QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

INTRODUCTION TO
COMPUTATIONAL FLUID
DYNAMICS - WEBINAR

1 Can you specify other flammable material beside the C1

through C7 and inerts?
Yes. You can specify any material you wish to.

2 How do the results of CFD compare to the results of UDM used

in Phast for the same release conditions?
We have not done such a comparison at the current time, but this is something we will explore.

3 Let's suppose we performed a full site QRA and we ended up

with top 3 risk contributor scenarios exceeding the company
risk criteria for which high cost risk mitigation measures have
been recommended. knowing the inherent uncertainty of the
UDM, we would like to understand the added value of going
for a CFD for the said 3 scenarios before deciding on the high
cost mitigative measures. More specifically; what would be
the threshold cost ratio (i.e. cost of CFD/cost of a given
mitigation measure) for a company to decide to go for a CFD?
This will differ by company and it's difficult to outline a one-size-fits-all framework. There so many
factors to consider, e.g. is it a one-off, or do we expect to run multiple analyses? What are the
tradeoffs/benefits of outsourcing the work versus bringing it inhouse?

4 Were KFX results validated against experimental results?

Yes, they have been. The details are documented in the KFX Validation Handbook which is supplied
with the product.
5 Do you expect CFD will have an impact on the prescriptive
requirements from some of the codes like API2218 for passive
fire protection?
It depends. There is no substitute for actual analysis, especially given that it is impossible for a
standard to cover every scenario that exists. If the scenario you are looking at is adequately covered
by a standard, then the need for further analysis is seemingly not justified.

6 How long does it take in average for the software to simulate

a 1-hour duration scenario? Does it depend on the site
congestion?
For the example shown, its takes about 30s of simulation time for the jet fire to get to steady state.
This is equivalent to about 3-4 hours in real time. In terms of dependencies, a key factor is the grid
resolution and the number of cells. The finer the grid and the larger the number of cells, the more
intensive and time-consuming the calculations are.

7 Does DNV GL use CFD for multiphase flow simulation, like

slugging? What are Flow Assurance issues?
Yes. DNV GL offers consultancy services for various flow assurance applications. Please see the
following website for more information and details of whom to contact.

8 How could we modify the equations behind the CFD?

For some of the sub-models in KFX it is possible for the user to adjust input parameters to control
the behaviour of the sub-model. One such model is the pool evaporation model where it is possible
for the user to specify limits for the evaporation rate. It is not possible to change or replace the
model equations for the various physical processes, e.g. equations for conservation of momentum or
energy.

9 What are the differences between KFX, Exsim and ComputIT?

KFX™ is the name of a CFD tool for simulations gas dispersion and fires. Exsim is originally a CFD
tool for simulations of gas explosions. Exsim has been incorporated into the KFX software suite and
is the explosion module of KFX. ComputIT is the company which up until now has developed and
commercialized KFX. In November 2017 ComputIT became a part of DNV GL - Digital Solutions.

10 How detailed does the CAD drawing have to be? What

dimension pipes should be included?
This depends on the type of problem to be analysed. In general, all geometry that will affect the flow
and ventilation conditions should be included. Small piping should be included if there is a large
number of piping stacked together, as such pipe stacks are often important for the flow field. For
some scenarios, such as pool and gas jet fires, good results for local heat loads can be obtained
even with a coarse geometry model.
11 Can the KFX be run in the cloud?
Currently we do not offer KFX simulations as a cloud service. This is, however, something which is
being developed and will be made available as a service provided by DNV GL.

12 Can flammable gas dispersion and explosion simulation be

integrated in subsequent runs?
Yes, flammable gas dispersion can be simulated with KFX and the resulting gas cloud can be used as
input to a subsequent explosion simulation with the Exsim explosion module. As of today, this has to
be set up and run as two different simulations by the user.

13 Is there a possibility for ultasonic jet fires with CFD and your
software? And is there any demo mode of the software?
KFX™ utilizes an incompressible flow solver and the detailed flow pattern of the expansion zone of
an under-expanded jet is not resolved. To handle gas releases from high pressure sources, the state
of the jet downstream the expansion zone, where the pressure is equal to the surrounding pressure,
is calculated prior to the simulation. In the KFX™ simulation the release point is moved to this
location and the calculated conditions for the jet downstream the expansion zone is used as initial
conditions for the jet release.

