Size and Evaluate Equipment Performance
Use case modes to analyze fluid transport equipment in two ways:
Design Mode: Determines the optimal size and characteristics needed for your system requirements
Rating Mode: Evaluates how specific equipment characteristics will perform in your model
The case mode feature is available for these components:
Pumps
In “design” case mode, the solver determines the duty head rise when using a "size for flow" sizing model. Alternatively, it calculates the achievable flow for a specified head rise when using a "size for head rise" model. For any sizing model, the solver also identifies the Net Positive Suction Head Available (NPSHA) as part of its calculation.
In “rating” case mode, the solver identifies the achievable duty point and calculates the pump efficiency and Net Positive Suction Head Required (NPSHR) using a pump performance curve defined in the model.
Orifices
In "design" case mode with a "Size for $\Delta$ P" model, the solver determines the orifice bore diameter and achievable flow that meet the set differential pressure across the orifice. With a "Size for flow" model, the solver calculates the required orifice diameter and pressure drop for a defined flow rate.
During “rating” case mode, the solver determines the achievable flow and ensuing pressure drop from a defined orifice bore diameter.
Control Valves
A “Design” case mode for control valves will determine the required control valve characteristic Cv along with any of the following characteristics:
Control Valve (Pressure Reducing)
Exit Static Pressure
Control valve pressure drop, achievable fluid flow rate
Control Valve (Pressure Sustaining)
Entry Static Pressure
Control valve pressure drop, achievable fluid flow rate
Control Valve (Differential Pressure)
Set Differential Pressure
Achievable fluid flow rate
Flow Control Valve
Design Flow
Control valve pressure drop
On the other hand, the “Rating” case mode evaluates if a certain control valve model demonstrating unique % opening and Cv characteristics will operate at an opening percentage that achieves stable control under a defined operating mode.
Sprinklers
Setting the case mode to "Design" for sprinklers enables users to apply sizing models based on either a specified nominal "K" value or a required flow rate. For both options, users must specify the exit pressure to determine either the achievable flow from the nominal K value or the required K value from the desired flow rate.
Under the “Rating” case mode, users can select sprinkler nominal K characteristics from the databank and be able to determine achievable flow for a defined exit pressure.
Relief Valves
COMING SOON
Size and evaluate equipment using Case Modes
Case modes are equipment specific calculation routine procedure that allows you to analyze fluid transport system in two ways:
Design Mode: For determining size and other equipment characteristics needed to meet defined requirements.
Rating Mode: Rating Mode: For evaluating equipment performance on a transport system based on defined equipment characteristics.
Case Modes are available for these equipment:
Pumps
Orifices
Control Valves
Sprinklers
Relief Valves
What-if calculation using Scenarios
Scenarios in FlowDesigner simplify calculations through a hierarchical model structure that allows efficient system analysis:
Scenarios are hydraulic models derived from a base model that have parent, child, and sibling relationships with each other. They allow you to simulate different events or conditions for a particular system.
Changes in input data propagate efficiently through the hierarchy, originating from either the base or parent model to the child and its siblings.
This hierarchical structure provides flexibility while ensuring error-free input management. Changes made to base or parent models automatically cascade down to their child models. However, modifications to a child model's input data remain independent and do not affect parent or sibling models. Even when parent models are updated, any customized data in child models stays preserved.
Easy trend analysis with Variations
Variations in FlowDesigner helps analysis in several ways:
It allows you to run multiple calculations simultaneously by modifying numerical input values across a specified range
You can test how changes in one input parameter affect your entire system by executing calculations across a defined range
This feature is particularly useful for trend analysis and understanding how your system responds to different input conditions
Smartselect (Coming Soon)
SmartSelect is an automated tool in FlowDesigner that helps quickly evaluate and select specifications from the equipment databases. It provides the user easily filter and suggest equipment options based on user-defined criteria.
Available for these components, this tool streamlines the process of evaluating and implementing different component alternatives in the hydraulic model:
Pipes
Centrifugal pumps
Control valves
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