Software Products
Software Design Details
Software for the Design and Analysis of Gaseous Extinguishing Systems
In the early 1990s, the phaseout of halons and the rapid introduction of a wide range of halocarbon-based fire suppression agents necessitated the development of a flexible, theoretically based engineering model of two-phase flow behavior in piping. HAI responded to this need and developed an engineering fundamentals-based, flow calculation software capable of predicting single phase (gas or liquid) and two-phase (gas and liquid) flow.
The software has been used successfully for many of the NFPA 2001 halon alternatives, including halocarbons (HFC-227ea, HFC-23, HFC-236fa, HFC-125, FC-2-1-8, FC-3-1-10, HCFC Blend A) and inert gases (argon, nitrogen, IG-541, IG-55), as well as CO2. HAI continues to enhance the capabilities of the software by including new agents and expanding the design parameters.
System input is made via an advanced Windows-based user interface. The interface allows users to quickly enter system information. One of the unique features of our software is the ability to draw the pipe layout in the Isometric screen. The isometric information can then be exported for use in a CAD package. A number of reports are available for printing for submittal to approving authorities. To get an idea of how the interface works, take a tour of the AgentCalcs for CO2 software.
The software has been repeatedly tested and found to be satisfactory (Underwriters Laboratories listed and Factory Mutual approved) as part of original equipment manufacturers’ product development efforts. HAI will work with clients and listing or approval agencies to develop software with the features required to meet the needs of our clients and the marketplace.
HAI offers three software options to our clients: Fully Validated, Industrial, and AgentCalcs. The Fully Validated software is typically approved by UL, FM, or other independent laboratory. Extensive testing is required to satisfy the requirements of the independent laboratories, but results in the widest possible design limits. These limits include discharge time, minimum nozzle pressure, minimum and maximum fill densities, percent agent in pipe, arrival and runout time imbalances, etc. As part of this process, the software is customized to the client’s specifications. The client’s hardware (cylinders, valves, discharge hoses, pipe types, nozzles, etc) is made available to the user through a series of drop-down lists. If the client has specific design practices, these can be incorporated into the software. Finally, the corporate image of the client is incorporated into the software. This includes logos, icons, color schemes, etc.
Recognizing the fact that not all equipment manufacturers require fully validated software, HAI offers equipment manufacturers an alternative with the Industrial versions of the software. Similar to the Fully Validated software, the Industrial version is customized for a manufacturer’s specific hardware and design requirements. A reduced number of tests are run to evaluate hardware specific data and discharge characteristics. An Industrial version may be appropriate for clients in areas where independent laboratory approval is not required. Industrial versions could also be developed for clients that wish to implement new concepts in the marketplace. Since these versions are not fully validated, a narrower set of design limits is used. The restrictions placed on the limits would be determined based on the test results and the client’s needs.
The AgentCalcs software is a line of generic software that is intended to provide specifying, approval, and review authorities a calculation capability similar to that available to designers. The AgentCalcs software is not intended for system design. The AgentCalcs software is not customized for specific hardware and the users are required to input hardware data (cylinder volume, valve equivalent lengths, etc.). Since these versions are not configured for any particular set of hardware, the accuracy of the predictions is unknown.
