The PIPE-FLO software, which can visualise fluid piping systems, can also calculate system operations, communicate the design with others, and access supporting documents in electronic format. It integrates with Engineered Software's pump selection tool PUMP-FLO, allowing system designers to specify and select exactly which pump would work best in their piping system.
Additions to the new version of PIPE-FLO include an operating cost calculator, customizable FLO-Sheets and control valve rapid entry. The operating cost calculator is used to determine pump operating costs over a defined period. Users choose their systems’ configuration, select their time frame and energy costs per unit, and compare different lineup options. This tool makes it possible to see how much operating costs would change if an alteration were made to the system design, without having to physically make changes to the system. With the control valve rapid entry, users can generate complete characteristic curve data from a single flow coefficient and valve position by selecting from a list of valve design and flow characteristics.
“Typically, we find that engineers are being asked where savings can be achieved in their piping systems. With PIPE-FLO, the system can be designed with economics in mind. PIPE-FLO helps create a system that is energy efficient and needs less maintenance, because it is designed correctly the first time,“ said Ray Hardee, vice president of engineering at Engineered Software.