AFT Blog
Welcome to the Applied Flow Technology Blog where you will find the latest news and training on how to use AFT Fathom, AFT Arrow, AFT Impulse, AFT xStream and other AFT software products.
Where Did the Name "Fathom" Come From?
The story behind the Fathom name is intimately tied to the story behind the founding of Applied Flow Technology as a company. So let's go back to 1993. AFT Fathom started as a hobby in 1992 while I was working in the power industry as a research engineer. But it was not named Fathom and I was not planning to start a company. As a hobby, I was plan
AFT Fathom 8 and the Future of AFT
What does all of this mean for the future? The new, more modern look and feel of AFT Fathom 8 is based on a new underlying architecture. We will be working hard to move all of our other products to this architecture as quickly as possible. Our best guess is that AFT Impulse 5 will be available in first quarter of 2013 and AFT Arrow 5 will be avail
The Cool, New Features Coming Soon in AFT Fathom 9
Graphing Let me start by talking about my favorite new feature in AFT Fathom 9. Namely, the new graphing capabilities. Here is a summary of what to expect: Multiple graphs can be displayed concurrently in various forms including stacking and tiling Graphs are persistent and automatically updated when the model is modified Graphs can be generated a
AFT Fathom District Heating Application
In district heating projects, hot water is the most commonly used heating medium. In order to ensure the user's heat load requirements, it is necessary to analyze and calculate the flow balance of the entire district heating system to ensure that different cases can meet the requirements of end users. AFT Fathom is practical fluid dynamic simu
AFT Fathom 8...Worth the Wait
We at Applied Flow Technology are really excited about the new version of AFT Fathom 8 coming in September. Once our customers get their hands on it we are confident they will be equally excited. This version represents the most significant upgrade since AFT Fathom 4 was released in year 2000. It will further establish AFT Fathom as the world's lea
New & Improved Laminar & Non-Newtonian Flow Calculations with AFT Fathom 8
AFT Fathom 8 has a new and improved method for predicting system pressures that involve laminar flow or non-Newtonian fluids. The Adjusted Turbulent K Factor (ATKF) method is used to apply corrections to pipes and components involving these special flows. The ATKF method can be enabled on the System Data tab in the System Properties window. Click
AFT Fathom Smooths Earthquake Impact From California's San Andreas Fault
Ray Hamilton of AMEC made a fascinating presentation of his work using AFT Fathom on the Elizabeth Tunnel at the AFT Denver User Group meeting earlier this month. He went so far as to compare AFT Fathom predictions to those made a century ago by water engineers using slide rules, pencil and paper. Even more fascinating is that his presentation coi
Using Equivalent Lengths in AFT Fathom
One of the new features in AFT Fathom 9 was the ability to model equivalent lengths instead of K factors for various types of fittings. Since AFT Fathom's existence, the standard K factor loss models have been used to quantify the pressure losses across a fitting such as an elbow, a valve, etc. One of the reasons why the K factor method is ve
Putting Out Fires with AFT Fathom's NFPA Calcs & GSC
If you are performing a hydraulic analysis on your fire system, chances are high that you are working hard and maybe scratching your head in order to adhere to the NFPA codes. The good news is that you can streamline the calculations outlined in the codes with AFT Fathom! NFPA 15 is the standard for fixed water spray systems that are used in
Reaching Equilibrium: System Energy Balance in AFT Fathom and AFT Arrow
AFT Fathom and AFT Arrow both have the powerful ability to model heat transfer in pipes and heat exchangers, allowing you to represent these critical features of temperature-sensitive systems in your hydraulic model. However, without being able to see the affect heat transfer has on an entire system these features would be of limited usefulness. On
We Have Some Really Kewl New Stuff For You in AFT Fathom 10!
