Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a consolidated FAQ organized by topic. Each section groups common questions to help you get started quickly.

Getting Started and App Settings

• What can I configure in the Calculation settings?

  • Manage calculation parameters, site-specific physical constants, auto-calc behavior, and other calculation processes.

• How do I change the Units of Measurement (UOM)?

  • Go to Admin Actions → App Settings → Units of Measurement and select preferred units.

• How can I adjust the decimal places for numerical values?

  • Admin Actions → App Settings → Decimal Places, then specify precision per variable.

• Will changing units affect my existing calculations?

  • Values are automatically converted to the newly selected units while maintaining the same physical quantity.

• Can I save my technical settings as the default?

  • Yes. Changes are saved and persist until manually updated.

• How do physical constants affect my calculations?

  • Physical constants—such as atmospheric pressure, temperature, and gravitational acceleration—are fundamental values in fluid system calculations. Changing these values directly impacts your simulation results. Make sure any changes are intentional and accurately reflect your system requirements.

• How do I customize the workspace appearance?

  • Use Editor settings (Admin Actions → App Settings → Editors) to control which panes are active at startup, adjust color schemes, and set panel dimensions.

• Can I set a default storage location for my files?

  • Go to Admin Actions → App Settings → I/O Operations to set a default directory or enable save prompts.

Flowsheet View and Visualization

Configure these settings in Admin Actions → App Settings.

• How do I customize the background grid?

  • Use Background Grid Options (Flowsheet section) to set grid style and elevation scale.

• Can I add a background image?

  • Yes. Use Background Image settings (Flowsheet section) to set opacity and position.

• How do I control zoom levels?

  • Adjust Zoom settings (Flowsheet section) for preferred magnification.

• How can I control the rotation angle of elements?

  • Use Rotation settings (Flowsheet section) for precise angular increments.

• Can charts' animation timing be customized?

  • Yes. Configure Animation settings (Flowsheet section).

• How do I manage the visibility of flow direction indicators?

  • Use Visibility Options (Flowsheet section) to control pipe flow direction indicators and labels.

• Can the Results Table auto-open after calculations?

  • Enable this in the Results Table settings.

• How do I customize pressure, temperature, and flow indicators?

  • Use the Indicators tab to modify visual attributes.

Building Models

• How do I place nodes in my model?

  • Select a node from the Elements Palette and click on the flowsheet.

• How can I configure 2D or 3D modeling?

  • Toggle the flowsheet grid style to switch between 2D and 3D views.

• How do I select multiple elements at once?

  • Hold Shift and click elements or use selection tools.

• How do I modify existing nodes?

  • Select a node, right-click, then 'Change Component'.

• What's the process for connecting pipes?

  • Use the pipe tool, click source node, then destination node.

• How can I move objects in my flowsheet?

  • Select and drag to reposition.

• What is the proper way to delete components?

  • Select and press Delete or right-click → 'Delete'.

• How do I rotate node icons?

  • Select a node and use the rotate handle or right-click → 'Rotate Node'.

• How can I add text annotations?

  • Use the Text tool, click the location, and enter text.

• How do I insert images into my model?

  • Select Image from the Palette and place it, then choose your file using the Input Panel.

• Can I resize component icons?

  • Yes. Use resize handles on selection.

• Why can't I connect pipes?

  • Only valid node-to-node connections are allowed; invalid connections are blocked.

• How can I model a fluid source with multiple connections?

  • Reservoir nodes support multiple pipes; use a Connector junction for more than four pipes at one point.

• Why is my pipe deleted after deleting a node?

  • Deleting a node can remove connected pipes to maintain a valid network.

• Can I configure automatic pipe split assignment?

  • Yes. Admin Actions → App Settings → Pipe Data controls pipe length splits when adding components.

• How can I change a pipe connection from one node to another?

  • Select the pipe and drag its endpoint to the new node.

Defining Input Data

• How can I input element data?

