Elements

Elements are assigned a set of properties which depends on their type.

Access

1. In the Browser, navigate to the Elements section, and then expand one of the four groups.
2. Expand an element, and then click any of the properties below to update them.
   Note: Alternatively, select the element, and then click Properties.

Tip: Click the element's name to highlight it in the graphic display. This allows you to better visualize equipment or specific areas in the distribution system.

Name

Enter a new name for the selected element.

Type

There are four types of elements in a circuit: Pipes and connectors, Pumps, Valves, and Generic Loss.

In the browser, elements are identified with an icon . You can change the type of an element in the Properties dialog.

The set of properties available depend on the type of the element.

Note: By default, all elements are grouped under the Pipes and Connectors type in the browser. If you change the type of an element, this element is moved to the relevant group of elements in the browser.

For example, if you select an element from the Pipe and Connectors group and change its type to Valve, then when you click OK the element is moved to the Valve group in the browser.

Energy Type / Energy Value

Specify if the energy type depends on the element or on the heat flux, and then enter a value for this energy.

Diameter (Pipes, connectors, valves)

The diameter and cross sectional area of the pipe are required for the pressure drop calculation.

Material / Roughness (Pipes, connectors, valves)

The friction factor depends on the Reynolds number in the fluid and the relative roughness of the pipe or duct material.

The roughness depends on the type of material used for the element.

Specify the material used for the selected element.

Note: If the material that you want to use is not in the list, you can add it in the Material Library.

K factor (Pipes, connectors, valves)

The K factor is useful for calculating minor losses and the performance of valves.

Wetted pe. (Pipes, connectors, valves)

The wetted perimeter and cross sectional area are required in order to calculate the hydraulic diameter of the element.

Curve (Pumps and Generic Loss)

The pump curve represents the pressure rise flow rate relationship through the pump or fan.

This value is used to define the efficiency at which the pump is operating at.

The Generic losses vary with the pipe diameter, surface roughness, Reynolds number and the geometry of the design.

Note: If you cannot find the curve that you want to use in the list, you can add it in the Equipment Library.