Evaluating the performance of piping systems in compressible gas applications is challenging, especially where there are high velocities or significant changes in density. PIPE-FLO® Compressible makes critical analysis much more manageable. The easy-to-use interface allows users to draw piping system models quickly and enter design data for installed and planned equipment. PIPE-FLO® Compressible calculates pressure drops and balanced flow rates using a combination of convergence methods to rapidly close on an accurate solution.

PIPE-FLO® Compressible can be used in all phases of a gas piping system’s lifecycle:

· Engineering design and equipment sizing and selection

· Installation and commissioning to normal operation

· Routine operational changes

· Evaluating risk

· Maintenance and system modification

Modeling and evaluating complex piping systems such as compressed air, steam, natural gas distribution, and pressure relief headers are possible with PIPE-FLO® Compressible. Detection of high velocity lines and choked flow is simplified and assists in identification of problem areas in your compressible gas system.

Advantages

· Simple to use

· Applicable to any compressible gas system in a wide variety of industries

· Allows evaluation of engineering design changes and saves money by providing an understanding of modification requirements before capital investments are made

· Gives insight into high-pressure safety relief systems and the capacity required to prevent catastrophic events due to over-pressurization in gas systems

· Simulates the operation of piping systems transporting compressible fluids including steam and gasses under a variety of expected operating conditions

· Versatile tool to discover and eliminate bottlenecks in compressed gas systems and reduce operating costs

Modeling and Troubleshooting Fixed Flow Compressors in PIPE-FLO Compressible

Instead of entering performance curve data, you can also specify a fixed flow rate and have PIPE-FLO Compressible calculate the developed pressure. When troubleshooting fixed flow compressor installations, it is helpful to know how PIPE-FLO Compressible internally models them.

A schematic of how PIPE-FLO internally models fixed flow compressors is shown below in Figure 1:

Figure 1. How the program internally models a compressor set to a fixed flow rate

The following points about fixed flow rate compressors should be noted:

· When a fixed flow rate is specified for a compressor, the performance curve data (if specified) is overridden.

· PIPE-FLO Compressible models a fixed flow compressor by creating two nodes in the system where the compressor is installed (refer to the figure). A flow demand value equal to the set flow rate is taken out of the first compressor node (the inlet node) and an equal flow demand is set entering the second node (the outlet node).

· If a compressor status is listed as invalid, it means that you have set the flow rate lower than what would naturally occur through the line if the compressor was not installed. The compressor then acts as "valve" in order to limit the flow rate to the set value. If this occurs, you should either increase the set flow rate or remove the compressor.

PIPE-FLO Compressible balances the network and calculates the pressure at each node. The program checks the calculated results to insure that the compressor is operating properly (the inlet pressure must be less than the outlet pressure).

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