GexCon, a leader in sophisticated and user-friendly dispersion, explosion and fire modelling software, has announced the release of a new software package, FLACS-Fire. Tailormade for the oil and gas, processing and industrial segments, FLACS-Fire combines optimal usability with an advanced ability to generate detailed models of jet and pool fires.
“Fire modelling has been the missing link for our users, particularly in the offshore oil and gas segment, where high momentum jet fires and pool fires are major hazards,” commented GexCon’s vice president Products, Djurre Siccama.
“This new software, which can be used as an add-on to FLACS or a standalone product, addresses that – meaning users no longer have to resort to using simple formulas or less user-focused and sophisticated packages, to model fires. It creates a ‘one-stop-shop’ for safety engineers; a single modelling platform for enhanced understanding, efficiency and, most of all, safety.”
FLACS-Fire has been in development for the past eight years, with a dedicated team working to create a package that dovetails seamlessly with FLACS – sharing the same simple interface and advanced modelling characteristics. This translates to an easy learning curve for users, increased workflow efficiencies (with no need to switch between software, or employ standalone formulas), and fast, accurate results.
“It’s what the industry has been asking for,” Siccama continued. “All the advantages of FLACS in a full 3D, CFD, fire-specific package. This will lead to greater efficiencies, detailed modelling – with our ability to include geometry such as equipment and piping, which affects fire behaviour – and tangible savings for client companies. For example, they can now create cost-effective, optimised designs, while also increasing safety, by only installing fire prevention measures where they’re actually needed, rather than throughout an entire facility.”
The extensively validated, Windows and Linux-supported package models a wide range of scenarios, including jet fires in cross winds, flash fires, over ventilated compartment fires and large-scale field experiments. Typical application areas include escape route impairment (modelling heat, smoke, visibility, etc.), vessel heat-up modelling, offshore and onshore installations, and factory building fires.
