About Pipe Network Calculation for Gas
Explains the concept of pipe network calculation gas.
Detection of Network Geometry and Components
Before the actual calculation, the pipe network is detected with all its details. This is done automatically by clicking Calculate. Only those components are detected whose system types are entered in the Settings dialog.
To analyze the geometry of the pipe network, the pipe sections are detected first. Pipe sections 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 pipe section load from the consumer’s data in the pipe network.
Based on the calculated pipe section loads the pipe sections are dimensioned such that the preset maximum velocity and the permitted pressure loss are not exceeded.