General Junction Information

The different types of junctions on the Toolbox offer a great degree of freedom in assembling a pipe network model. While there is some redundancy in capabilities between the junctions, each of the junctions offers specialized features to allow you to prepare a good conceptual model of the physical system of interest. Table 1 compares the features of the junction types.

There is a junction properties window for each junction type. Each junction Properties window falls into one of two basic window formats, depending on the number of connecting pipes allowed for that junction type.

Note: AFT Fathom does not prevent negative flow through junctions. Should this occur, AFT Fathom will use the same loss factor or pressure drop data referenced to the defined upstream pipe, just as in forward flow. Because it is possible that the loss factor or pressure drop data would not be the same for both flow directions, the flow solution could be misleading. For this reason, it is important that you either properly define the pipe flow directions for junctions or pay close attention to the flow directions that result. Should negative flow occur in any junction, AFT Fathom will give a caution in the output.