FloWorks with one pipe in both directions?

[carsten_seehafer]

Hello,

I have a project with a huge steam pipes network and use FloWorks to build it. In some cases pipes are used in both directions depending on the actual consumtion in the system. Is there a way to switch the direction of a pipe? Or what would be the smartest way to solve this kind of problem with FloWorks? The visualization is also important here.

Thanks

Carsten

[mischa_spelt · Accepted solution]

Hi Carsten,

The flow pipe is not currently bi-directional. The flow conveyor is, so one option would be to model your flow using conveyors, but that is perhaps not the best solution.

If the visualization is also important, you probably want to stick to pipes. Two options I can think of off the top of my head would be

Put two pipes in the same position, and hide the one you are not using.

Pro: Easy to code, you can connect incoming/outgoing objects on the correct side of the pipe.

Con: makes drag&drop in the model a bit trickier because you have two objects in the same place.

Make a single pipe and rotate it every time you flip the direction.

Pro: does not have the con of the previous option

Con: depending on your axis of rotation the pipe may end up in the wrong place, you may need to manually disconnect/re-connect objects after flipping the direction.