ACME
GAS
ACME GAS is a simulated gas distribution system consisting of an integrated collection of documentation and software models developed using commercial "off-the-shelf" application packages. The purpose of this tool is to provide a realistically detailed learning environment for solving gas distribution engineering and operating problems.
ACME
GAS includes:
1. A geospatial model based on the Delorme X-Map™
application package. Digitized topographical
maps,
aerial
photographic surveys, satellite data, elevation information
and vectorized road grid datasets are overlaid
with gas distribution system-specific layers of information to provide
a comprehensive geospatial picture of the system. Examples of layers
include:
- Pipe segment type, size and location by system (feeder, medium pressure, low pressure)
- Location of major system loads
- City gate and district regulator locations
- Leak progression maps
- Segmentation layer for risk analysis
2. Network analysis models
using GASWorkS™ modeling
software for
modeling pressures and flows within the system.
3. Computer-based “toolboxes” such as GASCalc™
to facilitate solving of gas engineering and operating problems.
4. Spreadsheet-based economic and phyiscal models using Microsoft
Excel™.
Worksheets are integrated so that changes in one worksheet affects all
related worksheets (for example, changing the expected annual usage of
an industrial customer impacts the income statement). Examples of such
information currently modeled or under active development include:
- Pipe inventory
- DOT annual report
- Load estimation worksheets for residential, commercial and industrial customers
- Peak hour load information by node
- Risk models for feeder/transmission system
- Repair/replace model
- Financial ratios, income statement and balance sheet, operating budget, cost information
- Project cost estimation planner