Gastite has introduced a computerized sizing tool designed to reduce the time required to lay out gas piping systems. It is an add-on for AutoCAD software. Users of the software must be familiar with the summation method of sizing and standard AutoCAD techniques.

The utility is intended specifically for all currently available sizes of Gastite flexible gas piping, from 3/8- to 2-inches. It will also calculate pressure drops for rigid pipe and underground polyethylene piping. Unlike rigid pipe, the flow characteristics of flexible gas piping vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. As a result, the new sizing utility will not provide accurate results for non-Gastite brands of corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST). The sizing utility will handle a variety of designs, including: single or multiple meters; two-dimensional or three-dimensional layouts; and unregulated single-pressure systems or regulated, dual-pressure systems.

In other news, Gastite recently announced an agreement with Accubid Systems to have its entire product offering incorporated into the Accubid line of estimating software for mechanical projects. The Accubid software will be used by designers and bidders to work with flexible gas tubing, and it will provide third-party documentation of labor savings this product offers over conventional, rigid metal piping.