How to Ensure That Your Pipes Have Adequate Flow

When working with pipe networks, it's important to perform a fluid analysis of the hydraulics network. This allows you to determine flow rates and pressure drops in sections of the network, which are common problems when designing pipes. Fortunately, many of these problems can be solved by using pipe network analysis.

How Water Supply Systems Work

A water supply system begins with a source, and then the source passes through a treatment plant. Afterward, the water is placed in a storage tank until it must be sent through the main to be placed into use. The water tanks play an important role in water flow because they keep operating pressures equalized.

Water Transmission

When the water is sent from the water tank to the final destination where it will be used, this is referred to as water transmission. There are various methods that must be used to ensure that the water adequately flows to the proper destination. This is accomplished through free-flow conduits, which involve a natural flow driven by gravity. If this is not possible, another approach is to use pressurized pipelines or a combination of the two. When pressurizing pipelines, it is required to use pumps to generate the pressure. 

Pipe Network Layouts

There are several layouts of a distributed network that may be used. With a dead-end system, the pipes branch out like branches of a tree and reach dead ends as they bring water to different areas. A gridiron system consists of symmetrical boxes where water flows throughout the system with no dead ends. With a radial system, the water flows out from several points in all directions. A pipe network analysis is used to determine if the current layout established is sufficient. 

Pipe Network Calculations

To determine how well water will flow through the pipe network, the friction of the pipes must be obtained or calculated with an equation. Once everything is understood, a solution may be found. 

Flow Analysis Software

Software can make the process of pipe network analysis much easier by creating virtual models of a pipe network. It may then calculate the fluid flow on either a closed or open network. You will be able to calculate pipe flow rates, pipe pressure drops, and model fluid flow within tanks, through pumps, through fittings, and through pipes. Software comes with its own database of pipes and fittings so you can model any system.