PIPENET VISION

TRAINING MANUAL
TRANSIENT MODULE

CHAPTER 10 – 2D

APPLICATIONS – SIGNAL SELECTOR

Revision 2.1, February 2016

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PAGE 1 OF 11 REVISION 2.1, FEB 2016

1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................. 2
2. EXAMPLE 1 – TIMER CONTROL SIGNAL SELECTOR ................................................................................... 2
1.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 NETWORK SETTINGS .......................................................................................................................................... 3
3. EXAMPLE 2 – MINIMUM TYPE SIGNAL SELECTOR....................................................................................... 6
2.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 NETWORK SETTINGS .......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 CALCULATION RESULTS...................................................................................................................................... 8
4. EXAMPLE 3 – MAXIMUM TYPE SIGNAL SELECTOR ..................................................................................... 9
3.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 NETWORK SETTINGS .......................................................................................................................................... 9
3.3 CALCULATION RESULTS....................................................................................................................................11
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1. Introduction

Signal selectors can selectively output a control signal, based on a logical procedure in order to
implement override control. There are three types of signal selection.

 Timer Type Selection: The output signal initially outputs one signal and the switches to
the alternative signal at a pre-set switch time.
 Minimum Type Selection: This always outputs the lowest input signal. This can be made
to operate as an “and” logical operator.
 Maximum Type Selection: This always outputs the greatest input signal. This can be
made to operate as an “or” logical operator.

2. Example 1 – Timer Control Signal Selector

1.1 Introduction

This example demonstrates the operation of an overboard dump valve in a firewater protection
system. For details of the network, see Chapter 6 of this training manual. In this scenario, the
fire pump and overboard dump valve are activated after receiving the fire signal. The overboard
dump valve is then closed once the caisson is primed.
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The operating procedure of the overboard dump valve can be simulated using a control system
with a timer type signal selector.

 Input Signal 1 – The signal is set to 0 (fully closed), the information setting is set at a
constant value of 0.
 Input Signal 2 – The signal is controlled by a pressure switch, to close the overboard
dump valve when the caisson is primed.
 Output Signal – This initially outputs input signal 1, to keep the valve closed, switching to
input signal 2 at t = 1s, to open the valve after a fire is detected. The switch control loop
closes the valve once the caisson is primed.

1.2 Network Settings

1.2.1 Switch controller

The inlet pressure of the overboard dump valve is initially 0 Bar G and instantly increases to a
value greater than 0 Bar G upon priming of the caisson. Therefore the valve is controlled to
switch off when the inlet pressure exceeds 0 Bar G.

1.2.2 Signal Selector

The model type is set to “Switch Time” and the switch time is set to 1s when the output control
signal switches from one input to the other.
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1.2.3 Transfer Functions

The transfer function is set with a limiting power ramp to model the linear opening and closing of
the valve. The overboard dump valve can be fully opened or closed in 5s and as such, a 0.2/s
ramp limit can be set.

1.3 Calculation Results

The overboard dump valve starts to open at t = 1s after receiving a fire signal and then
immediately closes when the caisson is primed. The valve stroke time is 5 s as expected.
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3. Example 2 – Minimum Type Signal Selector

2.1 Introduction

Here, the signal selector is working as an “and” logical operator, the valve only opening when
the inlet pressure both exceeds 15 Bar G and the pressure difference across the valve exceeds
6 Bar.

2.2 Network Settings

2.2.1 Switch Controller 1

The initial output signal is set to “off” and switches to “on” when the inlet pressure is above 15
Bar G.

2.2.2 Switch Controller 2

Here the initial output signal is set to off and switches to on when the pressure difference across
the valve exceeds 6 Bar.
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2.2.3 Signal Selector

The model type is “minimum”, such that it can operate as an “and” operator. As “OFF” has a
value of 0 and “ON” has a value of 1, this will only switch on when both the switch control loops
output an on signal.

2.2.4 Transfer Functions

The valve’s opening time is 5 seconds and closure time is 10 seconds. As such, a limiting
power ramp is set to model this.
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2.3 Calculation Results

The valve begins opening when the inlet pressure reaches 15 Bar G and the pressure
difference is 9.92 Bar. See the graph below for more details.
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4. Example 3 – Maximum Type Signal Selector

3.1 Introduction

The maximum type signal selector is used as an “or” logical operator in this example, as the
drain valve opens either if the pressure in the main pipeline exceeds 10 Bar G or if the flowrate
exceeds 8000 l/min.

3.2 Network Settings

3.2.1 Switch Controller 1

The initial output is set to “off” and switches on when the flowrate exceeds 8000 l/min.

3.2.2 Switch Controller 2

The initial output signal here is “off” and switches on when the pressure exceeds 10 Bar G.
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3.2.3 Signal Selector

The model type is set to maximum, as the output will be set to 1 if either of the aforementioned
conditions occurs.

3.2.4 Transfer Function

The drain valve opens in 5 s and closes in 10s. This gives a ramp up limit of 0.2/s and ramp
down limit of -0.1/s.
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3.3 Calculation Results

The pressure of the main pipeline reaches 10 Bar G at t = 48.2s and the flowrate increases
above 8000 l/min at 68.3 s. Therefore, the drain valve is seen to open at 48.2 s. The figure
below gives more details.