Software
Control and Analysis Software for Bohlin Rheometers
Designed for Malvern Bohlin
rheometers, version 6.40 of this
control and analysis software
incorporates new features,
including more-flexible data
analysis setup and automation,
and a completely new test type.
The new multi-wave test mode
involves the application of multi-
ple frequencies for faster testing
and is useful for studying rapidly
changing systems, such as ther-
mosetting resins or the gelation
of foodstuffs. Featuring a new
template wizard, set-up and storage of analysis routines is
easy, and operators can add multiple analyses to the menus for
easy re-use. Fewer than five mouse clicks are needed to per-
form an analysis. Improved model-fitting facilities allow
automation of fitting and result reporting on test completion, a
function that can be enhanced by automated determination of
the best fit from a user-defined list of rheological models. An
advanced simplex algorithm is used to optimize convergence
to the best model fit to the data. A complete implementation
of Time Temperature Superposition (TTS) analysis is avail-
able for application to any selected variable. Calculation of
WLF and Arrhenius constants is included in the TTS analysis
package, as is calculation of extrapolated viscoelastic proper-
ties at any frequency and temperature.
Malvern Instruments
www.malvern.co.uk
Combustion Expert 3.2 Energy-Saving Software
One of the key benefits of Combustion Expert 3.2 is its abil-
ity to perform technical and economic evaluations when con-
verting from oil- to natural-gas-fired furnaces or vice versa.
These changes affect the flame temperature, air/fuel ratio, gas
emissivity and the radiative heat transfer in the furnace. At
higher temperatures, the heat transfer is almost always driven
by radiation. These calculations are very cumbersome and
difficult to make. However, with this software, these calcula-
tions can be done with a click of a mouse in a few seconds.
The key to saving fuel is not only keeping records of what
was paid/used for energy, which vary with production, ener-
gy costs, operating hours and operating conditions, but also
knowing the current efficiency of the system.
Combustion Software Inc
www.combustionsoftware.com
IPRSM for Pressure Relief System Management
IPRSM, a web-enabled software for intelligent pressure-relief-
system management. has proven to be the cost-effective way to
manage documentation for pressure-relief systems and assure
compliance with regulatory codes and company standards over
24 www.cepmagazine.org April 2005 CEP
the lifecycle of a facility. It fulfills all OSHA CFR 29 1910.119
documentation requirements, and integrates and stores MOC,
PHA, maintenance and equipment records. IPRSM provides
instantaneous access to real-time, reliable data from any loca-
tion, and is capable of evaluating any pressure relief device
(e.g., valves, rupture disks, emergency vents, etc.). The soft-
ware also includes hydraulic piping calculations, and engineer-
ing and catalog data for all major PRV manufacturers.
Featuring platform-independent import/export capabilities,
IPRSM utilizes a comprehensive thermo-physical property
package and integrates with most other databases.
Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Service Corp.
www.cwfc.com
MODES Software for Predicting Elastomer Seal Damage
Developed as a cost-effective alternative to physical testing for
the prediction of explosive decompression (ED) in elastomer
systems, the MODES computer program is over 88% accurate
at predicting the onset of ED damage in seals. It enables engi-
neers to assess an extensive range of what-if scenarios and
design components and operating procedures to avoid failure.
The software, a result of BHR Group’s MODES project, is
available to sponsoring organizations and contains extensive
data on the selected materials. It permits users to calculate safe
minimum decompression times and the number of subcritical
“ emergency” decompressions the seal can survive without
damage, as well as seal performance under user-specified con-
ditions. This allows engineers to optimize seal and housing
design, perform sensitivity studies and risk analyses based on
material variability and material type, and assess the effect of
different fluids, pressures and temperatures.
BHR Group Ltd.
www.bhrsolutions.com/manufac/modes.htm
FATE 2.0 for Design, Off-Normal and Accident Analysis
Modeling at Nuclear and Chemical Facilities
FATE 2.0 (Facility Flow, Aerosol, Thermal and Explosion
Model) software is designed to replace computer codes current-
ly used for design and safety analyses for U.S. Dept. of Energy
projects at the Hanford site and elsewhere. These include codes
such as HADCRT for tank farms and waste treatment plants
and WESF, PFP, HANSF MCO and HANSF for spent nuclear
fuel, sludge and the site’s “T plant” chemical separation facility.
New features include the flammability and combustion of gas-
es, vapors and aerosols model, and entrainment of deposits to
form aerosols modeling. Other models include thermal radia-
tion networks, event-oriented simulation and a limited distribu-
tion fire model. General capabilities include multiple-compart-
ment thermodynamics and general species analysis, facility
nodalization and flow, aerosol behavior, heat transfer determi-
nation, sources and time-dependent conditions, and nuclear fuel
and sludge models including chemical reactions.
Fauske & Associates, Inc.
www.fauske.com