Overview of AFT Fathom
Welcome to AFT Fathom™ - a visual platform for modeling incompressible flow in pipe networks! See what's new in this version.
AFT Fathom brings increased productivity to the pipe flow engineer by combining traditional engineering hydraulic analysis with an intuitive graphical user interface. By implementing a drag-and-drop method of pipe flow modeling, AFT Fathom simplifies the pipe network modeling process.
AFT Fathom can show both input data and analysis results in visual form, allowing rapid analysis of a model's validity. Identifying poor assumptions, catching typographical or modeling errors, and re-running models are all accelerated because of AFT Fathom's graphical environment.
Whether your pipe system model will be used to evaluate and improve an existing system or to design a new one, AFT Fathom increases your productivity in the modeling process.
AFT Fathom can be used to model a wide variety of incompressible flow systems, including:
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Open and closed (recirculating) systems
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Network systems that branch or loop, with no limit on the number of loops
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Pressure fed systems and gravity fed systems
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Pumped systems, including multiple pumps in parallel or in series
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Pumps with variable speed, controlled pressure, controlled flow, and viscosity corrections
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Systems with pressure and/or flow control valves
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Systems with valves closed and pumps turned off
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Heat Transfer and system energy balance
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Systems with variable density and viscosity
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Multiple design cases in a single model file (Scenario Manager)
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Non-Newtonian fluid behavior
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Cost calculation of pump energy usage
AFT Fathom provides many standard loss models for pipe system components, but also allows you to enter your own loss data. Variable loss models that depend on flow are supported.
AFT Fathom's powerful solution engine is based on standard techniques used for many years in industry. The Newton-Raphson method is used to solve the fundamental equations of pipe flow that govern mass and momentum balance. Solutions are obtained by iteration, and matrix methods optimized for speed are employed to obtain convergence.
Where to Start
The best place to start learning about AFT Fathom is to work through our example problems and video tutorials found in the Fathom Learning Resources.
AFT Fathom has several Add-on Modules that extend modeling capabilities. The modules can be used individually or together.
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The Extended Time Simulation (XTS) module allows the engineer to model time varying system behavior.
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Pump starting and stopping over time
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Valve opening and closing over time
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Tank liquid level changes automatically calculated
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The Goal Seek & Control (GSC) module allows the engineer to perform multi-variable goal seeking and simulate control system functions.
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The Settling Slurry (SSL) module allows the engineer to perform the complex property and system interaction calculations associated with settling slurry flows.
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Modeling of homogeneous and pseudo-homogeneous slurry mixtures
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Slurry pump performance de-rating
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The Automated Network Sizing (ANS) module automates the process of sizing pipes and ducts in a complex network based on required conditions, such as maximum pressure or minimum flow, to reduce cost or weight.
Who Can Use AFT Fathom
AFT Fathom assumes that the user possesses a good general knowledge of engineering pipe system hydraulics. Even the most advanced and easy-to-use software package cannot make up for a lack of fundamental knowledge on the part of the user. The level of knowledge assumed by AFT Fathom is consistent with that obtained in a typical engineering undergraduate course in fluid mechanics.
