RedTree Development Inc.

Alph 1.5
The latest version of Alph 1.5, a fluid property and process calculator for the Apple iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, now includes an option to increase the library of compounds to over 5,600 and add VMGThermo’s non-random two-liquid (NRTL) model to the existing Advanced Peng-Robinson and steam packages. This greatly extends the range of process simulation tasks that can be addressed and is a cost-effective approach for users whose needs or budgets do not require a full process simulator. Alph uses the same VMGThermo engine that powers the VMGSim process simulator. In addition to two- and three-phase flash calculations, fluid property predictions, phase envelopes, and hydrate predictions, the software has built-in tools for performing distillation calculations and solving multiple equations. The Alph Information Flow Diagram (IFD), which is based on a diagram that resembles a mind map, clearly shows where each entity in the problem obtains its inputs and where its calculated values are used in other objects. This version also brings compatibility with the fast-switching and iTunes file-sharing of iOS 4 and the ability to export phase envelope results to a spreadsheet.

Alph Version 1.4
With the release of Version 1.4 of Alph, a fluid property and process calculator for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, users can easily copy and paste variables and modeling tools and build sub-flowsheets within the tool. The program enables calculations related to heat exchanger balances, stoichiometric reactions, polytropic compressors, single or multiple material recycle processes, and refrigeration processes. The new copy-and-paste capabilities let users create their own library of frequently used calculations, which they can then paste into new studies, as needed. Other time-saving features allow users to create new objects exactly where they want them on the information flow diagram (rather than having to move them later). On the iPad, users can also automatically append object names to formulas by simply tapping on the appropriate object icon on the background diagram. This reduces typing and the potential for spelling errors. All objects can also have comprehensive notes attached to them to support related calculations.

Alph NG app
The Alph NG app performs quick and accurate process calculations, including two- and three-phase flash calculations, phase envelopes, and hydrate temperature and pressure prediction. It uses Virtual Materials Group’s package of Advanced Peng-Robinson equations of state for natural gas and commercially important natural gas compounds, specifically: C1–C10, CO2, H2S, N2, O2, H2O, H2, He-4, methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, methyl mercaptan, ethyl mercaptan, carbonyl sulfide, carbon disulfide, dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide. Custom compounds, such as heavier fractions, can also be defined. Its simple formula system allows fluids to be defined in terms of one another, which allows users to make sophisticated calculations. A free version, Alph Jr., has all the capabilities of the natural gas edition, but is limited to the straight-chain alkanes methane through decane. This free version is suitable for evaluation, as well as for instructional and learning purposes. Alph is able to calculate the following fluid properties: molar vapor fraction (phase fraction when viewing phases), temperature, pressure, molar flow rate, specific molar enthalpy, specific molar entropy, energy flow, molecular weight, compressibility factor, specific molar volume, mass density, standard liquid density, viscosity, kinematic viscosity, thermal conductivity, surface tension, constant-pressure specific molar heat capacity, constant-volume specific molar heat capacity, exergy, Gibbs free energy, lower heating value, higher heating value, mass flowrate, specific mass enthalpy, specific mass entropy, and many more. Both Alph NG and Alph Jr are now available in the iTunes App Store.