14 Does it include breakage of containers due to temperature?

No, automatic rupture of containers due to temperature is not a feature in KFX™. This functionality
is a part of the development plan for KFX™

15 Specifically, what 3D model formats can be imported to KFX?

I.e. .3ds, .obj, etc.
The following CAD formats can be directly converted to KFX™:

• DGN v7
• Flacs macros
• WaveFront OBJ
• STL
• USFOS FEM files
• PDMS (RVM-text format)
• SOSI format
• DEM (digital elevation model format) for landscape
• A subset of the IGES format
• A subset of the DXF format

Most CAD tools using other formats can export geometry models to one of the formats in the list.
16 Is the geometry model provided by the client? Or do you have
to generate this as well?
The geometry model can be imported from various commercial 3D CAD formats, see the answer to
the previous question. KFX™ also includes a drawing tool to generate you own model or to modify
existing geometry models.

17 Do you offer training on KFX?

Yes, the next KFX training course will be arranged in London 16 to 18 April 2018, see
https://www.dnvgl.com/training/sa-17-kfx-basic-training-111142

18 Do you need to specify boundaries? What if there are no

boundaries, e.g. the model is in open space?
In KFX™ it is possible to specify open boundaries with no geometry or walls. For open boundaries, it
is necessary to specify a wind condition.

19 Can CFD model dust explosions?

Currently, KFX Exsim cannot simulate dust explosions.

20 Accuracy in the model with existing model.

The question is unclear. Please clarify and contact us again with the question (include marketing
email address).

21 How can detectors be placed from the result of CFD?

One approach is to include a large number of detectors in the simulation model and run a series of
gas dispersion and/or fire simulations. For each detector location data for the required variables are
saved as a function of time. Based on the results for all scenarios the optimum detector layout can
be established.

22 For structures, what are the inputs we have to provide in the

KFX model?
To calculate heat loads from a fire, little information about the structures is required, typically only
the type of material, e.g. steel or aluminum. If the calculated heat loads are to be used as input to a
detailed response analysis to predict the structural response, a full description of the structure is
required: type of material, wall/pipe thickness etc.
23 Can the model shown in the presentation handle non steady-
state release? I.e. where due to closure of a valve, or due to a
finite volume, one models a variation in flow/pressure? Is
that a complex modelling scenario or fundamental
functionality?
Yes, non-steady state releases can be modelled in KFX™. The flow rate has to be specified as a
function of time in a table format. This is a fundamental functionality.

24 How long does it take to build a background 3D model in KFX?

This depends on the complexity of the model as well as the experience of the user. To model an
offshore topside module typically requires from two to ten days of work, depending on the size,
required level of detail and complexity.

25 Does KFX handle detonation scenarios or DDT events? Does

the porosity model capture flame acceleration effects?
Currently KFX Exsim does not handle detonations or DDT events. Yes, the porosity model captures
flame acceleration effects.

26 Are you planning to use KFX for validating Phast models?

Yes. We are running some comparison cases and also exploring options to use KFX as a basis for
new models, e.g. non-circular pool fires. This will be along the lines of the same approach used for
the multi-energy model.

27 Under time development can case fire escalation be accounted

for?
Yes, see answer to question no. 24.

28 Can CFD analysis can be done for subsea hydrocarbon

release?
KFX™ includes a feature for simulating gas dispersion and fires from subsea gas releases. The
conditions for the gas plume at the sea surface must be given as input to the KFX™ simulation. The
current version of KFX™ cannot be used to simulate the gas flow from the subsea release point to
the surface.

29 Are there any typical release scenarios where CFD analysis

cannot be applied?
No, but there is not one CFD tool which will be favourable for all types of scenarios.

30 Can CFD analysis can be used for flare radiation studies?

Yes, KFX™ has been used for a large number of flare radiation studies and is also validated against
measurements during flaring.
31 Can CFD analysis can done for small hole sizes i.e.<1mm size
releases?
Yes. The CFD tool to be used should be selected based on the release scenario.

32 How is the 3D model inserted in the simulation?

See answer to question no. 16.

33 How does the software take into account the influence of

structural elements (e.g. fire walls) to fire propagation?
All structural elements are included in the geometry model and all interaction between the structure
and flow pattern and fire is handled by the CFD model.

34 Can we do partial jet and pool fire scenario concurrently?

Yes, this is possible.

35 Does KFX take into account fire protection?

KFX™ can take into account the effect of water deluge systems for fire protection. It is also possible
to include the effect of passive fire protection. See answer to question 43 for more details.

