Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Model Comparison with Limitations

KYPipe models closed-channel, full-pipe flow systems. Pressures above the liquid vapor pressure can be modeled (values slightly below atmospheric but above vapor pressure are acceptable). Limited (1 or 2 locations) and localized (only in one small area of piping) instances of sub-atmospheric and vapor pressure can be handled (e.g., in low pressure sewer piping systems), however if pipes are not normally full, a different model should be used. Other liquids besides water can be modeled. KYPipe does not model two-phase flow. KYPipe includes steady-state analysis and Extended Period Simulations (EPS).

Surge is used for water hammer analysis. Surge models closed-channel, full-pipe flow systems. Subroutines handle areas of cavitation; however, if pipes are not normally full throughout, a different model should be used. Pressure cannot be below zero gauge at the location of an air/vacuum valve at the start of the simulation. Other liquids besides water can be modeled. Surge does not model two-phase flow. Surge modeling is dynamic, running in real time at a default or user-defined time step, but can also be run in steady-state.

TranSurge is similar to Surge, but is specialized to model long transmission mains. TranSurge models closed-channel, full-pipe flow systems. Subroutines handle areas of cavitation; however, if pipes are not normally full, a different model should be used. Pressure cannot be below zero gauge at the location of an air/vacuum valve at the start of the simulation. Other liquids besides water can be modeled. TranSurge does not model two-phase flow. TranSurge modeling is dynamic, running in real time at a default or user-defined time step, but can also be run in steady-state. Since TranSurge is designed to model transmission mains, the number of loops is limited, unlike Surge. However, TranSurge has unlimited pipes and includes Excel and CAD profile import tools and a CAD profile export tool which are not found in Surge.

SWMM models open- and closed-channel, full-pipe and partially-full flow systems. Pressure within the system can be modeled below zero gauge pressure, but cavitation cannot be modeled. Only water can be modeled, not other liquids. SWMM does not model two-phase flow. Unlike KYPipe, SWMM is limited to steady-state analysis only, and does not model Extended Period Simulations (EPS).

GoPlot is for users who need to create water supply curves with or without fire pumps. GoPlot produces Fire Pump Test Plots and very high quality and comprehensive Fire Pump Reports.

GoFlow is similar to KYPipe but is limited to specialized features for fire sprinkler analysis. GoFlow models closed-channel, full-pipe flow systems. Pressures above the liquid vapor pressure can be modeled (values slightly below atmospheric but above vapor pressure are acceptable); however, if pipes are not normally full, a different model should be used. GoFlow does not model two-phase flow. Unlike KYPipe, GoFlow is limited to steady-state analysis only, and does not model Extended Period Simulations (EPS). GoFlow includes automatic sprinkler system layouts, over 200 backflow preventers, pipe schedules from three different hazard classifications, supply plots, hydraulic summaries, required capacity analysis, remote area analysis and Early Suppression, Fast Response (ESFR).

Gas analyzes steady, one-dimensional, isothermal flow for ideal and non-ideal, variable-density gases. Gas includes steady-state analysis but not transient (i.e., surge) analysis.

Steam analyzes steady, one-dimensional, saturated flows. SuperSteam is an advanced version of Steam. SuperSteam was developed specifically for modeling distribution networks designed for superheated steam. Steam and SuperSteam include steady-state analysis but not transient (i.e., surge) analysis. SuperSteam models heat loss, but Steam does not.

Model Operating Principles

The above models solve the partial differential equations for continuity, momentum and energy in full pipes using the Newton Rhapson linearized approach to calculate flow in pipes and pressure at nodes iteratively until the analysis converges on a solution with an acceptable degree of accuracy. As such, the analytical approach is explicit as opposed to implicit, and deterministic as opposed to probabilistic. Surge relies on the Wave Plan Method (WPM), or Wave Method (WM), as opposed to the Method of Characteristics (MOC), which is explained further here.

Make sure that the “Use Former Analysis” box in the Analysis Menu is unchecked. This option was created for large systems when less computational ability was available; it stored fewer data points than the current analysis method.

