KYPipe

The next Pipe2008/Pipe2010 Modeling Course is on September 22, 23, and 24 (Surge), 2009 in Lexington, KY.  We have a new downtown location with easy access to dining and entertainment.

Over the past 35 years we have had many, many excellent interactions with our users and potential users and they have stimulated us to develop many special capabilities. Here are a few examples:

Rural Water Analysis - we have a module which will analyze water utility systems using the Peak Demand Curve. This curve gives the peak demand for each pipe based on the number of customers the is supplying. For example the peak demand for a pipe supplying 2 customers may be 15 gpm while a pipe supplying 20 customers the peak demand is 45 gpm. The curves will differ for different areas and are based on field measurements. Addressing these requirements is a unique Pipe2000 feature. This is a superior method for handling sparsely populated rural systems and this method is required by some regulating agencies. Use this method to provide a superior design. A conventional approach may result is some very low pressures and dissatisfied customers.

Low Pressure Sewer Systems - we have added features to make the analysis of these very important sewerage collection and treatment systems much easier. We have a Low Pressure Tank element which incorporates a pump and switching levels to simplify the modeling. In addition we have the capability to determine the required diameters automatically by calculating the number of connections served by each pipe. If you are involved in the design of these systems our modeling capabilities will make your job much easier.

The most recent update 4.108 is now available. To see the latest features and changes go to Version Changes.

Here is my first blog ever. My associates tell me I have to get into the 21st century so here goes.

We are creating lots of new and exciting developments in pipe system modeling.  We keep getting useful suggestions from users and the very close association we have with our users through our technical support activities constantly lead us to new developments and improved modeling capabilities. For example over the last several years we have added the following capabilities.

1) modeling vacuum breakers. Without these devices the flow predictions from your model can be significantly higher than the system can actually deliver. At a vacuum breaker the flow will transition from pressurized full pipe flow to partial pipe flow if the pressure drops below atmospheric pressure. A Pipe2000 profile plot will show where the flow again becomes  pressurized resulting in full pipe flow.

2) We have added a Hydrotank element. This sophisticated element models the thermodynamic effects of the compressed air in a hydrotank. It also incorporates a pump with switching controls. The Hydrotank element works between a low and high pressure setting. When the pump is off the tank supplies the system using the compressed air to provide pressure. As the tank supplies water the pressure drops. When the low pressure setting is reached the pump automatically comes on pressurizing the system to the high setting. The pump then switches off and the cycles starts over. All you need to set up this element is the low and high pressure setting and the water volume stored each cycle.

There are so many useful new and improved features that I plan to write about in future blogs. I am looking forward very much to your input and comments through this new (for me) forum. Happy Modeling!