Auto pipe sizing

FHC has a powerful system for automatically sizing pipes in the system to use this function the pipe size must be zero. Automatic pipe sizing can work particularly well for high pressure water mist systems but is less useful for systems with looped or gridded networks as the automatic sizing may introduce a large number of different pipes sizes which may not be an economic to install so you should use this option with some caution.

You can have a mixture of sized and unsized pipes within the same FHC project this will allow you to fix pipe sizes for instance where you have existing pipes and leave others unsized which will then be automatically sized when you calculate the system.

After you have selected your sizing criteria and press the OK button FHC will calculate the system and you will be presented with the source pressure and flow. If this source pressure and flow is too high or too low for your requirements you can recalculate the system after you have adjust the sizing criteria.

After each calculation you will be able to view the pipe sizes which have automatically been selected however these pipe sizes on not retained (Set) in the calculation and remain as zero. To set the pipe sizes permanently within the FHC project you need to use the Set Pipe Size command menu Calculate -> Auto Pipe SIze -> Set pipe size

When you calculate your FHC project, FHC will first check to see if you have any pipes with zero size and if found display the calculation of unsized pipes dialogue window as below:

	Pipe Information
	The pipe information displays data regarding your pipe network to help you make a decision to which sizing method should be utilise.

Maximum velocity

Recommended method: the recommended method sizing unsized pipes is to set a maximum velocity which you will permit within individual pipes and the FHC calculation engine will adjust the pipe sizes accordingly.

If you calculate the system and find that your source pressure and flow is too high then you will need to lower the maximum velocity or alternatively if you require a higher source pressure and flow increase the maximum velocity.

	Maximum pressure drop in mb/m
	You can set the maximum pressure drop in millibars per metre which you are prepared to accept for the system.

	Maximum pressure drop in Bar
	You can set the maximum pressure drop which you are prepared to accept for the system.

	Minimum pipe size in mm
	Set the minimum pipe size which you are prepared to accept for any pipe which is automatically sized in the system. In this example the minimum pipe size has been set 25mm and only 25 mm pipes or above will be used.

	Zero pipes
	If you wish you can use the Zero pipes button to remove any existing pipes which have a size attached to them and then all pipes will be unsized and will be automatically calculate. Please remember that this cannot be undone so we would recommend that you make a backup copy before you use this command.

	OK
	Once you have completed the auto sizing press the OK button for the calculation to begin.

	Cancel
	Press the Cancel button if you do not wish to continue with the auto sizing calculation.

FHC - Reference & Tutorial | Version 2.4

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Auto pipe sizing