s

SIMIT 7

FLOWNET Library

Reference manual
s

Edition
January 2013

Siemens offers simulation software to plan, simulate and optimize plants and machines. The simulation- and optimization-
results are only non-binding suggestions for the user. The quality of the simulation and optimizing results depend on the
correctness and the completeness of the input data. Therefore, the input data and the results have to be validated by the user.

Trademarks
SIMIT® is a registered trademark of Siemens AG in Germany and in other countries.
Other names used in this document can be trademarks, the use of which by third-parties for their own purposes could violate
the rights of the owners.

Copyright  Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved Exclusion of liability

The reproduction, transmission or use of this document or its We have checked that the contents of this document
contents is not permitted without express written authority. correspond to the hardware and software described. However,
Offenders will be liable for [Link] rights, including rights deviations cannot be entirely excluded, and we do not
created by patent grant or registration or a utility model or guarantee complete conformance. The information contained
design, are reserved. in this document is, however, reviewed regularly and any
Siemens AG necessary changes will be included in the next edition. We
Industry Sector welcome suggestions for improvement.
Industry Automation Division
Process Automation  Siemens AG 2013

SIMIT-HB-V7FLOWNET-2013-01-en Subject to change without prior notice.

s

Contents

1 PREFACE 1

1.1 Target group 1

1.2 Contents 1

1.3 Symbols 1

2 INTRODUCTION 3

3 FLOWNETS 4

3.1 Flownet basics 4

3.2 Variables used in the flownets 7

3.3 Modelling flownet branches 8

3.4 Modelling flownet nodes 9

3.4.1 Mass balance for the nodes 9
3.4.2 Enthalpy balance for the nodes 10
3.4.3 Determining the density of the medium in the nodes 10
[Link] Water/steam medium 10
[Link] Liquid medium 10
[Link] Ideal gas medium 10
3.4.4 Determining the temperature of the medium in the nodes 11

3.5 Heat exchange with the environment 11

3.6 Parameterisation of flownets 11

3.6.1 Flownet media 12
3.6.2 Parameters for branches 12
3.6.3 Parameters for nodes 12
3.6.4 Parameters for liquid medium 13
3.6.5 Parameters for ideal gas medium 13
3.6.6 Initialisation of variables 13
3.6.7 Parameter overview 14

4 FLOWNET COMPONENT LIBRARY 15

4.1 The topology connector 15

4.2 General components 16

4.2.1 Valve – control valve 17
4.2.2 StopValve – non-return valve 20
4.2.3 Pump – pump 21
4.2.4 Pnode – pressure setting 25
4.2.5 Mnode – mass flow setting 26

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page I
s
4.2.6 NetParam – network parameterisation 27
4.2.7 BranchParam – branch parameterisation 29
4.2.8 Joint – joint 29
4.2.9 JointParam – parameterisable joint 30

4.3 Measuring components 32

4.3.1 PipeMeasure – pipe measuring point 32
4.3.2 Measurements – measuring indicator 34
4.3.3 FlowIndicator – flow indicator 35
4.3.4 LevelIndicator – level indicator 35
4.3.5 PressureIndicator – pressure indicator 36
4.3.6 TemperatureIndicator – temperature indicator 37
4.3.7 WeightIndicator – weight indicator 37

4.4 Component types for water/steam medium 38

4.4.1 NetWS – water/steam network parameterisation 39
4.4.2 PnodeWS – water/steam pressure settings 40
4.4.3 MnodeWS – water/steam mass flow settings 41
4.4.4 JointWS – water/steam joint 42
4.4.5 JointParamWS – water/steam parameterisable joint 43
4.4.6 StorageTankWS – water storage tank 45
4.4.7 DrumWS – steam drum 49
4.4.8 ElectricalHeaterWS – electric heat exchanger for water/steam 54
4.4.9 HeatExchangerWS – heat exchanger water/steam to water/steam 56

4.5 Component types for liquid medium 59

4.5.1 NetLiquid – liquid network parameterisation 60
4.5.2 PnodeLiquid – liquid pressure settings 61
4.5.3 MnodeLiquid – liquid mass flow settings 62
4.5.4 JointLiquid – liquid joint 63
4.5.5 JointParamLiquid – liquid parameterisable joint 64
4.5.6 StorageTankLiquid – liquid storage tank 66
4.5.7 ElectricalHeaterLiquid – electric heat exchanger for liquid 69
4.5.8 HeatExchangerLiquid – heat exchanger liquid to liquid 72

4.6 Component types for gas medium 75

4.6.1 NetGas – gas network parameterisation 76
4.6.2 PnodeGas – gas pressure settings 77
4.6.3 MnodeGas – gas mass flow setting 78
4.6.4 JointGas – gas joint 79
4.6.5 JointParamGas – gas parameterisable joint 80
4.6.6 StorageTankGas – gas storage tank 82
4.6.7 ElectricalHeaterGas – electric heat exchanger for gas 85
4.6.8 HeatExchangerGas – heat exchanger gas to gas 88

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page II
s
5 CREATING YOUR OWN COMPONENT TYPES FOR FLOWNETS 92

5.1 Topological properties 92

5.1.1 Type FLN1 connections 93
5.1.2 Topology of internal nodes 94
5.1.3 Topology of external nodes 94
5.1.4 Topology of a branch object 95

5.2 Connection to the flownet solver 95

5.2.1 Connection type FLN2 for branch objects 96
5.2.2 Connection type FLN3 for external nodes 97
[Link] Connector of type FLN3 with direction OUT 98
[Link] Connection of type FLN3 with direction IN 99
5.2.3 Connection type FLN4 for internal nodes 100
5.2.4 Connection type FLN5 for parameters of a flownet 100
5.2.5 Connection type FLN6 for parameterisation of a branch 102
5.2.6 Connection type FLN7 for parameterisation of an internal node 102

5.3 Constants and functions 103

5.3.1 Constants 103
5.3.2 Functions 103
5.3.3 Own Functions 105

5.4 Initialising flownet simulations 107

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page III
s

Table of figures
Figure 3-1: Example flownet 4
Figure 3-2: Flownet graph 5
Figure 3-3: Flownet graph for example shown in Figure 3-1 5
Figure 3-4a,b: Minimal flownet graph and minimal flownet 6
Figure 3-5: Incomplete flownet branch 6
Figure 3-6: Error message for incomplete flownet branch 6
Figure 3-7: Error message for an isolated flownet component 7
Figure 3-8: Error message for components with different cycles 7
Figure 3-9: Branch with branch objects 8
Figure 4-1: Connector component types in the basic library 15
Figure 4-2: Topology flownet connector 15
Figure 4-3: Flownet connector on a branch 16
Figure 4-4: Flownet connector as joint 16
Figure 4-5: GENERAL library directory 17
Figure 4-6: Valve with drive 18
Figure 4-7: Application of the Characteristic component on valve 18
Figure 4-8: Parameters for the Valve component type 19
Figure 4-9: Additional parameters for the Valve component type 19
Figure 4-10: Symbolic representation of the valve position 19
Figure 4-11: Representation of the valve position and flow direction in symbol 20
Figure 4-12: Operating window for the valve component type 20
Figure 4-13: Parameters for the StopValve component type 21
Figure 4-14: Pump with drive 22
Figure 4-15: Pump characteristic 22
Figure 4-16: Extended characteristic 23
Figure 4-17: Parameters for the Pump component type 24
Figure 4-18: Additional parameters for the Pump component type 24
Figure 4-19: Representation of the pump operating status in symbol 24
Figure 4-20: Operating window for the Pump component type 24
Figure 4-21: Operating window for the component type Pnode 25
Figure 4-22: Extended operating window for the component type Pnode 25
Figure 4-23: Operating window for the Mnode component type 26
Figure 4-24: Extended operating window for the Mnode component type 27
Figure 4-25: Parameters for the NetParam component type 28
Figure 4-26: Additional parameters for the NetParam component type 29
Figure 4-27: Parameters for the BranchParam component type 29
Figure 4-28: Operating window for the Joint component type 30
Figure 4-29: Parameters for the JointParam component type 31
Figure 4-30: Additional parameters for the JointParam component type 31
Figure 4-31: Operating window for the JointParam component type 31
Figure 4-32: Library directory MEASURE 32
Figure 4-33: Indication of medium flow for the PipeMeasure component type 33

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page IV
s
Figure 4-34: Operating window for the PipeMeasure component type 33
Figure 4-35: Extended operating window for the PipeMeasure component type 34
Figure 4-36: Components of the Measurements type at a pipe measuring point 34
Figure 4-37: Operating window for the Measurements component type 35
Figure 4-38: Operating window for the FlowIndicator component type 35
Figure 4-39: Operating window for the LevelIndicator component type 36
Figure 4-40: Operating window for the PressureIndicator component type 36
Figure 4-41: Operating window for the TemperatureIndicator component type 37
Figure 4-42: Operating window for the WeightIndicator component type 38
Figure 4-43: Library directory [Link] 38
Figure 4-44: Parameters for the NetWS component type 39
Figure 4-45: Additional parameters for the NetWS component type 40
Figure 4-46: Operating window for the component type PnodeWS 41
Figure 4-47: Extended operating window for the component type PnodeWS 41
Figure 4-48: Operating window for the MnodeWS component type 42
Figure 4-49: Extended operating window for the MnodeWS component type 42
Figure 4-50: Operating window for the JointWS component type 43
Figure 4-51: Parameters for the JointParamWS component type 44
Figure 4-52: Additional parameters for the JointParamWS component type 44
Figure 4-53: Operating window for the JointParamWS component type 44
Figure 4-54: Empty tank indicator on the symbol 46
Figure 4-55: Full tank indication on the symbol 47
Figure 4-56: Parameters for the StorageTankWS component type 47
Figure 4-57: Additional parameters for the StorageTankWS component type 48
Figure 4-58: Operating window for the StorageTankWS component type 48
Figure 4-59: Empty drum indicator on the symbol 51
Figure 4-60: Full drum indication on the symbol 51
Figure 4-61: Parameters for the DrumWS component type 52
Figure 4-62: Additional parameters for the DrumWS component type 53
Figure 4-63: Operating window for the DrumWS component type 53
Figure 4-64: Extended operating window for the DrumWS component type 53
Figure 4-65: Diagram of the segments for the electrical heat exchanger
ElectricalHeaterWS 54
Figure 4-66: Parameters for the ElectricalHeaterWS component type 55
Figure 4-67: Operating window for the ElectricalHeaterWS component type 56
Figure 4-68: One tube model of the heat exchanger 57
Figure 4-69: Heat balance for the heat exchanger HeatExchangerWS 57
Figure 4-70: Parameters for the HeatExchangerWS component type 59
Figure 4-71: Operating window for the HeatExchangerWS component type 59
Figure 4-72: Library directory LIQUID 60
Figure 4-73: Parameters for the NetLiquid component type 61
Figure 4-74: Additional parameters for the NetLiquid component type 61
Figure 4-75: Operating window for the PnodeLiquid component type 62
Figure 4-76: Extended operating window for the PnodeLiquid component type 62
Figure 4-77: Operating window for the MnodeLiquid component type 63

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page V
s
Figure 4-78: Extended operating window for the MnodeLiquid component type 63
Figure 4-79: Operating window for the JointLiquid component type 64
Figure 4-80: Parameters for the JointParamLiquid component type 65
Figure 4-81: Operating window for the JointParamLiquid component type 65
Figure 4-82: Operating window for the JointParamLiquid component type 65
Figure 4-83: Empty tank indicator on the symbol 67
Figure 4-84: Full tank indicator on the symbol 67
Figure 4-85: Parameters for the StorageTankLiquid component type 68
Figure 4-86: Additional parameters for the StorageTankLiquid component type 69
Figure 4-87: Operating window for the StorageTankLiquid component type 69
Figure 4-88: Diagram of the segmentation for the heat exchanger 70
Figure 4-89: Parameters for the ElectricalHeaterLiquid component type 71
Figure 4-90: Additional parameters for the ElectricalHeaterLiquid component
type 71
Figure 4-91: Operating window for the ElectricalHeaterLiquid component type 72
Figure 4-92: One tube model for the heat exchanger 73
Figure 4-93: Diagram of the heat balancing for the heat exchanger 73
Figure 4-94: Parameters for the HeatExchangerLiquid component type 75
Figure 4-95: Operating window for the HeatExchangerLiquid component type 75
Figure 4-96: Library directory GAS 76
Figure 4-97: Parameters for the NetGas component type 77
Figure 4-98: Additional parameters for the NetGas component type 77
Figure 4-99: Operating window for the PnodeGas component type 78
Figure 4-100: Extended operating window for the component type PnodeGas 78
Figure 4-101: Operating window for the MnodeGas component type 79
Figure 4-102: Extended operating window for the component type MnodeGas 79
Figure 4-103: Operating window for the JointGas component type 80
Figure 4-104: Parameters for the JointParamGas component type 81
Figure 4-105: Additional parameters for the JointParamGas component type 81
Figure 4-106: Operating window for the JointParamGas component type 81
Figure 4-107: Empty tank indicator on the symbol 83
Figure 4-108: Full tank indicator on the symbol 84
Figure 4-109: Parameters for the StorageTankGas component type 84
Figure 4-110: Additional parameters for the StorageTankGas component type 85
Figure 4-111: Operating window for the StorageTankGas component type 85
Figure 4-112: Diagram of the heat transfer in a segmented heat exchanger 86
Figure 4-113: Parameters for the ElectricalHeaterGas component type 87
Figure 4-114: Additional parameters for the ElectricalHeaterGas component type 87
Figure 4-115: Operating window for the ElectricalHeaterGas component type 88
Figure 4-116: One tube model for the heat exchanger 89
Figure 4-117: Diagram of the heat balancing for the heat exchanger 89
Figure 4-118: Parameters for the HeatExchangerGas component type 91
Figure 4-119: Operating window for the HeatExchangerGas component type 91
Figure 5-1: Topology in the component type navigation menu 93
Figure 5-2: Connectors of type FLN1 93

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page VI
s
Figure 5-3: Linking connectors of type FLN1 with a connecting line 93
Figure 5-4: Linking connectors of type FLN1 through superposition 94
Figure 5-5: Topology of an internal node 94
Figure 5-6: Topology of an external node 95
Figure 5-7: Topology of a branch object 95
Figure 5-8: Data exchange between flownet components and flownet solver 96
Figure 5-9: Visibility in the properties window of a connection of type FLN2 to
FLN7. 96
Figure 5-10: Definition of a connection of type FLN2 96
Figure 5-11: Signals of a connection of type FLN2 97
Figure 5-12: Assigning variables to a branch object 97
Figure 5-13: Signals of a connection of type FLN3 with direction OUT 98
Figure 5-14: Variables of a pressure node 99
Figure 5-15: Signals of a connection of type FLN3 with direction IN 99
Figure 5-16: Variables of a mass flow node 99
Figure 5-17: Definition of a connector of type FLN4 100
Figure 5-18: Signals of a connection of type FLN4 100
Figure 5-19: Definition of a connection of type FLN6 102
Figure 5-20: Definition of a connection of type FLN7 102
Figure 5-21: Cross-section of a partially full cylinder 105
Figure 5-22: Initialisation of flownet simulations 108

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page VII
s

List of tables
Table 3-1: Flownet variables 8
Table 3-2: List of flownet parameters 14
Table 4-1: Signals of the Measure connection type 32
Table 5-1: FLN3 connection type signals 98
Table 5-2: Signals of connection type FLN5 101
Table 5-3: Signals of connection type FLN7 103
Table 5-4: Constants for flownet components 103
Table 5-5: State variables for water/steam 104
Table 5-6: State functions for water/steam 104

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page VIII
s Preface

1 PREFACE

1.1 Target group

This manual is intended for anyone who uses the SIMIT simulation system. It describes the
process for simulating pipe networks using the FLOWNET library, i.e. the component types
provided by the library and the simulation processes that are used by these types of
component. An understanding of the process and component types is essential for creating
simulations. This manual provides the necessary information.
It assumes knowledge of the basic SIMIT system and a a well-founded knowledge of the use
of PCs and their Windows user interface in addition to fundamental knowledge of the
physical and mathematical relations on which the component types are based. These
constitute essential basic knowledge in the thermodynamics of flow.

