Applies To
Product(s):	AutoPIPE
Version(s):	ALL;
Environment:	N/A
Area:	Modeling
Original Author:	Bentley Technical Support Group
Date Logged & Current Version	March. 2017 11.00.00.22

Problem:

How to model a 3-way valve?

   

Solution:

Inputting three way valves in AutoPIPE is a bit convoluted at this time. AutoPIPE does not allow users to branch from a valve, see the following procedure:

Start modeling from center connection point of the valve:

1. 1. Start from the connection point, insert a small pipe run (ex. 1 inch)
   2. Insert a valveInsert pipe run for actual connected piping to the valve continue modeling piping system.
      1. Length = "measure from the center of the valve to the actual pipe connection" - "small pipe run in step A"
      2. Weight = 1/3 of the total valve weight from manufacture literature 
   4. Select the small pipe run from Step A, and Insert> Rigid Properties over Range> do not enable "Include weight" check-box, but check ON "Include Thermal Expansion" check-box
   5. Make the origin point of the small run the current node point, repeat steps A and D to create the other two legs.
      Note: before adding the 3rd leg, recommend to convert the intersecting junction point to a Tee using the "convert run to tee" icon / button. and then add 3rd leg. See image below for finish modeling approach.

Insert 3-way valve on existing pipe run header

1. 1. At the end of a pipe run Insert a valve.Insert a small pipe run (ex. 1 inch).
      1. Length = "measure from the center of the valve to the actual pipe connection" - "small pipe run in step B"
      2. Weight = 1/3 of the total valve weight from manufacture literature 
   3. Insert another small pipe run same as above (ex. 1 inch).
   4. Insert another valve with the same properties as above, Step A.
   5. Select both small pipe runs from Step B & C, and Insert> Rigid Properties over Range> do not enable "Include weight" check-box, but check ON "Include Thermal Expansion" check-box
   6. Make the node point shard by both small runs from Step B and C the current node point, convert the intersecting junction point to a Tee using the "convert run to tee" icon / button.
   7. On the branch of the Tee, add 3rd short pipe run and valve with same properties as above.

See Also

Valves Piping Components - Modeling Approaches, Tips, Techniques

How to model a support for a valve actuator?

Bentley AutoPIPE