We at AFT work hard. Why?We put a lot of thought into our software features. Why?We try hard to listen to what you, our customers, tell us you want. Why?The answer to all three questions is the same... Excel Data We want to make your life easier. All of you are busy and anything that can make your life easier should be on your
Don't throw a fit over your Fitting K Factors - Part 1: Fittings & Losses in AFT Fathom
AFT Fathom, AFT Arrow, AFT Impulse, and AFT xStream all have a tab in the Pipe Properties window called "Fittings & Losses" which allows users to quickly specify K factors for components within a pipeline such as valves, elbows, and area changes. The Fittings & Losses allow you to simplify your model and avoid workspace clutter by int
The Opposite of Good Vibrations - Evaluating FIV, AIV, FIP Guidelines from AFT Fathom and AFT Arrow
Learn how to use AFT Fathom and AFT Arrow to help calculate the Likelihood of Failure (LOF) for Flow Induced Vibration (FIV), Acoustic Induced Vibration (AIV), and Flow Induced Pulsation (FIP) in accordance with Energy Institute Guidelines to avoid vibration induced fatigue failure. Introduction to Vibration Induced Fatigue and Failure Repeat
New Features Coming Soon to AFT Fathom & AFT Impulse
We've been working hard to bring users a wide range of functions from more intuitive menus and interfaces to new ways to present model data. In total, there are more than 25 new features and enhancements that will be released in the coming months.While all four of our primary products will be released very closely together, below is the list for A
Rockets are Pumping Systems Too - The Aerospace Heritage of AFT
Jeff and I worked together at General Dynamics Space Systems Division in San Diego, California in the late 1980's and early 1990's. I worked there from 1986-1992 on cryogenic rockets on what came to be known as the Atlas I, Atlas II, Atlas IIA and Atlas IIAS. These Atlas rockets had an Atlas booster rocket which was fueled by room temperature RP-1
The First Visual Software for Windows Released 20 Years Ago This Month
AFT Fathom was released commercially twenty years ago this month on April 12, 1994. The history of how AFT Fathom was named is interesting in its own right and was discussed here - Where Did the Name "Fathom" Come From? The list of commercial software “firsts” for AFT Fathom is long and impressive. Here is a summary of some of the more important o
AFT Arrow Turns 20 This Month - the Behind the Scenes Story
Eventually I gave up looking for published methods and set it aside to focus on AFT Fathom 2.0 - which was released in early 1995. I then spent the summer of 1995 focused on developing my own methods for compressible flow. I remember at one point spending six straight weeks reviewing compressible flow textbooks and papers and filling up pads of pa
Calibrate Your Pipeline Using GSC
What is GSC? GSC stands for Goal Seek and Control and is an add-on module for both AFT Fathom and AFT Arrow that automates the search for input parameters to achieve desired output. In other words, it allows the user to define a set of model input variables that are changed until a set of output goals are reached. The first step toward calibrating
Not a Leak! Modeling Multi-stage Pumps with Discharge Flow Between Stages
AFT Fathom has long included the ability to model multi-stage pumps by representing them with an overall effective pump curve. New in AFT Fathom 10 is the ability to model "Interstage Bleed" or "Takeoff Flow" in these multi-stage pumps. It is well known that arranging pumps in series has the effect of increasing the available head at a
And, Not, Or - Starting Transient Events with Complex Logic
AFT Fathom XTS and AFT Impulse have long been able to start events like pump trips or valve closures when a certain condition is met in the system. For example, a valve can close when a tank is full, or a pump can trip when the flow is too low. However, complex systems often have multiple conditions that can cause an event. The pump may trip when t
Save Money, Reduce Energy and Improve Sustainability with AFT
The growing emphasis on sustainable business practices and environmental responsibility has impacted AFT software in several areas. In recent years we have added built-in capabilities to AFT Fathom and AFT Arrow to calculate energy usage and to estimate the cost to operate rotating equipment. This is available on the Analysis menu in the “Cost Sett
AFT Around the World
In early October, I conducted a 5-day training seminar in Lima, Peru. There were seven different companies represented from Peru and Chile. It is always interesting to see the variety of applications for AFT software and Peru was no exception where many of the engineers are involved in mining operations. Peru is a leading producer of copper, gold,
Where Did the Name "Arrow" Come From?
There is a similar story behind the naming of AFT Fathom™ and I told that story several months ago in my post entitled Where did the Name Fathom Come From? The story behind the Arrow name is rooted in the beginnings of Applied Flow Technology as a company. So let's go back to 1995.AFT Fathom was released in early 1994. While interest was immediate
New Prices for Next Generation of AFT Software Products
Many of our products have had no price increases for five or even ten years. Further, we will be bundling modules into AFT Fathom 8 and AFT Arrow 5 which in the past were offered at extra cost. US customers can see the new pricing. International customers should contact their distributors for new pricing information. Second and additional licenses
Increasing Heat Exchanger Accuracy for Large Temperature Differences and Non-Linear Heat Capacity
Many times when modeling heat transfer using heat exchangers in AFT Fathom, significant temperature differences across the heat exchanger can have a major impact on the accuracy of the heat transfer results. This can especially become a problem with non-linear heat capacity relationships. The heat transfer across the heat exchanger in t
What do NASA, DuPont, GDF Suez and the University of Arkansas know about AFT software that you may not? Watch it here!
