);
+            void setInstance
+            (
+                const fileName&,
+                IOobject::writeOption = IOobject::AUTO_WRITE
+            );
+
+            //- Adjust the write option for all components
+            void setWriteOption(IOobject::writeOption);
 
 
-        // Access
+      // Access
 
             //- Return the number of raw points
             virtual label nPoints() const;
@@ -263,7 +270,6 @@ public:
             //  time directories
             virtual readUpdateState readUpdate();
 
-            //- Update the mesh corresponding to given map
 
             //- Remove surface zones
             void removeZones();
@@ -291,16 +297,27 @@ public:
             void transfer(MeshedSurface<face>&);
 
 
+      // Writing
+
         //- Avoid masking the normal objectRegistry write
         using surfaceRegistry::write;
 
+        //- Write all components using given format, version and compression
+        virtual bool writeObject
+        (
+            IOstream::streamFormat fmt,
+            IOstream::versionNumber ver,
+            IOstream::compressionType cmp
+        ) const;
+
         //- Write to file
         static void write(const fileName&, const surfMesh&);
 
         //- Write to file
         void write(const fileName&);
 
-        //  Storage management
+
+      // Storage management
 
             //- Transfer contents to the Xfer container as a MeshedSurface
             Xfer<MeshedSurface<face>> xfer();
@@ -322,6 +339,7 @@ public:
 
             //- Remove all files from mesh instance()
             void removeFiles() const;
+
 };
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
diff --git a/src/surfMesh/surfMesh/surfMeshIO.C b/src/surfMesh/surfMesh/surfMeshIO.C
index f2a5c54245..ec0b9f6106 100644
--- a/src/surfMesh/surfMesh/surfMeshIO.C
+++ b/src/surfMesh/surfMesh/surfMeshIO.C
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ License
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Member Functions  * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
-void Foam::surfMesh::setInstance(const fileName& inst)
+void Foam::surfMesh::setInstance(const fileName& inst, IOobject::writeOption w)
 {
     if (debug)
     {
@@ -36,15 +36,16 @@ void Foam::surfMesh::setInstance(const fileName& inst)
     }
 
     instance() = inst;
+    Allocator::setInstance(inst);
 
-    storedIOPoints().writeOpt() = IOobject::AUTO_WRITE;
-    storedIOPoints().instance() = inst;
+    setWriteOption(w);
+}
 
-    storedIOFaces().writeOpt() = IOobject::AUTO_WRITE;
-    storedIOFaces().instance() = inst;
 
-    storedIOZones().writeOpt() = IOobject::AUTO_WRITE;
-    storedIOZones().instance() = inst;
+void Foam::surfMesh::setWriteOption(IOobject::writeOption w)
+{
+    writeOpt() = w;
+    Allocator::setWriteOption(w);
 }
 
 
@@ -199,4 +200,15 @@ Foam::surfMesh::readUpdateState Foam::surfMesh::readUpdate()
 }
 
 
+bool Foam::surfMesh::writeObject
+(
+    IOstream::streamFormat fmt,
+    IOstream::versionNumber ver,
+    IOstream::compressionType cmp
+) const
+{
+    return Allocator::writeObject(fmt, ver, cmp);
+}
+
+
 // ************************************************************************* //
diff --git a/src/triSurface/triSurface/surfacePatch/surfacePatch.C b/src/triSurface/triSurface/surfacePatch/surfacePatch.C
index e84f26d7f8..6b09d55623 100644
--- a/src/triSurface/triSurface/surfacePatch/surfacePatch.C
+++ b/src/triSurface/triSurface/surfacePatch/surfacePatch.C
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ License
 \*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
 
 #include "surfacePatch.H"
+#include "surfZone.H"
 #include "dictionary.H"
 #include "word.H"
 
@@ -38,7 +39,15 @@ namespace Foam
 
 Foam::surfacePatch::surfacePatch()
 :
-    geometricSurfacePatch("", "", -1),
+    geometricSurfacePatch(word::null, word::null, -1),
+    size_(0),
+    start_(0)
+{}
+
+
+Foam::surfacePatch::surfacePatch(const label index)
+:
+    geometricSurfacePatch(word::null, word::null, index),
     size_(0),
     start_(0)
 {}
@@ -83,7 +92,7 @@ Foam::surfacePatch::surfacePatch
 {}
 
