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All tips refer to the current version of the applicable software
product. Tip applicability is shown by the products listed below
the tip title.
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Impulse Tips
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Building Multiple Models
Fathom, Arrow, Mercury, Impulse
While we usually think of building a system model in the Workspace (and, of course, we can have multiple models within a file in different scenarios), you can have multiple, disconnected system models within the work space simultaneously. This has many uses, including facilitating parametric modeling. For example, you're modeling a system with a defined supply flow and want to evaluate the results for various supply flow rates. After building the model, select the whole model (Edit/Select All or ctl+a), then duplicate it (Edit/Duplicate or ctl+d) as many times as desired. For each instance specify a different supply flow and, after running the model, can now compare results for the different supply flows within the same Output window.
Eliminating 'negative' flows
Fathom, Mercury, Impulse
Flow direction arrows are for reference only, the actual direction being determined by the analysis and, if the direction is opposite the reference direction you've specified, values for flow, velocity and pressure drop will be negative. If you don't want negative values, simply select the pipe, press F3 to toggle the direction arrow and rerun your model. While this is fine for one or a few pipes, what if you have many pipes with negative flow values? Within the Workspace, open Select Special (on the Edit menu or by pressing F6). For 'Selection Type', select 'Pipe Output Properties', then 'Volumetric Flow Rate' for the 'Pipe Property'. Next to 'Range', input a negative flow value in the 'From' field larger than the largest negative flow in your output and '0' in the 'To' field, then click on 'Select Pipes'. Click on 'OK' and you'll be back in the Workspace with all of the pipes with negative flows selected. Now, simply press F3 to reverse the flow direction arrows of all the pipes and rerun your model. No 'negative' flows. P.S. You can also Select Special pipes based on negative velocity.
Moving a junction without moving the pipe
Fathom, Arrow, Mercury, Impulse
Click on the junction to be moved once to select it. Then hold the Ctrl key down while you drag the junction icon and the pipes will remain in their current location. Note this results in the pipes being disconnected from the junction.
Merging two models together
Fathom, Arrow, Mercury, Impulse
Models may be merged together by selecting Merge... from the File menu. Before starting this process it is always advisable to save your current model. You will be asked for the file name to merge into the current Workspace. The model being merged in will be placed on the Workspace and each object will be selected. Move the merged model by positioning the mouse pointer on a selected junction and holding down the left mouse button and dragging it to the desired location on the Workspace. If you accidentally click somewhere off the selected items they will be come unselected and it may be more difficult to move the merged model into position. If this happens, simply reload the original model and start the merging process over again.
Building large models - The building block approach
Fathom, Arrow, Mercury, Impulse
Very large and complex models may be constructed by building smaller models and merging them together. It is a good idea to break the large system into logical parts where there known boundary conditions (flowrates or pressures).
Quick inspection of pipe and junction properties
Fathom, Arrow, Mercury, Impulse
The inspection feature saves time by displaying the properties of a Workspace object in a read-only fashion. To inspect an object, position the mouse pointer on the object and hold down the right mouse button.
Quick inspection of the connected pipes or junctions while in a specification window
Fathom, Arrow, Mercury, Impulse
To check the properties of the objects connected to the one you are specifying, position the mouse pointer on the connected object's ID (listed in the specification window) and hold down the right mouse button.
Highlight the required data fields for pipes or junctions
Fathom, Arrow, Mercury, Impulse
The areas on the Specification Window which are required can be highlighted by either pressing the F2 key or by double-clicking on a blank area somewhere on the Specification Window.
Jumping to the pipe or junction which is not completely defined
Fathom, Arrow, Mercury, Impulse
To show the undefined pipes or junctions click the magnifying glass toolbar icon or selecting Find.. from the View menu. Then choose the option to Show Undefined. The lists now contain only those pipes or junctions which are not completely defined. Select the item from the list and click on the Find button.
Jumping from Pipe to Pipe or Junction to Junction
Fathom, Arrow, Mercury, Impulse
You can jump from junction to junction or from pipe to pipe by pressing F5 while in a specifications window.
Limit Pipe & Junction Label Movement
Fathom, Fathom CST Module, Fathom GSC Module, Fathom XTS Module, Arrow, Mercury, Impulse, Titan
You can specify that pipe or junction labels can only be moved on the Workspace when the Shift key is pressed. Sometimes the labels get in the way of selecting the pipes of junctions themselves and are moved accidentally. You can change this to use the Shift key in the Allowable Workspace label movements are in Workspace Presference (on the Options menu).
Selecting English or SI Units
Fathom, Fathom CST Module, Fathom GSC Module, Fathom XTS Module, Arrow, Mercury, Impulse, Titan, SteamCalc, ChemPak
To choose only English or SI units for all parameters, select Parameter and Unit Preferences from the Options menu, then select the Unit Prefrences tab, choose the Default Unit System and click the Apply Default Units button. This will use will the default units and change the preferred units.
Morphing Junctions
Fathom, Fathom CST Module, Fathom GSC Module, Fathom XTS Module, Arrow, Mercury, Impulse, Titan
If you hold down the CTRL key while you drag a junction onto the Workspace and drop onto an existing Workspace junction, the old junction will 'morph' (change) into the new one. Pipes will be connected to the new junction and related data will be copied into the new junction.
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