Models or samples of Fluid Network

Has anyone worked on the dynamic movement of fluid around a model?

I'm looking to identify what is involved in building a complex network of pipes and tanks - moving and diverting fluid between tanks via switches and valves. Initially, it's as simple as building up a series of tanks, pipes, splitters and blenders, and using the properties to select how much liquid goes where. However the model will need to be able to add/mix/redivert fluid on the fly and according to rules and levels.

Suggestions, models or even concept snippets would be awesome and really appreciated.

Thanks

Kenny

Kenny,

Flexsim includes a set of modeling objects that are known as the "fluid objects". These include objects to represent tanks, pipes, mixers, blenders, etc. In the Library Icon Grid window there is a drop-down list that has the names of the libraries that are currently loaded by Flexsim. One of them is called "Fluid Objects". The objects you are looking for are in this library. These objects have a large amount of functionality, but using them is different than using the standard, discrete objects. There is a tutorial in the User's Guide to help you get started with them. I recommend working through that tutorial and then asking any additional questions that you have here on the Forum. Thanks.

Thanks AJ - I've already built some basic fluid networks and will practice some more but it's how to manipulate flow on the fly that I ultimately want to understand.

I.e. - moving fluid around a network using valves that can be open and closed in real time, as the model is running - using some kind of switching capability.

Eg - 3 tanks all interconnected with the ability to move liquid between any tanks.

I'll get back to the forum with specific questions but if you could suggest a method of diverting fluid on the fly then i'd appreciate it.

Regards

Kenny

Kenny,

Have you tried using closeouput(), openoutput(), closeinput(), and openinput()? With those commands and the various triggers on the fluid objects, you should be able to control what you want to just fine.

Kenny,

Phil's answer is correct but there is more available to you. On most of the Fluid Objects you'll find triggers called "Adjust Input Rate" and/or "Adjust Output Rate". These fields execute at the beginning of every tick, before any material moves between the objects. They are designed to be used to change the rate and scale factor values for the fluid objects. This is one way to change how material flows. There is pre-written option called "Open One Input" (or "Open One Output") that can serve as an example of how to use these fields.

Also, with the Fluid Objects you can use some port commands that are not allowed with standard objects. These commands are openip(), closeip(), openop() and closeop(). These commands let you open and close individual ports, instead of blocking all ports like closeinput() and closeoutput() do. Using these commands with the discete objects causes a variety of modeling errors, but with the fluid objects they are generally safe.

Thanks Guys - appreciated.

Kenny