In many GIS models, isolating valves split pipes into two segments, creating large numbers of redundant pipes that affect model performance and unnecessarily increase model complexity. This feature allows you easily remove the isoation valves, merge the adjacent pipe segments, and assign new isolation valve elements to the newly created pipes.

When you add or edit an Inline Isolating Valve Replacement operation, the Inline Isolating Valve Replacement Operation Editor dialog box opens. Operations have two sets of parameters, Settings and Conditions.

The Settings tab consists of the following controls:

• Allow Isolation Valve replacement of the following valve types: Check the boxes for each of the valve types (TCV, PBV, GPV) that you want Skelebrator to replace with isolation valves.
• Maximum Number of Removal Levels: Set the maximum number of pipe segments to remove for each isolation valve in the original model.
• Dominant Pipe Criteria: Select the criteria by which Skelebrator determines the dominant pipe (the one that will be kept after the operation). The dominant pipe is the pipe whose properties are retained as appropriate. For example, when merging a 6-in. pipe and an 8-in. pipe, if diameter is selected as the dominant pipe criteria then the larger diameter pipe (e.g., 8-in.) will provide the properties for the new pipe. That is, the 8-in. pipe's diameter, roughness, bulk reaction rate, etc., will be used for the new pipe
• Use Equivalent Pipes: Select Use Equivalent Pipe if you want Skelebrator to adjust remaining pipes to accommodate the removal of other pipes in series.
• Equivalent Pipe Method: Select whether you wish to modify the dominant pipe roughness or the dominant pipe diameter for the equivalent pipe calculations.
• Apply Minor Losses: When this box is checked minor losses associated with the newly created valve will be applied.