How to Import EPANET .inp Files into SimuPipe

SimuPipe can import EPANET .inp files, allowing you to bring existing hydraulic models into a modern, browser-based simulation environment. This guide covers the import process and what to expect.

How to Import

1. Open the SimuPipe editor (create a new project or open an existing one)
2. Click the Import button in the toolbar
3. Select your .inp file
4. SimuPipe will parse the file and create the corresponding network on the canvas

What Gets Imported

• Junctions — mapped to Tank nodes (with elevation and demand)
• Reservoirs — mapped to Source nodes (fixed head boundary)
• Pipes — mapped to pipe edges with length, diameter, and roughness
• Pumps — imported as pump nodes; H-Q curve points from the [CURVES] section are fitted to a quadratic equation
• Valves — imported as valve nodes with appropriate type settings

Unit Handling

The importer automatically detects the unit system from the EPANET [OPTIONS] section. Supported unit systems include GPM (US customary), LPS (litres per second), LPM, MLD, CMH, CFS, MGD, and AFD. All values are converted to SI internally.

Friction Model Detection

The HEADLOSS option in the EPANET file determines the friction model:

• H-W — sets Hazen-Williams mode; roughness values are interpreted as C-factors
• D-W — sets Darcy-Weisbach mode; roughness values are absolute roughness in the file's length unit
• C-M — Chezy-Manning is detected but converted to Darcy-Weisbach

Tips and Common Issues

• Nodes with multiple connections (3+) are automatically treated as tee junctions
• Very large networks may need manual layout adjustment after import, as EPANET coordinate scaling can differ from SimuPipe's canvas
• Pattern-based demands and time-series controls are not imported (SimuPipe runs steady-state simulations)
• After import, review the fluid settings — EPANET defaults to water, which SimuPipe will also set