Capability: AutoPLANT 97 performs plant design and modeling using object-oriented technology on relatively inexpensive PC platforms. The package introduces Reboids—intelligent three-dimensional graphic objects with database links that produce realistic 3-D representations from any viewing perspective without predefined view ports. The database link ensures that all graphic features and database information are retained, even when objects are moved or revised.

With AutoPLANT 97, engineers produce realistic views of plants without predefining view ports

The modular configuration of AutoPLANT 97 maximizes flexibility and efficiency by enabling designers to use program modules together as a fully integrated suite or separately for suite-specific project-design or work-process requirements. Available modules include Piping, Equipment, Isometrics, Steel, and Interface Detection.

Key features provide the ability to manage large projects with support for model partitioning, cross-model isometric extraction, active reference file handling, paper-space drawing creation, intuitive spec-driven fitting-to-fitting capabilities, and fully annotated and dimensioned orthographic drawings and piping isometrics with automatic bill-of-materials generation.

AutoPLANT 97's automatic component-placement and -orientation capability, when combined with the available auto-pipe feature, increases efficiency by routing pipes between modeled components. Two-dimensional orthographic drawings may be conveniently created by toggling from 3-D model space (to generate the model) to paper space (to create a clear canvas for plan and section views).

The Isometrics module automatically produces piping isometric drawings based on the 3-D model. Isometrics can also be created without building a 3-D model first. Changes and modifications are automatically reflected in the drawing and the database.

Interference Detection recognizes Reboids and other objects, including meshes and ACIS solids, enabling a comprehensive assessment of potential interferences between all plant objects. Effects of plant congestion can be minimized by adjusting the transparency of plant objects, while color coding of potential interferences simplifies clash identification and assessment.

Hardware: IBM-compatible PC with 32 MB of RAM and 1 GB of free hard-disk space, operating in Windows 95 or Windows NT. AutoCAD releases 13c4 or 14 are required.

Developer: Rebis, 1600 Riviera Ave., Suite 300, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (510) 933-2525; fax (510) 933-1920; World Wide Web www.rebis.com.

Cost: $4,195, Piping module; $2,295, Isometrics module; $2,195, Equipment module; $1,495 to $2,995, Steel module; $2,495, EXPLORER/Interference Detection module.

Flow and Surge Analysis

Capability: AFT Fathom 3.0 for Windows analyzes incompressible flows through pipe networks. It also offers integrated heat-transfer-analysis capabilities. Models are built using drag-and-drop operations on a visual workspace. AFT Fathom can model open and closed (recirculating) systems, network systems that branch or loop, gravity- and pressure-fed systems, and pumped systems (including multiple pumps in parallel or in series). Pump features include variable-speed pumps, pumps with runout, and viscosity corrections. Pressure and flow control valves can also be modeled.

AFT Arrow for Windows is a compressible-flow-analysis package for pipe networks. The code uses a visual drag-and-drop interface for model assembly, and rigorously analyzes gas-piping systems by solving five equations simultaneously. Low- to high-velocity systems can be modeled, including sonic-choking effects. AFT Arrow can model a large range of gas systems such as steam, natural gas, and air. Modeling of open or closed (recirculating) systems is supported. Features for systems with compressors, control valves, and heat exchangers are provided.

AFT Impulse for Windows is a water-hammer and surge-analysis package for pipe networks. The program is based on the method of characteristics, and solves network systems that include valve transients, pump transients, and pressure- or flow-boundary transients. Models are also included for accumulators and surge tanks; transient cavitation modeling is supported.

Hardware: IBM-compatible PC operating in Windows 3.1 or later.

Developer: Applied Flow Technology, 400 W. Highway 24, Suite 201, Box 6358, Woodland Park, CO 80866-6358; (719) 686-1000; fax (719) 686-1001; World Wide Web www.aft.com.

Cost: $1,295, AFT Fathom; $2,995, AFT Arrow; $3,995, AFT Impulse.

Plant-Engineering Calculations

Capability: Heat Loss in Stacks and Ducts calculates temperature profiles and heat losses in multilayered insulation- and refractory-lined circular or flat surfaces, such as ducts and stacks, given the hot-face temperature, ambient temperature, wind velocity, insulation/refractory data, thickness, and casing emissivity. Users can create custom refractory/insulation databases with up to 35 materials containing information on temperature versus k values; existing data can also be updated or revised. Up to six layers of refractory/insulation can be handled by the program. Users can also evaluate the performance of hot casings that have refractory inside the casing and insulation on the outside.

Wall temperatures can be predicted for uninsulated circular stacks and ducts as well as exit-gas temperatures and heat losses given the gas flow, gas analysis, inlet gas temperature, ambient conditions, and stack dimensions. Additional calculations include the dew point of acid vapors, such as sulfuric, nitric, hydrobromic, and hydrochloric acid, as well as water vapor given the gas analysis and pressure.

Other codes available include Programs for Steam Plant Engineers, Combustion Toolkit, and Heat Recovery Steam Generator Simulation.

Hardware: IBM-compatible PC with at least 4 MB of free hard-disk space, operating in Windows 3.1 or later.

