Water Systems (Domestic Water, Heating, Chilled, Fire)
System Name
Define a Name for your system to easily identify it within the project.
Fluid
Specify the type of Fluid running through the system, such as standard water or a glycol-water mix.
The fluid type affects a range of calculations, such as the thermal properties and pressure calculations.
Temperature
Set the default Temperature for the fluid, which impacts the pressure calculations.
Color
Assign a Color to the system for clear visual identification within the design layout.
Default Pipe Height
Define the Default Height of pipes above the floor level.
This will make drawing the system easier, as the pipe will default to your preferred height rather than you needing to enter it each time.
Has Return System
Specify whether the system includes a recirculation loop.
Return/recirculation systems are common in commercial hot water designs.
Return Color
Assign a Color specifically for the return pipe, making it visually distinct from the supply pipe for ease of identification in the layout.
This change of color typically happens after the balancing/lockshield valve.
Return Is Insulated
Indicate if the pipes are insulated.
Insulation will reduce heat loss/gain in the pipe system.
Return Max. Velocity
Set the Maximum Velocity in the return part of the system.
Note this is a separate setting to the flow part of the system.
Return Insulation
Specify the Insulation Material type for the pipes to inform the heat loss/gain calculations.
Insulation Jacket
Choose an outer jacket material for the insulation to inform the heat loss/gain calculations.
Return Insulation Thickness
Set the Insulation Thickness on the return pipes to inform the heat loss/gain calculations.
Risers, Mains, Branches
Define the specific parameters for each pipe segment type:
Risers: Vertical sections that connect floors or levels.
Mains: Primary horizontal pipes supplying water to large areas.
Branches: Pipes distributing water from mains to smaller parts of the system.
The reason for having multiple settings for pipes is that you can draw your layout using these different options.
Maximum Velocity
Set the Maximum Velocity for water in the pipes, based on the flow rate.
This will not be exceeded unless overridden on a specific component in the design.
Maximum Pressure Drop
Set the Maximum Pressure Drop for water in the pipes, based on the flow rate.
This will not be exceeded unless overridden on a specific component in the design.
Materials
Select the Material for the pipes in the system, such as copper, PVC, PE, etc.
View Sizes
Click to review available pipe sizes based on the selected Material.
You can choose to disable any sizes that you don’t want to be selected in your results.
Minimum Pipe Size
Set a Minimum Pipe Size for the system.
This prevents any sizes smaller from being selected in your results.
Spare Capacity
Add a percentage for Spare Capacity to the calculations.