About Pipe Network Calculation for Gas

Detection of Network Geometry and Components

Before the actual calculation, the pipe network is detected with all its details. This is done automatically after clicking Calculate. Only those components are detected whose system types are entered in the Settings dialog.

In order to analyse the geometry of the pipe network, the section parts are detected first. Section parts in pipe networks will be delimited by branches or by components of dimension changes (e.g. transitions, pressure regulating devices, gas excess flow valve).

The program then searches for the starting component of the pipe network. This usually is a main shut-off valve (MSV).

On this basis, the flow paths of the pipe network are determined. Flow paths always lead from the MSV to a gas consumer. The number of flow paths in a gas pipe network thus always is equal to the number of installed consumer components.

Calculation steps

Prior to calculation you can set some parameters in the Settings dialog, e.g. the permitted pressure loss, permitted velocities and simultaneity method.

In the beginning of the pipe network calculation, the program determines the section part load from the consumer’s data in the pipe network.

Based on the calculated section part loads the section parts are dimensioned such that the preset maximum velocity and the permitted pressure loss are not exceeded.