Please see Dr. Lingireddy’s blog entry on this subject here.

Click here for a discussion of NFPA reporting requirements

While some shapefiles will successfully load in the background using the Add Map Button within the Backgrounds Menu, shapefiles are not an officially-supported background format.  The appearance of shapefiles imported as background images is inconsistent and cannot be controlled.  A better option may be to export the shapefile to a CAD format and use the resulting CAD file as the background image.  The export to CAD function is available in many GIS mapping programs.  Some of the more advanced CAD mapping programs allow the import of shapefiles into CAD format.

If you are running Google Earth or MultiMon Taskbar or GoToMyPC close it before starting Pipe2020.

Check that your Units Selection is correct in the System Data Menu. If you mean to use gpm but have selected mgd you will get very high losses. Also make sure that the roughness values you input match the head loss equation you are using. For example, if you select Darcy Weisbach for head loss and input 140 for roughness (which is for Hazen Williams) you will get very high losses.

A Hydropneumatic Tank (HydroTank) element is available in the Pipe program. This sophisticated element includes a pump and control switch so the user only needs to input the low and high pressure operating points and the volume of water supplied between these settings.

Make sure you have the most current version of the Pipe program.  Updating to the current version (e.g., 9.0XX) is always free, regardless of which release (e.g., Pipe2012, Pipe2016, Pipe2018, Pipe2020 etc.) you’re licensed for, and may solve the problem.

Additionally, under Print Options, select PDF or BMP instead of Printer.  When the file is displayed there will be an option to print it.  Do not use a PDF printer driver, use the PDF option built into the Pipe program interface.

KYPipe conducts an analysis by determining the pressure at every node in the system.  Sometimes a line may become closed due to a pressure regulating valve closing; a flow reversal in a pump; a control switch operating with a specified system change, etc. When this happens, if the portion of the system is cut off from a fixed-grade node (i.e., is not supplied in any way), then an analysis cannot be conducted on that portion of the system. To avoid this, KYPipe will open the closed element and continue with the analysis. One way to resolve this issue is to create a “dummy” reservoir connected to the system with a very small diameter pipe. This will simulate a supply so the analysis equations may be set up, and usually will not alter the way the system operates.

For price information visit our Request for Quote page for package and quote information, or contact Technical Support.

See our Learning Page for both introductory and advanced tutorials, along with links to training opportunities. The initial page shows model-building videos using the KYnetic interface. Sub-pages show model-building videos using the Classic interface, along with webinars covering various topics, and videos sorted by analysis engine (Surge, Gas, Steam, GoFlow, etc.). These provide excellent, user-friendly, classroom-like instruction including basic Pipe GUI functions and on many intermediate and advanced functions and features as well. Once the videos have been viewed and the user has created a small practice model, more detailed questions may be answered with the Online Help file. Search the Contents page or the Index for the topic in question.  Technical Support is available to help with any questions that may arise.

The only file that is needed is the .p2k file.

Always update to the most recent version (e.g., 8.0xx) of KYPipe first. If that does not resolve your problem, please contact Technical Support. Emailing the .p2k file with which you are having trouble gives Tech Support much more insight into the possible cause.

Run the Wibu-Key License Manager by clicking START | PROGRAMS | WIBU-KEY | Server-Monitor. When the Server-Monitor starts, click the 2nd speed button from the left (with the magnifying glass) to Browse Network. In the left window pane, click on the name of the server (that has the key plugged in) and a list of active users will appear below it. Click on the user that has terminated abnormally, then click the button marked “Cancel User.”

Demo Capabilities:
When the software is in demo mode the following limits apply:

1. Surge models 50 pipes, 1 pump, 1 active valve, 50 SDOs, pipe lengths up to 1,500 m (5,000 ft), and pipe diameters of 25 mm, 50 mm, and 100 mm (1 in, 2 in, and 4 in).
2. TranSurge models 10 pipes, 1 pump, 1 SDO, 1 active valve, pipe lengths up to 10,000 m (32,500 ft), and pipe diameters of 50 mm, 600 mm, and 900 mm (2 in, 23 in, and 35 in).
3. KYPipe models 50 pipes.
4. Gas, Steam, GoFlow, & SWMM model 30 pipes.

