AFT Arrow Historical New Features

Arrow 9

Significant

• The brand new Extended Time Simulation (XTS) Add-on Module models dynamic system behavior and how critical system parameters vary over time
• Streamline your setup from the new Analysis Setup menu, a user-friendly workflow condensing multiple model-wide specification windows into 1
• Warnings, errors and Design Alerts shown in the Output are now color coded and organized in a prioritized list for quick review
• The Library Manager (previously the Database Manager) has been completely revised and now offers a consolidated way to use and customize libraries of fluids, pipe materials, junctions, etc.
• Visually analyze alternatives with Multi-Scenario Graphing to compare profile graphs and transient plots (XTS) from multiple scenarios on a single plot

Overall

• Use the NEW online Help System for centralized documentation and examples from your browser
• Customize the display names for engineering units of measure to accommodate language or notation differences
• Apply the Soave-Redlich-Kwong and the Peng-Robinson equations of state as additional methods to model your fluid

Workspace

• Model component-to-component connections with the new Zero Length Connector pipe option
• Contextually update Junction Special Conditions directly from the toolbar
• Reset Pipes and Junctions as ‘Same as Parent Scenario’ during specification from the Workspace menu

Output

• Design Alerts are grouped together on their own tab in the General Output section for easy identification
• Spot concerns by reporting Warnings, Cautions and Design Alerts for each scenario in Multi-Scenario Output
• Save time with enhanced Output window data loading speed

Other

• Batch runs of multiple scenarios now report the number of Warnings and Design Alerts in each scenario
• Run batch runs “silently” in the background to minimize interruptions as each scenario completes
• Search for text in Pipe and Junction Notes, useful for component specifications or intended operating conditions
• Junctions which changed states during a run will be reported to the user, indicating check valve closures and control valve failures for example
• Consider Heat Transfer parameters in the context of the system from Visual Report
• Right-click a pipe or junction table row to quickly find the object on the Workspace

AFT Arrow XTS Module

• Model transient events such as tank pressurizing and blowdown, changes in valve position, and changes to compressor operating condition
• Animate transient output, visualizing how parameters change over time at a point or along a flow path

Arrow 8

Significant

• Data can be compared between multiple scenarios to show changes made
• Compression ratio can be used to define the compressor performance
• Multi-level undo and redo on the Workspace
• All Summary Output parameters can now be displayed on the Visual Report

Overall

• Improved intelligence on when a model needs to be saved to preserve the output
• Improved model loading speed
• Improved language refresh speed
• New and updated themes

Workspace

• Magnifier tool to quickly view objects on the Workspace
• Allow pipe/junction editing while the Undefined Items panel is shown
• Double-click on a junction on the Toolbox to add multiple to the Workspace (similar to pipes)
• Ability to draw pipes off the grid when in isometric mode
• Junction icons automatically rotate to align with pipes
• Select shortest path between two junctions

Visual Report

• Visual Report Control has been redesigned

Pipes

• Pipes can be joined together to form a single pipe
• Heat tracing now allows the entry of power/length and number of turns

Junctions

• More intelligent Tee/Wye junction during input and Workspace movements
• Built-in K values for bends with r/D between 0.5 and 1

Output

• Notes can be added to cells in the Output tables
• Output Control parameters can be filtered by typing part of the parameter name
• Thermal conductivity used in the heat transfer calculations is now displayed

Global Edit

• Revised to improve usability
• A pipe or junction can be selected as the base data to apply to other pipes or junctions
• Notes can be globally edited on junctions

Other

• Ability to import custom Fittings & Losses from a comma-separated file
• Design Alerts and can saved to and loaded from a comma-separated file
• New Diagnostics window to help identify special features or options being used in the scenario

Arrow 7

• General interface
  • Added general unit system, language, pipe material and other preferences to the Startup Control window with the ability to set these as the default
  • Clearer Excel import capabilities using keywords
  • Excel changes can be made to multiple scenarios at one time
  • Increased the loading speed for large models
  • Added option to add additional rows to the data tables (like Cv vs. Open Percent, etc.)