1.2 Contents
This manual describes the component types contained in the FLOWNET library and the
modelling approach on which the library is based. Section 2 is an introduction explaining the
basic features of the FLOWNET library.
Section 3 describes how piping networks can be simulated using flownets. The modelling
approach for flownets is described in detail.
The components contained in the FLOWNET library are described in section 4 and the
subsequent sections are useful for understanding their function in a flownet.
Section 5 explains how to create your own component types for flownets. The topological
aspects and the data exchange between the components and the flownet solver are
explained in detail. The information on flownets provided in section 3 is required in order to
understand this section.

1.3 Symbols
Particularly important information is highlighted in the text as follows:

NOTE

 Notes contain important supplementary information about the documentation

contents. They also highlight those properties of the system or operator input to
which we want to draw particular attention.

CAUTION
This means that the system will not respond as described if the specified
precautionary measures are not applied.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 1
s Preface

WARNING
STOP This means that the system may suffer irreparable damage or that data may be
lost if the relevant precautionary measures are not applied.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 2
s Introduction

2 INTRODUCTION
The FLOWNET library is an extension of SIMIT, which provides component types for
creating simulations of piping networks. By connecting components in this library, a model of
a piping network, a flownet, is created, which simulates the thermodynamic processes in
piping networks. In conjunction with the FLOWNET library, a special solution method can be
applied in SIMIT that calculates the flow, pressure and specific enthalpy in the piping
network simulation.
Although the SIMIT flownets are based on a modelling approach that employs physical
balance equations, the aim is not to use the dynamic process simulations to facilitate the
design of system components or systems, but instead to provide a physically plausible
simulation of the thermodynamic variables in piping networks for virtual commissioning. This
simulation should be easy to create using components on a graphical interface and be stable
even in extreme situations. During the implementation of the component types in the
FLOWNET library, the focus was on simple parameterisation of the components and stable
behaviour in the flownet, rather than a detailed simulation of the physics.
The component types in the FLOWNET library can be used to create flownets for a variety of
media:
• water/steam,
• liquids or
• ideal gases.
The Component Type Editor (CTE) of SIMIT can be used to create your own flownet
components and thus extend your flownet library. The flownet solution method can also be
used by the components via FLOWNET specific connection types.

NOTE

 When the simulation starts, it will check whether your SIMIT installation has a
licence for the FLOWNET library. If there are flownet components in the
simulation project, i.e. components that use the solution method for flownets,
then the simulation can only be run if you have a FLOWNET licence.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 3
s Flownets

3 FLOWNETS
A flownet in SIMIT is a connection of flownet components used for simulating
thermodynamic processes in pipe networks. The simulation of flownets is based on a special
solution method, which is parameterised and configured via the flownet components. The
modelling approach described later restricts the flownet to homogenous media, but can be
used for liquids, ideal gases or water in physical condition that is either liquid or steam.
The FLOWNET library provides component types that can be used to configure flownets, i.e.
to model flownets. As usual in SIMIT, the diagram editor is used to model flownets. The
symbol used for the flownet component types, such as valves or pumps, is the same as that
is normally used in piping diagrams. This allows a flownet model, as shown in Figure 3-1, to
be easily constructed in the form of a piping diagram using the component type symbols.

Figure 3-1: Example flownet

The flownet topology for configuring the flownet solver is derived from the interconnection of
flownet components. While the simulation is running, the flownet solver and components
exchange data: calculated values or flownet parameters.

3.1 Flownet basics

The process for simulating piping networks is based on mapping the connection of SIMIT
components to flownets as a graph of nodes and branches. The branches model the flow
paths and the nodes model the connections, i.e. the intersections or joints of the flow paths.
The determining variables at the nodes are pressure and the specific enthalpy and for the
branches the flow (mass flow).
All physical variables with a vector nature, such as the flow of fluids, are represented in the
flownet as one-dimensional variables with direction information, i.e. as vector quantities
(lines of flow). The direction is indicated by the sign. The variables are numbered arbitrarily
for reference.
Flownets can be depicted by graphs, whose branches (edges) form the pipes with their
fittings (valves, pumps, etc.) and their nodes form the pipe joints. The graph is directional,
i.e. the direction of a branch indicates the direction of flow. The graph is also interconnected,

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 4
s Flownets

like the flownet. The graph represents the topology of the flownet on the level of pipelines
and joints. The graph in Figure 3-2 depicts seven nodes K i and nine branches Z i .

Figure 3-2: Flownet graph

The example in Figure 3-1 results in a graph like the one in Figure 3-3 with three branches
and four nodes.

Figure 3-3: Flownet graph for example shown in Figure 3-1

The boundary conditions for the flownet are set via the nodes K 1, K 3 and K 4 . For example,
the pressure on the connections of both tanks is defined at these external nodes. In contrast,
K 2 is an internal node, for which the relevant variables, such as pressure, are calculated
using the flownet solution method.
The solution method for flownets is based on the flow in the branches being dependant on
the pressure using the momentum balance and the balancing of the flow of matter and
enthalpy at the nodes. The state variables for such a system are the flow of mass in the
branches and the pressure and specific enthalpy at the nodes. Other variables, such as
density and temperature in the flownet can be derived according to the medium in question.
If the flownet components in a branch change neither the rate nor the enthalpy of flow in that
branch, the branch is removed from the flownet, i.e. both nodes are merged to form one
node.
The solution method for flownets is, as usual for SIMIT, a cyclical solution method with
equidistant cycles, which extends the standard solution method. Flownet component types
can also be used in addition to other component types, such as those in the basic library.
Specific connections are used for data exchange between flownet components and the
flownet solver. Through these connections, the components receive values calculated by the
flownet solver; these are then used to calculate variables that are sent back to the flownet
solver.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 5
s Flownets

NOTE

 Dependend on the structure of the flowner and on the parameters of the

flownet’s components the calculation of the flownet variables could become
instable and so the values of state variables can become infinite. The stability of
a flownet is not proven in SIMIT.
In this case setting a smaller value for the cycle time of the flownet and/or a
changing the parameters of the flownet balances might establish stability for the
calculation of the flownet.

It is clear that a flownet must consist of a minimum of one branch with two nodes. Figure
3-4a shows the minimal graph and corresponding minimal flownet. The nodes can be
external (as in Figure 3-4b) or internal.

Figure 3-4a,b: Minimal flownet graph and minimal flownet

If, as shown in Figure 3-5, a branch is not closed by two nodes, the error message "Isolated
branch component(s)“ shown in Figure 3-6, stating the components in the branch, appears
on start up of the simulation and the simulation will not run.

Figure 3-5: Incomplete flownet branch

Figure 3-6: Error message for incomplete flownet branch

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 6
s Flownets

A similar error message (Figure 3-7) appears if the flownet only contains an isolated
component. The corresponding graph then consists of only one branch or node and does not
meet the minimum requirements for a flownet.

Figure 3-7: Error message for an isolated flownet component

The flownet components and the flownet solver are also processed cyclically in SIMIT. The
flownet components must be assigned to a cycle. All components of a flownet must be
parameterised with the same cycle. Otherwise the simulation start up will be interrupted with
a message such as that shown in Figure 3-8.

Figure 3-8: Error message for components with different cycles

3.2 Variables used in the flownets

The mass flow, pressure and specific enthalpy as well as the derived density and
temperature are regarded as basic physical variables in the flownets. These variables are
listed in Table 3-1 along with the symbols and units used in this manual.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 7
s Flownets

Variable Symbol Unit

Mass flow m kg/s
Pressure p bar (absolute)
Specific enthalpy h kJ/kg
Density ρ kg/m³
Temperature T °C

Table 3-1: Flownet variables

3.3 Modelling flownet branches

It is assumed that branches do not store any mass. The mass flow rate and density are
therefore consistent in the same branch.

This condition is always met made for incompressible media. For compressible media
no mass is stored in the branch if the branches have "no" volume. The density
decreases for compressible media in the direction of falling pressure, i.e. in the
direction of flow, the density change is negligible for slight throttling, so it is acceptable
to regard the density as constant.

Thus only the pressure on the connection points needs to be considered for branch objects.
The relationships between the pressures on either side of a branch object and the mass flow
in a branch, such as ρ ∆p ~ m 2 , are purely of an algebraic nature.
Momentum balance is applied to each branch k using pressure forces. Friction forces,
acceleration forces and gravity are ignored. With a uniform cross-section Ak on a branch of
length L k the following applies
dm k
Lk
dt
= Ak ∆p k − Ak ∑ ∆p
κ
k ,κ ,

where ∆p k = p k ,A − p k ,B is the pressure difference along the entire branch k and

∆pk ,κ = pk ,κA − pk ,κB are the pressure differences of the individual branch elements (see Figure
3-9). If pressure is applied in bars, then the rate of change of the mass flow m k is given by

dm k A  ∆p k ∆p k ,κ  kg
dt
= 10 5 k
Lk

 bar −

∑κ

bar  m s 2
.

Figure 3-9: Branch with branch objects

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 8
s Flownets

The length and cross-section of a branch are generally unknown so a reasonable estimate
must be made. Taking a cross-section of 0.05 m2 for example and a length of 10 m, results in
a factor
Ak
Α k = 10 5
Lk
of 500 m. This factor is herein after reffered to as momentum factor.

3.4 Modelling flownet nodes

The dynamic inflow and outflow of the medium is balanced at each node. Each node is
assigned a material balance envelope, i.e. a volume. The mass in and outflow are balanced
as well as the enthalpy in and outflow as a measure of the energy conversion.

3.4.1 Mass balance for the nodes

The pressure in a node i is determined through the mass balance, the balancing of the inflow
and outflow from the node connected branches:
dρ i
Vi
dt
= ∑ m
κ
κ .

Vi is the volume of the material balance envelope assigned to the node, ρ i is the density of
the medium within the material balance envelope and m κ are the inflows and outflows.
Inflows are positive ( m κ > 0 ), outflows are negative ( m κ < 0 ).
Using the equation of state ρ = ρ ( p , h ) and assuming an isenthalpic change of state for the
pressure in the node, the following applies:
−1
dp i  dρ i 
= Vi
dt  dp i

 ∑ m κ .
h = const  κ

The term
dρi
Vi
dpi
is a measure of the compressibility of the medium. Using the compression modulus K i
−1
 dρ i 
K i = M i Vi 
 dp i 
the following applies for the mass balance:
dp i K i
dt
=
Mi
∑ m
κ
κ = ci ∑ m
κ
κ .

The default setting for the specific compression modulus ci = K i / M i in the flownet solution
method is the same for all nodes in the flownet. However, various factors result in increased
compressibility c i of gases and steam in contrast to liquids, and this is taken into
consideration for media with higher and lower densities (see section 3.6).

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 9
s Flownets

3.4.2 Enthalpy balance for the nodes

The specific enthalpy is also considered as another state variable of a node. In principle, the
convective inflow of enthalpy and the existing enthalpy in the node form a mixed enthalpy,
which is added to the outflow. The balancing for a node i is given by
d (hi M i )
dt
= ∑ h m
κ
κ κ ,

where M i is the mass and hi is the specific enthalpy of the medium within the material
balance envelope.
From
dhi 1
=
dt M i
∑ m (h
κ∈Z i
κ κ − hi ) ,

it follows that by using the difference in enthalpy only the inflows to the nodes i ( κ ∈ Z i ) need
to be summed.
Just like the mass balance factors c i , the default thermal factors mi = 1 / M i in the flownet
solution method are equal for all nodes, but have different values for media with higher and
lower densities.

3.4.3 Determining the density of the medium in the nodes

The values for the density in the nodes are calculated from the pressure and specific
enthalpy values. The relations used depend on the medium in the flownet.

[Link] Water/steam medium

In the case of water/steam the density in the nodes is calculated using the equation of state
for water/steam with pressure p and specific enthalpy h:
ρ = ρ ( p , h) .

[Link] Liquid medium

In the case of liquids, calculation is based on constant density throughout the entire flownet.
The default is a density of 997.337 kg/m³.

[Link] Ideal gas medium

The gas equation p V = m RS T is used for ideal gas. Using the specific heat capacity c p the
density is given by
Pa
p ⋅ 10 2
m bar
ρ= =
V  h − h0 
RS  + T0 
 cp 
 
with pressure p in bar, the specific heat capacity c p in kJ/kgK and the specific gas constant R S
in kJ/kgK. If the triple point of water is used for the zero point (T 0 , h 0 ) then T 0 = 273,15 K and
h 0 = 0. The density is then calculated using the following relation

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 10
s Flownets

Pa
p ⋅ 10 2
ρ= bar .
 h 
RS  + 273,15 K 
 cp 
 
In the flownet solution method, the specific gas constant has a value of 0.287 kJ/kgK
(specific gas constant for dry air).

3.4.4 Determining the temperature of the medium in the nodes

The temperatures used in the FLOWNET library components are calculated from the values
for pressure p and specific enthalpy h. The equation of state for water/steam medium
T = T ( p , h)
is used. In the case of ideal gases and liquids, the temperature is determined from the
specific heat capacity c p and the specific enthalpy according to
h
T= .
cp

3.5 Heat exchange with the environment

Heat exchange with the environment is accounted for with a corresponding term in the
enthalpy balance equation for the node:

dhi 1  
=
dt M i  κ∈Z i
∑
m κ (hκ − hi ) − ci (Ti − TEnv ) .


where T Env is the ambient temperature, T i is the temperature of the node and
ci = α i Ai

is the determining heat transfer factor, which is the product of the heat transfer coefficient α i
and the heat transfer surface A i .

3.6 Parameterisation of flownets

The variables for the branches and nodes of a flownet are calculated using the various
parameters described above. Default values for these parameters are set in the flownet
solution method, but these can be changed using special component types from the
FLOWNET library.
You can use the following component types to parameterise networks:
• NetParam for general parameterisation of flownets (see section 4.2.6),
• NetWS for parameterisation of networks with water/steam medium (see section
4.4.1),
• NetLiquid for parameterisation of networks with liquid medium (see section 4.5.1) and
• NetGas for parameterisation of networks with ideal gas medium (see section 4.6.1).
You can use the following component types for specific parameterisation of individual nodes:
• JointParam for general parameterisation of a node (see section 4.2.9),

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 11
s Flownets

• JointParamWS for parameterisation of a node in a network with water/steam

medium (see section 4.4.5),
• JointParamLiquid for parameterisation of a node in a network with liquid medium
(see section 4.5.5),
• JointParamGas for parameterisation of a node in a network with ideal gas medium
(see section 4.6.5).
The component type
• BranchParam (see section 4.2.7)
can be used to parameterise individual branches.
The connection types that you can use for your self-created flownet component parameters
are described in sections 5.2.4, 5.2.5 and 5.2.6.

3.6.1 Flownet media

The following media can be specified for a flownet:
• water/steam,
• ideal gas or
• liquid
Water/steam is the default medium.

3.6.2 Parameters for branches

The momentum factor Α can be set for flownet branches. The same factor Α = 450 m is
used as default for all branches in the flownet solution method. If there are several
momentum factors in a branch, then the effective factor Α in the branch is given by
1 1
Α
= ∑Α
k κ

using the k factors Α κ .

3.6.3 Parameters for nodes

The following variables can be parameterised for nodes in a flownet:
• Specific compression modulus c = K / M
• Thermal factor m = 1 / M
Both variables can be individually specified for water and steam as well as liquid and gas.
Transitions between the parameters c L and m L and the parameters c G and m G for media
water/steam are calculated by the flownet solution method based on the density according to
the following scheme:
c für ρ ≥ 500 m³/kg
c= L
 cG für ρ < 500 m³/kg

and

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 12
s Flownets

m für ρ ≥ 500 m³/kg

m= L
 mG für ρ < 500 m³/kg

The transition between both parameter values can also be set with a linear transfer function:

 c L für ρ > ρ L

c =  cG für ρ < ρ G
 ρ G (ρ L − ρ)
 c L + (cG − c L ) else
 ρ(ρ L − ρ G )

and

 m L für ρ > ρL

m =  mG für ρ < ρG
 mG − mL
 mL + (v − v L ) else
 vG − vL

using both key values ρ G = 5 kg/m³ and ρ G = 1000 kg/m³ .