  • Use the Input Panel on the right sidebar. Fields update based on the selected element.

• How can I simultaneously define data across components?

  • Multi-select components to edit common fields once.

• How do I use the database as input?

  • Components use built-in and configurable data from the database. To enable model selection, set pumps and control valves to Rating.

• How can I find fluid data?

  • Search the fluid databank and review property behavior over temperature and pressure.

• How can I add new fluid property data?

  • In the fluid databank, click 'Add New Liquid' and enter fixed values or temperature-dependent table of values.

• How can I add new flow resistance data?

  • Use user-defined components and enter the required coefficients and exponents.

• Can I configure default input data for elements?

  • Defaults cannot be changed, but you can multi-select and apply shared updates simultaneously.

• What if the element I need isn't available?

  • Use generic resistance nodes (K, Kf, and Kv) to represent the flow versus friction loss characteristics of elements inserted between pipes. For fixed pressure drop elements, use differential pressure control valves, orifices, or constant head loss nodes as alternatives.

• How can I use equipment manufacturer data?

  • In the component databank, add centrifugal pumps or control valves under User Custom Data and provide all required specs.

Solving Hydraulic Models

• How can I configure solver modes?

  • Use the solver toolkit dropdown to select Standard, Variations, or Transients.

• How can I initiate a solve?

  • Click the Solve button next to the solver toolkit dropdown.

• How can I create scenarios?

  • Open the Scenarios panel and add a child scenario. Parent changes propagate down; child changes do not affect the parent.

• What are equipment sizing models?

  • Two case modes are available: 1) Design—sizes equipment to meet requirements, and 2) Rating—evaluates the performance of specified equipment.

• What can I expect from Standard solver mode?

  • Steady-state calculation results.

• How can I perform Variation calculations?

  • Select Variations from the solver toolkit dropdown and choose the node where you want to modify an input. In the Variations panel, specify which input to vary, its minimum value, maximum value, and number of steps. Then click the solve button.

• How do I view Variation results?

  • Use the slider at the bottom of the flowsheet to navigate to a specific value and view the corresponding results.

• How can I perform transient calculations?

  • Select Transients from the solver toolkit dropdown, define events like boundary pressure change, valve closure, or pump startup, then Solve and open the transient chart.

• How can I configure automatic calculation?

  • Toggle Auto-calc next to the Solve button to recalculate on input changes.

Viewing and Customizing Solver Results

• How can I customize my flowsheet property table?

  • Select the table and use 'Edit Rows' in the Input Panel.

• How can I customize my results table to show only the results I need?

  • After solving the model, right-click the header row and choose which parameters to hide.

• Can I change default results parameters for flowsheet property tables?

  • No, default properties cannot be changed at the moment.

• How can I configure component charts?

  • For supported components, click 'Add Chart' in the Input Panel, then configure settings.

• How can I customize insight charts?

  • Add an Insight Chart from the Elements Palette, then select it and configure type, sources, and presentation in the Input Panel.

Troubleshooting and Convergence

• Why won't my model converge?

  • Common causes: missing model parts, overconstrained setup, or incorrect boundary conditions.

• What are the essential components for a working model?

  • Inlet boundary, pipes and in-between nodes, and an outlet boundary.

• What can serve as an inlet boundary?

  • Assigned Flow node, Pressure node, or Reservoir node.

• How does the solver identify the inlet boundary?

  • Based on relative elevation, pressure, combined elevation and pressure differences, assigned flow direction "Into Network," and location relative to boosters or control valves.

• What is an overconstrained model?

  • Occurs when there is either insufficient or too much information—often when both connected nodes specify flow without establishing a pressure basis.

• How can I visually tell if the model isn't working?

  • Missing flow arrows and distorted charts indicate no solution found.

• Where can I find warnings and diagnostics?

  • Use the Notifications button in the Results Viewer to review Status, Warnings, Errors, and Diagnostics.