Overview of AFT xStream

Welcome to AFT xStream™ - a visual platform for modeling compressible fluid transients in pipe networks!

AFT xStream brings increased productivity to the pipe flow engineer by combining traditional analysis with an intuitive graphical user interface. By implementing a drag-and-drop method of pipe flow modeling, AFT xStream simplifies the pipe network modeling process.

AFT xStream 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 rerunning models are all accelerated because of AFT xStream'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 xStream increases your productivity in the modeling process.

What Can AFT xStream Do?

AFT xStream can be used to model a wide variety of compressible flow systems, including:

Open and closed (recirculating) systems
Network systems that branch or loop, with no limit on the number of loops
Systems with valve transients
Systems with compressor transients
Systems with pressure or flow control valve transients
Multiple design cases in a single model file (Scenario Manager)

AFT xStream's steady-state solution engine is based on standard techniques used for many years in industry. A modified Newton-Raphson method is used to solve the fundamental equations of pipe flow that govern mass, momentum and energy balance. Solutions are obtained by iteration, and matrix methods optimized for speed are employed to obtain convergence. Once a steady-state solution is obtained, AFT xStream simulates the transient using the Method of Characteristics, the most widely used method for solving fluid transient problems.

Where to Start

The best place to start learning about AFT xStream is to work through our example problems found in the xStream Learning Resources.

Add-on Module Capabilities

AFT xStream has one add-on module that extends modeling capabilities, the Pulsation Frequency Analysis module. Pulsation Frequency Analysis (PFA) allows the engineer to predict resonant frequencies in the system and graphically show the frequency response of a system

Who Can Use AFT xStream

AFT xStream assumes that the user possesses a good general knowledge of compressible flow theory and has at least a basic understanding of fluid transients. 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.