For liquid medium the corresponding variables c L and m L are always applicable, and for ideal
gas the variables c G and m G are applicable.
For heat exchange with the environment, the ambient temperature T env and the heat transfer
factor c = αA / M can be parameterised. The default temperature is set at Tenv = 20 °C with
factor c = 0 , i.e. there is no heat exchange with the default settings.

3.6.4 Parameters for liquid medium

If liquid medium is set for the flownet, calculations are based on constant density. The
density value to be used can be entered as a parameter.
The specific heat capacity c p of the medium can be entered as an additional variable for the
flownet as well as specifically for each individual node. The default value is 4.18 kJ/kgK.

3.6.5 Parameters for ideal gas medium

For ideal gas medium, the gas constant R S and the specific heat capacity c p can be entered
for the flownet. The default values are R S = 0,287 kJ/kgK and c p = 1 kJ/kgK .

3.6.6 Initialisation of variables

Each time the simulation is started, the flownet state variables are initialised as follows.
All branch mass flow rates are initialised with a value of zero ( m = 0 ). This initialisation
cannot be changed. The default values for the pressures in the nodes are p = 1 bar , but they
can be changed to other values via a parameter. The initial value h for the specific enthalpy
depends on the medium in the flownet as follows:
• h = 100 kJ/kg for water/steam,
• h = 83,6 kJ/kg for liquid and

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 13
s Flownets

• h = 20 kJ/kg for ideal gas.

These initial values can be changed via a parameter.

3.6.7 Parameter overview

Table 3-2 provides an overview of the available flownet parameters. The signal column lists
the names of the input or output signals for the component, the designation column gives the
names of the parameters as given in the component properties dialog. The default values
and units are shown in the last column. If explicit parameters are not set, then the defaults
for the flownet as described above apply.

Signal Designation Description Default

Value Unit

MEDIUM Medium Medium in flownet: 0 -

- water/steam: 0
- liquid: 2
- ideal gas: 1
CG sCompressionGas Specific compression modulus 10 bar/kg
c = K / M for ideal gas or steam
CL sCompressionLiquid Specific compression modulus 100 bar/kg
c = K / M for liquids
MG FactorThermalGas Thermal factor m = 1 / M for ideal 100 kg-1
gas or steam
ML FactorThermalLiquid Thermal factor m = 1 / M for liquids 0.1 kg-1
P_INIT PressureInit Initial pressure value 1 bar
H_INIT sEnthalpyInit Initial value for specific enthalpy 20 / 83.6 kJ/kg
/ 100
DENSITY Density(Liquid) Density (only applies to liquid) 997.337 kg/m³
T_ENV TemperatureEnvironment Ambient temperature T env 20 °C
C_ENV FactorHeatExchangeEnv Heat transfer factor c = αA 0 kW/K
L_CR sHeatCapLiquid Specific heat capacity c p for liquids 4.18 kJ/kgK
IG_R GasConstant Gas constant R S 0.287 kJ/kgK
IG_CR sHeatCapGas Specific heat capacity c p for gas 1.0 kJ/kgK
ST SmoothTransition Switches to linear transition of the False
compression modulus and thermal
factor for water/steam
AL FactorMomentum Momentum factor Α 450 m

Table 3-2: List of flownet parameters

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 14
s FLOWNET component library

4 FLOWNET COMPONENT LIBRARY

The component types in the FLOWNET library are divided into
• component types for simulating pipe measuring points (directory MEASURE),
• component types for networks with any media (directory GENERAL),
• component types for networks with water/steam medium (directory
MEDIUM\[Link]),
• component types for networks with liquid medium (directory MEDIUM\LIQUID),
• component types for networks with gas medium (directory MEDIUM\GAS).

4.1 The topology connector

In the CONNECTORS directory of the SIMIT basic library is a connector that can be used to
create topological connections for flownet components that transcend diagram limits:
• the Topology connector
(see Figure 4-1).

Figure 4-1: Connector component types in the basic library

The Topology symbol is shown in Figure 4-2.

Figure 4-2: Topology flownet connector

The Topology connector can be used to create a topological flownet connection between two
or more branch components. Figure 4-3a shows two components connected by the CON_A
connector. The connection is functionally identical to the direct connection of both
components via a connecting line, as shown in Figure 4-3b. Figure 4-4a shows three
components connected by the NODE_A connector. This configuration is functionally identical
to the connection using a node shown in Figure 4-4b.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 15
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-3: Flownet connector on a branch

Figure 4-4: Flownet connector as joint

4.2 General components

In the GENERAL (Figure 4-5) directory of the FLOWNET library there are component types
that can be used in the flownet with any medium.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 16
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-5: GENERAL library directory

4.2.1 Valve – control valve

Symbol

Function
The Valve component type is used for simulating a control valve. Depending on the valve
position, the pressure drop across the valve is calculated by
2
∆p − m 2  sec 
= 12960  
bar kg  h 
cV2 ρ 3
m
Where
∆p = p B − p A is the pressure drop across the valve in bar,
m is the mass flow rate in kg/s,
ρ is the density of the medium in kg/m³ and
kV is the flow coefficient of the valve in m³/h.
The reference direction is defined for the mass flow m from connection A to connection B,
i.e. it is m > 0 for mass flow in the reference direction. The pressure drop is therefore a
negative value: ∆p < 0 .

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 17
s FLOWNET component library

At the Position connection, the H position of the valve drive is given as a percentage value,
to which the drive component types of the SIMIT basic library can be set (Figure 4-6), for
example.

Figure 4-6: Valve with drive

The valve position value is limited to 0 ≤ H ≤ 100% .The valve position is mapped onto flow
coefficient cV using the valve characteristic. The following applies

cV 1  1  H
= + 1 −  for a linear characteristic,
cV 100 SV  SV  100%

2
cV 1  1  H 
= + 1 −   for a quadratic characteristic,
cV 100 SV  SV  100% 

H
cV −1
= SV 100% for an equal percentage characteristic.
cV 100
The position ratio
cV 100
SV =
cV 0
is applied here as a quotient consisting of the flow coefficient c V100 for a completely open
valve ( H = 100% ) and the flow coefficient c V0 for a completely closed valve ( H = 0 ).
Any valve characteristic can be created with the Characteristic component type from the
SIMIT standard library. The characteristic component is simply placed upstream of the
valve's Position input (Figure 4-7).

Figure 4-7: Application of the Characteristic component on valve

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 18
s FLOWNET component library

The linear characteristic is then set on the valve, so that the characteristic specified by the
characteristic component is only scaled by the factor (cV 100 − cV 0 ) / cV 0 and displaced by
cV 0 .

Parameter
The valve characteristic and flow coefficient can be adjusted via parameters.
• Characteristic
Set valve characteristics: linear, quadratic, equal-percentage; adjustable online
• Cvs
Flow coefficient c V100 with cV 100 ≥ cV 0 + 10 −6 m³ /h ; adjustable online

• Cv0
Flow coefficient c V0 with cV 0 ≥ 10 −6 m³/h
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-8.

Figure 4-8: Parameters for the Valve component type

Additional parameters
Additional parameters can be used to visualise the operating states of the components in
symbols (Figure 4-9).

Figure 4-9: Additional parameters for the Valve component type

When ShowFlow is set to True the valve position is shown as in Figure 4-10.

Figure 4-10: Symbolic representation of the valve position

If ShowFlowDirection is also set to true, then the valve position and the direction of flow is
shown as in Figure 4-11.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 19
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-11: Representation of the valve position and flow direction in symbol

Both additional parameters can be adjusted online.

Operating window
The pressure drop ∆p and the flow rate m are shown in the operating window (Figure 4-12).

Figure 4-12: Operating window for the valve component type

4.2.2 StopValve – non-return valve

Symbol

Function
The StopValve component type is used for simulating a non-return valve. Depending on the
direction of flow, the pressure drop across the non-return valve is given by
 − m 2  sec 
2

 12960   for m > 0

 c 2 ρ kg  h 
∆p  V 100 m 3
=  2
bar  − m 2  sec 
12960   for m < 0
 2 kg  h 
 cV 0 ρ 3
 m
Where
∆p = p B − p A is the pressure drop across the non-return valve in bar,

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 20
s FLOWNET component library

m is the mass flow rate in kg/s,

ρ is the density of the medium in kg/m³ and
cV is the flow coefficient of the valve in m³/h.
The reference direction is defined for the mass flow m from connection A to connection B,
i.e. it is m > 0 for mass flow in the reference direction.

Parameter
Both flow coefficients for the valve can be set via parameters:
• Cvs
Flow coefficient c V100 with cV 100 ≥ cV 0 + 10 −6 m³ /h

• Cv0
Flow coefficient c V0 with cV 0 ≥ 10 −6 m³/h
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-13.

Figure 4-13: Parameters for the StopValve component type

In order to implement the non-return function, the flow coefficient c V0 must be sufficiently
small.

4.2.3 Pump – pump

Symbol

Function
The component type Pump calculates the pressure boost, which depends on the flow and
speed, according to

(
∆p = n 2 ∆p 0 + ∆p * − ∆p 0 ) m 2
für m > 0 .
(m )
* 2

Where
∆p = p B − p A is the pressure boost in bar,
m is the mass flow rate in kg/s,

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 21
s FLOWNET component library

∆p 0 is the zero flow head in bar,

∆p * is the nominal pressure boost in bar,

m * is the nominal flow in kg/s and

n is the dimensionless speed value.
The reference direction is defined for the flow m from connection A to connection B, i.e. we
have m > 0 for flow in the reference direction.
The speed N is preset as a percentage value at the Speed input and is limited to
0 ≤ N ≤ 100% . It follows that n = N / 100% and therefore 0 ≤ n ≤ 1 . For example, drives from
the SIMIT basic library can be used here, as shown in Figure 4-14.

Figure 4-14: Pump with drive

The quadratic relation between pressure boost and flow defined above is illustrated in Figure
4-15 for the operation of the pump in normal range, i.e. for m > 0 ∆p > 0 .

Figure 4-15: Pump characteristic

The pump characteristic is increased steadily, according to

(
∆p = n 2 ∆p 0 + ∆p * − ∆p 0 ) m 2
for m < 0
(k m )
* 2

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 22
s FLOWNET component library

when the flow is reversed ( m < 0 ). The throttling effect can be influenced by the flow
coefficient k. Figure 4-16 shows an extended characteristic for various values of k.

1,5

0,5

0
-2 -1,5 -1 -0,5 0 0,5 1 1,5 2
Pressure boost

k=1
-0,5
k=2
k=3
-1
K = 0,5
-1,5

-2

-2,5

-3
Flow

Figure 4-16: Extended characteristic

It is clear that the throttling effect is greater at smaller values of the flow coefficient k.
To stabilise a simulation that contains a component of this type, flow reversal ( ∆p < 0 ) is also
calculated using the above equations. For switched off pumps, i.e. with zero speed, this
results in pure throttling for both the flow in and against the pump direction:

 ∆p *
− ∆p (
m 2
)
for m < 0

∆p = 
0
k m *
2
( )
 ∆p * − ∆p (
m 2
)
for m > 0


0
m * 2
( )

Parameter
The determining variables for the pump characteristic are set with parameters:
• ZeroFlowHead
Zero flow head ∆p 0 , ∆p 0 > ∆p * ; adjustable online

• NominalPressure
Nominal pressure boost ∆p * , ∆p * > 0 ; adjustable online

• NominalMassflow
Nominal mass flow m * , m * > 0 ; adjustable online
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-24.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 23
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-17: Parameters for the Pump component type

Additional parameters
The additional parameter Throttling sets a positive flow coefficient k ( k > 0 ) (Figure 4-18).

Figure 4-18: Additional parameters for the Pump component type

If the additional parameter Showflow is set to true, then the operating status will be shown in
the pump symbol (Figure 4-19).

Figure 4-19: Representation of the pump operating status in symbol

Operating window
The pressure boost ∆p and the flow rate m are shown in the operating window (Figure
4-20).

Figure 4-20: Operating window for the Pump component type

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 24
s FLOWNET component library

4.2.4 Pnode – pressure setting

Symbol

Function
The Pnode component type defines values for the pressure p and specific enthalpy h at its
connection A. This type of component forms a boundary for the flownet. When the flownet is
represented as a graph, this corresponds to an (external) node, for which the pressure and
specific enthalpy are predefined.

Operating window
The values for pressure p and specific enthalpy h can be input digitally in the operating
window (Figure 4-21).

Figure 4-21: Operating window for the component type Pnode

These variables have the following default values:

• Pressure p = 1 bar (Pressure input)
• specific enthalpy h = 100 kJ/kg (sEnthalpy input)
The corresponding values for the medium flowing into or out of the external node are shown
in the extended operating window: mass flow rate m , density r, temperature T and specific
enthalpy h (Figure 4-22).

Figure 4-22: Extended operating window for the component type Pnode

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 25
s FLOWNET component library

For outflow we have m > 0 , for inflow we have m < 0 .

4.2.5 Mnode – mass flow setting

Symbol

Function
The Mnode component type defined values for the mass flow rate m and specific enthalpy h
at its connection A. This type of component forms a boundary for the flownet. When the
flownet is represented as a graph, this corresponds to an in or outflow through an (internal)
node or branch. An internal node with defined inflow or outflow is added to the flownet for
each component of this type.

Operating window
The values for mass flow rate m and specific enthalpy h can be input digitally in the operating
window (Figure 4-23).

Figure 4-23: Operating window for the Mnode component type

These variables have the following default values:

• mass flow rate m = 0 (Massflow input)
• specific enthalpy h = 100 kJ/kg (sEnthalpy input)
The variables of the assigned internal node are shown in the extended operating window
(Figure 4-24): pressure p, density r, temperature T and specific enthalpy h.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 26
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-24: Extended operating window for the Mnode component type

4.2.6 NetParam – network parameterisation

Symbol

Function
The NetParam component type is used for parameterisation of the flownet. The component
can be added to any point on any branch of the flownet.

Parameter
The variables for the flownet can be specified as parameters for the components:
• Medium
The following can be selected as medium for the flownet "Water/Steam", "Liquid", or
"Ideal Gas"
• FactorMomentum
Momentum factor for the flow through a branch of the flownet
• sCompressionGas
Specific compression modulus for the "Water/Steam" medium with density
ρ < 500 kg/m³ or the "Ideal Gas" medium
• sCompressionLiquid
Specific compression modulus for the "Water/Steam" medium with density
ρ > 500 kg/m³ or the "Liquid" medium
• FactorThermalGas
Factor for the enthalpy balancing with "Water/Steam" medium with density
ρ < 500 kg/m³ or the "Ideal Gas" medium
• FactorThermalLiquid
Factor for the enthalpy balancing with "Water/Steam" medium with density
ρ > 500 kg/m³ or the "Liquid" medium
• DensityLiquid
Medium density; only applies to the "Liquid" medium

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 27
s FLOWNET component library

• sHeatCapGas
Specific heat capacity for gas‚ only applies to the "Ideal Gas" medium
• sHeatCapLiquid
Specific heat capacity for liquids; only applies to the "Liquid" medium
• GasConstant
Specific gas constant‚ only applies to the "Ideal Gas" medium
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-25.

