Why should I use PIPE-FLO when my Excel spreadsheet provides me with the results I need?

Excel spreadsheets only calculate the head loss of a single pipeline for a given flow rate.

Not only does PIPE-FLO calculate the head loss in a single pipeline, it also:

• Calculates the flow rates and pressures in the entire piping system by performing a total network analysis.
• Selects centrifugal pumps from manufacturers' supplied electronic pump catalogs.
• Incorporates the pumps and control valves into the piping system model, showing you how the entire piping system operates.
• Considers alternate operating conditions and shows you how the total system operates.

PIPE-FLO provides you with a total system view instead of a head loss calculation for a single pipeline.

What are the limits as to the number of pipelines and nodes PIPE-FLO Professional can handle?

There are no program limits to the maximum number of pipelines, nodes, tanks, pumps, or any other item in your piping system model. PIPE-FLO dynamically allocates the memory needed to perform the calculations, thus eliminating any program limits. In addition it makes more effective use of your computer's memory.

What pipe materials does PIPE-FLO Professional support?

PIPE-FLO uses engineering data tables to look up the pipe data needed to perform the pressure drop calculations. You select the pipe material and schedule or wall thickness, and the program presents the available nominal sizes. The program looks up the inside diameter and uses that value in the pressure drop calculations. The program comes with a variety of pipe size tables based on published pipe standards.

Can I create my own pipe size tables, or modify the tables shipped with the software?

Yes. Using the supplied Table Manager program you can modify the pipe tables shipped with PIPE-FLO or create your own custom pipe size tables for specialty pipe material.

What valves and fittings does PIPE-FLO support?

The program looks up valve and fitting information in a valve table shipped with the program. The table contains all the valves and fittings found in the Crane Technical Paper 410. Specialty valve and fitting tables are available from selected manufacturers.

What if the supplied table doesn't have the valves and fittings I use?

You can enter any valve or fitting not in the table by entering either the K value, Cv value, or the differential pressure for a given flow rate. In addition, using the Table Manager program you can create your own custom valve and fitting tables.

What fluids does PIPE-FLO support?

PIPE-FLO Professional calculates the operation of piping systems transporting Newtonian fluids. Newtonian fluids make up the majority of liquids and gases used in piping systems.

PIPE-FLO Professional looks up the fluid data needed for the calculations in engineering data tables. The program comes with a fluid compilation of over 800 liquids and gases. You can also create custom fluids in your projects by entering the fluid properties, allowing you to model any Newtonian fluid (both liquids and gases) with PIPE-FLO Professional.

Can I model pumps in the piping system?

Yes. The program supports both centrifugal and positive displacement pumps. You can use the program to select pumps directly from manufacturers' supplied electronic pump catalogs.

How many manufacturers support PIPE-FLO by distributing their pump catalogs for use with the program?

The current list of supporting pump manufacturers distributing their electronic pump catalogs is available at http://www.eng-software.com/pml/default.aspx. Many of the manufacturers allow you to download them directly from this Website.

How do I model a pump if a manufacturer's electronic pump catalog is not available on your list?

You can model any centrifugal pump by manually entering the pump's performance data into the piping system model.

I do many HVAC applications; can PIPE-FLO handle primary / secondary looped piping systems?

PIPE-FLO supports primary / secondary systems, looped piping systems, two pipe systems with either direct or reverse return. If you can draw a piping system schematic, PIPE-FLO can show you how the system operates.

Can PIPE-FLO Professional handle compressible gases as well as liquids?

PIPE-FLO Professional uses the Darcy-Weisbach method for calculating the pressure drop in a pipeline. This method assumes the density of the fluid is constant as it passes through the pipeline. The literature states that the Darcy-Weisbach method provides satisfactory results under the following conditions:

• If the calculated pressure drop is less than 10% of the inlet pressure, then reasonable accuracy will be obtained if the density used for the fluid is based upon either the upstream or the downstream conditions.
• If the calculated pressure drop is greater than 10%, but less than 40% of inlet pressure, reasonable accuracy can be achieved using the density based on the average of the upstream and downstream conditions.
• For pressure drops larger than 40%, use a method that incorporates the compressibility of the gas such as our PIPE-FLO Compressible program.

Using the above guidelines PIPE-FLO Professional can provide accurate results for gas distribution systems found in plants and buildings.

PIPE-FLO Compressible, available separately from Engineered Software, should be used for the following types of situations:

• Long runs of pipelines typically found in gas transmission system.
• High pressure drops such as vent and relief headers.
• Large changes in pipe diameter.
• Low-pressure vacuum systems.

If you have additional questions about PIPE-FLO Professional, please feel free to contact Engineered Software.