FluidFlow is designed to allow the modeling of fluid behavior within complex piping systems. Data from the model can be exported to Excel. This article aims to give new users an overview of how to export data from a built model to Excel.
Introduction
After performing calculations in FluidFlow, effectively presenting and sharing the results is a crucial step in engineering workflow. FluidFlow provides comprehensive tools for exporting calculation results to Excel or generating formatted reports for stakeholders and documentation purposes.
This guide explains the two primary methods for customizing and exporting reports—the Excel content approach and the Print content approach—along with step-by-step instructions for configuring report content, managing templates, and exporting to various file formats.
Understanding Export Methods
Overview of Export Options
FluidFlow offers two primary approaches for exporting calculation results:
| Export Method | Description | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Excel Content Approach | Direct data export to Excel with customizable content selection and editable results | Two-way data communication, ability to modify data |
| Print Content Approach | Template-based export using customizable Excel files (templates) | Header formatting options, support for multiple file formats |
When to Use Each Method
- Excel Content: Best for data analysis, modifying inputs, and reimporting data back to FluidFlow
- Print Content: Ideal for client presentations, documentation, and reports requiring consistent formatting
Key Difference: The Excel Content approach allows two-way communication between FluidFlow and Excel, while the Print Content approach provides well-formatted reports using customizable templates.
Customizing Report Content
Using Excel Content Customization
To customize reports using the Excel Content approach:
- Go to File → Excel → Excel Content... in the main menu
- In the Export Options window, select which components to include:
- Title Page: Includes project details, calculation status, and settings
- Flowsheet: Adds an image of your system layout
- Table of Results: Displays inputs (green banner) and calculated results (purple banner)
- Bill of Materials: Lists all components in the system
- Warnings: Includes any calculation warnings or messages
- Tick Export Selected Elements Only to export data for just the components you've highlighted on the flowsheet
Figure 1. Excel Export Options.
Customizing Table Columns
To specify which properties appear in your exported tables:
- Click the Excel Columns button in the Export Options window
- In the Set Visible Excel Properties dialog, select a component type from the left side
- Check the specific inputs and results you want to include for that component type
- Repeat for each component type as needed
- Click OK to save your selections
Figure 2. Set Visible Excel Properties.
You can also configure Excel Columns through Options → Environment → Excel Columns or by pressing F5.
Using Print Content Customization
To customize reports using the Print Content approach:
- Go to File → Print Content... in the main menu
- In the Print Options window, under the Content tab, select which report sections to include
- Click the Columns button to specify which properties to display for each component type (similar to Excel Columns)
Figure 3. Print Options.
Template Management
The Print Content approach uses Excel-based templates that control the structure and formatting of your reports:
- Templates are stored in the
Default\\Reports\\Templatesfolder within your FluidFlow installation directory - It's recommended not to modify the original template files directly
To create and use custom templates:
- In the Print Options window, select the Templates tab
- Select Specify Path and choose or create a new folder for your custom templates
- FluidFlow will automatically copy the default templates to this folder
- Edit the
.xlsxtemplate files in your custom folder as needed - FluidFlow will use these customized templates for future exports
Figure 4. Configuring Templates.
Exporting Calculation Results
Exporting to Excel
You can export data to Excel using any of these three methods:
- Click the Write to Excel button on the standard toolbar
- Go to File → Excel → Write to Excel
- Go to File → Excel → Excel Content... and click Excel in the Export Options window
Key Advantage: Excel export enables two-way communication, allowing you to use the Read from Excel function (File → Excel → Read from Excel) to update your FluidFlow model with data from the exported Excel file.
Exporting Using Print Preview
To export reports in various file formats, including PDF:
- Click the Print Preview button on the standard toolbar
- Go to File → Print Preview
- Go to File → Print Content... and click Preview in the Print Options window
This opens the FF3 Preview application (available in FluidFlow v3.50+), where you can:
- View the report exactly as it will appear when exported
- Print the report directly to a printer
- Save the report as PDF or other supported file formats
- Adjust page settings, margins, and other formatting options
Figure 5. FF3 Preview.
Comparison of Export Methods
| Feature | Excel Content | Print Content |
|---|---|---|
| Two-way data communication | ✓ | ✗ |
| Customizable templates | ✗ | ✓ |
| PDF export | ✗ (requires Excel) | ✓ (via FF3 Preview) |
| Standardized formatting | Limited | Extensive |
| Data modification capability | ✓ | ✗ |
| Best for | Data analysis, model adjustments | Final documentation, client reports |
Best Practices
- Position your flowsheet in the top-left corner of the window before exporting to ensure proper placement in reports
- Keep flowsheet zoom at 80-100% before export for optimal image quality
- Use Excel Content for data analysis and Print Content for presentation-ready reports
- Create a dedicated folder for custom templates to maintain original defaults
- Check that all relevant component properties are selected before export
- Review exported content for accuracy and completeness before distribution
- Consider creating standardized template styles for consistency across projects
FAQs
Q: Can I modify model inputs in Excel and re-import them to FluidFlow?
A: Yes, using the Write to Excel function. After modifying inputs in Excel, use File → Excel → Read from Excel to update your model.
Q: Can I export data for just some components rather than the entire system?
A: Yes. Select the desired components on the flowsheet before exporting, then enable the Export Selected Elements Only option in the Export Options window.
Q: Is PDF export supported directly from FluidFlow?
A: Yes, through the FF3 Preview tool, which is available in FluidFlow v3.50 and later. Use the Print Content approach and click Preview to access this functionality.
Q: Will my custom template settings be saved for future sessions?
A: Yes, FluidFlow will remember your custom template path settings. However, column selections may need to be reconfigured for each export session.
Q: Can I create different templates for different types of projects?
A: Yes, you can create multiple template folders and switch between them using the Specify Path option in the Templates tab.
Conclusion
Effective reporting is a crucial part of engineering workflow. By understanding and leveraging both the Excel Content and Print Content approaches in FluidFlow, you can efficiently produce either data-focused spreadsheets for analysis or well-formatted reports for presentation.
Mastering these export features allows engineers to communicate calculation results clearly, collaborate effectively, and maintain consistent documentation across projects—ultimately saving time and improving decision-making processes.