Figure 4-25: Parameters for the NetParam component type

Additional parameters
Initial values and specific characteristics for internal nodes of the flownet can be set via
additional parameters:
• PressureInit
Initialisation value for the pressure in the internal node of the flownet
• sEnthalpyInit
Initialisation value for the specific enthalpy in the internal node of the flownet
• SmoothTransition
When this additional parameter is set to true, the variables sCompression and
FactorThermal are set with a density dependant linear transfer function
• TemperatureEnvironment
Ambient temperature
• FactorHeatExchangeEnv
Proportionality factor for heat exchange between the medium in the internal nodes
and the environment; at zero value no heat exchange occurs
The additional parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-26.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 28
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-26: Additional parameters for the NetParam component type

4.2.7 BranchParam – branch parameterisation

Symbol

Function
The BranchParam component type is used for parameterisation of the branches in a flownet.
The components are placed anywhere along the branch to be parameterised.

Parameter
The momentum balance factor can be defined in the branch that is to be parameterised.
• FactorMomentum
Momentum factor for the flow through a branch of the flownet
The default values for the parameter are shown in Figure 4-27.

Figure 4-27: Parameters for the BranchParam component type

4.2.8 Joint – joint

Symbol

Function
The component type Joint can be used to join three branches connected at A, B and C in
one node. The Joint component adds an internal node to the flownet.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 29
s FLOWNET component library

Operating window
The pressure p, specific enthalpy h, density r and the temperature T of the node are shown
in the operating window (Figure 4-28).

Figure 4-28: Operating window for the Joint component type

4.2.9 JointParam – parameterisable joint

Symbol

Function
The component type JointParam can be used to join three branches connected at A, B and
C in one node. The JointParam component adds an internal node to the flownet.

Parameter
The following variables of the node associated with JointParam can be parameterised:
• sCompressionGas
Specific compression modulus for low density media (gas/steam, ρ < 500 kg/m³ )

• sCompressionLiquid
Specific compression modulus for high density media (liquids, ρ > 500 kg/m³ )

• FactorThermalGas
Factor for the enthalpy balancing for low density media (gas/steam, ρ < 500 kg/m³ )

• FactorThermalLiquid
Factor for the enthalpy balancing for high density media (liquids, ρ > 500 kg/m³ )
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-41.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 30
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-29: Parameters for the JointParam component type

Additional parameters
Initial values and specific characteristics for the node can be set via additional parameters:
• PressureInit
Initialisation value for the pressure in the node
• sEnthalpyInit
Initialisation value for the specific enthalpy in the node
• TemperatureEnvironment
Ambient temperature
• FactorHeatExchangeEnv
Proportionality factor for heat exchange between the medium in the internal nodes
and the environment; at zero value no heat exchange occurs
The additional parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-30.

Figure 4-30: Additional parameters for the JointParam component type

Operating window
The pressure p, specific enthalpy h, density r and the temperature T of the node are shown
in the operating window (Figure 4-31).

Figure 4-31: Operating window for the JointParam component type

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 31
s FLOWNET component library

4.3 Measuring components

Components for simulating measurements in the pipe network can be found in the
MEASURE (Figure 4-32) directory.

Figure 4-32: Library directory MEASURE

Connections from the Measure connection type are applied to the measuring components.
Descriptions of the individual signals for this type are given in Table 4-1.

Signal Description Unit

Temperature Temperature measurement °C

Pressure Pressure measurement bar
Level Measured level m
Weight Measured weight kg
Flow Measured flow kg/s

Table 4-1: Signals of the Measure connection type

4.3.1 PipeMeasure – pipe measuring point

Symbol

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 32
s FLOWNET component library

Function
The PipeMeasure component type creates a measuring point in the pipe. It is inserted with
its connections A and B at the required measuring point in the flownet. The measuring
process for the various variables is not simulated with suitable models, only the variables
calculated by the flownet solver are output.
The measurement variables are output at the Measure connection:
• absolute flow rate value m ,

• pressure p A at connection A and

• temperature T.
No other signals are sent from the Measure connection.
When the simulation is running, the direction of the medium flow is shown by an arrow on
the symbol (Figure 4-33).

Figure 4-33: Indication of medium flow for the PipeMeasure component type

Operating window
The variables output via the Measure connection are also displayed in the operating window
(Figure 4-34).

Figure 4-34: Operating window for the PipeMeasure component type

Values for the specific enthalpy and the density of the medium at the measuring point are
displayed in the extended operating window (Figure 4-35).

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 33
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-35: Extended operating window for the PipeMeasure component type

4.3.2 Measurements – measuring indicator

Symbol

Function
The MeasureAll component type provides the bundled values measured via the Measure
input as individual signals at its outputs: pressure, temperature, flow, level and weight.
This type of component can be connected to the pipe measuring point, for example and
thereby output measuring variables as individual signals (Figure 4-36).

Figure 4-36: Components of the Measurements type at a pipe measuring

point

Operating window
The output measuring variables are also displayed in the operating window for the
component type (Figure 4-37).

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 34
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-37: Operating window for the Measurements component type

4.3.3 FlowIndicator – flow indicator

Symbol

Function
The FlowIndicator component type displays the defined flow at its Measure input.

Operating window
The flow rate value obtained via the Measure input is displayed in the operating window
(Figure 4-38).

Figure 4-38: Operating window for the FlowIndicator component type

4.3.4 LevelIndicator – level indicator

Symbol

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 35
s FLOWNET component library

Function
The LevelIndicator component type displays the defined level at its Measure input.

Operating window
The level value obtained via the Measure input is displayed in the operating window (Figure
4-39).

Figure 4-39: Operating window for the LevelIndicator component type

4.3.5 PressureIndicator – pressure indicator

Symbol

Function
The PressureIndicator component type displays the defined pressure at its Measure input.

Operating window
The pressure value obtained via the Measure input is displayed in the operating window
(Figure 4-40).

Figure 4-40: Operating window for the PressureIndicator component type

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 36
s FLOWNET component library

4.3.6 TemperatureIndicator – temperature indicator

Symbol

Function
The TemperatureIndicator component type displays the defined temperature at its Measure
input.

Operating window
The temperature value obtained via the Measure input is displayed in the operating window
(Figure 4-41).

Figure 4-41: Operating window for the TemperatureIndicator component type

4.3.7 WeightIndicator – weight indicator

Symbol

Function
The WeightIndicator component type displays the defined weight at its Measure input.

Operating window
The weight value obtained via the Measure input is displayed in the operating window
(Figure 4-42).

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 37
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-42: Operating window for the WeightIndicator component type

4.4 Component types for water/steam medium

Component types that can be used in the flownet with the water/steam medium are located
in the folder MEDIUM\[Link] (Figure 4-43) in the FLOWNET library. The medium
parameter for a flownet that contains these components must be set to the value
"Water/Steam".

Figure 4-43: Library directory [Link]

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 38
s FLOWNET component library

4.4.1 NetWS – water/steam network parameterisation

Symbol

Function
The NetWS component type is used to parameterise a network for the water/steam medium.
The components can be added to any point on any branch of the flownet.

Parameter
The variables for the flownet can be specified as parameters for the components:
• FactorMomentum
Momentum factor for the flow through a branch of the flownet
• sCompressionSteam
Specific compression module for density ρ < 500 kg/m³ (steam)

• sCompressionWater
Specific compression module for density ρ > 500 kg/m³ (water)

• FactorThermalSteam
Factor for enthalpy balancing for density ρ < 500 kg/m³ (steam)

• FactorThermalWater
Factor for enthalpy balancing for density ρ > 500 kg/m³ (water)
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-44.

Figure 4-44: Parameters for the NetWS component type

Additional parameters
Initial values and specific characteristics for internal nodes of the flownet can be set via
additional parameters:
• PressureInit
Initialisation value for the pressure in the internal node of the flownet
• sEnthalpyInit
Initialisation value for the specific enthalpy in the internal node of the flownet

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 39
s FLOWNET component library

• SmoothTransition
When this additional parameter is set to true, the variables sCompression and
FactorThermal are set with a density dependant linear transfer function
• TemperatureEnvironment
Ambient temperature
• FactorHeatExchangeEnv
Proportionality factor for heat exchange between the medium in the internal nodes
and the environment; at zero value no heat exchange occurs
The additional parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-45.

Figure 4-45: Additional parameters for the NetWS component type

4.4.2 PnodeWS – water/steam pressure settings

Symbol

Function
The PnodeWS component type defines values for the pressure p and specific enthalpy h at
its connection A. This type of component forms a boundary for the flownet. When the flownet
is represented as a graph, this corresponds to an (external) node, for which the pressure
and specific enthalpy are predefined.

Operating window
The values for pressure p and specific enthalpy h can be input digitally in the operating
window (Figure 4-46).

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 40
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-46: Operating window for the component type PnodeWS

These variables have the following default values:

• Pressure p = 1 bar (Pressure input)
• specific enthalpy h = 100 kJ/kg (sEnthalpy input)
The corresponding values for the medium flowing into or out of the external node are shown
in the extended operating window: mass flow rate m , density r, temperature T and specific
enthalpy h (Figure 4-47).

Figure 4-47: Extended operating window for the component type PnodeWS

For outflow we have m > 0 , for inflow we have m < 0 .

4.4.3 MnodeWS – water/steam mass flow settings

Symbol

Function
The MnodeWS component type defines values for the mass flow rate m and specific
enthalpy h at its connection A. This type of component forms a boundary for the flownet.
When the flownet is represented as a graph, this corresponds to an in or outflow through an
(internal) node or branch. An internal node with defined inflow or outflow is added to the
flownet for each component of this type.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 41
s FLOWNET component library

Operating window
The values for mass flow rate m and specific enthalpy h can be input digitally in the operating
window (Figure 4-48).

Figure 4-48: Operating window for the MnodeWS component type

These variables have the following default values:

• mass flow rate m = 0 (Massflow input)
• specific enthalpy h = 100 kJ/kg (sEnthalpy input)
The variables of the assigned internal node are shown in the extended operating window
(Figure 4-49): pressure p, density r, temperature T and specific enthalpy h.

Figure 4-49: Extended operating window for the MnodeWS component type

4.4.4 JointWS – water/steam joint

Symbol

Function
The component type JointWS can be used to join three branches connected at A, B and C in
one node. The JointWS component adds an internal node to the flownet.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 42
s FLOWNET component library

Operating window
The pressure p, specific enthalpy h, density r and the temperature T of the node are shown
in the operating window (Figure 4-50).

Figure 4-50: Operating window for the JointWS component type

4.4.5 JointParamWS – water/steam parameterisable joint

Symbol

Function
The component type JointParamWS can be used to join three branches connected at A, B
and C in one node. The JointParamWS component adds an internal node to the flownet.

Parameter
The node associated with JointParamWS can be parameterised:
• sCompressionSteam
Specific compression module for density ρ < 500 kg/m³ (steam)

• sCompressionWater
Specific compression module for density ρ > 500 kg/m³ (water)

• FactorThermalSteam
Factor for enthalpy balancing for density ρ < 500 kg/m³ (steam)

• FactorThermalWater
Factor for enthalpy balancing for density ρ > 500 kg/m³ (water)
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-51.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 43
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-51: Parameters for the JointParamWS component type

Additional parameters
Initial values and specific characteristics for the node can be set via additional parameters:
• PressureInit
Initial value for the pressure in the node
• sEnthalpyInit
Initial value for the specific enthalpy in the node
• TemperatureEnvironment
Ambient temperature
• FactorHeatExchangeEnv
Proportionality factor for heat exchange between the medium in the internal nodes
and the environment; at zero value no heat exchange occurs
The additional parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-52.

Figure 4-52: Additional parameters for the JointParamWS component type

Operating window
The pressure p, specific enthalpy h, density r and the temperature T of the node are shown
in the operating window (Figure 4-56).

Figure 4-53: Operating window for the JointParamWS component type

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 44
s FLOWNET component library

4.4.6 StorageTankWS – water storage tank

Symbol

Function
The StorageTankWS component type provides the simulation with an open water tank, i.e. a
tank that is not sealed from the environment.
The medium flows in and out of the tank via STUBx. For each of the N connections, the
throttling effect is defined by
2
∆p − m 2  sec 
= 12960   .
bar 2 kg  h 
cV ρ 3
m
The tank can have a minimum of one and a maximum of 16 connections. The connections
can be moved to any position on the outline of the component symbol by using the mouse
while simultaneously pressing ALT.
It is assumed that the water in the tank is immediately completely mixed i.e. it is an
homogenous medium with an overall consistent density and enthalpy.
The inflow and outflow of water is balanced across the N connections of the tank. The
balanced mass M of the N flow rates m i of the medium in the tank, is defined by

dM N
∑
= m i .
dt i =1

The water volume balancing via the volume flow results in the rate of change of density ρ
given by

dρ ρ  N N
1 
=
dt M 
∑ m i − ρ ∑
i =1,i∈Z ρ i
m i  ,

i =1,i∈Z 
where only the inflows ( i ∈ Z ) need to be summed.
The specific enthalpy of the water is defined by the enthalpy balance equation

dh 1  N N 
= ∑hi m i − h
dt M  i =1,i∈Z
∑
m i 

i =1,i∈Z 
Again, only the inflows ( i ∈ Z ) need to be summed.
The dynamic behaviour of the water in the tank is described by these balances for mass M,
density ρ and specific enthalpy h.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 45
s FLOWNET component library

The calculated variables for the level l of water in the tank, its mass M and temperature T as
well as pressure p 0 on the tank base are output at the Measure connection. The temperature
T is calculated from the density and specific enthalpy of the water using the equation of state
T = T (ρ , h ) .
The pressure p on the tank base is calculated as the sum of the weight pressure ρ g l of the
water and the atmospheric pressure p U according to
p = pU + ρ g l .

Limiting case "empty tank"

When the tank is empty, the outflow is strongly throttled. The flow coefficient is thereby set
to the value k v0 for maximum throttling of all connections through which water flows out.
The tank is considered empty when the tank filling V is lower than a specified minimum filling
V min :
V < Vmin .
When the tank is empty, balancing of the states is stopped, i.e. changes to the three state
variables mass, density and specific enthalpy are rejected. The empty state is terminated
when there is a sufficient increase in the tank filling. In each cycle the validity of
 H 
M ≥ Vmin ρ 1 + min .
 100% 
is checked. The required increase can be set via the hysteresis H min . A corresponding
indicator for an empty tank is shown on the component symbol (Figure 4-54).

Figure 4-54: Empty tank indicator on the symbol

Limiting case "full tank"

For a full tank, only the balanced contents are limited in the calculation of the state variables
according to
M = Vρ .
A corresponding indicator is shown on the symbol (Figure 4-55).

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 46
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-55: Full tank indication on the symbol

CAUTION
It is not checked whether the state variables (pressure, enthalpy) for the inflow
and tank contents always possess values for the state water.
In the simulation, corresponding specified inflows may result in a situation where
the state values for the tank contents describe a water-steam mixture or pure
steam, which has no physical meaning.

Parameter
All relevant geometric variables of the tank are set via parameters:
• Volume
Volume V of the tank; adjustable online
• Height
Height of the tank; adjustable online
• NbrOfStubs
Number N of connections
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-56 .

Figure 4-56: Parameters for the StorageTankWS component type

Additional parameters
The atmospheric pressure PressureOutside and initial value for the tank fill level (LevelInit),
the specific enthalpy (EnthalpyInit) and density (DensityInit) of the water are set via
additional parameters:
• PressureOutside
Atmospheric pressure p U ; adjustable online
• LevelInit
Initial value for the level

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 47
s FLOWNET component library

• EnthalpyInit
Initial value for the specific enthalpy in the contents
• DensityInit
Initial value for the density of the contents
• Cvs
A uniform flow coefficient c V for all connections
• Cv0
A uniform flow coefficient c V0 for strong throttling at the tank connections
• MinVolume
Minimal tank volume V min ; adjustable online
• MinVolumeHys
Hysteresis H min ; adjustable online
The additional parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-57.

Figure 4-57: Additional parameters for the StorageTankWS component type

Operating window
The level l, the pressure p, the temperature T and the mass M of the water in the tank is
displayed in the operating window (Figure 4-58).

