Accurate line sizing is needed to optimise the hydraulic performance of the system. For example, the diameter will influence the fluid velocity and so affect the piping pressure drop, erosion, corrosion and unbalanced loads on bends.
Alternative piping materials such as uPVC, GRP, flexible or internally lined pipes have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. We can help to select the best material to use according to the hydraulic operating conditions or alternatively specify the range of operating conditions under which the specified material may be used safely.
An over rated design pressure may lead to a higher than necessary wall thickness and so unacceptable capital expenditure. But an under rated design pressure will compromise the safety of the system to withstand pressure excursions above the normal operating pressure. A surge analysis will accurately define the maximum and minimum pressures which the system could experience and so allow the positive and negative piping design pressures to be assessed.
Surge suppression equipment such as surge vessels and accumulators, air admission / release valves and surge relief valves are often useful in improving the safe operation of a system. But it is particularly important to verify their dynamic performance because our past experience has shown inaccurate sizing can exasperate problems. For example an over sized surge vessel can lead to secondary surge pressure problems if it is filled too quickly.
It is desirable to verify the satisfactory operation of equipment under dynamic conditions as this is usually a more severe test of its suitability than “steady state” calculations. For example, control valves, pressure safety valves, bursting discs and check valves can all be reliably sized using simulation techniques.