• Model Import
  • Import from a Caesar II neutral file
  • Import from a Piping Component File (.pcf)
  • Import or export a EPANet file

• Excel Export
  • Output can be exported using the new Excel Export Manager
  • Single values, columns, rows or entire output tables can be exported
  • Data from a Graph List item can be exported
  • Specific starting cells and target worksheets can be defined
  • Headers and units can be optionally included
  • Data can be exported automatically after the model is run
  • Export can be automatically done during a batch run of scenarios

• Standards and Codes
  • New output area which shows codes and standards used in the modeling process
  • Standard references are updated to current versions where applicable

• Pipes
  • Automatic calculation of free and forced external heat transfer coefficients for air and water
  • Buried pipe heat transfer
  • Heat tracing at the surface of the pipe
  • Intermediate pipe elevations can be entered as length from the pipe beginning
  • Added many EN and DIN pipe standards to the available pipe materials
  • Improved ability to select the pipe materials to be used in the model through the Database Manager
• Junctions
  • Improved Relief Valve specification with opening and closing profiles
  • Ability to define a relief valve effective orifice based on API 526
  • Made fan, centrifugal and positive displacement compressor data entry clearer on the Compressor/Fan Property window
  • The preferred operating range (POR) and allowable operating range (AOR) can be entered for a compressor shown on the Compressor vs. System Curve
  • Ability to set Power or Efficiency as the default for pump curves
  • Ability to set default for Always Control Never Fail on Control Valves
  • Reference density for resistance curves

• Workspace
  • Isometric grid drawing
  • The background opacity level can be changed for Annotations
  • Keyboard shortcuts to zoom and pan
  • Symbol to show pipes with Fittings & Losses

• Output
  • Data can be exported to specific cells in an Excel Worksheet
  • Right-click on cell or column header to create a Design Alert, add to the Excel Export Manager, copy data, find on the Workspace, sort and change units
  • Design Alerts highlights on the summary tables
  • Data can be sorted by clicking on the column heading
  • Added additional heat transfer parameters
  • Output reports in Portuguese

• Model Data
  • Added additional parameters such as insulation thickness
  • Right-click a pipe or junction to find the object on the Workspace

• Visual Report
  • Better selection of image and data options

• Fluids
  • New extensive NIST REFPROP fluid database included which supports pure fluids and mixtures

Arrow 6

• General interface
  • Improved tab interface and enhanced Quick Access Panel functionality
  • Output reports in German and Chinese languages
  • Main menus are translated into available output languages
• Graph results
  • Multiple Graphs can be added to Graph Folders for easy generation and display
  • Multiple graph tabs on main Graph tab
  • Multiple graphs tiled on the same Graph tab
  • Easy formatting of titles, axis labels, and plot lines
  • Plot series lines can be turned on/off for quick inspection
  • Graph controls now located on the Quick Access Panel for easy graph definition and changes
• Scenario Manager
  • Ability to create child scenarios without results saving duplication and load time

• Workspace
  • GIS shape files can be imported to create a model
  • Text alignment options in annotations
  • Annotations can be layered on the Workspace

• Output
  • Results Diagrams which graphically show data for pipe heat transfer and compressors
  • Intermediate Axial Points calculations are shown for all pipes in a collapsible table
  • Default colors for multi-scenario output

• Visual Report
  • Automatic Color Map generation

• Pipes
  • Design Alerts are specified and named globally, then applied to pipes

• Junctions
  • Volumetric flow rate set points can be used for Control Valves
  • Compressor/Fans compression ratio can be set
  • When the speed is set for a compressor/fan, both the original and modified curves are shown on the Compressor/Fan Property window
  • Forward velocity to close check valves
  • Design Alerts can be applied to junctions

