Connection rules are basic philosophies in FluidFlow used as guide when linking one pipe to another.
In summary, the rules are:
Pipe always end in nodes
Pipes must always end at a node connection. Hence, a pipe with no other connection would always terminate with an open pipe end.
Deleting a node where a pipe is connected will also delete the pipe.
Smart junction placement
Pipe junctions adjust automatically depending on the number of connecting pipes up to a maximum of four. Two connecting pipes generate an elbow or a bend; three, a tee or a wye; and four connections, a cross.
Default junctions can accommodate a maximum of four (4) pipe connections using a cross.
Unlimited connection
A connector can accommodate over four (4) connections.
No invalid connections
Invalid connections are automatically prevented. For instance, users cannot connect a third pipe connection to a pump or a fifth connection to a cross junction.
Unsolvable connections
Models containing nodes with missing pipe connections are unsolvable.
Unlimited boundary connection
The Reservoir node is the only boundary with fluid and temperature definition capable of accommodating more than one (1) pipe connection.
Pipe Splitting
Inserting a pipe to pipe connection forces its original input length to be defined according to the flowsheet option settings. It can either be split into two equal lengths or duplicate the pipe length data.
Pipe Merging
Deleting a node between two pipe will cause a length definition equal to the sum of the two pipe lengths.
When two pipes with different sizes are connected with each other, the larger pipe size will be applied as input data.
