Calculate steady-state pressure drop and flow distribution in gas and steam systems

Model gas and steam networks with accurate compressible-flow physics.

• Subsonic to choked flow through pipes, ducts, fittings, valves, orifices, and nozzles
• Tracks pressure, temperature, density, velocity, Mach number, and Reynolds number
• Measure heat transfer along pipes/ducts and across equipment with temperature-dependent properties
• Real-gas property support and user-defined fluids for specialty applications

Evaluate equipment performance and operating strategies across system states.

• Curve-based modeling with variable speed, control points, and staging (series/parallel)
• Predict delivered flow, head/pressure rise, power draw, and operating efficiency
• Compare operating scenarios (e.g., damper vs. speed control) to reduce energy use
• Identify operating limits, such as the approach to choke or insufficient head/pressure rise

Size and analyze control and safety components in compressible systems.

• Time or condition-based control valve actions; characterize Cv/K vs. opening
• Choked-flow evaluation through valves, orifices, and restrictions
• Pressure-regulating and back-pressure devices for stable setpoint control
• Relief device capacity checks and setpoint trade-offs under multiple scenarios

Build, compare, and share models efficiently across teams.

• The Scenario Manager tracks alternatives in one file for easy comparison. 
• Import/export Excel data for model data and results or to configure reports and graphs
• Import piping/duct layouts from PCF, CAESAR II® Neutral files, EPANET, and GIS shapefiles
• Design alerts for allowable pressures/velocities and color-mapped result visualization

Balance flows and pressures across branching gas/steam networks to meet equipment and process setpoints.

• Tune dampers, orifices, and regulators to hit target flow/pressure in each branch
• Assess parallel-path interactions and recirculation; verify minimum delivery at users
• Compare damper vs. speed control strategies for distribution and energy impact
• Identify bottlenecks with ΔP breakdowns, color-mapped results, and sensitivity checks

Automatically adjust inputs to meet engineering goals and constraints.

• Solve for fan speed, damper position, regulator setpoints, or nozzle area to hit flow/pressure/velocity/temperature/Mach targets
• Link multiple controllers with priorities, bounds, and constraints to avoid infeasible solutions
• Find solutions that meet multiple system requirements by analyzing multi-variable conditions of equipment
• Prototype control strategies without manual iteration

Simulate time-dependent behavior in compressible networks.

• Model startup/shutdown, purge/pressurization, and blowdown with scheduled events and ramps
• Track time histories for pressure, flow, temperature, and Mach; animate network response
• Sequence equipment staging (fans/compressors) and control actions over time
• Check operating limits under transients and evaluate recovery to steady targets

Optimize pipe/duct sizes and equipment selections to meet constraints at minimum cost or power.

• Constrain flow, pressure, velocity, Mach, and ΔP at critical nodes and branches
• Minimize capital cost, weight, or operating power using configurable cost models
• Pick from standard size catalogs or continuous diameters with constructability rules
• Output a sized bill of materials and compare alternatives with Scenario Manager