 
-Foam::surfacePatch::surfacePatch(const Foam::surfacePatch& sp)
+Foam::surfacePatch::surfacePatch(const surfacePatch& sp)
 :
     geometricSurfacePatch(sp),
     size_(sp.size()),
@@ -114,6 +123,19 @@ void Foam::surfacePatch::writeDict(Ostream& os) const
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Member Operators  * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
+Foam::surfacePatch::operator Foam::surfZone() const
+{
+    return surfZone
+    (
+        this->name(),
+        this->size(),
+        this->start(),
+        this->index(),
+        this->geometricType()
+    );
+}
+
+
 bool Foam::surfacePatch::operator!=(const surfacePatch& p) const
 {
     return !(*this == p);
diff --git a/src/triSurface/triSurface/surfacePatch/surfacePatch.H b/src/triSurface/triSurface/surfacePatch/surfacePatch.H
index 9e0b878695..43278798e7 100644
--- a/src/triSurface/triSurface/surfacePatch/surfacePatch.H
+++ b/src/triSurface/triSurface/surfacePatch/surfacePatch.H
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -36,8 +36,6 @@ SourceFiles
 #define surfacePatch_H
 
 #include "geometricSurfacePatch.H"
-#include "word.H"
-#include "label.H"
 #include "className.H"
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
@@ -48,12 +46,13 @@ namespace Foam
 // Forward declaration of friend functions and operators
 
 class surfacePatch;
+class surfZone;
 
 Ostream& operator<<(Ostream&, const surfacePatch&);
 
 
 /*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*\
-                           Class surfacePatch Declaration
+                        Class surfacePatch Declaration
 \*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
 
 class surfacePatch
@@ -79,6 +78,9 @@ public:
         //- Construct null
         surfacePatch();
 
+        //- Construct null with specified index
+        explicit surfacePatch(const label index);
+
         //- Construct from components
         surfacePatch
         (
@@ -106,25 +108,25 @@ public:
 
     // Member Functions
 
-        //- Return start label of this patch in the polyMesh face list
+        //- Return start label of this patch in the face list
         label start() const
         {
             return start_;
         }
 
-        //- Return start label of this patch in the polyMesh face list
+        //- Return start label of this patch in the face list
         label& start()
         {
             return start_;
         }
 
-        //- Return size of this patch in the polyMesh face list
+        //- Return size of this patch in the face list
         label size() const
         {
             return size_;
         }
 
-        //- Return size of this patch in the polyMesh face list
+        //- Return size of this patch in the face list
         label& size()
         {
             return size_;
@@ -139,11 +141,17 @@ public:
 
     // Member Operators
 
+        //- Conversion to surfZone representation
+        explicit operator surfZone() const;
+
+
+        //- Compare.
         bool operator!=(const surfacePatch&) const;
 
-        //- compare.
+        //- Compare.
         bool operator==(const surfacePatch&) const;
 
+
     // IOstream Operators
 
         friend Ostream& operator<<(Ostream&, const surfacePatch&);
diff --git a/src/triSurface/triSurface/triSurface.C b/src/triSurface/triSurface/triSurface.C
index 307ae31de7..289a47d1c7 100644
--- a/src/triSurface/triSurface/triSurface.C
+++ b/src/triSurface/triSurface/triSurface.C
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ License
 #include "boundBox.H"
 #include "SortableList.H"
 #include "PackedBoolList.H"
+#include "surfZoneList.H"
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Static Data Members * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
@@ -488,7 +489,8 @@ void Foam::triSurface::write
 