DuPont The first story talks about how AFT Fathom helped DuPont solve a serious operational problem in three newly designed slurry systems. I co-authored a technical paper along with DuPont's Dan Wood to describe this to industry. AFT Impulse Video NASA The second story is about how AFT Impulse has been used by engineers at NASA's Kennedy Sp
Easily Model Multiple Pump Configurations with ONE PUMP!
AFT Fathom 8 can be used to quickly and easily model multiple pump configurations with different pump speeds and impeller sizes. First, determine a particular pump curve to use from either a manufacturer’s pump curve or pump curve verification test data. Next, determine new pump curves for head and flow using the affinity laws consideri
Why You Should Care About AFT's New User Groups
If you answered yes to any of the above, you may want to look into attending an AFT User Group meeting. Last October we held our first User Group meeting in Houston. We had 24 attendees. The consensus was that there was a desire among AFT software users that User Group meetings be held regularly. As a result, we have another Houston User Group me
Modeling Area Changes As Additional Pipe Fittings
If you have a system where there are several area changes throughout the piping, modeling every single area change and connecting pipe can become taxing and time consuming. Also, the more pipes and junctions that are in a model, the higher the complexity. With AFT software, it is very simple to include the area change losses in the pipes them
Coming Soon To a Computer Screen Near You: AFT Impulse 5 - Act Now To Get New Features at Old Prices
Want to know what new features are coming? Read on! Waterhammer Modeling of Slurry Pipe Flow AFT Impulse 5 will offer a new add-on SSL module for modeling slurry flow in piping systems. Why is this important? The AFT Impulse 5 SSL module will offer the first commercially available waterhammer modeling of settling slurry piping systems. The slur
Who Cares About the Surge in "Funny" Fluids?
Funny, non-Newtonian fluids are often broken into two categories: Homogeneous fluids which encompasses non-settling slurries where the fluid and solids behave in an aggregate, homogeneous manner Heterogeneous fluids which encompasses settling slurries where the fluid and solids behave somewhat independently The applications where non-Newtonian fl
Use Control Valve Junctions to Size Valves and Orifice Plates
AFT Fathom can EASILY size valves AND orifice plates with a SINGLE Control Valve junction! There is no need to perform strenuous hand calculations to determine a valve Cv or an orifice diameter. Just specify the system boundary conditions, pipe input properties, and the desired flow rate (or pressure) and AFT Fathom will calculate the C
From There to Here - The History of AFT Impulse Up Through the New Version 5
From the very beginning AFT Impulse was a world leader. AFT Impulse was first released in November, 1996 which made it the first visual, drag-and-drop waterhammer modeling software for Microsoft Windows (see below). AFT Impulse 1 in 1996 - the First Graphical Waterhammer Software for Windows Those of you who are familiar with AFT Impulse today a
Reflecting on AFT's 20 Years
I often say that all good American companies start in someone's garage or basement. AFT started in the basement of my country home in Louisville, Ohio (see photo below). We ran the company from my basement (with myself and three other employees) until the summer of 1996 - at which point we decided to move the company (and ourselves) to the Colorad
The Two P's: Why You Should Care That AFT is Celebrating Its 20th Year
First is because 20 years in business means that AFT software is proven.Second is because of the prizes we are giving away this year. Twenty of them no less!Come along with me while I elaborate on what AFT has achieved in the last 20 years. And explain more about the two P's.A Vision for the VisualThe last 20 years has been a long and exciting jou
You’ve got a nice piping system! But how much will it cost?
