Software and Information Technology
These Algorithms Solve EIT Problems
DynaEIT is a suite of algorithms designed to solve electrical impedance tomography (EIT) problems. In EIT, the distribution of conductivity inside a container is determined by applying currents (or voltages) at locations along the container surface and measuring the voltages (or currents) at other locations. Equations for the electric field then provide relationships between measured voltages and currents and the conductivity distribution inside the domain. Because different materials have different conductivities, EIT produces a conductivity map that provides an image of the material distribution in the container. The DynaEIT software makes use of both the dipole approximation method and a singular boundary-element method to rapidly solve the “forward” problem of determining voltage and current distributions for a known conductivity distribution in the imaged domain in two and three dimensions. The inverse problem of image reconstruction using the measured voltages and/or currents is solved by multi-dimensional minimization procedures, such as Powell’s direction set method, the downhill simplex method, genetic algorithms and multi-objective minimization based on Pareto sets. These algorithms are suitable for non-destructive evaluation of structures and materials, multi-phase flows in the oil and gas, chemical and energy industries, imaging of container leakage, and detection of chemical reactive flows.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Dynaflow, Inc.
www.dynaflow-inc.com
Analysis Software Processes Infrared Images
Designed to work with infrared camera systems, Thermo Vision ExaminIR thermal analysis software features control, recording, playback analysis and reporting functions. It performs real-time image analysis and provides playback features to open and analyze image sequences stored on a camera or a PC. The software features an extensive set of thermal analysis and measurement tools, including spot, line, and area measurements. A new image-segmentation tool provides quick designation of complex regions of interest for precise data analysis. It is compatible with Microsoft Windows XP and Vista operating systems.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
FLIR Systems, Inc.
www.goinfrared.com
Instrumentation Package Enhances Copying Features
SmartPlant Instrumentation helps prevent failure by better managing and storing instrumentation and control data. It helps avoid unscheduled shutdowns by using the most up-to-date information for better planning and maintenance. SmartPlant Instrumentation brings all instrumentation information together so that it can be easily accessed and updated to ensure consistency across the different instrument tasks and deliverables. This latest version features SmartPlant Engineering Manager, which allows the user to copy the complete plant design package, including the hierarchy, item tags and the reference data of the best, proven plant designs, and use them as a baseline for the design of new plants, thus saving valuable design time.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Intergraph Corp.
www.intergraph.com
Electronic Database Lowers Costs, Protects Data
Flowstar.net is an electronic database program designed to help reduce maintenance and inventory costs while proactively managing reliability and maintaining operational up-time for rotating equipment. Flowstar.net tracks rotating equipment, such as pumps, mixers, compressors and mechanical seals, as well as their corresponding process data, failure history and any outstanding recommendations for improvement. This information can be globally accessed and maintained, and is used to generate meaningful reports to provide insight into cost trending and savings, bad actors, premature failure and detailed mean-time-between-failure trends..
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Flowserve Corp.
www.flowserve.com
Piping Program Upgrade Displays Isometric Schematics
Pipe-Flo 2007 has many new features to streamline program operation and increase the presentation value of the piping system model. This version of the software offers the option to draw piping schematics in 2-D or isometric format. It allows users to create custom shapes for pumps, tanks, components and control valves, and to copy and paste between piping system models. Now, the end user can size a flowmeter or balancing orifice and insert it into the piping system in a single step. The software permits results to be viewed instantly using the new AutoCalc feature, and allows a two-way link between Pipe-Flo Professional and Microsoft Excel to be established.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Engineered Software, Inc.
www.eng-software.com
Software Accurately Keeps Track of Work Hours
Version 9 of Project Clock project time recording and billing software is an upgrade suitable for use by anyone who must accurately track time spent on different projects. It contains several important improvements, including updates to both the database and reporting engines. The complete rewriting of the web edition allows time entry using any web browser on virtually any operating system. The software now supports Windows Mobile 6 and square-screen devices, and comes in several different editions to accommodate the needs of various customer types, such as standard, pro, client/server and web. Available variations include Project Clock Palm for hand-held computers running PalmOS and Project Clock for Pocket PC for hand-held computers running Windows CE or Windows Mobile.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
CyberMatrix Corp.
www.cybermatrix.com
Program Monitors Hazardous Gases
The upgrade to Advanced Back Calculation (ABC) release-rate estimation software significantly improves the ability of the end user to detect, quantify, and respond to hazardous airborne emissions. The program uses open-path laser and infrared (IR) technologies, along with point gas measurement, to maximize the use of data and the ability to create sophisticated detection architectures. This allows the responder to organize a proactive response to a loss of containment event. The open-path design presents concentration over a path as ppm. Using these data, the software describes where the path is crossed and reveals the level of gaseous material that must be emitted to match the measured path concentration. Open-path technology continues to gain acceptance by industry for such applications as monitoring target chemicals and identifying specific hydrocarbons. The software is suitable for monitoring substances like hydrogen fluoride and benzene, which can be difficult to isolate. It is well-suited for detecting substances in amounts below the 1 ppm threshold, which is fairly common to fixed gas monitors.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
SAFER Systems
www.safersystems.com
Simulator Processes CFD and MBD Codes
EDEM simulation software predicts the movement of particles in industrial process equipment, allowing users to optimize and troubleshoot their designs without extensive physical testing. It is suitable for use in the chemicals, process, oil and gas and pharmaceutical sectors. The EDEM 1.3 version expands the software’s current ability to handle computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes, features a new electrostatics model, and provides a seamless connection to third-party, multi-body dynamics (MBD) codes.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
DEM Solutions
www.dem-solutions.com