FINESSE 1-D Network Solver
FINESSE (Fluid Network Simulation) is a state-of-the art program for calculating flow rates, pressures, and temperatures for each branch of a fluid network. It is generally used to analyze and balance single or multiphase flows through piping networks and branching duct systems.
Airflow Sciences Corporation customers use FINESSE for complex fluid networks such as:
The FINESSE software represents the flow conditions within the fluid network, including straight sections, elbows, fittings, valves, heat exchangers, and more. Isothermal cases or systems with heat transfer/thermal mixing can be accommodated.
FINESSE includes physics and calculation logic for incompressible and compressible flows, including subsonic, choked, and supersonic flow conditions. FINESSE is accurate and versatile for simple and complicated networks.
Flow parameters are specified at the boundary nodes (inlet and exit of the network), while mass flow, pressure, and temperature are then calculated at all the internal nodes. The image below shows a simple representation of a small portion of a network. Fluid systems can be simple or very complex, and FINESSE can handle models with hundreds or thousands of nodes and branches, as show in the other images below.
Example portion of a model
ASC uses FINESSE in conjunction with coal pipe testing to balance coal pipes at power generating stations. Expensive and time consuming trial-and-error balancing is not necessary. A baseline test, the coal pipe model, and a verification test are all that are necessary to achieve balanced coal pipes. An application of this methodology and the resulting change in pipe velocities is detailed in this coal pipe balancing case study.
