Piping systems of virtually any size and complexity can be modeled. Multiple compressors/pumps in parallel, and large systems of pipe junctions, branches, etc., are routinely modeled. Block valves can be controlled to simulate different combinations of operating conditions for multiple compressor/pump systems.
The basic acoustic elements (compliance, inductance, resistance) are mathematically modeled in the technique. Resistance values resulting from pressure drop due to inlet losses, exit losses, length losses, orifice plates, etc., are automatically varied with flow (for variable speed compressors and pumps), which is important since pressure losses are a primary source of acoustic damping and significantly affect resonant amplitudes. Pipe elements can be modeled to exact lengths without the need for "lumping" to some predetermined minimum length.
Thermophysical properties (acoustic velocity, density) associated with the gas or liquid may be specified as required for each pipe element in the system to account for physical processes such as fluid mixing, gas or liquid injection, and heating or cooling. Acoustic velocity values are automatically adjusted for pipe wall flexibility effect in each individual pipe, which is especially important in liquid systems. Capped end (zero flow), open end (zero pressure), and infinite line (characteristic impedance) boundary conditions can be specified as required.
