Cloud Process Flow Diagrams (CPFD)

Draw hydraulic networks — tanks, pumps, junctions — set flows, and solve flow distribution, velocities and slurry mass balances across multiple scenarios.

On this page
Overview Access & Permissions Getting Started Node Types Edges & Scenarios Running Calculations Results & Report Revisions Sharing Troubleshooting FAQ

Last updated: August 2026

CPFD overview

Overview

Cloud Process Flow Diagrams (CPFD) is a browser-based hydraulic network editor. You draw nodes (tanks, ponds, pressure vessels, pumps, junctions, thickeners) and connect them with pipes, then the calculation engine solves the flow distribution for you.

Each diagram can hold multiple scenarios (e.g. normal operation vs. maximum capacity) on the same topology, and every scenario can be reported and exported to PDF.

Access & Permissions

  • CPFD files belong to a project and follow the same project access rules as other document types.
  • Project members who can edit the project can create and modify diagrams.
  • Shared links (7-day expiry) open in a read-only viewer with editing controls hidden.

Getting Started

  1. Open your project and click Add CPFD.
  2. Enter a name, description, and optional file number.
  3. The diagram editor opens with an empty canvas.
  4. Place your first nodes, connect them with edges, then set flow values and click Calculate.

Begin with the project-level document details, then use the canvas to build the topology before entering calculation inputs.

Screenshot
Add CPFD form and the empty diagram canvas.

Building Your Network

Adding nodes

  1. Click a node type in the toolbar: Tank, Pond, Pressure Vessel, Junction, Pump, Thickener.
  2. Click on the canvas to place it.
  3. Double-click any node to edit its label.

Connecting nodes

  • Drag from one node's connection point to another to create an edge (pipe).
  • Manhattan routing auto-arranges the pipe path; drag the route to add waypoints.
  • Double-click an edge to edit its properties.
Screenshot
CPFD node toolbar, connected nodes and an edge-properties dialog.

Pipe (Edge) Properties

  • Label — descriptive name for the pipe.
  • Flow — user-entered flow rate in m³/h for the active scenario (at least the root edges feeding the network).
  • Diameter — pipe diameter in mm, used for the velocity calculation.
  • Slurry — toggle slurry flow with solids percentage and solids SG.

Running Calculations

  1. Set flow values on edges (at least the root edges feeding the network).
  2. Click Calculate.
  3. The engine computes: flow distribution, slurry SG, solids mass flow, and velocity.
  4. Results appear on each edge label and in the Flow Table modal.
Screenshot
Calculate action, Flow Table modal and calculated edge results.

Flow Table

Tabular view of all pipes showing user flow, calculated flow, solids flow, slurry SG, velocity, and any warnings.

Mass Balance

Per-node table showing in-flow, out-flow, delta, and solids balance. Deltas are highlighted in red when they exceed 0.01 — use this to spot unconnected or misconfigured branches.

Multi-Scenario Modelling

  • Use the scenario dropdown at the top of the canvas to switch between scenarios.
  • Each scenario stores independent flow values on the same topology.
  • Create new scenarios from the scenario manager — you can optionally copy flows from the current one.
  • Compare scenarios side by side in the Pipe Summary modal and in the report.
Screenshot
Scenario selector and scenario comparison controls.

Viewing the Report

  • Click Report to open the interactive browser report.
  • Tabs for each scenario with embedded SVG system diagrams.
  • Node input tables, pipe input tables, and computed results tables.
  • A cross-scenario pipe summary table.
Screenshot
CPFD report with scenario tabs, diagram and results tables.

The report is where you review your network before issuing it.

Exporting to PDF

  1. Open the report page.
  2. Click Download PDF.
  3. The browser captures each scenario diagram as a PNG.
  4. The server generates a cover page (with revision history), a per-scenario body, and a cross-scenario summary — all merged into a single PDF.
Screenshot
CPFD report page with the Download PDF action.

Sharing

  • Click Share to generate a signed URL with a 7-day expiry.
  • The link opens in a read-only viewer with editing controls hidden — no account required for the recipient.
Screenshot
CPFD Share control and read-only viewer link.

Troubleshooting

IssueWhat to do
Mass balance deltas are redA node has in/out flow that doesn't balance (delta > 0.01). Check for missing edges, wrong flow values, or disconnected branches.
No results appear after CalculateSet flow values on the root edges feeding the network first — the engine needs at least one known flow.
Velocities look wrongCheck the pipe diameter is set in mm; velocity is computed from flow and diameter.

FAQ

What node types are available?

Tank, Pond, Pressure Vessel, Junction, Pump, and Thickener.

Can I model slurry flows?

Yes — toggle the Slurry option on any edge and set the solids percentage and solids SG.

How do I model a different operating case?

Create a new scenario and set independent flow values — the topology stays the same.

Can clients view my diagram?

Yes — use Share to create a read-only signed link that expires after 7 days.