36 Is it possible to use KFX for other materials than

hydrocarbon? For example, chlorine, HF, etc.
Yes, it is possible to include inert materials in additions to hydrocarbons. For chemical reactions or
combustion of other materials than hydrocarbons there are some limitations.

37 Is KFX a DNV GL product or developed by others? What is the

approximate cost? My experience has been more related to
reviewing CFD results completed by 3rd party consultants.
KFX was originally developed by ComputIT, which was acquired by DNV GL in Q4 2017.

The cost depends on various factors, e.g. lease duration, number of seats etc. and hence varies. We
will be in contact to understand your needs and provide approximate costs.

38 Can the facility model be converted into KFX directly from

something like a PDMS model?
Yes, the faciality model can be directly converted to KFX from various CAD formats. See list given in
answer to question no. 17.
39 Is CFD becoming the future technology for quantitative risk
assessment studies replacing Phast and Safeti? Is DNV GL
developing any CFD softwares equivalent to Phast and Safeti?
3D CFD QRA is increasingly an area of interest in industry. This will be an interesting area to explore
and a potential development path for future products.

40 Are there options to include the wind probability from wind

rose plot or can only one wind direction be fed to the
software?
Each simulation can only be run with steady state wind conditions. Typically, a set of simulations are
run where the wind conditions are varied according to the wind rose. KFX has a dedicated feature to
quickly generate case scenario files with different wind conditions.

41 What is the significance of "stop time" in "Quick Run Setup"

tab of simulation run step?
The simulation will stop when the specified stop time is reached.

42 Will the heat load estimation after jet fire takes credit of
passive fire protection?
In general, KFX™ will calculate the heat load to the outer surface of the objects and structures. To
analyse the effect of passive fire protection (PFP) the results from KFX should be used as input to a
structural response tool such as Usfos. In Usfos it is possible to include the effect of PFP on the
integrity of the structure. If the effect of passive fire protection is required, adjustment of thermal
conductivity and absorptivity may be altered to describe insulated surfaces.

43 Is heat generation only driven by fires? Can radiogenic heat

be modelled (air indoors being heated up by a non-fire
source)?
It is possible to specify elevated surface temperatures on structures and objects. This will result in
heating up the surrounding objects as well as the surrounding air. Hot surfaces will also generate a
thermally driven flow of air. Currently it is not possible to specify a heat flux from a surface or
object.

44 How can one learn more about CFD application in fire

protection? Can you recommend any books, etc.?
There are many useful references available in literature that discuss fire modelling with CFD.
45 We use Phast for our analysis, but in some studies we have
quite a large number of scenarios and Phast has problems to
handle those studies. What kind of computers shall be used to
run KFX?
KFX can be run on any Windows or Linux computer. A powerful graphics card is recommended if one
is to work with large geometry models.

46 For the wind profiles, is the surface roughness used only at

the inlet or are rough surfaces also modelled within the
domain? If only at the inlet, what is the impact of this with
regards to maintaining boundary layer profiles through the
domain?
The surface roughness is also used for the ground boundary and various ground surfaces can be
modelled. As KFX™ utilizes the k-epsilon turbulence model there are some challenges with
maintaining the boundary layer profiles through the domain. In particular, this may cause difficulties
for gas dispersion of dense gas over large distances. In-house we have extensive experience with
such simulations and we can provide guidelines and help for such cases.

47 Is KFX used for explosion QRA? If so, are real gas clouds
ignited or are equivalent cloud methods used?
Yes, KFX Exsim is used for explosion QRA. Equivalent cloud sizes are used.

48 Which version of the LNG MEP and validation database are

being used for the LNG dispersion validation for PHMSA?
This project is still in its early stages. We will confirm details as soon as we have them.

49 Are there any public available examples of KFX validation, e.g.

as is the case for FDS?
Yes, there are open papers on this available. Please contact us for a list of papers (include marketing
email address).

50 How many gases can be combined into one release? Can the
model handle multiple "point releases"?
There is no limit to the number of gas species that can be included. A large number of species will,
however, slow down the speed of the simulation. Yes, multiple point releases can be simulated with
KFX™.

51 Is KFX capable of showing exceedance curves for a release?

No, exceedance curves must be generated by the user based on KFX results.
52 Can you give an idea of the annual cost of KFX?
The cost is dependent on what modules you want to access, for how long, how many users, how
many clusters etc. A sales manager will be in contact to further discuss your needs.

53 Does KFX account for rainout, e.g. in case of an LNG release?

If yes, will the gas dispersion simulation account for the
contribution to the cloud due to flashing of the jet/spray and
also simultaneously adding the contribution from pool
evaporation?
Yes, KFX™ will account for rainout. Both flashing from the spray and evaporation from the pool will
contribute to the gas cloud.

