Flow Task Executer

Overview and Key Concepts

The flow task executer is a task executer which carries a flow tank inside it, so that it can transport bulk or continuous goods.

The flow task executer is a sub-class of the task executer object. The FloWorks module includes two versions of the task executer: a vessel and a truck. To switch between these shapes, use the 3D Shapes dropdown on the General tab of the properties window. When you select one of the predefined options "vessel.3ds" or "TankerTruck.3ds", press OK or Apply, and then reset the model, the FlowTank will automatically be repositioned and resized to a sensible default. When you provide your own 3DS shape, for example to create a bulk transporting rail car, you will need to reposition the flow tank manually after changing the shape.

By default a flow task executer is created with a single flow tank as the first subnode. If current is the Task Executer, you can reference this tank as current.first. Most picklist options, such as the 'Compartment' options for the Loading Arm, default to this reference. You can manually add more tanks into the flow task executer to create a task executer with multiple compartments, which you can then reference by their rank as current.subnodes[i].

If you create flow task executers from the model flow item bin, FloWorks provides some options of configuring them. For example, the On Creation trigger of the FlexSim source has an additional option in the dropdown that allows you to set the compartment size and/or content, so that you can easily create vessel flow items with a certain capacity and initial filling level.

Properties and states

Since the flow task executer is a regular task executer with a flow tank embedded in it, see the documentation for these objects for more information on the applicable properties and states.