The demo can be downloaded here.

It is not necessary to purchase both. Surge can run a steady-state analysis to determine losses, flow distribution etc.  However, the steady-state features are limited to one simulation using the baseline conditions for each analysis.  KYPipe is required in order to to run multiple steady-state scenarios and Extended Period Simulations.

No. While a Surge calculation is an analysis over time, it simulates a short period of time immediately following a transient event. An EPS analysis looks at volume changes in large storage tanks, domestic demand patterns and pump control over longer periods of times, usually a day or more. Surge can run a baseline steady-state analysis.

Yes, there is a free demo program available here. The demo is fully working, for a limited number of pipes.

Licensing options include 1) annual subscription and 2) perpetual with or without maintenance agreement.

Demo versions will expire after 90 days.

License upgrades and expiration:

1. Annual licenses include free upgrades to the newest releases (e.g., Pipe2018, Pipe2020, etc.) as they become available.  If the annual license subscription is suspended, then the license expires at the end of the annual cycle.
2. Perpetual licenses do not expire. Perpetual license holders with maintenance agreement are entitled to the newest release (e.g., Pipe2018, Pipe2020, etc.).  Perpetual license holders with no maintenance are not entitled to the newest releases, nor is there any requirement to upgrade.

Note that we upload new versions periodically to the web site, to address known issues and sometimes to offer new features. Updating to the current version (e.g., 9.0XX) is always free, regardless of which release (e.g., Pipe2016, Pipe2018, Pipe2020 etc.) you’re licensed for.

You can build the model in Surge. All modules use the same, very intuitive, Pipe program graphical user interface (GUI). All models can be built in any of the Pipe program modules, e.g., KYPipe, Surge, Gas, Steam, GoFlow and SWMM.

Yes, any gas may be modeled.

The Gas module has a tool that provides gas properties for a number of common gases.

No. We recommend users model compressible-fluid (vapor/gas) portions of the piping network using the Gas module and liquid portions with  KYPipe.

Analysis for both is possible, but in separately-licensed software modules. KYPipe models liquids.  The Gas module models compressible fluid (vapor).

Sometimes Image2PDF doesn’t register properly the first time you use it after reinstalling the software. If this error continues after the initial use, contact Technical Support.

The effect of the CV Time (closing time for CV) is generally opposite of the closing time for a control valve. Normally the longer it takes to close the CV the higher the pressure surge. This is because the reverse velocity is larger the longer the CV takes to close. The higher reverse velocity causes a larger pressure spike when the CV fully closes. This is not always the case because other factors are involved. However, a rapid closure for a CV is generally better.

When protecting a pipeline from a pump trip where there is a very rapid pressure drop using even a short time delay in the response of an air valve could allow a significantly larger pressure drop than if this is ignored. Air valve manufacturers do not provide time delay data so the time delay is generally set to 0. Providing for this input allows the user to evaluate the effect of a time delay.

Yes, but the following steps may be required to enable the software to run properly:

• Extract all files
• Copy the setup file to a local drive
• Browse to the location of this file
• If you have a WIBU key, unplug it
• Run the installation without skipping any steps or changing any settings
• If you have a WIBU key, plug it back in
• Launch the program from the Start menu shortcuts (KYnetic or Classic)

Open the first model and select the entire system (or the part you want to copy) – use the Group Box or the Group Polygon tool in the Left (vertical) Toolbar to do this. Under Edit (in the Main Menu), select Copy. Close the first model and open up the second model. Under Edit, select Paste. If both models are in the same coordinate system then the first system will be added in the correct location. If not you can drag it to the correct location. Duplicate node/pipe names will be automatically fixed.