 // Returns patch info. Sets faceMap to the indexing according to patch
 // numbers. Patch numbers start at 0.
-Foam::surfacePatchList Foam::triSurface::calcPatches(labelList& faceMap) const
+Foam::surfacePatchList
+Foam::triSurface::calcPatches(labelList& faceMap) const
 {
     // Sort according to region numbers of labelledTri
     SortableList<label> sortedRegion(size());
@@ -533,30 +535,29 @@ Foam::surfacePatchList Foam::triSurface::calcPatches(labelList& faceMap) const
         surfacePatch& newPatch = newPatches[newPatchi];
 
         newPatch.index() = newPatchi;
-
-        label oldPatchi = newPatchi;
-
-        // start of patch
         newPatch.start() = startFacei;
 
-
         // Take over any information from existing patches
-        if ((oldPatchi < patches_.size()) && (patches_[oldPatchi].name() != ""))
+        if
+        (
+            newPatchi < patches_.size()
+         && !patches_[newPatchi].name().empty()
+        )
         {
-            newPatch.name() = patches_[oldPatchi].name();
+            newPatch.name() = patches_[newPatchi].name();
         }
         else
         {
-            newPatch.name() = word("patch") + name(newPatchi);
+            newPatch.name() = word("patch") + Foam::name(newPatchi);
         }
 
         if
         (
-            (oldPatchi < patches_.size())
-         && (patches_[oldPatchi].geometricType() != "")
+            newPatchi < patches_.size()
+         && !patches_[newPatchi].geometricType().empty()
         )
         {
-            newPatch.geometricType() = patches_[oldPatchi].geometricType();
+            newPatch.geometricType() = patches_[newPatchi].geometricType();
         }
         else
         {
@@ -829,6 +830,42 @@ void Foam::triSurface::cleanup(const bool verbose)
 }
 
 
+Foam::List<Foam::surfZone>
+Foam::triSurface::sortedZones(labelList& faceMap) const
+{
+    surfacePatchList patches(calcPatches(faceMap));
+
+    surfZoneList zones(patches.size());
+    forAll(patches, patchi)
+    {
+        zones[patchi] = surfZone(patches[patchi]);
+    }
+
+    return zones;
+}
+
+
+void Foam::triSurface::triFaceFaces(List<face>& plainFaces) const
+{
+    plainFaces.setSize(size());
+
+    forAll(*this, facei)
+    {
+        plainFaces[facei] = operator[](facei).triFaceFace();
+    }
+}
+
+
+Foam::Xfer<Foam::List<Foam::point>>
+Foam::triSurface::xferPoints()
+{
+    // Topology changed because of transfer
+    clearOut();
+
+    return this->storedPoints().xfer();
+}
+
+
 // Finds area, starting at facei, delimited by borderEdge. Marks all visited
 // faces (from face-edge-face walk) with currentZone.
 void Foam::triSurface::markZone
diff --git a/src/triSurface/triSurface/triSurface.H b/src/triSurface/triSurface/triSurface.H
index cfa253fbb3..ccf47c713e 100644
--- a/src/triSurface/triSurface/triSurface.H
+++ b/src/triSurface/triSurface/triSurface.H
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ namespace Foam
 
 class Time;
 class IFstream;
-
+class surfZone;
 
 // Forward declaration of friend functions and operators
 
@@ -354,6 +354,17 @@ public:
             }
 
 
+        // Interoperability with other surface mesh classes
+
+            //- Sort faces according to zoneIds
+            //  Returns a surfZoneList and sets faceMap to index within faces()
+            //  (i.e. map from original,unsorted to sorted)
+            List<surfZone> sortedZones(labelList& faceMap) const;
+
+            //- Create a list of faces from the triFaces
+            void triFaceFaces(List<face>& plainFaceList) const;
+
+
         // Edit
 
             //- Move points
@@ -412,6 +423,10 @@ public:
             ) const;
 
 
+            //- Transfer stored points to an Xfer container
+            Xfer<List<point>> xferPoints();
+
+
         // Write
 
             //- Write to Ostream in simple FOAM format
diff --git a/tutorials/resources/geometry/motorBike-passenger-helmet.obj.gz b/tutorials/resources/geometry/motorBike-passenger-helmet.obj.gz
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..4f7738d124
Binary files /dev/null and b/tutorials/resources/geometry/motorBike-passenger-helmet.obj.gz differ