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 networks. Desktop studies can be undertaken for designing, planning, troubleshooting and optimising.
Use the powerful build processes to generate models of any water pipeline or 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 packages and databases (such as EPANET) or GIS shape files.
Functions:
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 and pressure distribution allowing review of pressures, flows and temperature (if required)Dynamic hydraulic reaction to equipment operation, control schemes and supply / consumer changes.
The effects of surge suppression techniquesThe distribution of water to identify source, quality, age and any other component (such as chlorine)
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, pump sizing, valve set-point and control system settings, surge vessels, pump flywheel sizing etc.
Use the VariSim tools for tracing flow, analysing isolation sequences and their effects, automating the definition of zones, water balancing and consumer flow allocation using varying techniques such as the thiessen polygon method.
Display all VariSim output in a GIS format against any background shape files such as street layout.
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 pipelines or networks are transient and frequently in a state of imbalance. True transient simulation is essential for solving the conditions of pipeline systems that are hydraulically imbalanced and a simulator that uses a steady state solution will frequently fail to achieve this.
Functions:
View any VariSim calculated value at any location on the pipeline / network including flow, pressure, temperature, velocity, density, wavespeed, chlorine levels etc.
Obtain Virtual Instrumentation values at any location on the pipeline / system
Detect events and anomalies that develop on the heat network.
• High / Low Pressure, Flow, Velocity, Temperature.
• High / Low Pressure, Flow, Velocity
• Excessive water age (e.g. in dead end and looping sections) leading to poor quality
• Excessive pressure loss identifying poor pipeline condition
• Over/under concentration of additives such as chlorine
• Poor fluid flow distribution (using source tracking functions)
Analyse the potential for consumer interruptions
View all data against any GIS information including street maps.
Add plugins for additional functionality including :-
• Leak Detection and Location
• Management and Balancing of the Network
• Optimisation
• Pump Management
• Pig Tracking
• Boiler and Thermal Store ManagementDisplay output in standard VariSim displays and / or a SCADA style graphical user interface.
