Compressible and Incompressible Fluid Distribution Networks

Dates & timetable:

The course is meant to teach students the principles of designing and sizing networks for the distribution of water, natural gas or other technological fluids. The goal is to teach robust design principles for resilient networks that can withstand and sustain a country, region, or building in the event of a disaster (for example, an earthquake or a flood).

Description:

Content:

Topic 1: Fundamentals of Fluid Dynamics for Networks
Differentiating compressible (gas) vs. incompressible (liquid) flow.
Core principles: Continuity, Bernoulli’s equation, and pressure-density-temperature relationships.
Introduction to flow regimes (laminar vs. turbulent) and viscosity.
Topic 2: Incompressible Fluid Networks (e.g., Water, Oil)
Calculating head loss: Darcy-Weisbach and Hazen-Williams equations.
Pump selection, performance curves, and Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH).
Design of water and hot water distribution for buildings and municipalities.
Topic 3: Compressible Fluid Networks (e.g., Natural Gas, Oxygen)
Thermodynamics of gas flow: isothermal and adiabatic processes.
Calculating pressure drop in gas pipelines.
Sizing for technological fluids (oxygen, compressed air) in industrial/medical facilities.
Topic 4: Network Components and Materials
Pipe materials and selection criteria for different fluids and pressures.
Valves (gate, globe, ball, check), fittings, and instrumentation (meters, sensors).
Overview of pumps, compressors, and pressure-reducing stations.
Topic 5: Network Sizing and Topology
Network layouts: Branched, looped, and grid systems and their respective advantages.
Hydraulic and pneumatic calculation methods for sizing mains and branches.
Introduction to network modeling software principles.
Topic 6: Resilience and Safety Engineering (Disaster-Proofing)
Designing for disaster resilience (seismic, flood, and critical failure events).
Principles of redundancy, emergency shut-off systems, and flexible/seismic couplings.
Leak detection, corrosion protection, and public safety standards (e.g., for natural gas).
Topic 7: Case Studies and Integrated Design
Analysis of a municipal water distribution network failure and redesign.
Design walk-through of a resilient natural gas supply for a critical facility (e.g., a hospital).
Final project: Designing a multi-fluid (water and gas) network for a mixed-use development.”

Learning outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this micro-credential, learners will be able to:

1. Differentiate the fundamental fluid-dynamic principles and calculation methods governing compressible and incompressible flow.
2. Calculate pipe sizing, pressure drop, and flow rates for water and hot water networks using standard industry equations.
3. Analyze and size pipelines for compressible fluids like natural gas, accounting for pressure, temperature, and density changes.
4. Select appropriate materials, pipes, pumps, compressors, and valves for various fluid distribution applications.
5. Design a basic fluid distribution network that incorporates core principles of resilience, safety, and redundancy against potential disasters.

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