Figure 4-58: Operating window for the StorageTankWS component type

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 48
s FLOWNET component library

4.4.7 DrumWS – steam drum

Symbol

Function
The DrumWS component type provides the simulation with a drum, i.e. a closed container
that is water/steam tight.
The drum is assumed to be a cylindrical, horizontal or vertically standing container, where
media flow in and out via the STUBWx and/or STUBSx connections. For each of the
connections, the throttling effect is defined by
2
∆p − m 2  sec 
= 12960  
bar 2 kg  h 
cV ρ 3
m
At the N W connections STUBWx medium with the state variables of the saturated water can
be drawn out, likewise medium with the state variables of the saturated steam can be drawn
out at the N S connections STUBSx. The drum can have a minimum of one and a maximum
of eight connections of each type. The connections can be moved to any position on the
outline of the component symbol by using the mouse while simultaneously pressing ALT.
It can be assumed that the medium in the drum immediately separates into two homogenous
saturated phases: the saturated liquid phase and the saturated steam phase.
The inflow and outflow of water/steam are balanced via the N = N W + N S drum connections.
This results in a mass of water and steam in the drum, balanced via the flow rate, given by
dM N
∑
= m i
dt i =1
Given that
M = ρV
the rate of change in the mean density results in
N
dρ
V
dt
= ∑ m
i =1
i .

In addition, the energy is balanced as per

d (hM ) N
dt i =1
∑
= hi m i

where h is the specific enthalpy (mean enthalpy) of water/steam in the drum and h i is the
specific enthalpy of the inflow and outflow at the i-th connection. The specific enthalpy of the

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 49
s FLOWNET component library

medium in the drum must be applied for outflows, i.e. h ′ for outflow of saturated water and
h ′′ for outflow of saturated steam. The balancing results from
N N N
dh
M = ∑ ∑ ∑
(hi − h )m i + (h ′ − h ) m i + (h ′′ − h ) m i
dt i =1,i∈Z i =1,i∈ A′ i =1,i∈ A′′

where the inflows Z , outflows of saturated water A′ and/or outflows of saturated steam A′′
are summed.
In order to model a heat exchange with an ideal insulated drum, the enthalpy balance
equation is extended as follows
N N N
dh
M = ∑ ∑ ∑
(hi − h )m i + (h ′ − h ) m i + (h ′′ − h ) m i + Aα(TT − TS ) .
dt i =1,i∈Z i =1,i∈ A′ i =1,i∈ A′′

TT is the temperature of the drum wall, TS is the saturation temperature of water/steam.

The heat stored in the drum wall is defined by the heat balance
dTT 1
= Aα(TS − TT )
dt M T cT
The level of water l, the saturation temperature T S , saturation pressure p S and the mass M of
water/steam is output at the Measure connection.
The STUBWx connections are taken to be at the bottom of the drum. The pressure at these
connections is the sum
p = ρ′ g l + p S
of the saturated steam and the hydrostatic pressure of the water.

Limiting case "empty drum"

When the drum is empty, the outflow is strongly throttled. The flow coefficient is thereby set
to the value c v0 for maximum throttling of all connections through which water or steam flows
out.
The drum is considered empty when the fill level M W /ρ is lower than a specified minimum fill
level V min :
M W < Vmin ρ .
When the drum is empty, balancing of the states is stopped, i.e. changes to the density and
specific enthalpy are rejected. The empty state is terminated when there is a sufficient
increase in the amount of water. In each cycle the validity of
 H 
M W ≥ Vmin ρ 1 + min .
 100% 
is checked. The required increase can be set via the hysteresis H min . A corresponding
indicator for an empty drum is shown on the component symbol (Figure 4-59).

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 50
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-59: Empty drum indicator on the symbol

Limiting case "full drum"

The drum is regarded as full when the amount of water reaches the maximum possible
value.
M W > (V − Vmim ) ρ .
When the drum is full, balancing of the states is stopped, i.e. changes to the density and
specific enthalpy are rejected. The full state is terminated when there is a sufficient decrease
in the amount of water. In each cycle the validity of
 H 
M W ≤ ρV − ρVmin 1 + min 
 100 % 
is checked. The required decrease can be set via the hysteresis H min . A corresponding
indicator for a full drum is shown on the component symbol (Figure 4-60).

Figure 4-60: Full drum indication on the symbol

Parameter
All relevant geometric variables of the drum are set via parameters:
• NbrOfStubsW
Number N W of connections STUBWx
• NbrOfStubsS
Number N S of connections STUBSx
• Position
Position of the drum: Vertically or Horizontally
• VolumeDrum
Volume V of the drum; adjustable online
• HeightOrLength
Height or length of the drum; adjustable online
• MassDrum
Mass M T of the drum; adjustable online

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 51
s FLOWNET component library

• SurfaceDrum
Inner surface A of the drum; adjustable online
• sHeatCapDrum
Specific heat capacity c T of the drum; adjustable online
• HeatTransCoe
Heat transfer coefficient α of the drum for water/steam ; adjustable online
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-61.

Figure 4-61: Parameters for the DrumWS component type

Additional parameters
Initial values and other variables can be set via additional parameters:
• VolumeInit
Initial value for the water volume
• TemperatureInit
Initial value for the temperature of water/steam (saturation temperature)
• Cvs
Uniform flow coefficient c V for all connections
• Cv0
Uniform flow coefficient c V0 for strong throttling at the drum connections
• MinVolume
Minimal drum volume V min ; adjustable online
• MinVolumeHys
Hysteresis H min ; adjustable online
The additional parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-62.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 52
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-62: Additional parameters for the DrumWS component type

Operating window
The saturation pressure p S and the pressure p W at the STUBWx connections are displayed in
the operating window (Figure 4-63). The saturation pressure T S , the drum temperature T T ,
the mass M of water/steam and the water level l are also displayed.

Figure 4-63: Operating window for the DrumWS component type

The values for density r and specific enthalpy h of water/steam are shown in the extended
operating window (Figure 4-64). Mix indicates the mean variables, Water the variables for
saturated water and Steam the variables for saturated steam.

Figure 4-64: Extended operating window for the DrumWS component type

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 53
s FLOWNET component library

4.4.8 ElectricalHeaterWS – electric heat exchanger for

water/steam

Symbol

Function
The ElectricalHeaterWS component type is used to simulate an electric heat exchanger. The
electric heating power P el in kW is set via the connection ElectricalPower.
Water/steam is directed via the connections TS_IN and TS_OUT as a heated medium. The
flow m is throttled according to the relation
2
∆p − m 2  sec 
= 12900   .
bar kg  h 
cV2 ρ TS
m3
with the flow coefficient c V . The reference direction for the flow is chosen as from TS_IN to
TS_OUT.
For the heat exchange, a simple one tube model divided into segments is applied (Figure
4-65). The number N of segments can be set to a value between 4 and 16.

Figure 4-65: Diagram of the segments for the electrical heat exchanger
ElectricalHeaterWS

It is assumed that the supplied electrical energy is completely converted into heat. The heat
balance for a segment i of the tube with extremely simplified heat transfer is given by

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 54
s FLOWNET component library

dTT ,i
= aT Pel + bT (TTS ,i − TT ,i )
dt
where
1 A α
aT = , bT = TS TS .
M T cT M T cT

In addition, the water/steam-sided enthalpy balancing for a segment i is

dhTS ,i
= aTS (hTS ,i −1 − hTS ,i ) + bTS (TT ,i − TTS ,i )
dt
where
N m A α
aTS = , bTS = TS TS .
ρ TS VTS ρ TS VTS

T T,i and T TS,i are the temperatures of the tube segments and the medium in the segments,
h T,i and h TS,i are the corresponding specific enthalpies.

Parameter
The segmentation and coefficients for the balance equations are defined by parameters:
• NbrOfSegments
Number N of segments: 4 ≤ N ≤ 16
• Cvs
Flow coefficient c V
• Volume
Volume V TS of the medium (tube inside volume)
• Surface
Surface A TS of the tube on the water/steam side
• HeatTransCoef
Heat transfer coefficient α TS from tube to water/steam
• sHeatCapTube
Specific heat capacity c T of the tube
• MassTube
Mass M T of the tube
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-66.

Figure 4-66: Parameters for the ElectricalHeaterWS component type

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 55
s FLOWNET component library

Operating window
The flow rate m , pressure drop ∆p and enthalpy difference ∆h of the heated medium as well
as the electrical heating power P el are displayed in the operating window (Figure 4-67). The
temperatures of the tube (Tube), and the heated medium (Tube side) for the first and last
segment (T 1 and T N ) are also displayed.

Figure 4-67: Operating window for the ElectricalHeaterWS component type

4.4.9 HeatExchangerWS – heat exchanger water/steam to

water/steam

Symbol

Function
The HeatExchangerWS component type is used to simulate a heat exchanger for the media
water/steam on the tube side and shell side. The simulation is implemented for three types
• parallel-flow heat exchanger
• counter-flow heat exchanger and
• cross-flow heat exchanger.
Both media are routed on the tube side via the connections TS_IN and TS_OUT, and on the
shell side via the connections SS_IN and SS_OUT.
The flow m is throttled on both the tube and shell side according to the relation

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 56
s FLOWNET component library

2
∆p − m 2  sec 
= 12900  
bar 2 kg  h 
cV ρ 3
m
with the relevant flow coefficient c v . The chosen reference direction for the flow is from
connection _IN to _OUT on both the tube and shell side.
For the heat exchange, a simple one tube model divided into segments is applied (Figure
4-68). The number N of segments can be set to a value between 4 and 16.

Figure 4-68: One tube model of the heat exchanger

The water/steam heat on the tube and shell side and the heat in the tube itself (Figure 4-69)
are balanced.

Figure 4-69: Heat balance for the heat exchanger HeatExchangerWS

Both heat transfers from the shell side medium to the tube and from the tube to the tube side
medium are applied, in a very simplified form, as
Q SS −T = ASS q SS −T = ASS α SS (TSS − TT ) ,

Q T −TS = ATS q T −TS = ATS α TS (TT − TTS )

For each segment i the following heat balances
dhTS ,i
= aTS (hTS ,i −1 − hTS ,i ) + bTS (TT ,i − TTS ,i ) ,
dt

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 57
s FLOWNET component library

dTT ,i
= aT (TSS ,i − TT ,i ) + bT (TTS ,i − TT ,i ) ,
dt
dhSS ,i
= a SS (hSS ,i −1 − hSS ,i ) + bSS (TT ,i − TSS ,i )
dt
apply with the following coefficients, which are valid for all segments:
N m TS A α N m SS A α A α A α
aTS = , bTS = TS TS , a SS = , bSS = SS SS , aT = SS SS , bT = TS TS .
ρ TS VTS ρ TS VTS ρ SS V SS ρ SS V SS M T cT M T cT

The values set for the media in the shell and tube side of the flownet apply to the density ρ TS ,
ρ SS and the specific heat capacity c TS , c SS .
For initialisation, the temperatures of the tube segments are set to the temperature of the
tube side medium, calculated from the pressure (input [Link]) and the specific
enthalpy (output [Link]).

Parameter
The segmentation and coefficients for the balance equations are defined by parameters:
• Type
Type of heat exchanger: ParallelFlow (parallel flow), CounterFlow (counter flow),
CrossFlow (cross flow)
• NbrOfSegments
Number N of segments: 4 ≤ N ≤ 16
• CvsSS
Shell side flow coefficient c V
• CvsTS
Tube side flow coefficient c V
• VolumeSS
Shell side volume V SS
• VolumeTS
Tube side volume V TS
• SurfaceSS
Shell side surface A SS of the tube (exterior surface of the tube)
• SurfaceTS
Tube side surface A TS of the tube (interior surface of the tube)
• HeatTransCoefSS
Heat transfer coefficient α SS on the tube exterior
• HeatTransCoefTS
Heat transfer coefficient α TS on the tube interior
• sHeatCapTube
Specific heat capacity c T of the tube
• MassTube
Mass M T of the tube
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-70.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 58
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-70: Parameters for the HeatExchangerWS component type

Operating window
The flow rate m , pressure drop ∆p and enthalpy difference ∆h of the shell side and tube side
media are displayed in the operating window. The temperatures of the tube (Tube), and the
medium (Shell side and Tube side) for the first and last segment (T 1 and T N ) are also
displayed.

Figure 4-71: Operating window for the HeatExchangerWS component type

4.5 Component types for liquid medium

Component types that can be used in the flownet with the liquid medium are located in the
directory MEDIUM\LIQUID (Figure 4-72) in the FLOWNET library. The medium parameter
for a flownet that contains these components should be set to the value "Liquid", if
applicable.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 59
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-72: Library directory LIQUID

4.5.1 NetLiquid – liquid network parameterisation

Symbol

Function
The NetLiquid component type is used for parameterisation of a flownet for liquids. The
components can be added to any point on any branch of the flownet.

Parameter
The variables for the flownet can be specified as parameters for the components:
• Density
Density of the liquid
• sHeatCapacity
Specific heat capacity of the liquid
• FactorMomentum
Momentum factor for the flow through a branch of the flownet
• sCompression
Specific compression modulus of the liquid

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 60
s FLOWNET component library

• FactorThermal
Factor for enthalpy balancing
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-73.

Figure 4-73: Parameters for the NetLiquid component type

Additional parameters
Initial values and specific characteristics for internal nodes of the flownet can be set via
additional parameters:
• PressureInit
Initialisation value for the pressure in the internal nodes of the flownet
• TemperatureInit
Initialisation value for the temperature in the internal nodes of the flownet
• TemperatureEnvironment
Ambient temperature
• FactorHeatExchangeEnv
Proportionality factor for heat exchange between the medium in the internal nodes
and the environment; at zero value no heat exchange occurs
The additional parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-74.

Figure 4-74: Additional parameters for the NetLiquid component type

4.5.2 PnodeLiquid – liquid pressure settings

Symbol

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 61
s FLOWNET component library

Function
The PnodeLiquid component type outputs values for pressure and temperature at its
connection. It creates a boundary for the connected flownet. When the flownet is
represented as a graph, PnodeLiquid corresponds to an (external) node, for which the
pressure and temperature are predefined.

Operating window
The values for pressure and temperature can be input digitally in the operating window
(Figure 4-75).

Figure 4-75: Operating window for the PnodeLiquid component type

These variables have the following default values:

• Pressure p = 1 bar (Pressure input)
• Temperature T = 20 °C (Temperature input)
The corresponding values for the medium flowing into or out of the node are shown in the
extended operating window (Figure 4-76): mass flow rate m , density r and temperature T.

Figure 4-76: Extended operating window for the PnodeLiquid component type

For outflow we have m > 0 , for inflow we have m < 0 .

4.5.3 MnodeLiquid – liquid mass flow settings

Symbol

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 62
s FLOWNET component library

Function
The MnodeLiquid component type outputs values for mass flow rate and temperature at its
connection. It creates a boundary for the connected flownet. When the flownet is
represented as a graph, MnodeLiquid corresponds to an in or outflow through an (internal)
node or branch. Thus an internal node with a defined in or outflow is added to the flownet.

Operating window
The values for mass flow rate and temperature can be input digitally in the operating window
(Figure 4-77).

Figure 4-77: Operating window for the MnodeLiquid component type

These variables have the following default values:

• mass flow rate m = 0 (Massflow input)
• Temperature T = 20 °C (Temperature input)
The variables of the assigned internal node are shown in the extended operating window
(Figure 4-78): pressure p, density r and temperature T.

Figure 4-78: Extended operating window for the MnodeLiquid component type

For inflow we have m > 0 , for outflow we have m < 0 .

4.5.4 JointLiquid – liquid joint

Symbol

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 63
s FLOWNET component library

Function
The JointLiquid component type can be used to join three connected branches in one node.
All connections are equal. The JointLiquid component adds an internal node to the flownet.

Operating window
The pressure p and temperature T of the node is displayed in the operating window (Figure
4-79).

Figure 4-79: Operating window for the JointLiquid component type

4.5.5 JointParamLiquid – liquid parameterisable joint

Symbol

Function
The JointParamLiquid component type can be used to join three connected branches in one
node. All connections are equal. The JointParamLiquid component adds an internal node to
the flownet. This node can be parameterised.