You have just finished designing your system and built a model of your system in AFT Fathom and have convinced your team and the client that the system will achieve all the desired pressures, flow rates, and temperatures. The next big question is, “How much will this system cost?” With AFT Fathom, you have the ability to answer that question in g
The Quest For Controlling Energy Costs
EU chemical industry on the verge of collapse from Processing Magazine 2013 "The European chemical industry is in grave danger and a large part of it might close down within the next 10 years… The biggest problem is that chemical manufacturing is heavily reliant on energy, and costs are up to three times higher in Europe than they are in the Unite
Making Use of the Quick Access Panel
With the release of AFT Fathom 8 and AFT Impulse 5, there is an incredibly useful new feature available on the Workspace called the "Quick Access Panel". This feature allows you to quickly and easily work with several useful features of the software in one area such as the Scenario Manager, Pipe and Junction Inspection, Workspace Overview Map
Why Gases Are More Complicated Than Liquids: And How the New AFT Arrow 5 Can Help
Today it is no longer necessary to take short cuts. But all too often we see engineers doing just that. AFT Arrow is AFT's gas flow simulation software and it will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year. Just last week I had a conversation with an AFT Arrow user from a well known engineering firm who was required by a client to use gas mode
AFT Arrow Goes Nuclear - Validated Nuclear Version Now Available
Nuclear power has had a bumpy history. In recent years nuclear power has come to be viewed by some as a clean source of power with virtually no CO2 emissions. Different countries view nuclear power in different ways. France obtains over 75% of it's electricity from nuclear power. China is building many new nuclear power plants. New nuclear reactor
Reference Densities for Pump Operation
You have just received a pump curve from a manufacturer to use in modeling your piping system. However, the pump manufacturer only tested their pump with water while your system fluid has a density that is different than water. These differences need to be accounted for with your flow model as well. This may sound like a bit of a daunting task u
What About Viscosity Corrections?
Previously, I wrote an article that discussed how to account for density differences between a pump manufacturer's test fluid and a system fluid for pumps as well as the importance, https://www.aft.com/blog/entry/2014/12/02/reference-densities-for-pump-operation. Both AFT Fathom and AFT Impulse can take into account these density differences
AFT 20th Anniversary Conclusion: Prizes, Awards and the Future of AFT
Congratulations to all the lucky winners! AFT has a hard earned reputation for excellence in our products and our technical support. For the next 20 years we plan to build on that reputation. Here are some things to keep an eye out for from AFT this year: The release of AFT Fathom 9 with a host of new features The release of AFT Impulse 6 with a
Modeling Tube Side & Shell Side of a Heat Exchanger
Then, do the same thing for the other heat exchanger (by linking back to the previous heat exchanger). Finally, the model can run and this will allow simulation of two sides of one heat exchanger and their associated flow loops in a single model file!! Figure 7 shows that the heat transfer FROM the hot oil shell side of the heat excha
Making the Most of Your Extra Time
But you can find extra time in other ways that do not depend an calendar adjustments. That time is found by accomplishing your assigned engineering tasks in less time. And that is where AFT software can and does help engineering companies in 70+ countries around the world. Below is a list of the top five ways AFT software saves engineers time: Top
A Personal Experience: The Mismatched Compressor and Air Distribution System in My Home
Two summers ago I bought a new home in the Colorado Spring area. It has an air conditioning unit that only distributes air to the upstairs. Upstairs has only bedrooms and a bathroom. Colorado Springs is a beautiful city that sits at the base of the world famous Pikes Peak. The local elevation of the city is 6000 ft (1800 m) and my home is at 7200
Mars, Martians and the Marvelous March to Space
Perhaps a good place to start is this video I highly recommend watching - "Guys build amazing 7-mile-long model of the solar system, to scale". As I watched the video it brought back vivid memories of grade school for me. My amazing teachers had the wonderful idea to setup a solar system on the playground where kids held a picture of each planet a
Behold The New Design Alert Manager!
One of the newest features of AFT Fathom 9 that will add a lot more efficiency to analyzing your results is the new Design Alert Manager! In addition to the new Design Alert Manager, it is also possible to add general Design Alerts for junctions such as inlet or outlet pressure, or perhaps the pressure loss across a junction. In previous versions
Goodbye Graph Sets! Hello New Graph List Manager!!
AFT software products have had powerful graphing capabilities for a very long time. Many types of graphs can be created with AFT products such as pump vs. system curves, profile plots along a flow path, gradelines and elevation profiles, transient plots (with AFT Impulse or the AFT Fathom XTS module), slurry system curves (with AFT Fathom SSL or A
What Good is a Map Without Colors?
Each AFT software product employs five Primary Window tabs in which you would build, define, and analyze the model of your system. Of these, the Visual Report window is incredibly useful in that you are able to overlay your model input or output parameters directly on top of the graphical layout of the system itself. This is an excellent feature