Flow Simulation Software
The Industrial Flow Technology group uses the following flow simulation software in their consultancy practice:
Wanda
Wanda 3 is an advanced, interactive software package to support the hydraulic design process of your pipeline system. The program is used for the hydraulic analysis of steady and unsteady flow conditions in arbitrary configured pipeline networks. Primary subjects to evaluate and optimise a hydraulic design are flow capacity, velocity, flow distribution, dynamic behaviour, economy, safety and control principles. With a hydraulic design, you can direct the mechanical and process engineering to an effective and efficient system.
Wanda 3 supports your design process and optimisation of complex pipeline systems in a cost-effective, safe and reliable way. It can be applied to a variety of types of pipeline systems, like fire fighting systems, sewer systems, water distribution networks, industrial plants, oil pipelines, water cooling systems, hydropower plants and transportation systems for chemical products.
Flustrin
Flustrin's main purpose is to accurately compute hydrodynamic and structural behaviour of above-ground pipeline systems in which large loading conditions may occur. The program offers the designer a maximised understanding of the economics (pressure class, strength of supports) as well as the safety aspects (margin) of the pipeline system.
The accuracy of the results of the analyses depends on the spational and temporal resolutions chosen and also on the accuracy and degree of definition of the component characteristics. Flustrin is a most accurate and unique tool for verifying the structural integrity of pipeline systems, optimising these systems, and determining the operational limits of pumps, valves, other components and the pipeline itself for different fluids in nuclear power plants, process systems, oil loading lines and fire fighting systems.
Clocwise
This is used for the solving of multi-disciplinary optimization problems in pipeline systems (flow distribution, energy consumption, maintenance scheduling); based on Constraint Logic Programming (CLP). The CLP is a young programming paradigm, responding perfectly to the needs of decision support in the water field. CLP is a successful, fast spreading technology, and is state of the art in areas dealing with logistics, and scheduling and planning problems, like airline business, car manufacturing, etc.
ClocWiSe breaks with the traditional simulation-based approach popular in the water field, and is the first CLP application in the field of operational control and management of water systems. It is dedicated to drinking water supply and includes two main functions, the Configurator/ Scheduler and the Estimator.
CFX
This is used for the simulation of 2D or 3D, incompressible or compressible, steady or transient, single phase or multi-phase flows, including chemical and biological reactions; known as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
Testing Of Pipeline Components
The Industrial Flow technology group of WL | Delft Hydraulics has several test facilities for the testing of pipeline components such as valves, pumps, etc. and is certified to calibrate flow meters. The facilities are used to measure the flow capacity, energy (head) losses, cavitation and noise, hydraulic torque, vibration and efficiency, as well as the dynamic flow behaviour of valves. Measurements take place according to international standards (e.g. ISA, ISO, IEC, EN, VDMA) and are often witnessed by our clients.
Test Facility for Two-Phase and Dynamic Flow
The water flow is supplied by eight pumps from a basement tank. The air flow is supplied by a large compressed air reservoir. Steady flow conditions are adjusted by the pump speed, gas controller and control valve (downstream of test section).Dynamic (decelerating or accelerating) flow conditions are created by a sudden increase of the pressure downstream of the test section. This pressure is maintained constant by a high pressure tank, which is connected to the large, pressurized air reservoir.
Measuring Equipment:
- Fast responding dynamic flow meters
- Dynamic pressure transducers
- Valve disc angle or displacement meters
Features:
- Test fluids: water and air
- Flow capacity: 1.9 m3/s
- Maximum diameter: 800 mm (32")
- Length of test section: 25 m
- Maximum fluid deceleration: 20-60 m/s2
(depending on diameter)
- Line pressure: up to 6 bar
Test Specimen:
- Control valves and shut-off valves
- Check valves (non-return valves)
- Air valves (air release, vacuum breaking)
- Safety and pressure relief valves
- Separators and mixers
Applications:
- Flow capacity and pressure losses of control and shut-off valves in two-phase flows
- Dynamic behaviour of check valves, air valves, safety and pressure relief valves
- Efficiency of separators and degassers
