By Gary Mann
I have seen several methods of modelling an integrated Pod, but some fall short on optimising pipe sizes to BSEN806-3. This article will explain the best way of creating a Pod in MEPworx. To begin, lets see the appliances available in the Standard. Using Edit>Appliance list, we can refresh our memory as to the documented characteristics.
Below is an expanded view of the available appliances for use in our Pod.
Consider a Pod containing a WHB, Kitchen Sink, Washing Machine, Shower & Bath as highlighted above. If we add all the loading units together, we get a total of 11 LUs.
N.B. If you have manufacturers data available you can edit the above list simply by “Double Clicking” on the text and entering specific values and symbols.
I have seen the above Appliance list used to Pods directly, e.g. Pod LU = 11
The limitation and consequence of doing that is the Highest Single Value LU (HSV) is not evident here so the Loading Units will be converted using the listed value of 11.
It can be seen below that a pod containing 11 LUs (Axis 2) Q, reading from axis 1, would be 1.1 l/s as opposed to 0.561 for a HSV of 4. N.B. a reduction of 51% flow rate.
To optimise the flows rates and adopt the HSV detailed in the chart above use; “Insert>Special>Draw-offs”;
Fill in the Special Draw-Off dialog with the values and an identification reference and the software will use the HSV utilising the correct lower flow rate as seen in Results.
Gary J. Mann. Cert Ed. (PCET) MCIPHE. gary.mann@cadline.co.uk