- #1
arca0020
- 2
- 0
I am looking for software to calculate flow rate, pressure drop, flow rate and temperature change in facility piping. Any suggestions?
Pipe Flow Software: Calculate Flow Rate, Pressure Drop, Flow Rate & Temp Change
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the search for software solutions to calculate flow rate, pressure drop, and temperature change in facility piping systems. Participants explore various software options and discuss the complexities involved in fluid dynamics, particularly concerning Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest software options like "Pipe-Flo," "Flowmaster," "AFT FATHOM," and "maroflow," noting their capabilities and limitations.
- One participant emphasizes the straightforward nature of calculations for Newtonian fluids but acknowledges the complexity introduced by non-Newtonian fluids and the importance of rheological characterization.
- Another participant highlights that heat loss in pipes is primarily influenced by insulation rather than fluid dynamics.
- One participant mentions using a proprietary 1D solver and notes that Flowmaster allows for more fluid material control.
- There is a suggestion to utilize Excel for duct calculations, with a reference to an article that covers various fluid types.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that calculations for Newtonian fluids are straightforward, but there is no consensus on the best software solution, as multiple competing views and software options are presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective approach for complex fluid behaviors.
Contextual Notes
Some participants express concerns about the time-consuming nature of calculations in practical applications, particularly when dealing with multiple piping assemblies. The discussion also touches on the distinction between heat exchange networks and heat losses in pipes, indicating a need for clarity in definitions.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals involved in facility piping design, fluid dynamics, and thermal management may find this discussion relevant, especially those seeking software solutions for flow calculations and heat loss assessments.
- #2
russ_watters
Mentor
- 23,873
- 11,325
There is a piece of software called "pipe-flo"! My company used it and it is good...but expensive.
- #3
Driftwood1
- 67
- 0
arca0020 said:
If you can assume Newtonian fluid flow behaviour then the calculations are fairly straight forward and well defined int he literature for a standard circular pipe - for any value of Reynolds Number (Re)
The problem becomes complex for Non-Newtonian fluids, settling suspensions, time dependent fluids, shear thinning and shear thickening fluids etc.
For these complex flow behaviours, the rheological characterisation of the fluid flowing in the pipe is critically important.
If you can model the rheological propeties or assume a rheological model - say a power law fluid, Bingham plastic, Herschel Bulkley fluid etc then you can predict the proessure drop at a given velocity.
You mentioned temperature changes in facility piping - what do you mean by that precisely? Do you mean heat exchange networks? or just heat losses in pipes?
- #4
arca0020
- 2
- 0
I agree the calculations for Newtonian fluids are straight forward, but with all the piping we assemble the calculations can become time consuming. We are mostly concerned with heat loss in pipes.
- #5
AngieD
- 2
- 0
arca0020 said:
Actually, I am just learning to use a new software called "Flowmaster" that does exactly what you mention.
If you have time next week, I just signed up for a webinar they are hosting on cooling system piping:
"Simulating Cooling Systems for Efficient Design"
This educational session will discuss the use of system-level simulation on liquid cooling systems to address key design considerations and common challenges in power generation, plant and process industries.
https://flowmaster.webex.com/flowmaster/k2/j.php?ED=151528172&UID=1205085592&RT=MiM3&FM=1
Or you can just find them online: www.flowmaster.com
No matter what tool you choose, best of luck!
Last edited by a moderator:
- #6
russ_watters
Mentor
- 23,873
- 11,325
Heat loss is mostly a function of insulation (or lack thereof), not the fluid dynamics of the flow.arca0020 said:
- #7
minger
Science Advisor
- 1,494
- 2
My company has a propriety 1D solver, but another group uses something called Flowmaster which from what I understand does the same thing, but allows for more fluid material control.
I have only personally used the in-house code but have heard decent things about the latter.
I have only personally used the in-house code but have heard decent things about the latter.
- #8
tglester
- 5
- 0
If you are an Excel user, I'd suggest you read the article I wrote for the ASHRAE Journal in Aug 2009. Google "Using Excel for Duct Calculations". That article covers ducted air but I've created spreadsheets for steam, compressed air, water, etc. All are basically constructed the same way.
- #9
gmax137
Science Advisor
Education Advisor
- 3,182
- 3,786
AFT FATHOM is another code you can buy, similar to Pipe-Flo mentioned above.
- #10
chaos_zzy
- 10
- 0
maroflow is another option for you, which similar with Flowmaster but easy to use.
- #11
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