3-way Valve in AutoPIPE 2

[curtis2004]

Hi Everyone,

I need your help in modeling of 3-way valve in AutoPIPE. I found out that it should be modeled as rigid element, which include 3 different valves with dummy legs converted into rigid tee. To be honest with you I have done this about seven years ago, but now I forgot.

I appreciate if somebody remembers and give me step by step instruction to follow.

Thank you all,
Curtis

 

[gerhardl]

Sorry, cannot help with the modelling part, and my comment might be far away from your case here.

The question for three-way valves at construction /planning stage is always if the solution in any way can be avoided and replaced with a combination of standard valves.

Note: it is OK to use this solution if there exist commercial available valves that suits the application.

 

[XL83NL]

There should be some direction in the help file but here's what I recall from previous instants how I've done it;
- either model a tee (with flanges at all three ends) and with dimensions equal to the valve, and make the tee rigid. Add a weight to compensate for the valves weight. This will simulate the same thing as the second option below.
- make a tee with dimensions of (say) 0.5 mm. in all three directions. Make the tee rigid. At both run ends and the branch, insert a valve (now with a flange at only one end). Dimensions of course should equal the valves overall dimensions.

I believe the only difference between both options is that when modelling it as a 'true valve' (second option), autopipe gives the user more options to add certain features, like valve weight, actuator weight and length, buoyancy options, auto-insert of flanges at the end (and perhaps a SIF but I'm not sure about that). In autopipe a valve is just a rigid piece of pipe.

Hope this helps.

 

[curtis2004]

Hi
I just got it:
1. Build 3 valves with 3 runs (dummy legs) connected into one point (like a Tee, but without Tee). Total dimension of each valve and corresponding run shall be equal to 3-way valve dimension. You can split overall weight of 3-way valve between 3 separate valves.
2. Convert each run using Modify/Rigid Options Over the range into rigid body.
3. Convert connecting node of all runs into Tee using Modify/Convert Point to Tee.

That's it!

Regards,
Curtis