The VariSim Suite supports some very powerful applications for the heat network industry that can be applied to any pipeline configuration – whether simple A to B pipelines or more complex steam networks. Desktop studies can be undertaken for designing, planning, troubleshooting and optimising.
If it is possible to obtain recorded data, VariSims dynamic simulator capabilities can provide a unique insight into the performance of a steam network and visibly demonstrate the dynamic interaction of the whole pipeline infrastructure – including the control schemes. This provides the ultimate environment for helping to solve the day to day design and safety requirements for steam systems.
Use the powerful build processes to generate models of any heat network including simple A to B pipelines, branched pipelines or complex networks. Simulator models are created with VariBuild using the inbuilt user interface with graphical drag and drop functionality and/or the model build wizard that imports models from third party databases.
Design, Plan, Troubleshoot, Optimise |
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Starting conditions can be based on design data, field observed data or logger data depending on the objective of the study which can include:- Steady state flow, pressure and temperature distribution for review Dynamic hydraulic reaction to equipment operation, control schemes and demand changes. |
Perform repeated simulations to optimise the operation of the pipeline / network and accurately size equipment across the range of transient pipeline conditions. Example optimisations include pipe sizing, compressor and turbine sizing, valve set-point and control system settings etc. |
VariSim has the ability to use measured data to drive it. With this type of simulation, it mimics the real pipeline and is often termed an online simulator or a digital twin. The measurement data may be logger data so that it mimics the pipeline / network reaction at the time the logger data was recorded, or it can use current data (obtained through the connection to a live database) to make the simulator a real time simulator.
A real time simulator can transfer its current state to a copy of the simulator operating in a desktop environment. This allows the user to initiate the simulation with current conditions for subsequent simulation and analysis.
In reality, all steam networks are transient and in a state of flow and temperature imbalance. True transient simulation is essential for solving the conditions of imbalanced heat networks and a simulator that uses a steady state solution will frequently fail to achieve this.
Monitor, Detect, Optimise |
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View any VariSim calculated value at any location on the pipeline / network including flow, pressure, temperature, velocity, density, wavespeed, valve positions etc. |
Obtain Virtual Instrumentation values at any location on the pipeline / system |
Detect events and anomalies that develop on the steam network. • High / Low Pressure, Flow, Velocity, Temperature. • Areas of excessive pressure or temperature loss • Excessive start / stops of compressors • Inefficient equipment operation |
Analyse the potential for consumer interruptions |
Add plugins for additional functionality including :- • Management and Balancing of the Network • Optimisation • Compressor Management |
Display output in standard VariSim displays and / or a SCADA style graphical user interface. |
Boiler Simulation
Steam Stage Simulation