The AFT Fathom GSC (Goal Seek & Control) Module is an add-on for AFT Fathom, specifically designed to eliminate the need for time-consuming manual iteration in hydraulic system simulations. This module frees engineers from repetitive trial-and-error by allowing them to simply define their desired hydraulic behavior (goals) and the system parameters they can adjust (variables). GSC then automatically calculates the necessary input values to achieve those goals. This automation significantly saves time and increases productivity, enabling users to quickly answer complex "what if" questions. For instance, it can determine the pump speed required to achieve a specified total flow to multiple remote tanks, or the precise positioning of multiple valves to yield a desired differential supply pressure between pieces of equipment. The module supports a wide range of modeling parameters as variables or goals, including pump speed, flow, head rise, impeller diameter; valve open percentage, Cv/K, deltaP, flow; reservoir liquid level and temperature; control valve setpoint and open percentage; orifice diameter and area; heat exchanger heat rate, temperatures, area, and U value; and spray discharge area, K value, and exit pressure. Beyond basic Fathom's control capabilities, GSC extends control modeling to remote sensing. While basic Fathom controls variables at the control component itself (e.g., a pressure reducing valve controls outlet pressure at the valve), GSC allows control to be based on a variable located anywhere in the system, such as a pressure downstream at another location. Additionally, control can be based on the difference between two variables (e.g., differential pressure between two points) or on group sums, maximums, or minimums, thereby simulating sophisticated control logic often implemented in real-world computer-based control systems.

Features & Benefits

• Automated Goal Seeking & Iteration
  • Automates the process of finding input values required to achieve specific hydraulic behavior goals, eliminating time-consuming manual iteration.
  • Define multiple variables and goals at multiple locations throughout the system.
  • Quickly answer complex "what if" questions, such as determining pump speed for specified flow or valve positioning for desired differential pressure.
  • Significantly saves time and increases productivity.
• Advanced Control Modeling
  • Extends Fathom's control capabilities to support remote sensing and sophisticated control logic for complex systems.
  • Control can be based on a variable located anywhere in the system, not just at the control component.
  • Control can be based on the difference between two variables (e.g., differential pressure between two points).
  • Control can be based on group sums, maximums, or minimums, simulating real-world control systems.
• Comprehensive Parameter Support
  • Enables a wide array of hydraulic system parameters to be used as variables or goals within simulations.
  • Pumps: speed, flow, head rise, impeller diameter.
  • Valves: open percent, Cv/K, deltaP, flow.
  • Reservoirs: liquid level, temperature.
  • Control valves: setpoint, open percent.
  • Orifice: diameter, area.
  • Heat exchangers: heat rate, temperatures, area, U value.
  • Spray discharge: area, K value, exit pressure.