Pipe Network Flow Analysis

This new Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) Workgroup includes a major upgrade to the PlantFLOW software application for pipe network flow analysis. The Windows-based PlantFLOW is Rebis' software solution for calculation of steady state pressures, flow velocities and temperatures in gas or liquid piping networks used to size pipes, balance flows, select equipment, and evaluate different valve scenarios.

PlantFLOW V6.0 provides a pipe network flow software product with options to utilize 3D geometry along with the ability to import 3D models from industry standard Plant Design CAD systems including Rebis AutoPLANT and Intergraph PDS. The new PlantFLOW application also has a bi-directional model interface with Rebis' AutoPIPE software for piping stress analysis.

In order to more accurately simulate systems with multi-component, non-ideal gas or liquid mixtures, PlantFLOW V6.0 has coupled its flow equation with ASME steam table equations, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Supertrapp and American Gas Association (AGA) Report 8 thermophysical models and fluid databases.

Other major improvements to PlantFLOW V6.0 include object-based graphics that enable users to quickly make changes and evaluate "what if" scenarios by selecting ranges on the graphic model. Also included is the ability to visualize system performance problems that exceed user-specified criteria through color-coded graphics and pop-up data windows, as an alternative to manual review of output reports. By graphically selecting a range of points, with one command the user clicks on the model in order to make global changes to pipe diameters, valve loss, pipe roughness and other parameters, or check differences in pressure, velocity or temperature between any two points.

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