Parameter
The node associated with JointParamLiquid can be parameterised:
• sHeatCapacity
Specific heat capacity of the liquid
• sCompression
Specific compression module of the liquid
• FactorThermal
Factor for enthalpy balancing
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-80.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 64
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-80: Parameters for the JointParamLiquid component type

Additional parameters
Initial values and specific characteristics for the node can be set via additional parameters:
• PressureInit
Initial value for the pressure in the node
• TemperatureInit
Initial value for the temperature in the node
• TemperatureEnvironment
Ambient temperature
• FactorHeatExchangeEnv
Proportionality factor for heat exchange between the liquid in the internal nodes and
the environment; at zero value no heat exchange occurs
The additional parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-81.

Figure 4-81: Operating window for the JointParamLiquid component type

Operating window
The pressure p and temperature T of the node is displayed in the operating window (Figure
4-82).

Figure 4-82: Operating window for the JointParamLiquid component type

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 65
s FLOWNET component library

4.5.6 StorageTankLiquid – liquid storage tank

Symbol

Function
The StorageTankLiquid component type provides the simulation with an open tank for liquid,
i.e. a tank that is not sealed from the environment.
The medium flows in and out of the tank via STUBx connections. For each of the N
connections, a throttling effect defined by
2
∆p − m 2  sec 
= 12960  
bar kg  h 
cV2 ρ 3
m
is assumed. The tank can have a minimum of one and a maximum of 16 connections. The
connections can be moved to any position on the outline of the component symbol by using
the mouse while simultaneously pressing ALT.
It is assumed that the liquid in the tank is immediately completely mixed i.e. it is an
homogenous medium with an overall consistent density and temperature.
The inflow and outflow is balanced across the N connections of the tank. The balanced mass
M of the N flow rates m i of the liquid in the tank, is defined by

dM N
∑
= m i .
dt i =1
The temperature of the liquid is balanced as the mixing temperature from the inflows ( i ∈ Z )
according to

dT 1  1 N N 
=
dt M  c L
∑ hi m i − T ∑ m  . i
i =1,i∈Z i =1,i∈Z 
The dynamic behaviour of the liquid in the tank is described by these balances for mass M,
and temperature T.
The calculated variables for the level l of liquid in the tank, its mass M and temperature T as
well as pressure p 0 on the tank base are output at the Measure connection. The pressure p
on the tank base is the sum of the weight pressure ρ g l of the liquid and the atmospheric
pressure p U :
p = pU + ρ g l .

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 66
s FLOWNET component library

Limiting case "empty tank"

When the tank is empty, the outflow is strongly throttled. The flow coefficient is thereby set
to the value c v0 for maximum throttling of all connections through which the medium flows
out.
The tank is considered empty when the tank filling V is lower than a specified minimum tank
filing V min :
V < Vmin .
When the tank is empty, balancing of the states is stopped, i.e. changes to the mass and
temperature of the liquid are rejected. The empty state is terminated when there is a
sufficient increase in the fill level. In each interval the validity of
 H 
M ≥ Vmin ρ 1 + min .
 100% 
is checked. The required increase can be set via the hysteresis H min . A corresponding
indicator for an empty tank is shown on the component symbol (Figure 4-83).

Figure 4-83: Empty tank indicator on the symbol

Limiting case "full tank"

For a full tank, only the balanced contents are limited in the calculation:
M = Vρ .
A corresponding indicator is shown on the symbol (Figure 4-84).

Figure 4-84: Full tank indicator on the symbol

Parameter
The following are set as geometric variables of the tank via parameters:

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 67
s FLOWNET component library

• Volume
Volume V of the tank; adjustable online
• Height
of the tank; adjustable online
• NbrOfStubs
Number N of connections
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-85.

Figure 4-85: Parameters for the StorageTankLiquid component type

Additional parameters
The initialisation values for the atmospheric pressure PressureOutside, the fill level
(LevelInit) of the tank and the temperature (TemperatureInit) of the liquid are set via
additional parameters:
• PressureOutside
Atmospheric pressure p U ; adjustable online
• LevelInit
Initial value for the level
• TemperatureInit
Initial value for the temperature of the contents
• Cvs
Uniform flow coefficient k V for all connections
• Cv0
Uniform flow coefficient k V0 for maximum throttling at the tank connections
• Density
Density ρ of the liquid in the tank
• sHeatCapacity
Specific heat capacity c G of the liquid in the tank
• MinVolume
Minimal tank volume V min ; adjustable online
• MinVolumeHys
Hysteresis H min ; adjustable online
The additional parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-86.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 68
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-86: Additional parameters for the StorageTankLiquid component type

Operating window
The level l, the pressure p, the temperature T and the mass M of the liquid in the tank is
displayed in the operating window (Figure 4-87).

Figure 4-87: Operating window for the StorageTankLiquid component type

4.5.7 ElectricalHeaterLiquid – electric heat exchanger for liquid

Symbol

Function
The ElectricalHeaterLiquid component type is used to simulate an electric heat exchanger.
The electric heating power P el in kW is set via the connection ElectricalPower.
The liquid is directed via the connections TS_IN and TS_OUT as a heated medium. The flow
m is throttled according to the relation

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 69
s FLOWNET component library

2
∆p − m 2  sec 
= 12900   .
bar 2 kg  h 
cV ρ 3
m
with flow coefficient c V . The reference direction for the flow is chosen as from TS_IN to
TS_OUT.
For the heat exchange, a simple one tube model divided into segments is applied (Figure
4-88). The number N of segments can be set to a value between 4 and 16.

Figure 4-88: Diagram of the segmentation for the heat exchanger

It is assumed that the supplied electrical energy is completely converted into heat. The heat
balance for a segment i of the tube with extremely simplified heat transfer is given by
dTT ,i
= aT Pel + bT (TL ,i − TT ,i )
dt
where
1 Aα
aT = , bT = .
M T cT M T cT

In addition, the heat balance of the liquid in a segment i is given by

dTL ,i
= a (TL ,i −1 − TL ,i ) + b(TT ,i − TL ,i )
dt
where
N m Aα
a= , b= .
ρV cLρ V

T T,i and T L,i are the temperatures of the tube segments and the liquids in the segment i. The
flownet values apply for the density ρ and the specific heat capacity c G of the liquid.

Parameter
The segmentation and coefficients for the balance equations are defined by parameters:

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 70
s FLOWNET component library

• NbrOfSegments
Number N of segments: 4 ≤ N ≤ 16
• Cvs
Flow coefficient c V
• Volume
Volume V of the liquid (tube inside volume)
• Surface
Surface A of the tube interior
• HeatTransCoef
Heat transfer coefficient α from tube to liquid
• sHeatCapTube
Specific heat capacity c T of the tube
• MassTube
Mass M T of the tube
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-89.

Figure 4-89: Parameters for the ElectricalHeaterLiquid component type

Additional parameters
For initialisation of the heat exchanger, the temperatures of the liquid and the tube can be
set to the same value (Figure 4-90) via the additional parameter TemperatureInit.

Figure 4-90: Additional parameters for the ElectricalHeaterLiquid component

type

Operating window
The flow rate m , pressure drop ∆p and temperature difference ∆T of the liquid as well as the
electrical heating power P el are displayed in the operating window (Figure 4-91). The
temperatures of the tube (Tube), and the liquid (Tube side) for the first and last segment (T 1
and T N ) are also displayed.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 71
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-91: Operating window for the ElectricalHeaterLiquid component type

4.5.8 HeatExchangerLiquid – heat exchanger liquid to liquid

Symbol

Function
The HeatExchangerLiquid component type is used to simulate a heat exchanger for liquids
on the tube side and shell side. The simulation is implemented for three types
• parallel-flow heat exchanger
• counter-flow heat exchanger and
• cross-flow heat exchanger.
Both media are routed on the tube side via the connections TS_IN and TS_OUT, and on the
shell side via the connections SS_IN and SS_OUT.
The flow m is throttled on both the tube and shell side according to the relation
2
∆p − m 2  sec 
= 12900   .
bar kg  h 
cV2 ρ 3
m
with the relevant flow coefficient c v . The chosen reference direction for the flow is from
connection _IN to _OUT on both the tube and shell side.
For the heat exchange, a simple one tube model divided into segments is applied (Figure
4-92). The number N of segments can be set to a value between 4 and 16.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 72
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-92: One tube model for the heat exchanger

The liquid heat on the tube and shell side and the heat in the tube itself (Figure 4-93) are
balanced.

Figure 4-93: Diagram of the heat balancing for the heat exchanger

Both heat transfers from the shell side liquid to the tube and from the tube to the tube side
liquid are applied, in a very simplified form, as
Q SS −T = ASS q SS −T = ASS α SS (TSS − TT ) ,

Q T −TS = ATS q T −TS = ATS α TS (TT − TTS )

For each segment i the following heat balances apply
dTTS ,i
= aTS (TTS ,i −1 − TTS ,i ) + bTS (TT ,i − TTS ,i ) ,
dt
dTT ,i
= aT (TSS ,i − TT ,i ) + bT (TTS ,i − TT ,i ) ,
dt
dTSS ,i
= a SS (TSS ,i −1 − TSS ,i ) + bSS (TT ,i − TSS ,i )
dt
with the following coefficients, which are valid for all segments
N m TS A α N m SS ASS α SS A α A α
aTS = , bTS = TS TS , a SS = , bSS = , aT = SS SS , bT = TS TS .
ρ TS VTS cTS ρ TS VTS ρ SS V SS c SS ρ SS V SS M T cT M T cT

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 73
s FLOWNET component library

The values set for the liquid in the shell and tube side of the flownet apply to the density ρ TS ,
ρ SS and the specific heat capacity c TS , c SS .
For initialisation, the temperatures of the tube segments are set to the temperature of the
tube side liquid, calculated from the specific enthalpy ( [Link] input).

Parameter
The segmentation and coefficients for the balance equations are defined by parameters:
• Type
Type of heat exchanger: ParallelFlow (parallel flow), CounterFlow (counter flow),
CrossFlow (cross flow)
• NbrOfSegments
Number N of segments: 4 ≤ N ≤ 16
• CvsSS
Shell side flow coefficient c V
• CvsTS
Tube side flow coefficient c V
• VolumeSS
Shell side volume V SS
• VolumeTS
Tube side volume V TS
• SurfaceSS
Shell side surface A SS of the tube (exterior surface of the tube)
• SurfaceTS
Tube side surface A TS of the tube (interior surface of the tube)
• HeatTransCoefSS
Heat transfer coefficient α SS on the tube exterior
• HeatTransCoefTS
Heat transfer coefficient α TS on the tube interior
• sHeatCapTube
Specific heat capacity of the tube c T
• MassTube
Mass M T of the tube
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-94:

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 74
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-94: Parameters for the HeatExchangerLiquid component type

Operating window
The flow rate m , pressure drop ∆p and enthalpy difference ∆h of the shell side and tube side
liquid are displayed in the operating window (Figure 4-95). The temperatures of the tube
(Tube), and the liquid (Shell side and Tube side) for the first and last segment (T 1 and T N )
are also displayed.

Figure 4-95: Operating window for the HeatExchangerLiquid component type

4.6 Component types for gas medium

Component types that can be used in the flownet with the ideal gas medium are located in
the directory MEDIUM\GAS (Figure 4-96) in the FLOWNET library. The medium parameter
for a flownet that contains these components should be set to the value "Ideal Gas", if
applicable.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 75
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-96: Library directory GAS

4.6.1 NetGas – gas network parameterisation

Symbol

Function
The NetGas component type is used for parameterisation of a flownet for gases. The
components can be added to any point on any branch of the flownet.

Parameter
The variables for the flownet can be specified as parameters for the components:
• GasConstant
Specific gas constant
• sHeatCapacity
Specific heat capacity of the gas
• FactorMomentum
Momentum factor for the flow through a branch of the flownet
• sCompression
Specific compression modulus of the gas
• FactorTherma
Factor for enthalpy balancing

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 76
s FLOWNET component library

The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-97.

Figure 4-97: Parameters for the NetGas component type

Additional parameters
Initial values and specific characteristics for internal nodes of the flownet can be set via
additional parameters:
• PressureInit
Initialisation value for the pressure in the internal nodes of the flownet
• TemperatureInit
Initialisation value for the temperature in the internal nodes of the flownet
• TemperatureEnvironment
Ambient temperature
• FactorHeatExchangeEnv
Proportionality factor for heat exchange between the gases in the internal nodes and
the environment; at zero value no heat exchange occurs
The additional parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-98.

Figure 4-98: Additional parameters for the NetGas component type

4.6.2 PnodeGas – gas pressure settings

Symbol

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 77
s FLOWNET component library

Function
The PnodeGas component type outputs values for pressure and temperature at its
connection. It creates a boundary for the connected flownet. When the flownet is
represented as a graph, PnodeGas corresponds to an (external) node, for which the
pressure and temperature are predefined.

Operating window
The values for pressure and temperature can be input digitally in the operating window
(Figure 4-99).

Figure 4-99: Operating window for the PnodeGas component type

These variables have the following default values:

• Pressure p = 1 bar (Pressure input)
• Temperature T = 20 °C (Temperature input)
The corresponding values for mass flow m , density r and temperature T for medium flowing
into or out of the node is displayed in the extended operating window (Figure 4-100) .

Figure 4-100: Extended operating window for the component type PnodeGas

For outflow we have m > 0 , for inflow we have m < 0 .

4.6.3 MnodeGas – gas mass flow setting

Symbol

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 78
s FLOWNET component library

Function
The MnodeGas component type outputs values for mass flow rate and temperature at its
connection. It creates a boundary for the connected flownet. When the flownet is
represented as a graph, Mnode corresponds to an in or outflow through an (internal) node or
branch. Thus an internal node with a defined in or outflow is added to the flownet.

Operating window
The values for mass flow rate and temperature can be input digitally in the operating window
(Figure 4-101).

Figure 4-101: Operating window for the MnodeGas component type

These variables have the following default values:

• mass flow rate m = 0 (Massflow input)
• Temperature T = 20 °C (Temperature input)
The variables of the assigned internal node are shown in the extended operating window
(Figure 4-102): pressure p, density r and temperature T.

Figure 4-102: Extended operating window for the component type MnodeGas

For inflow we have m > 0 , for outflow we have m < 0 .

4.6.4 JointGas – gas joint

Symbol

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 79
s FLOWNET component library

Function
The JointGas component type can be used to join three connected branches in one node. All
connections are equal. The JointGas component adds an internal node to the flownet.

Operating window
The pressure p, temperature T and density r of the node are displayed in the operating
window (Figure 4-103).

Figure 4-103: Operating window for the JointGas component type

4.6.5 JointParamGas – gas parameterisable joint

Symbol

Function
The JointParamGas component type can be used to join three connected branches in one
node. All connections are equal. The JointParamGas component adds an internal node to
the flownet. This node can be parameterised.

Parameter
The node associated with JointParamGas can be parameterised:
• GasConstant
Specific gas constant
• sHeatCapacity
Specific heat capacity of the gas
• sCompression
Specific compression modulus of the gas
• FactorThermal
Factor for enthalpy balancing
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-104.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 80
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-104: Parameters for the JointParamGas component type

Additional parameters
Initial values and specific characteristics for the node can be set via additional parameters:
• PressureInit
Initialisation value for the pressure in the node
• TemperatureInit
Initialisation value for the temperature in the node
• TemperatureEnvironment
Ambient temperature
• FactorHeatExchangeEnv
Proportionality factor for heat exchange between the gas in the internal nodes and
the environment; at zero value no heat exchange occurs
The additional parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-105.

Figure 4-105: Additional parameters for the JointParamGas component type

Operating window
The pressure p, temperature T and density r of the node are displayed in the operating
window (Figure 4-106).

