Using the Equipment Performance Tool in FluidFlow

Introduction

The Equipment Performance tool in FluidFlow allows you to optimize equipment selection for auto-sized pumps and control valves by comparing their calculated performance against available equipment in your database. This feature helps you select the most suitable equipment based on actual manufacturer data and performance curves.

The Equipment Performance tool currently supports centrifugal pumps and control valves only, requiring proper curve data to be populated in your equipment database.

Key Benefits

• Compare auto-sized equipment against real manufacturer data
• Select optimal pumps using performance metrics (head, efficiency, NPSHR)
• Verify control valve opening percentages for better sizing and analysis
• Evaluate multiple equipment options using performance parameters
• Make informed equipment decisions using actual performance curves

Database Requirements

Before using the Equipment Performance tool, ensure your database contains:

Centrifugal Pump Information

• Flow vs. Head curve data (minimum requirement)
• Flow vs. Efficiency curve data (recommended)
• Flow vs. NPSHr curve data (recommended)

Control Valve Information

• Cv or Kv vs. % valve opening data

Using the Equipment Performance Tool

For Centrifugal Pumps

1. Calculate your model with auto-sized pumps
2. Access the tool
   • Go to Tools → Equipment Performance → Pump Performance
3. Set the design flow
   • The Performance Viewer window opens with a Design Flow field
   • Enter the calculated flow value and its corresponding unit from your auto-sized pump
4. Review pump options
   • The tool displays all the centrifugal pumps in your database
   • Select a pump model to check its performance (Head, Efficiency, Best Efficiency Point, and NPSHr) against the specified design flow
5. Filter and compare
   • Use manufacturer or application filters to narrow your selection
   • Click on individual pumps to review detailed parameters
   • Compare performance characteristics across different pump options
6. Select optimal pump
   • Choose the pump that best matches your system requirements
   • Consider efficiency, head characteristics, and NPSHR requirements

For Control Valves

1. Calculate your model with auto-sized control valves
2. Access the tool
   • Go to Tools → Equipment Performance → Control Valve Performance
3. Set the flow coefficient
   • Enter the calculated Cv (or Kv) value from your auto-sized valve
   • Select the appropriate unit (Cv or Kv)
4. Review valve options
   • The tool displays all the control valves in your database
   • Select a control valve to check its valve opening based on the specified Cv or Kv value
   • Compare different valve types and sizes
5. Select the appropriate valve
   • Choose valves with opening percentages in the optimal range (typically 20-80%)
   • Avoid selections with very low or very high opening percentages

Best Practices

• Maintain a comprehensive database - Populate your equipment database with complete performance curve data from manufacturers
• Target optimal operating ranges - For pumps, select equipment operating near their best efficiency point (BEP)
• Consider control valve rangeability - Choose control valves that operate within 20-80% opening for better controllability
• Account for system variations - Consider how performance may change with different operating conditions
• Update regularly - Keep your equipment database current with the latest manufacturer specifications

Conclusion

The Equipment Performance tool transforms equipment selection from guesswork into data-driven decision making. By leveraging actual manufacturer performance curves, you can optimize selections for both centrifugal pumps and control valves to achieve maximum efficiency and proper operation. This tool ensures your auto-sized components align with real-world equipment capabilities, leading to better system performance and reduced operating costs.

With the Equipment Performance tool, you can make confident equipment selections based on manufacturer data, ensuring efficient operation while eliminating the risk of poor equipment choices.