54 Can KFX model a time-varying discharge (user input) or only

stagnant/steady-state releases with a predefined and
constant outflow rate?
See previous question no. 24.

55 What is the difference between using KFX and Phast in respect

to understanding the consequence of fire or explosion?
The main difference is that KFX™ will to a much larger extent include the effect of the surroundings
in 3D, both the effect of geometry as well as the effect of wind, ventilation and local flow conditions.

56 Would you say Phast is a form of CFD? If not, why - as PHAST

is also used in modelling consequence effects of a release or
the dynamics of a fire/explosion scenario?
Phast and KFX are tools that can be used for consequence analysis. They differ in their capabilities
and their relative strengths and weaknesses. Phast is not a CFD tool.

57 Can you measure CO (not CO2) out of the CFD directly?

As default a simplified combustion (chemical kinetics) model is used in KFX™ and the amount of CO
is not accurately calculated. For engineering purposes, the amount of CO is usually estimated from
the amount of CO2. It is also possible to include a more detailed reaction mechanism in KFX™ to
obtain a better calculation of CO levels, but this will slow down the simulation speed.
There are also global reaction formulations that can be used for this purpose and this feature will be
implemented for the next release of KFX™

58 Is it possible to model a time-varying release to demonstrate

the effect of shut down and blow down?
Yes, see answer to question no. 24.
59 What are the differences between Phast, Vessfire and KFX in
terms of application?
This is beyond the scope of the webinar agenda.

60 How do you select the release points? The direction of

release? There could be thousands of points like that?
It is not affordable to simulate all possible scenarios. A set of scenarios should be selected for
simulation based on initial Hazid, FRA, QRA, etc. to determine worst credible scenarios or scenarios
to establish design accidental loads.

Factors such as leak frequency, release location, amount of inventory are used to determine what
scenarios to select.

61 Does this take care of the fire water or fire-retardant spray on

the fires?
Fire water systems can be modelled and the effect on the fire and heat loads can be estimated.
There is currently no feature for modelling the effect of fire-retardants.

62 Can this also calculate the effect of the fires on the systems or
leakage points in the affected zones and cumulative effect of
failure?
There is no automatic feature for simulating escalation effects. It is possible to manually specify
more than one release in a simulation to analyse the combined effect.

63 Can transformer explosions be modelled using KFX?

Only gas explosions can be modelled with KFX™ Exsim.

64 Can KFX software simulate dust cloud fires?

No.

65 Is it possible to predict the consequences by time to the

surroundings (equipment), e.g., collapse probability?
If results from KFX™ are used as input to a structural response tool such as Usfos - Usfos can be
used to estimate the time to collapse as well as the nature of the collapse.

66 How much is the software? Can we see the validation

handbook prior to purchase?
Yes - you can see a copy of the validation handbook as well as get access to a trial. As noted above,
pricing depends on a range of factors. Our sales manager will be in touch to discuss your specific
needs.
67 Does KFX have a geometry creation module?
Yes, see answer to question no. 17.

68 Can the software consider mitigation measures (typically

effect of FW deluge) to reflect reduction of heat input to
surroundings?
Yes, see answer to question no. 62.

69 Is it possible to model case of release and fire inside confined

space (e.g. inside a compressor room, inside a GT enclosure,
etc.)? Can the effect of HVAC be considered?
Yes, this is possible. Data for the HVAC system must be specified as an inlet/boundary condition to
the simulation.

70 Can FX be used for hazop and hazid studies?

During HAZID/HAZOP studies, it is often the case that a need for modelling is required to better
understand the nature of the hazard better. KFX can be used for this purpose.

71 Can CFD model an escalation event? E.g. jet fire impacting the
next vessel, which then ruptures, etc.
See answer to question no. 63.

72 Are there any CFD tools available (or maybe in development)

that can model multiple release sources at the same time?
Yes, KFX™ can simulate multiple release sources in the same simulation.

73 You mentioned making CFD simulations efficient with smart

CFD simulations. Can you explain more and how you facilitate
that with KFX?
Automatic grid generation optimized both for geometry model and flow situation. Application of
realistic input parameters based on type of simulation so that less data must be specified by the
user.

