Why should I use PIPE-FLO Stock 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.

PIPE-FLO Stock also calculates the head loss in a single pipeline, in addition it:

• Calculates the flow rates and pressures in the entire piping system by performing a pressure drop calculation in accordance with the TAPPI standard.
• Selects centrifugal pumps from manufacturers' supplied electronic pump catalog.
• Incorporates the pumps and control valves in the piping system model, showing you how the entire piping system operates.
• Allows you to consider alternate operating conditions for the system and see how the system operates.

PIPE-FLO Stock 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 Stock 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 Stock dynamically allocates the memory needed to perform the calculations thus eliminating any program limits.

What fluids does the program support?

PIPE-FLO Stock is shipped with over 26 pulp descriptions outlined in the TAPPI standard for calculating pressure drop, in addition you can adjust the pulp consistency from 1% to 6%. You can even create your own pulp description, or modify the supplied descriptions to correspond to your paper stock. PIPE-FLO Stock also supports water calculations, using either the Darcy-Weisbach method or Blasius equation to calculate the pipeline pressure drop.

What pipe materials does PIPE-FLO Stock support?

PIPE-FLO Stock 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 typically found in a pulp and paper mill including ID stainless steel pipe.

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 the program or create your own custom pipe size tables for specialty pipe material.

What valves and fittings does the program 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.

Can I model pumps in the piping system?

Yes. The program supports 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 Stock by distributing their pump catalogs for use with the program?

The pump manufacturers supplying pumps for the pulp and paper industry are available at http://www.eng-software.com/pml/default.asp. Many of the listed 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?

You can model any centrifugal pump by manually entering pump performance data in the piping system model.

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