FloWork: understanding of using Pipes to model movement delay time

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pc neo asked Feb 4, '21 Dj Moens answered Feb 4, '21

FloWork: understanding of using Pipes to model movement delay time

The documentation states that "The pipe's behavior is mainly controlled by two properties: the maximum content and the maximum flow rate. The amount of time that it takes material to travel through the pipe is the quotient of these two values. "

In the attached model I have attempted to study the delay time in pipes. The pipes is set to have 10litres/sec flow rate with a content of 100 litres, while the tanks outflow rate is 10litres/sec with no constraint on their inflow rate. I have expected that the materials will 'travel in the pipes' and therefore there will be no material in Cylinder2 from 0-20sec simulation time. However, as seen in the attached pic, there are 5 litres output from FlowPipe2 into Cylinder2.

Is my understanding on the Pipe wrong? Appreciate in any clarification on my understanding.

Software Version:

FlexSim 21.0.2

flexsim 21.0.2 FloWorks flow pipes

floworkspic1.png (146.4 KiB)

floworksmodel.fsm (38.0 KiB)

Answer 1 · 2021-02-04T10:00:19Z

Dj Moens answered Feb 4, '21

Hi,

The reason that the pipe starts flowing immediately is because the pipe already has content at start (that is by design). But if you change the product for instance, you will see the the colour change at the beginning and the material will move to the end (and will trigger the “on product out change”).

Attached is a model that shows this principle.

If you need an object that does not contain the material, I suggest you use the flowconveyor.

Rgds

DJ

PipeExample.fsm

pipeexample.fsm (39.6 KiB)

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