Automatic Checks and Updates
Before a pipe system is solved, the software performs some automatic checking of the system data and allows users to accept various recommended updates to make the system information consistent.
The software interface is intuitive and it provides easy access to amend the system data as required, however standalone changes to pipe diameters, pipe lengths and node elevations can sometimes create inconsistence’s in the design data.
Three types of checks are performed before a system solution is calculated.
Figure 109 Pipe Attribute Inconsistency
Where an Internal Diameter has been amended by over typing the data in the pipe pane or the edit grid the Outer Diameter, Wall Thickness & Internal Diameter may no longer be consistent with each other.
The option to update Outer Diameters and Wall Thicknesses should normally be accepted. This will allow the diameter data to be made consistent and the nominal pipe size will then be recalculated.
Fitting sizes will be checked and matched to the nominal pipe size.
Figure 110 Fitting Size Inconsistency
If the nominal pipe size does not match some of the fitting sizes associated with the pipe, then the option to update the fitting sizes should normally be accepted. This will update the fitting sizes and the fitting ‘K’ values so that the fitting pressure losses will be calculated correctly.
Figure 111 Pipe Length & Elevation Inconsistency
Where pipe lengths are not sufficient to span the difference in node elevations, these pipes will be identified and the user will be asked to confirm an update for each pipe. The pipe length can automatically be set to the difference in start and end elevations of the pipe.
The changes in pipe length will be noted in the results log when the system is solved. The user may wish to check that the lengths of these pipes are also sufficient to cover any additional length that may be required if the pipe is not vertical (a non-vertical, sloped pipe, would need to have a length that was greater than just the change in elevation between its start and end node). Where the pipe direction is not vertical and the length has been set to less than the difference in elevation between its start node and end node, it will be necessary to amend each pipe length manually, in the pipe pane or edit grid.