Pumps ‘n Pipeline (PnP) Tool
The software program from in2Dredging (i2D), Pumps ‘n Pipeline (PnP v1.7), is an advanced and highly intuitive estimating tool.
PnP can accurately estimate suction and discharge production for any dredging or mining equipment that hydraulically transports soil-like materials. The program is an analytical tool, which accurately simulates pump behaviour and pipeline pressure losses for all soil mixtures. PnP has been developed using a century of literature and decades of field measurements. PnP’s Graphical User Interface (GUI) and graphical results are derived from practical estimating experience.
The tool is made by dredging professionals for dredging professionals, but the graphical user interface is intuitive and simple enabling quick estimates. Therefore, PnP has the flexibility to suit almost any project. PnP requires only the most relevant input parameters to produce a graph that gives insight into production limitations. PnP estimates production rates reliably. Transforming your estimate into a reliable schedule or robust cost estimate including fuel consumption is easy.
PnP’s Possibilities
When the pump and pipeline configuration and mixture properties are provided, PnP can assist with the following:
- Estimate suction and discharge production for any pipeline configuration and dredging equipment with one or several pump-drive systems
- Design dredging installations including pump-drive systems and pipeline configurations to realise lowest cost per cubic metre
- Provide detailed and complete insight into the production limitations of pump-drive systems and pipeline configurations while transporting slurries
- Determine whether a booster pump is required and its position
- Determine the ideal pump impeller diameter or drive gear in the case of diesel-direct systems
- Estimate suction production for Trailer Suction Hopper Dredge (TSHD) or Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) with or without underwater pumps
- Analyse and evaluate performance of pump(s) and drive system(s)
- Estimate discharge production of TSHD rainbowing including throw distance and ideal nozzle diameter
- Analyse the transport energy with the specific energy consumption and find the operating point with minimal energy usage
User Friendly and Intuitive
Because PnP was designed by dredging professionals rather than software developers, dredging professionals find the program easy to use.
PnP can estimate production for almost any project, although a few constraints have been built-in to ensure it is user friendly. The main constraint is that only a maximum of ten (10) pumps in series can be entered. More pumps can be entered for pumps in series, if the pumps’ characteristics are summated and entered as one pump.
i2D can use PnP Expert to overcome these limitations for special, advanced projects, which are less typical. PnP Expert has no graphical user interface. Therefore, it is very flexible, fast to develop and easy to integrate in another estimation tool. Both tools, PnP and PnP Expert, share a similar library that was compared in detail for verification.
Disclaimer
The Pump ‘n Pipeline (PnP) software program, along with all associated intellectual property, is owned and licensed by in2Dredging Pty Ltd (i2D).
i2D accepts no responsibility for any outcomes arising from the use or misuse of the PnP software, including any use that exceeds the scope of the paid license. i2D recommends seeking expert advice before taking any action based on the software.