Figure 4-106: Operating window for the JointParamGas component type

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 81
s FLOWNET component library

4.6.6 StorageTankGas – gas storage tank

Symbol

Function
The StorageTankGas component type provides the simulation with a gas tank.
The medium flows in and out of the tank via STUBx connections. For each of the N
connections, a throttling effect defined by
2
∆p − m 2  sec 
= 12960  
bar kg  h 
cV2 ρ 3
m
is assumed. The tank can have a minimum of one and a maximum of 16 connections. The
connections can be moved to any position on the outline of the component symbol by using
the mouse while simultaneously pressing ALT.
It is assumed that the gas in the tank is immediately completely mixed i.e. it is an
homogenous medium with an overall consistent density and temperature.
The inflow and outflow is balanced across the N connections of the tank. The balanced mass
M of the N flow rates m i of the gas in the tank, is defined by

dM N
∑
= m i .
dt i =1
The specific enthalpy h of the gas is balanced as mixed enthalpy from the inflows ( i ∈ Z ) as
per

dh 1  N N 
= ∑hi m i − h
dt M  i =1,i∈Z
∑ m i 

i =1,i∈Z 
The dynamic behaviour of the gas in the tank is described by these balances for mass M
and specific enthalpy h.
At the connection Measure, the variables for pressure p, temperature
h
T=
cG
and mass M of the gas are output. The pressure is calculated from the equation for ideal
gas:
R S (T + 273,15 K ) M
p= .
5 Pa
V ⋅ 10
bar

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 82
s FLOWNET component library

Limiting case "empty tank"

When the tank is empty, the outflow is strongly throttled. The flow coefficient is thereby set
to the value c v0 for maximum throttling of all connections through which gas flows.
The tank is considered empty when the tank filling M is lower than a specified minimum tank
filling M min :
M < M min .
When the tank is empty, balancing of the states is stopped, i.e. changes to the mass and
specific enthalpy of the gas are rejected. The empty state is terminated when there is a
sufficient increase in the fill level. In each interval the validity of
 H 
M ≥ M min 1 + min .
 100% 
is checked. The required increase can be set via the hysteresis H min . A corresponding
indicator for an empty tank is shown on the component symbol (Figure 4-107).

Figure 4-107: Empty tank indicator on the symbol

Limiting case "full tank"

In order to limit the pressure in the tank to meaningful values while the simulation is running,
the tank is considered full when its pressure p reaches a specified maximum pressure p max :
p < p max .
When the tank is full, the inflow is strongly throttled. The flow coefficient is thereby set to the
value c v0 for maximum throttling of all connections through which gas flows in.
When the tank is full, balancing of the states is stopped, i.e. changes to the mass and
specific enthalpy of the gas are rejected. The full state is terminated when there is a
sufficient decrease ∆M in the content. In each cycle the validity of
 H 
∆M ≥ M min 1 + min 
 100 % 
is checked. The required decrease can be set via the hysteresis H min . A corresponding
indicator for an full tank is shown on the component symbol (Figure 4-108).

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 83
s FLOWNET component library

Figure 4-108: Full tank indicator on the symbol

Parameter
The following are set as geometric variables of the tank via parameters:
• Volume
Volume V of the tank; adjustable online
• NbrOfStubs
Number N of connections
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-109 .

Figure 4-109: Parameters for the StorageTankGas component type

Additional parameters
Initial values and other variables can be predetermined via additional parameters:
• PressureInit
Initialisation value for the pressure; adjustable online
• TemperatureInit
Initialisation value for the temperature of the gases
• PressureMax
Maximum tank pressure p max ; adjustable online
• Cvs
Uniform flow coefficient c V for all connections
• Cv0
Uniform flow coefficient c V0 for maximum throttling at the tank connections
• GasConstant
Specific gas constant R S for the gas in the tank
• sHeatCapacity
Specific heat capacity c G of the gas in the tank
• MinMass
Minimum tank filling M min of the tank; adjustable online

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 84
s FLOWNET component library

• MinVolumeHys
Hysteresis H min ; adjustable online
The additional parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-110.

Figure 4-110: Additional parameters for the StorageTankGas component type

Operating window
The pressure p, temperature T and mass M of the gases in the tank are displayed in the
operating window (Figure 4-111).

Figure 4-111: Operating window for the StorageTankGas component type

4.6.7 ElectricalHeaterGas – electric heat exchanger for gas

Symbol

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 85
s FLOWNET component library

Function
The ElectricalHeaterGas component type is used to simulate an electric heat exchanger for
gas. The electric heating power P el in kW is set via the connection ElectricalPower.
The gas is directed via the connections TS_IN and TS_OUT as a heated medium. The flow
m is throttled according to the relation
2
∆p − m 2  sec 
= 12900  
bar 2 kg  h 
cV ρ 3
m
with flow coefficient c V . The reference direction for the flow is chosen as from TS_IN to
TS_OUT.
For the heat exchange, a simple one tube model divided into segments is applied (Figure
4-112). The number N of segments can be set to a value between 4 and 16.

Figure 4-112: Diagram of the heat transfer in a segmented heat exchanger

It is assumed that the supplied electrical energy is completely converted into heat. The heat
balance for a segment i of the tube with extremely simplified heat transfer is given by
dTT ,i
= aT Pel + bT (TG ,i − TGT ,i )
dt
where
1 Aα
aT = , bT = .
M T cT M T cT

In addition, the heat balance of the gas in a segment i is given by

dTL ,i
= a (TL ,i −1 − TG ,i ) + b(TT ,i − TG ,i )
dt
where
N m Aα
a= , b= .
ρV cG ρ V

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 86
s FLOWNET component library

T T,i and T G,i are the temperatures of the tube segments and the gases in the segment i. The
flownet values apply for the density ρ and the specific heat capacity c G of the gases.

Parameter
The segmentation and coefficients for the balance equations are defined by parameters:
• NbrOfSegments
Number N of segments: 4 ≤ N ≤ 16
• Cvs
Flow coefficient c V
• Volume
Volume V of the gases (tube inside volume)
• Surface
Surface A of the tube interior
• HeatTransCoef
Heat transfer coefficient α from tube to gas
• sHeatCapTube
Specific heat capacity c T of the tube
• MassTube
Mass M T of the tube
The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-113.

Figure 4-113: Parameters for the ElectricalHeaterGas component type

Additional parameters
For initialisation of the heat exchanger, the temperatures of the gas and the tube can be set
to the same value (Figure 4-114) via the additional parameter TemperatureInit.

Figure 4-114: Additional parameters for the ElectricalHeaterGas component

type

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 87
s FLOWNET component library

Operating window
The flow rate m , pressure drop ∆p and temperature difference ∆T of the gas as well as the
electrical heating power P el are displayed in the operating window (Figure 4-115). The
temperatures of the tube (tube), and the gas (tube side) for the first and last segment (T 1
and T N ) are also displayed.

Figure 4-115: Operating window for the ElectricalHeaterGas component type

4.6.8 HeatExchangerGas – heat exchanger gas to gas

Symbol

Function
The HeatExchangerGas component type is used to simulate a heat exchanger for the gases
on the tube side and shell side. The simulation is implemented for three types
• parallel-flow heat exchanger
• counter-flow heat exchanger and
• cross-flow heat exchanger.
Both media are routed on the tube side via the connections TS_IN and TS_OUT, and on the
shell side via the connections SS_IN and SS_OUT.
The flow m is throttled on both the tube and shell side according to the relation

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 88
s FLOWNET component library

2
∆p − m 2  sec 
= 12900  
bar 2 kg  h 
cV ρ 3
m
with the relevant flow coefficient c v . The chosen reference direction for the flow is from
connection _IN to _OUT on both the tube and shell side.
For the heat exchange, a simple one tube model divided into segments is applied (Figure
4-116). The number N of segments can be set to a value between 4 and 16.

Figure 4-116: One tube model for the heat exchanger

The gas heat on the tube and shell side and the heat in the tube itself (Figure 4-117) are
balanced.

Figure 4-117: Diagram of the heat balancing for the heat exchanger

Both heat transfers from the shell side gas to the tube and from the tube to the tube side gas
are applied, in a very simplified form, as
Q SS −T = ASS q SS −T = ASS α SS (TSS − TT ) ,

Q T −TS = ATS q T −TS = ATS α TS (TT − TTS ) .

For each segment i the heat balances

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 89
s FLOWNET component library

dTTS ,i
= aTS (TTS ,i −1 − TTS ,i ) + bTS (TT ,i − TTS ,i ) ,
dt
dTT ,i
= aT (TSS ,i − TT ,i ) + bT (TTS ,i − TT ,i ) ,
dt
dTSS ,i
= a SS (TSS ,i −1 − TSS ,i ) + bSS (TT ,i − TSS ,i )
dt
apply with the following coefficients, which are valid for all segments:
N m TS A α N m SS ASS α SS A α A α
aTS = , bTS = TS TS , a SS = , bSS = , aT = SS SS , bT = TS TS .
ρ TS VTS cTS ρ TS VTS ρ SS V SS c SS ρ SS V SS M T cT M T cT

The values set for the gas in the shell and tube side of the flownet apply to the density ρ TS ,
ρ SS and the specific heat capacity c TS , c SS .
For initialisation, the temperatures of the tube segments are set to the temperature of the
tube side gas, calculated from the specific enthalpy ( [Link] input).

Parameter
The segmentation and coefficients for the balance equations are defined by parameters:
• Type
Type of heat exchanger: ParallelFlow (parallel flow), CounterFlow (counter flow),
CrossFlow (cross flow)
• NbrOfSegments
Number N of segments: 4 ≤ N ≤ 16
• CvsSS
Shell side flow coefficient c V
• CvsTS
Tube side flow coefficient c V
• VolumeSS
Shell side volume V SS
• VolumeTS
Tube side volume V TS
• SurfaceSS
Shell side surface A SS of the tube (exterior surface of the tube)
• SurfaceTS
Tube side surface A TS of the tube (interior surface of the tube)
• HeatTransCoefSS
Heat transfer coefficient α SS on the tube exterior
• HeatTransCoefTS
Heat transfer coefficient α TS on the tube interior
• sHeatCapTube
Specific heat capacity of the tube c T
• MassTube
Mass M T of the tube

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 90
s FLOWNET component library

The parameters, their units and default values are shown in Figure 4-118.

Figure 4-118: Parameters for the HeatExchangerGas component type

Operating window
The flow rate m , pressure drop ∆p and enthalpy difference ∆h of the shell side and tube side
gas are displayed in the operating window (Figure 4-119). The temperatures of the tube
(Tube), and the gas (Shell side and Tube side) for the first and last segment (T 1 and T N ) are
also displayed.

Figure 4-119: Operating window for the HeatExchangerGas component type

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 91
s Creating your own component types for flownets

5 CREATING YOUR OWN COMPONENT TYPES

FOR FLOWNETS
The CTE component type editor enables you to create your own component types, which
utilise the mechanisms of the FLOWNET process. You can expand the functions of the
components supplied with the FLOWNET library, e.g. add physical effects that are not
covered by the supplied library components and thus enhance your flownet simulations. You
can also extend the FLOWNET library by creating your own component types from scratch.
Two aspects must be considered when creating components:
• the topological aspect and
• the connection to the solution method.
The topological aspect is covered by appropriate extensions to the component type
definition. Special connection types are provided for the connection to the solution method.
In addition, the general descriptions of component properties in the CTE manual form the
basis for creating flownet components. The general properties also apply in full to flownet
components.

5.1 Topological properties

The topology of a flownet is automatically determined when compiling a simulation project
from interconnected flownet components. Each flownet component must thus provide
relevant topological information about itself, i.e. information about how it is to be treated
topologically in the flownet. From a topological point of view it is necessary to know how the
reference direction for variables in a flownet is defined for a component and how the data
exchange between the components and the solution method for the flownet is set up.
The flownet elements with topological information are
• internal nodes,
• external nodes and
• branch objects.
Relationships with the topological connections of the flownet components must be defined
for each of these elements. To do this, open the topology editor by double clicking on the
Topology entry in the component type navigation menu (Figure 5-1).

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 92
s Creating your own component types for flownets

Figure 5-1: Topology in the component type navigation menu

5.1.1 Type FLN1 connections

The FLN1 connection type indicates the connections that are used to connect flownet
components with one another. The topology of a flownet is derived from interconnected
connectors of this type and the topological information on the individual flownet components.
FLN1 is purely a topological connection type, which means it does not carry any signals.
Connectors of this type will be simply referred to as topological connectors in the following
text. Topological connectors are represented by circles (Figure 5-2).

Figure 5-2: Connectors of type FLN1

If a connecting line is used to join topological connectors to each other in the diagram editor,
then the connectors are hidden and only visible as faint shadows (Figure 5-3).

Figure 5-3: Linking connectors of type FLN1 with a connecting line

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 93
s Creating your own component types for flownets

They can also be joined by superimposing the connectors. Once linked, both connectors are
hidden (Figure 5-4).

Figure 5-4: Linking connectors of type FLN1 through superposition

5.1.2 Topology of internal nodes

An internal flownet node in a component type is defined as follows in the topology
description:
INTERNAL_NODE i;
Topological component connectors must also be assigned to this internal node. Three
connectors can be assigned in the topological description as per the following example:
FROM i TO a;
FROM i TO b;
FROM i TO c;
The three connectors a, b and c must be defined as type FLN1 connectors in the
component type. Figure 5-5 shows a diagram of the resulting topological structure of this
component type.

Figure 5-5: Topology of an internal node

5.1.3 Topology of external nodes

External nodes represent the boundaries of the flownet. External nodes can be used to
predefine pressure and enthalpy in nodes and inflows and outflows for the flownet.
In the topological description of a component type an external node e is defined as follows:
EXTERNAL_NODE e;
This external node must be assigned at least one topological connector of a component. The
topological description should be completed as follows, for example:
FROM e TO a;
The topological connector a must be defined in the component type as a connection of type
FLN1. Figure 5-6 shows a diagram of the resulting topological structure of the component
type.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 94
s Creating your own component types for flownets

Figure 5-6: Topology of an external node

5.1.4 Topology of a branch object

Branch objects are part of a flownet branch, such as throttling of pressure.
The reference direction for the variables of a branch object is defined in the topological
description of the flownet component. For example, the definition
FROM a TO b;
defines the branch object with a reference direction from connector a to connector b of the
component. Both of the topological connectors a and b must be defined in the component
type as connectors of type FLN1.
Flow variables are positive in the reference direction. For a branch object (see Figure 5-7),
these are the mass flow m and the flow of enthalpy H = m h .

Figure 5-7: Topology of a branch object

Pressure boosts are applied in the reference direction, i.e. the pressure variation is defined
here as
∆p = p b − p a
For pressure drops in the reference direction (throttling), ∆p is therefore negative and for
pressure boosts in the reference direction ∆p is positive.

5.2 Connection to the flownet solver

The flownet objects of a component and the flownet solver exchange data via special flownet
connections. There are six different connection types FLN2 to FLN7 available for this
purpose (Figure 5-8). Their use with flownet components is explained in the following
sections 5.2.1 to 5.2.6.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 95
s Creating your own component types for flownets

Figure 5-8: Data exchange between flownet components and flownet solver

Connection types FNL2 to FNL7 only provide connection to the flownet solver and thus must
be set as invisible on the component symbol. In the connection properties, the usage
"Property view only" (see Figure 5-9) or "CTE view only" must be set.

Figure 5-9: Visibility in the properties window of a connection of type FLN2 to

FLN7.

5.2.1 Connection type FLN2 for branch objects

A branch object can exchange variables with the flownet solver via a connection of type
FLN2. The topological description of a branch object is completed as follows for a connector
with the name FN
FROM a TO b : FN;
The connector must always be defined in the OUT direction (Figure 5-10). It connects the
component to the flownet solver in order to exchange variables that are relevant to the
branch object between the flownet solver and the component. It maps the branch-
influencing effect on the flownet i.e. the effect that the branch object has on the branch.