Developer: V. Ganapathy, Box 673, Abilene, TX 79604; (915) 677-9876; rajammal@aol.com; members.aol.com/rajammal/boilers.html.

Cost: $49, Heat Loss in Stacks and Ducts; $250, Programs for Steam Plant Engineers; $29, Combustion Toolkit; $650, HRSGS.

Integrated Design and Analysis

Capability: CAESAR II is a complete pipe-stress-analysis program for piping systems in the petrochemical, power, pulp and paper, and gas-transmission industries, among others. CAESAR II quickly and accurately analyzes the response of critical piping systems subjected to weight, pressure, thermal, dynamic, and other loads.

PVElite is an integrated vessel-design and -analysis code for Windows 95 and Windows NT. Incorporating the latest code requirements, PVElite provides engineers, designers, estimators, fabricators, and inspectors with the complete design of tall towers, horizontal vessels, pots and pans, and individual vessel components.

CADWorx/PIPE is AutoCAD-based drafting and design software for creating orthographic, isometric, and three-dimensional piping drawings on Windows 95 and Windows NT platforms. CADWorx/PIPE comes with an extensive library of component specifications. The package is designed for fast start-up even for the novice CAD user. CADWorx/PIPE links to CAESAR II, so stress engineers and drafters can work together using the same data.

CodeCalc is software for pressure-vessel component design and analysis. It provides the latest code requirements and includes a complete material database.

TANK is software for the design, analysis, and maintenance of oil-storage tanks. It incorporates the latest application-programming-interface codes. The program supports thickness design and shell-settlement evaluation; it also computes allowable fluid height, internal pressure, and seismic and wind-girder requirements.

Hardware: IBM-compatible 386 PC or higher operating in DOS or Windows.

Developer: COADE, 12777 Jones Rd., Suite 480, Houston, TX 77070; (800) 899-8787; fax 281-890-3301; World Wide Web www.coade.com.

Cost: $11,000, CAESAR II; $5,000, PVElite; $2,500, CADWorx/PIPE; $2,500, CodeCalc; $1,500, TANK.

A Package for Plant Possibilities

Capability: Integrated Plant Package (IPP) enables engineers to design and analyze complete piping and vessel systems, add the effects of fluid flow, and perform detailed finite-element analyses of individual components. IPP includes PipePak, a complete piping-system design and structural analysis package. Models can be built with either or both Superdraw III and the traditional PipePak spreadsheet interface. Regardless of the method used, models can be transferred directly to the FE/Pipe or BOS Fluids modules.

FE/Pipe is a piping- and vessel-analysis package for the evaluation of common piping, heat-exchanger, and vessel problems using FEA. Users enter diameters, thicknesses, and so on, and the software automatically creates a finite-element model. FE/Pipe includes an ASME Section VIII Division 2 and ASME Section III postprocessor for the automatic calculation of code output. A standard library of models is included with unreinforced or pad-reinforced 90-degree or lateral intersections in cylinders; unreinforced or pad-reinforced hillside nozzles in cylinders; smooth-crotch radius intersections in cylinders; triform or branch-reinforced cylindrical intersections; bends with stanchions; and pipe shoes and saddles for local stresses due to line liquid load and weight, among others.

BOS Fluids performs steady-state fluid-flow analysis. Pump solutions are program-stabilized and can be auto-generated based on the flow conditions known to the user.

Hardware: IBM-compatible Pentium- or Pentium ProÐbased PC operating in Windows 95 or Windows NT.

Developer: Algor Inc., 150 Beta Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15238-2932; (412) 967-2700; fax (412) 967-2781; e-mail info@algor.com; World Wide Web www.algor.com.

Cost: $10,000, Integrated Plant Package; $3,515, PipePak; $2,800, FE/Pipe; $1,800, BOS Fluids. Versions of each package are also available with additional capabilities.

Developing Piping Systems

Capability: CAEFLOW-Steady State analyzes single-phase incompressible fluid flows in three-dimensional piping systems under development. The Windows-based software offers spreadsheet-style input for 3-D modeling of piping networks. The software also graphically displays model geometry in a separate window so users can visually check geometry concurrently. Standard ANSI, DIN, and JIS pipe sizes are available. Cross-referenced online help is provided for software users. A dedicated results browser allows the user to browse, modify, or print results.

The software employs the nodal iterative technique, a proprietary numerical method that avoids a matrix-based solution, supporting a higher number of elements. These elements include pipes, ducts, pumps/fans, filters, valves, and fittings. A comprehensive database is available for liquids and gases. Users can directly import or export models to or from other programs, eliminating the need to re-enter model data. The software helps the user calculate the pressure-drop/flow rates for a single pipeline (duct line). This information can also be used to obtain Reynolds numbers and friction factors for particular pipes or ducts in a network.

Hardware: IBM-compatible PC operating in Windows 95 or Windows NT.

Developer: SST Systems Inc., 1641 N. First St., Suite 175, San Jose, CA 95112; (800) 300-0778; fax (408) 452-8388; e-mail sstsys@ix.netcom.com.

Cost: $4,900.


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