System level thermo-fluid simulation, often termed ‘1D CFD’, enables the thermal and hydrodynamic behavior of complex piping systems to be investigated. Unlike 3D approaches to the solution of the Navier-Stokes and thermal energy equations, the computational efficiency of system level tools such as FloMASTER allow for complete descriptions of entire arrangements to be considered, without the need to impose uncertain or unqualified localized boundary conditions. This is achieved by using a catalogue of components representing items such as pipes, bends, valves, reservoirs, pumps etc.

FloMASTER’s catalogue of components are based on extensive experimental measurements that characterize their hydrodynamic behavior in terms of relationships between Reynolds number and Pressure Loss Coefficient. Although the catalogue comprises of an extensive set of such objects, there are instances where a representation of a more complex pipe junction, or a more extreme range of operation, needs to be considered by the FloMASTER user.

3D CFD offers a unique and cost effective approach to characterizing such applications. As an alternative to a physical test bench methods, tools such as FloEFD can simulate complex flows in 3D geometries. The highly 3D interacting nature of the flow can be resolved, without having to resort to assumptions or text book relationships. A simulation based characterization workflow enables FloEFD to be used to characterize complex geometries for subsequent use within a FloMASTER simulation.