Welcome to AFT Arrow, a comprehensive platform designed to model compressible flow in pipe networks with ease and accuracy. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, AFT Arrow combines traditional engineering hydraulic analysis with an innovative graphical user experience, helping engineers model complex systems efficiently. Whether you are designing a new system or evaluating and improving an existing one, AFT Arrow enhances productivity through a highly visual approach to modeling.
Key Features of AFT Arrow
AFT Arrow is built to handle a variety of compressible flow systems, including:
- Open and closed (recirculating) systems
- Branched or looped network systems with no limit on loops
- Pressure-driven systems and compressor/fan-driven systems
- Systems with variable speed compressors/fans that control pressure or flow
- Pressure and flow control valves
- Heat transfer analysis and system energy balance
- Non-ideal gases and sonic choking systems
- Non-reacting flow stream mixing with user-defined gas mixtures
With the ability to model both low- and high-pressure systems and account for sonic conditions like relief systems, AFT Arrow’s powerful engine handles the complexities of gas flows, including gases like steam, natural gas, air, and chemical process gases. For real gas behavior, AFT Arrow provides support through several equation of state models or the optional Chempak add-on.
Simplified Flow Modeling with AFT Arrow
AFT Arrow’s graphical user interface accelerates the pipe network modeling process. By visualizing input data and analysis results, engineers can rapidly assess the validity of their models. The platform allows users to quickly identify errors or poor assumptions, saving time in rerunning models and optimizing designs.
With hundreds of built-in standard loss models and the ability to input custom loss data, AFT Arrow supports both common and complex flow systems, giving engineers full control over their simulations.
Powerful Solution Engine
At the core of AFT Arrow is its robust solution engine, based on the industry-standard Newton-Raphson method. This method solves the fundamental equations of compressible flow by iterating mass and momentum balance solutions. AFT Arrow also features matrix methods optimized for speed, ensuring convergence even with complex systems.
The platform offers two independent solution methods that can be run individually or in combination for flexibility and cross-verification. Additionally, lumped methods improve computational speed when high accuracy is not required. This allows AFT Arrow to model low- to high-pressure and velocity systems, delivering precise results for both.
Add-on Modules for Advanced Capabilities
AFT Arrow can be extended with three add-on modules to further enhance its functionality:
- Goal Seek & Control (GSC): Perform multi-variable goal-seeking and simulate control system functions.
- Automated Network Sizing (ANS): Automatically size pipes and ducts in complex networks to meet conditions like maximum pressure or minimum flow, optimizing for cost or weight.
- Extended Time Simulation (XTS): Model time-varying system behavior, including compressor/fan start-ups, valve operation, and system changes over time.
Who Should Use AFT Arrow?
AFT Arrow is designed for engineers with a basic understanding of compressible flow theory. While the platform simplifies the modeling process, users need to be familiar with the principles of gas dynamics and industry practices in gas piping system analysis. Engineers are encouraged to review the compressible flow theory provided in the resources or consider taking training courses to enhance their expertise.
AFT Arrow is a powerful tool for any engineer working with compressible gas flow systems. Its user-friendly interface, robust solution engine, and flexible modeling capabilities make it ideal for designing and optimizing gas piping networks. Whether handling complex gas mixtures, high-velocity flows, or multi-scenario designs, AFT Arrow ensures precision and efficiency, making it a go-to tool for modern pipe flow engineers.
Explore the vast potential of AFT Arrow and discover how it can streamline your compressible flow modeling today.
