🖋️ System Design

Nodes

Nodes are components that represent flow points in a system.

They serve as distribution points, commonly used for sprinklers, gas appliances, or groups of water fixtures.

How to Add Nodes

Step-by-step

Select a Node:
Choose the desired Node type from the drop-down menu in the toolbar.
Placement:
Nodes snap to the nearest Pipes by default. If you don’t like how they connect automatically:
- Hold CTRL to place them without snapping to pipes.
- Use Arrow keys to adjust the connection direction.
- Use SHIFT + Up/Down to change the Height of the pipe connection before its placed.
Placement:
Left-click to place the Node.
After placement, Nodes can be dragged to a new location if needed.

Name: Assign a Name to identify the Node in the design
Flow System: Select the type of fluid system (e.g., Hot Water).
Color: Assign a Color to the pipe for easier visual differentiation.
Loading Units: Modify the Loading Units for the Node if the default values from the selected Peak Flow Rate Method do not suit your design.
Fixture Units: Modify the Fixture Units for the Node if the default values from the selected Calculation Method do not suit your design.
Continuous Flow: Add a Continuous Flow Rate if required, which contributes to the peak flow rate calculation.
Minimum and Maximum Inlet Pressure: Specify the required pressure range for the Node. If the pressure falls below the minimum or exceeds the maximum, a Warning will alert you in the Results mode.
Gas Demand and Pressure: Specify the gas demand for the Node. Set the gas pressure manually, or it can be determined by an upstream pressure Regulator.
KV Value: The KV value is used to calculate the pressure drop across the Node, based on calculated flow rate and velocity.
Maximum Nodes Operating Simultaneously: Specify how many nodes can operate simultaneously. A Pipe supplying more than this number, will not exceed the demand generated by this number.

Connection Issues: Ensure Nodes are properly connected to the system. Semi-transparent pipes or pipes with red circles indicate disconnection.
Warnings: Check for Warnings about inlet pressure or Loading Units to resolve any calculation issues.
Review Properties: Click on the Node to open its Properties and review all relevant details, including Loading Units, Flow Rates, or K Values.