The objective of this work is to present an application of the simulated annealing method for the optimal design of pipe networks including pumps. Although its importance, the optimization of pumped networks did not receive great attention in the literature. The proposed search scheme explores the discrete space of the decision variables: pipe diameters and pump sizes. The behavior of the pumps is describe through the characteristic curve, generating more realistic solutions. In order to demonstrate the versatility of the approach, three different examples of optimal design problems are solved.

This paper presents a model and an algorithm for the simulation of pipeline networks with compressible fluids. The model can predict pressures, flow rates, temperatures and gas compositions at any point of the network. Any network configuration can be simulated; the existence of cycles is not an obstacle. Numerical results from simulated data on a proposed network are shown for illustration. The potential of the simulator is explored by the analysis of a pressure relief network, using a stochastic procedure for the evaluation of system performance.