Arrow 5

• Completely redesigned user interface with tabbed window access and new transparent icons
• Robust support for dual monitors
• New Startup panel allows user to choose engineering unit system (U.S./metric) and specify default fluid
• Improved printing features includes use of company logo, user comments and titles, as well as graphical borders on all printouts
• New Quick Access Panel includes access to Scenario Manager
• New mapping feature flyout allows birds-eye view of model and navigation
• Improved navigation speed for large models with thousands of pipes and junctions
• Annotations capability great improved now allows user's images to be inserted into the annotation
• Fittings and losses can now have user "Favorites" which allows for much faster navigation to frequently used fittings
• New Pipe Material Databases based directly on international pipe standards
Pipe data can be modified through an Excel file
• GSC module: New and improved searching method for multi-variable goal seeking
• GSC module: Pipes now have GSC variables available such as roughness, design factor, insulation thickness and Reynolds number

Arrow 4

• New GSC module can automatically have parameters vary to meet specified goals
• New equation of state feature to model density as a table of curve based on pressure and temperature (similar to the previous enthalpy table)
• Can view output for multiple scenarios in Output at same time
• Selected scenarios can be run automatically in batch mode
• All printing can go directly to a PDF file
• Compressor/fan data can be entered in terms of head as well as pressure
• Display multiple instances of the same Output parameter with different units
• Junction data can be modified through an Excel file
• Can calculate compressor/fan energy usage and cost

Arrow 3

• Built-in support for ASME steam properties
• Two new solution methods which can greatly reduce run time
• New Scenario Manager to keep variants of a model saved in a single file in a parent-child relationship of any number of levels
• Enhanced heat transfer modeling including detailed pipe wall and insulation heat transfer
• Enhanced compressor/fan features include efficiency and power usage, and multiple configurations depicting different impeller sizes and rotational speeds
• Support for ANSI/ISA Cv loss coefficients for valves
• Ability to save graphs for fast recall
• Grid can be displayed on Workspace
• Pipes can be displayed in visual segments to allow for easier routing of pipe connections
• Significant improvements to compressor/fan vs. system curve generation
• New ability to add annotations to Workspace and Visual Report
• New option to directly input data for rectangular ducts
• Solver results are saved with the model so that when a model is opened at a later time results can be displayed immediately
• Ability to create named groups of pipes and junctions for easier data selection and reporting
• An image or photo can be loaded into the background of the Workspace and a model can be built on the image
• New morphing feature allows one junction to be morphed into another using drag-and-drop
• New report in Output window Pipe section that relates detailed heat transfer information
• New Renumber Wizard added
• New Spray Discharge junction
• New Separator junction

Arrow 2

• New Chempak thermophysical database offers 600 gases
• Support for user created mixtures and dynamic flow stream mixture calculations including species balance
• Numerous Solver enhancements improve convergence and robustness for subsonic and sonic systems
• Ability to model elevation changes and impact on pressure changes
• Ability to model body forces and effects on gas pressure due to rotation (useful for turbomachinery)
• Improved printing features include fit to multiple pages, printing selected pipes and junctions, horizontal and vertical centering, and setting margin sizes
• Ability to model controlled flow or pressure on compressors and fans using VFDs or other speed control devices
• User configurable choice of which engineering units are displayed in drop down unit selections
• User selected preferences for each individual type of engineering unit
• User specified design factors for pipes and junctions
• Special Output window summary reports for compressor/fans, valves and heat exchangers
• Compressors, fans, valves and other components can be turned on and off to evaluate different operating scenarios
• New Select Special feature added which is a powerful selection tool that allows users to set specific criteria for selecting groups of pipe and/or junctions for editing or reporting
• Ability to show pipe and junction names on the Workspace
• Pipe can have graphical segments
• Greatly expanded global editing for junctions
• Notes can be kept for each individual pipe and junction
• New tabbed folders on pipe and junction specifications windows
• Model Data organization improved using tabbed folders
• Output window organization improved using tabbed folders
• Output window junction data separated into separate table for each junction type
• Enhanced reporting on separate tabs for steady-state output
• New Status Bar shows updated Checklist and ready light goes on when model is complete
• New user specifiable design alerts feature to warn user when results exceed specified limits
• Dockable and customizable toolbars, with many new toolbar icons
• New Database Manager to ease creation of databases and to allow selective access to data
• Fan vs. system curves can be plotted for complex, parallel systems
• Visual Report units can be shown in a legend
• New Color Map feature in Visual Report to show pipes with different results in different colors