Figure 5-10: Definition of a connection of type FLN2

Figure 5-11 shows the input and output signals with the direction of data flow between the
components and the flownet solver.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 96
s Creating your own component types for flownets

Figure 5-11: Signals of a connection of type FLN2

The components receive four variables via the input signals for calculating the effect of the
branch object:
1. specific enthalpy h ([Link]),
2. mass flow m  ([Link]),
3. pressure p a ([Link]),
4. densityρ ([Link]).

The pressure p a relates to the "from" connector (FROM) of the topological description, which
is the connector a in our example. Density ρ and enthalpy h are variables of the supplied
medium (Figure 5-12).

Figure 5-12: Assigning variables to a branch object

The output signals for the branch object are calculated in the component and sent to the
flownet solver:
1. change in specific enthalpy ∆h ([Link]),
2. pressure variation ∆p = p b – p a ([Link]),
3. derivative of pressure variation with respect to the mass flow d∆p/d M ([Link]).

5.2.2 Connection type FLN3 for external nodes

Variables are exchanged between external nodes and the flownet solver via connections of
type FLN3. A connector of type FLN3 is assigned to the external node in the topology
description, for a connector with name FN, as follows:
EXTERNAL_NODE e : FN;
The connection type FLN3 provides signals in the forward and reverse direction as listed in
Table 5-1.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 97
s Creating your own component types for flownets

Forward signals Backward signals

Name Variable Name Variable

HFW Specific enthalpy HBW Specific enthalpy

PRESSURE Pressure MFL Mass flow rate

Table 5-1: FLN3 connection type signals

The following applies: if the FN connector is defined with the direction OUT, then the
pressure and specific enthalpy are specified via this connector for the external node of the
flownet. If the connector is defined with the direction IN then the mass flow and the specific
enthalpy are specified for the external node.

[Link] Connector of type FLN3 with direction OUT

If the connector is defined with direction OUT then the pressure calculated in the component
is set for the flownet solver via this connector. The external node is thus a pressure node.
The following variables can be set at its outputs:
1. pressure p e ([Link]),
2. specific enthalpy h e ([Link]).
At its inputs, the mass flow supplied to or discharged from the flownet via the external node,
calculated by the flownet solver is returned to the components. In the case of discharge from
the flownet, the specific enthalpy of the flow is also returned to the components:
3. mass flow m ([Link]),
4. specific enthalpy h a ([Link]).
Figure 5-13 illustrates the signal direction for data exchange between the components and
the flownet solver.

Figure 5-13: Signals of a connection of type FLN3 with direction OUT

The mass flow m is positive flow into the flownet ( m > 0 ) and for outflow it is negative
( m > 0 ). This does not depend on the direction choosen in the topology description.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 98
s Creating your own component types for flownets

Figure 5-14: Variables of a pressure node

[Link] Connection of type FLN3 with direction IN

If the connector FN is defined with direction IN then the mass flow set in the component is
defined for the flownet via this connector. The external node active in the flownet is thus a
node with mass inflow, or a mass flow node. The following variables can be set at its
outputs:
1. mass flow m ([Link])
2. specific enthalpy h ([Link])
At its inputs, the pressure calculated by the flownet solver for the external node is returned to
the components. If discharge from the flownet is set with negative mass flow, then the
specific enthalpy of the medium is returned to the components:
1. pressure p e ([Link])
2. specific enthalpy h e ([Link])
Figure 5-15 illustrates the signal direction for data exchange between the components and
the flownet solver.

Figure 5-15: Signals of a connection of type FLN3 with direction IN

Mass flow nodes operate in the flownet like internal nodes with mass inflow or outflow.
These nodes are therefore treated as internal nodes in the flownet, i.e. for an external node,
an internal node with additional inflow or outflow is created in the flownet. The pressure
returned to the components p e thus corresponds to the pressure in this internal node and
likewise for the specific enthalpy h e (Figure 5-16):

Figure 5-16: Variables of a mass flow node

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 99
s Creating your own component types for flownets

5.2.3 Connection type FLN4 for internal nodes

The pressure, specific enthalpy and density variables calculated by the flownet solution
method for an internal node can be used in a component via a connector of type FLN4. The
topological description of a component type is completed as follows for a connector with the
name FN
INTERNAL_NODE i : FN;
The connector must always be defined in the IN direction (Figure 5-17). It connects the
components to the flownet in order to map the variables relevant for the internal node i,
calculated by the flownet solver, to the components.

Figure 5-17: Definition of a connector of type FLN4

The variables calculated in the node i are provided via the connector inputs (see Figure
5-18):
1. pressure p i ([Link])
2. specific enthalpy h i ([Link])
3. density ρ i ([Link])

Figure 5-18: Signals of a connection of type FLN4

5.2.4 Connection type FLN5 for parameters of a flownet

Parameters of a flownet can be exchanged between components and the flownet solver via
a connector of type FLN5. This connector can be assigned to any flow net object: a branch
object or an internal or external node. The topological definition of the object should be
completed, for a connector with name FN as per
• FROM a TO b : FN; or
• INTERNAL_NODE i : FN; or
• EXTERNAL_NODE e : FN;
The signals of connection type FLN5 are listed in Table 5-2. Their meaning in the
mathematical model of the flownet is explained in section 3.6.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 100
s Creating your own component types for flownets

NOTE

 The relations used for calculating the flownet variables, such as temperature, for
the relevant medium are defined via the MEDIUM parameter. This can only be
done during initialisation of the simulation. Changes made to the parameters
while the simulation is running have no effect.

Signal Description
MEDIUM Flownet medium:
MEDIUM := 0 for water/steam,
MEDIUM := 1 for ideal gas,
MEDIUM := 2 for liquid;
cannot be changed while the simulation is running
CG Specific compression modulus K / M for water/steam medium
with density ρ < 500 m³/kg and for ideal gas medium

CL Specific compression modulus K / M for water/steam medium

with density ρ ≥ 500 m³/kg and for liquid medium

MG Thermal factor 1 / M for water/steam medium with density

ρ < 500 m³/kg and for ideal gas medium
ML Thermal factor 1 / M for water/steam medium with density
ρ ≥ 500 m³/kg and for liquid medium
P_INIT Initial value for the pressure in the internal node of the flownet
H_INIT Initial value for the specific enthalpy in the internal node of the
flownet
DENSITY Density of the medium in the flownet when liquid is set as the
medium
T_ENV Ambient temperature
C_ENV Heat transfer factor c = αA for heat exchange in the internal nodes
of the flownet with the environment
L_CR Specific heat capacity c p for liquid medium
IG_R Specific gas constant R S for ideal gas medium
IG_CR Specific heat capacity c p for ideal gas as medium
ST binary signal; if ST := 'True’, then a linear transfer is applied for
parameters CL, CG and ML, MG for the water/steam medium
AL Momentum factor Α for branches in the flownet

Table 5-2: Signals of connection type FLN5

Depending on the direction of the connector FN its signals are inputs or outputs. Depending
on the direction, flownet parameters can be set or used in components. If the connector is
defined by direction OUT, then the variables set in the components are provided to the
flownet as parameters. These parameters are available in the components for evaluation, if
the connector is defined with direction IN.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 101
s Creating your own component types for flownets

5.2.5 Connection type FLN6 for parameterisation of a branch

The dynamic of the flow rate can be parameterised individually for each branch. To do this, a
connector FN, via which the momentum factor Α is transferred to the flownet solver, must
be added to the topological definition of the branch object as follows:
FROM a TO b: FN;
If a connector of type FLN6 is defined with direction OUT (Figure 5-19), then the momentum
factor Α for the branch containing the object is transferred to the flownet solver via this
connection.

Figure 5-19: Definition of a connection of type FLN6

If the connector is defined with direction IN, then the momentum factor Α for the branch is
transferred to the branch object from the flownet solver.

5.2.6 Connection type FLN7 for parameterisation of an internal

node
Each internal node can be parameterised individually. A connector, via which the parameter
will be transmitted to the flownet solver, must be added to the topological definition of an
internal node. For a connector FN the definition is completed as follows:
Internal_Node i: FN;
FN is always created as an output of type FLN7 (Figure 5-20).

Figure 5-20: Definition of a connection of type FLN7

The variables listed in Table 5-3 are transmitted to the flownet solver for the internal node.
Their meaning in the mathematical model of the flownet is explained in section 3.6.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 102
s Creating your own component types for flownets

Signal Description
CG Specific compression module K i / M i for water/steam medium with
density ρ < 500 m³/kg and for ideal gas medium

CL Specific compression module K i / M i for water/steam medium with

density ρ ≥ 500 m³/kg and for liquid medium

MG Thermal factor 1 / M i for water/steam medium with density

ρ < 500 m³/kg and for ideal gas medium
ML Thermal factor 1 / M i for water/steam medium with density
ρ ≥ 500 m³/kg and for liquid medium
P_INIT Initial pressure value
H_INIT Initial value for specific enthalpy
T_ENV Ambient temperature
C_ENV Heat transfer factor c i = αA for heat exchange with the environment

L_CR Specific heat capacity c p for liquid medium

IG_R Specific gas constant R S for ideal gas medium
IG_CR Specific heat capacity c p for ideal gas as medium

Table 5-3: Signals of connection type FLN7

5.3 Constants and functions

You can use various constants and functions when creating your own flownet components.

5.3.1 Constants
The available constants are listed in Table 5-4.

Name Data Value Description

type
_GRAVITY analog 9,81 Gravitational constant (gravitational
acceleration)
_T0 analog 273,15 Absolute zero temperature

Table 5-4: Constants for flownet components

5.3.2 Functions
Functions for calculating state variables are available for flownet components with
water/steam medium. The available state variables and units are summarised in Table 5-5.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 103
s Creating your own component types for flownets

Variable Unit
p Pressure bar
pS Saturated pressure bar
T Temperature °C
TS Saturated temperature °C
h Specific enthalpy kJ/kg
h’ Specific enthalpy of saturated water kJ/kg
h’’ Specific enthalpy of saturated steam kJ/kg

ρ Density kg/m³

ρ’ Density of saturated water kg/m³

ρ’’ Density of saturated steam kg/m³

Table 5-5: State variables for water/steam

All state functions FNAME return a state variable ZVAL as an analog value. This is called up
by
ZVAL = _WaterSteam.FNAME(PARAM1 (, PARAM2)).
The available state functions are described in Table 5-6.

ZVAL FNAME PARAM1 PARAM2 State function

ρ rph p h ρ = ρ( p , h )
T trh ρ h T = T (ρ , h )
TS tvp pS - TS = T ( p S )
pS pvt TS - p S = p(TS )

ρ’ rsvt TS - ρ′ = ρ' (TS )

ρ’’ rssvt TS - ρ′′ = ρ′′(TS )

ρ’ rsvp pS - ρ′ = ρ' ( p S )

ρ’’ rssvp pS - ρ′′ = ρ′′( p S )

h’ hsvt TS - h' = h' (TS )
h’’ hssvt TS - h ′′ = h ′′(TS )
h’ hsvp pS - h' = h' ( p S )
h’’ hssvp pS - h ′′ = h ′′( p S )

Table 5-6: State functions for water/steam

The saturated pressure p S and saturated temperature T S are limited for the saturation
function as follows:

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 104
s Creating your own component types for flownets

0 ≤ TS ≤ 373,94°C and 0 ,0065bar ≤ p S ≤ 220 ,64bar .

The relevant limit values are set for values outside this range.
The values for pressure p and specific enthalpy h are limited to the following ranges for the
state equation ρ = ρ( p , h ) :
0 ,007 bar ≤ p ≤ 490 bar and 20 kJ/kg ≤ h ≤ 3998 kJ/kg .
The specific enthalpy is limited to the following range for the state function T = T (ρ, h )
9 kJ/kg ≤ h ≤ 4158 kJ/kg
The limits for the density ρ depend on the enthalpy value: The smallest permissible density
value is 0.0012344 kg/m³ (when h = 4160 kJ/kg ), the maximum permissible density value is
1045.239 kg/m³ (when h = 96 kJ/kg ).
The auxiliary function Cylniv can be used to calculate fill levels in horizontal cylinders. For a
cylinder of length L and radius r with specified volume V it calculates a fill level of H (Figure
5-21). This can be called up with:
H = _Utilities.Cylniv(V, L, r).

Figure 5-21: Cross-section of a partially full cylinder

5.3.3 Own Functions

The FLOWNET library provides you with three different media: water/steam, idela gas and
liquid. The signal MEDIUM of the connection type FLN5 is assigned a respective key number
(0, 1 or 2) for each medium. According to this key number the corresponding state equations
for calculating the density and temperature are choosen by the flownet solver.
With the FLOWNET library you also have the alternative to simulate flownets with other than
the three media given. You simply have to provide specific state equations for the calculation
of the density and temperature in the nodes of the flownet by a “global function”.
Such a global function must consist of a .NET assemby that is named [Link] and
which has its “Assembly Name” specified as “Userdefined” in the project settings. It must
have the namespace Userdefined and a public class named FlownetFunctions. This class
has to comprise two public static functions for calculation of the states:
• public static double trh(long m, double r, double h),

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 105
s Creating your own component types for flownets

• public static double rph(long m, double p, double h).

The function trh has to calculate the temperature from density r and specific enthalpy h, the
function rph has to calculate the density from pressure p and specific enthalpy h. The units
are to be taken as follows:
• temperature in °C,
• density in kg/m³,
• pressure in bar, and
• specific enthalpy in kJ/kg.
The medium has to be defined by a freely choosen negative number. This neagtive key
number is the first parameter m of both functions. In your own functions you only need to
consider self-defined negative media key numbers, if the value given is ≥ 0 computation will
be performed by SIMIT, your functions will not be evaluated in this case.
This way you can implement any media in both functions and use them in a simulation
project. Please note that you need to take attention only for negative key numbers in self
defined functions. For non-negative key numbers SIMIT uses the functions that are included
in it. Your self defined functions are not called by SIMIT in that case.
A framework for your self defined functions might be set-up as follows:

namespace Userdefined
{
public class FlownetFunctions
{
public static double trh(long m, double r, double h)
{
switch (m)
{
case -1:
// Calculations for media key number -1 …
return 0.0;
case -2:
// Calculations for media key number -2 …
return 0.0;
default:
// Should not occur!
return 0.0;
}
}

public static double rph(long m, double p, double h)

{
switch (m)
{
case -1:
// Calculations for media key number -1 …
return 0.0;
case -2:
// Calculations for media key number -2 …
return 0.0;
default:
// Should not occur!
return 0.0;
}
}

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 106
s Creating your own component types for flownets

}
}

To assign a specific own defined media to a flownet simply set the appropriate negative
media key number for the signal MEDIUM of the connection type FLN5.

CAUTION
If you set a negative key number for the medium without providing the
necessary functions for the calculation of the density and temperature, the
flownet solver assignes a zero value to all densities and temeratures in the
flownet!

You can call both functions too by

_ [Link](m, r, p)
respective
_ [Link](m, p, h)
in own component types. Moreover you can implement further functions in the class
FlownetFunctions and use them by a similar function call in your component types.
You have to locate the assembly [Link] in SIMIT’s workspace in the subfolder
GlobalFunctions. The assembly will then automatically be copied to each new simulation
project and therefore be archived with your simulation project.

NOTE

 Modifications of the assembly are not affecting already existing simulation

projects. A modified assembly is only copied to new projects.
If you want to use the modified assembly in your already existing projects too,
simply copy this asembly to the folder globalFunctions of these projects.

5.4 Initialising flownet simulations

The initialisation of flownet simulations involves two steps: when the simulation is started up,
the components are initialised, i.e. the simulation model created from the connected
components is initialised. Then the flownet solver is initialised. The flownet solver uses the
values that are sent to it via connections of type FLN2 to FLN7 and initialised in the
components (Figure 5-22).

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 107
s Creating your own component types for flownets

Figure 5-22: Initialisation of flownet simulations

As there are no variables available of the flownet solver during initialisation of the
components, it is advisable to pre-assign the inputs of the component types with suitable
values. Values that are consistent with the default values of the flownet solver are
recommended.

Copyright  Siemens AG, 2013 SIMIT 7 – FLOWNET

Process Automation Page 108