Key Features of AFT Fathom

1. Incompressible Pipe Flow Modeling

   • Designed for liquid and low-velocity gas systems. Empowering Pumps and Equipment+2docs.aft.com+2

   • Can handle open-loop and closed-loop networks. docs.aft.com+1

   • Branching and looped networks with no strict limit on complexity. docs.aft.com

2. Advanced Hydraulic Solver

   • Uses a Newton-Raphson matrix method for steady-state flow solution. docs.aft.com+1

   • Supports variable loss models: includes standard loss models but also allows custom loss data. docs.aft.com

3. Detailed Pump Modeling

   • Supports both centrifugal and positive-displacement pumps. Empowering Pumps and Equipment+1

   • Can simulate variable speed pumps, impeller trimming. SoftwareOne

   • Viscosity correction (e.g. using Hydraulic Institute methods) for non-standard fluids. Empowering Pumps and Equipment+1

   • NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head) evaluation. Empowering Pumps and Equipment

   • Efficiency calculations: wire-to-water efficiency (pump + motor + VFD), power usage, motor sizing. Empowering Pumps and Equipment

   • Composite pump/system curve generation. aft.com+1

4. Thermal Analysis

   • Heat transfer modeling in pipes and heat exchangers. aft.com+1

   • Energy balance capabilities. docs.aft.com+1

5. Fluid Types Supported

   • Newtonian fluids. docs.aft.com

   • Non-Newtonian fluids: e.g., power-law, Bingham plastic, etc. datacor.com

   • Slurries (with settling solids) through add-on modules. datacor.com+1

6. Scenario Manager

   • Allows multiple “design cases” or operating scenarios in a single model file. docs.aft.com

   • Very useful for comparing different system designs, operating conditions, or future “what-if” scenarios. docs.aft.com

7. Cost & Energy Analysis

   • Calculate capital cost of pipes and components. SoftwareOne+1

   • Operating cost: energy usage, power cost, etc. Empowering Pumps and Equipment+1

   • Helps optimize for both initial investment and long-term operational cost. datacor.com

8. Standards Compliance

   • Supports various engineering/industry standards such as API 610, ANSI/HI, NFPA, etc. SoftwareOne

   • Good for regulated or safety-critical piping systems.

9. Fluid and Component Libraries

   • Built-in library for fluids and fittings. datacor.com

   • Optional Chempak add-on: thermophysical database of ~700 fluids. datacor.com+1

   • You can also create/customize your own fluid or fitting database. cortexsoftware.com.au

10. Import/Export and Integration

    • Import piping layouts: from GIS shapefiles, CAESAR II neutral files, PCF from AutoCAD Plant 3D, SmartPlant, CADWorx, etc. SoftwareOne

    • Import/export via Excel: easy data exchange. aft.com

    • EPANET import / export supported. aft.com

11. Design Alerts

    • Set alerts for parameters outside defined ranges (flow, pressure, velocity, efficiency, etc.). cortexsoftware.com.au

    • Helps quickly spot problematic or unsafe design points.

12. Workspace & UI Enhancements (v13 etc.)

    • Workspace Layers: more flexible model-building environment. aft.com

    • Custom junction icons, annotation tools, improved graphing. aft.com

    • Timed recovery file: auto-save / recovery in case of crashes. aft.com

Add-on Modules (that extend base functionality)

AFT Fathom’s modular design allows extra capabilities through optional modules: docs.aft.com+1

• XTS (Extended Time Simulation)

  • For transient or dynamic simulations over time (not just steady-state). docs.aft.com

  • Can model valve opening/closing, pump start/stop, speed changes, and tank filling/draining. docs.aft.com

  • Time-based control, event-based control. docs.aft.com

• GSC (Goal Seek & Control)

  • Automatically find input parameters (e.g., valve settings, pump speeds) that achieve specified goals (e.g., target flow, pressure). docs.aft.com

  • Simulate control systems / feedback loops. ImageGrafix

• SSL (Settling Slurry)

  • Specifically for slurry flows containing solids that may settle. docs.aft.com

  • Uses the Wilson / GIW method to simulate behavior. docs.aft.com

  • Models slurry pump de-rating (performance loss), solid properties, etc. ImageGrafix

• ANS (Automated Network Sizing)

  • Automatically sizes pipes and ducts to meet design goals (e.g., minimize cost, meet flow/pressure constraints). docs.aft.com

  • Evaluates trade-offs between capital cost, energy usage, system constraints. ImageGrafix

Why These Features Matter / Use Cases

• Design Optimization: Engineers can balance cost vs. performance by simulating different pipe diameters, pump settings, control valve configurations.

• Troubleshooting: Identify where pressure drops are too big, where pumps are operating inefficiently, or where flows are unbalanced.

• Control Strategy Design: With the GSC module, you can test how a control loop (valves + feedback) will behave without physically building it.

• Transient Behavior: Using XTS, you can simulate “what happens when you start a pump” or “what’s the filling time of a tank.”

• Slurry Systems: Many industrial processes (mining, chemical) involve slurries; SSL helps simulate realistic behavior.

• Lifecycle Costing: Not just initial design cost — Fathom helps you estimate operational costs, helping make more sustainable and economical designs.