Pipe Line Networks

The Pipeline Network module provides a flexible framework for modeling process piping systems.
It supports both graph-based networks (nodes & edges) and hierarchical block construction (series/parallel), making it compatible with the PipelineEngine.

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Classes and Types

Node Represents a junction or endpoint in the network.

• Attributes:
• name (str): Unique identifier.
• elevation (float): Node elevation (m).
• pressure (Pressure, optional).
• flow_rate (VolumetricFlowRate, optional).
• connected_components (List[Any]): Components linked to this node.

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Branch

A branch in a parallel block can be one of: - PipelineNetwork - Pipe - Fitting - Pump - Vessel - Equipment

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PipelineNetwork Defines the structure of a pipeline network.

• Attributes:
• name (str): Identifier for the network.
• nodes (Dict[str, Node]): Dictionary of nodes.
• elements (List[Branch]): Contained components.
• connection_type (str): "series" or "parallel".

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Key Methods

Method	Purpose
series(name, *elements)	Create a series block with elements.
parallel(name, *branches)	Create a parallel block with branches.
add(*elements)	Add elements directly.
add_series(*elements)	Add elements as a series group.
add_parallel(*branches)	Add elements as a parallel group.
add_node(name, elevation=0.0)	Add a new node.
get_node(name)	Fetch an existing node.
add_edge(component, start_node, end_node)	Connect two nodes via a component.
add_fitting(fitting, at_node)	Add a fitting at a node.
add_subnetwork(subnetwork)	Add a nested PipelineNetwork.
validate()	Perform error checks (unconnected nodes, missing data).
describe(level=0)	Hierarchical description of the network.
schematic()	ASCII schematic diagram.
get_all_pipes()	Returns all Pipe objects recursively.
visualize_network(compact=False)	Interactive visualization (Plotly).

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Validation

The validate() method checks for: - Unconnected nodes. - Missing diameter/K/L data in fittings. - Pumps with missing head/pressures. - Equipment with missing pressure drop.

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ASCII Schematic Example

MainNet [series]
  └─1. Pipe-1
  └─2. Pump-A
  └─SubNet [parallel]
      ┌─(branch 1)
      │   └─ Pipe-2
      ┌─(branch 2)
      │   └─ Pipe-3

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Example Usage

from processpi.pipelines.network import PipelineNetwork, Node
from processpi.pipelines.pipes import Pipe

# Create nodes
net = PipelineNetwork("MainNet")
net.add_node("A", elevation=0.0)
net.add_node("B", elevation=5.0)

# Add a pipe between nodes
pipe = Pipe(diameter="100 mm", length=20)
net.add_edge(pipe, "A", "B")

# Validate
net.validate()

# Describe structure
print(net.describe())

# Show ASCII schematic
print(net.schematic())

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