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Pipes

In the design process, horizontal Pipes can be drawn from different types such as Mains, Branches, and Connections, each with distinct Settings and sizing parameters.

On some recirculation systems, there will be options for both Flow and Return pipes.

Drawing Pipes (and using h2x in general) is easier with a mouse

How It Works

You can see the Pipe Height in the bottom left corner of the screen, and can control it with your keyboard as you draw

Step-by-step

  1. Select the Correct Type of Pipe:

    Mains: Used for larger, primary pipes in the system.

    Branches: Small linking sections to attach equipment or fixtures.

    Multi-Pipes: Multi-pipe mode allows you to draw multiple pipes simultaneously. The number of pipes that will be drawn are highlighted in the circle around the cursor. For example, two pipes in the circle = two pipes will draw.

  2. Drawing Pipes:

    Left-Click to place the starting point, (commonly on a Flow Source, Equipment connection, or blank space).

    Move the mouse to the next desired point and Left-Click to add that point as a new fitting/bend in the layout.

    Adjust the Height of the pipe using the Arrow Keys on your keyboard whilst you are drawing.

    The height is displayed in the bottom left of the screen.

    Escape the drawing tool by pressing Escape on your keyboard or clicking the top-left exit icon.

  3. Connection Indicators:

    Solid Color Pipes: Properly connected to Equipment and/or Flow Sources.

    Semi-Transparent Pipes: Not properly connected to Equipment and/or Flow Sources.

    Red Circles: Indicate the Pipe end is not connected.

    Flow & Return: Verify flow and return pipes change color at an Emitter or Balancing Valve.

  4. Editing Pipes:

    Click and drag pipes to move them to a new position.

    Click a pipe to view and edit its Properties in the properties panel.

    Right-click and Select Similar to apply edits to multiple similar pipes at once.

Pipe Properties

General Tab

  • Name: Specify a unique identifier for the Pipe.

  • Flow System: Select the type of fluid system (e.g., Hot Water).

  • Color: Assign a Color to the pipe for easier visual differentiation.

  • Length: Automatically computed based on the drawn pipe, but can be overridden.

  • Height Above Floor: The height of the pipe relative to the floor. Ensure this aligns with the rest of your system to avoid errors.

Note the Height field is the Level Height plus the Height Above Floor

Technical Tab

  • Network Type: Review and edit the type of pipe network (e.g., Mains).

  • Material: Review and edit the default Material (e.g., copper, PEX).

  • Diameter: Computed based on the flow rate and system Settings, but can be overridden.

  • Max. Velocity: The maximum allowable velocity for fluid flow. Can be overridden from the default.

  • Max. Pressure Drop: The maximum allowable pressure drop per unit length of the pipe. Can be overridden from the default.

Troubleshooting Pipes

  1. Check Connections: Ensure Pipes are properly connected (solid color) and not semi-transparent.

    Verify no red circles are present at pipe ends.

    Verify flow and return pipes change color. If they don't, there is likely an emitter connected the wrong way around, or a missing balancing valve.

  2. Connection to Equipment: Confirm that cap connections disappear when pipes connect to Equipment or Fixtures properly.

  3. Adjusting Height: Check the pipe Height and ensure to use the arrows on the keyboard to define the pipe height when drawing.

  4. Editing Properties: Access the pipe Properties to review/edit System, Material, Diameter, and other attributes. This will highlight the pipe yellow so you can easily identify its had its default parameters overridden.