Pipes can be constructed in a number of ways.
- Manually draw scaled pipes with the mouse using the toolbar functions.
- Manually draw schematic pipes with the mouse using the toolbar functions.
- Import pipe data from a formatted spreadsheet using the TXT import function.
- Import graphics data from a DXF / DWG / Datamine / Surpac graphics file into Pumpsim™, and convert the data to pipes. Most mine planning and CAD packages will have the ability to export data to one of these formats.
Regardless of the method used, in summary the recommended steps for constructing a ventilation model are as follows:
- Construct the pipes either manually using the DRAW function, or via the IMPORT function, ensuring all pipes join correctly to each other. Filter tools are available in Pumpsim™ to assist with ensuring pipes are joined together.
- Add tanks and use the EDIT button to edit the pipes that connect to the surface, and mark SURFACE option on the form.
- Again, using the EDIT button, set the correct size and shape for all pipes. Insert any ventilation controls or regulators in the model, and specify pipe characteristics such as friction factors and shock losses.
- Place nodes to increase the accuracy of the model.
- Finally, press the SIMULATE button to show the result of the model construction. If everything has been constructed correctly, the flow data and arrows should show the result of the simulation.
- If some pipes are dead ends, then simulation warnings can be prevented by setting the “CLOSED END” option in the pipe EDIT form.
- If any error or warnings show, then correct the mistakes individually or grouped as required.