KY Pipes

[Builder604]

Does anyone have any experience with this software. We are evaluating a demo version and it seems to work pretty well and is somewhat user freindly. We have a older version of MikeNet which is not user freindly at all. I am just looking for some opinions on the software.

 

[LHA]

I used a DOS version in college (early 90's). It was powerful and accurate, but NOT-user friendly. I'm sure, if they have a Window/Apple version, it is more user friendly.

Engineering is the practice of the art of science - Steve

 

[cvg]

I used this in the early eighties, and like most fortran software of the era, was difficult to use. However, this software was one of the pioneers in computerized water network analysis. With a windows interface, this would probably be a good choice

 

[redbridge]

I use this software on a daily basis. It is very user friendly and accurate. I would recommend purchasing the software.

 

[CivEnvEng98]

I have been using WaterCAD for 8 years and would highly recommend it due to it's versatility in modeling both water distribution/transmission lines and appurtenances as well as modeling lift stations and transmission lines.

I have never used KY pipe and I can't imagine that one is more accurate than the other. I suppose it's all about the GUI and model components.

Anyone with good experience with both to give their views on pros/cons?

 

[DMcGrath]

I have used both programs (WaterCad and KY Pipe). Setting up a system for analysis in WaterCad is pretty intuitive, and components of the system are easy to modify. The biggest drawback to WaterCad is that it is now sold by Bentley, and their licensing policies are pretty draconian (I am sure others would agree). WaterCad also has this funny quirk where it will satisfy a demand node, regardless of the fact that is has to create a -50,000,000 psi vacuum to do so. (Try it, it is pretty funny. If the pumps don't run, no problem! Just suck the water where you need it to go!)

KY Pipe works just fine as well, it takes some getting used to, and if you do have a problem, you can speak directly to someone who is willing to look at your file, work on it a while, then offer a solution. Price-wise, KY Pipe is the better bargain. You can download a 50-pipe demo for free from their website to give it a try.

I would recommend KY Pipe over WaterCad.

 

[stanier]

There are plenty of other programs out there including Epanet. Epanet is license free but is only supported by other users. I have used it on major projects.

As said before Bentley are pretty visious when it comes to licensing. The Epanet engine is used by Watercad so suffers the same quirks.

Have a look at AFT's Fathom for steady state & extended period simulation & heat transfer or Impulse for steady and unsteady state. Great back up from AFT. I have built a 200 node network and got results in less than 3 hours. It really is plug and play. The database set up allows you to customise pipes, pumps, fluids etc so building models becomes very fast whether for quick and dirty looks or a more thorough investigation. No input text files to worry about.

Geoffrey D Stone FIMechE C.Eng;FIEAust CP Eng

http://www.waterhammer.bigblog.com.au