74 Let's say I have a few exhausts on the topmost deck of an

offshore platform. The exits are of different composition and
temperature. Can I evaluate the heat impact on the helipad
with all exhausts in operation?
Yes, all the exhaust releases can be modelled in one KFX™ simulation and the combined effect on
the helideck surroundings can be analysed.
75 How effective is water deluge in reducing blastload?
Currently, the effect of deluge on blast loads cannot be estimated by KFX Exsim.

76 How good is the geometry import and clean-up usability in

KFX?
The geometry import feature in KFX has proven to be accurate and highly efficient. KFX has several
built-in features to clean up and optimize the geometry model for CFD simulations.

77 Are there turbulence model options available in KFX?

The default turbulence model in KFX is the k-epsilon model. A beta version of a LES model is also
included.

78 Is the grid generation philosophy based mainly on the release

shape and not the surrounding geometry which is mainly
modelled through porosity?
Yes, this is a correct description.

79 Is conjugate heat transfer accounted for in the calculation of

heat loads?
See answer to question no. 121.

80 What about grid Independency? Is it possible to use multiple

"density" grids to study the influence of grid "design" to the
results?
Grid independency means that the results from the simulation are not dependent on the numerical
grid. In general, a denser grid will give better and more grid independent results than a coarser
grid. We recommend that the user run (at least some of the simulations) with different grids to
check the effect on the results. One approach is to refine the grid until there are no significant
changes for the required results. The user can control the refinement level of the grid generator and
it is also possible to manually alter the simulation grid.

81 Can you speak about advantages and disadvantages of this

software with regards to other commercially available
softwares?
Some advantages of KFX™ over more general multi-purpose CFD codes:

1) Good routines for import of geometry models from various commercial CAD formats.
2) Optimized for simulations of release scenarios in complex geometries. Efficient case generation
and short simulation times for typical industrial release scenarios.
3) Advanced radiation model ensuring accurate calculation of heat loads from fires.
4) Interface with Usfos for detailed structural response analysis.
82 Any plans for public training programs in the near future?
Yes, a three-day basic training course will be arranged in London in April 2018. See the following
link: https://www.dnvgl.com/training/sa-17-kfx-basic-training-111142

83 Does it have an integrated risk calculation module?

No.

84 Are there any plans for integration with other consequence

and risk software suites of DNV GL?
We will advise of any integration plans as soon as they are finalized.

85 We have an issue in the gas pipeline. There are 3 filters

allocated in the pipe. Most of the time they are found
damaged. We don't know the exact reason. Do you believe
that running CFD will give us any benefit?
It is difficult to say without having more details of the problem. Having said that, CFD is typically
used to address many flow assurance problems, so it is possible that it might help.
We have flow assurance experts who are willing to discuss your requirements further. Please
contact: viken.chinien@dnvgl.com

86 Is it possible to define the size of the cells around the leak?

Yes, the grid made by the KFX grid generation tool can be modified by the user. It is also possible
for the user to make the grid manually without using the grid generation tool.

87 What are the difference points of FDS and KFX?

This is beyond the scope of the webinar content/agenda.

88 How long would a dispersion case take to converge? For

example the jet fire leak?
See answer to question no. 7.

89 Can the fire, explosion, LNG, etc. be simulated using the basic
module of KFX? Or is a special module needed?
Explosion modelling is currently handled via a separate but integrated module called Exsim. Fire,
LNG release, dispersion, etc. are handled in the main KFX program.
90 From what I understand, in case of jet fire simulation, the
control volumes are created based on the number of control
volume and the equivalent hole size in KFX. Do you mean that
the equivalent hole size can be ignored for creation of grids?
The automatic grid generation tool will generate a release cell which corresponds to the equivalent
release diameter. The equivalent release diameter is found from an expansion calculation prior to
the grid generation. It is also possible for the user to modify the grid and release diameter.

91 Does KFX come with standard gas/chemicals database or can

new one be added?
Yes, a standard database is included. Other materials can be included by the user.

92 Is the spray model for fire mitigation/extinction based on

experiments?
The KFX spray model is a generic model based on first principles of modelling mass, momentum and
energy conservation. It is validated against measurements of temperatures and heat fluxes in large
scale experiments with deluge and jet fires.

93 Please compare the explosion capability in KFX with FLACS.

This is beyond the scope of the webinar.

94 Are there references or codes for CFD?

There are many useful references available in literature that discuss fire modelling with CFD.

95 Can you speak about advantages and disadvantages of this

software with regards to other commercially available
software?
See answer to question no. 82.

96 Any plans for public training programs in near future?

Yes, see answer to question no. 18.

97 Does it have an integrated risk calculation module?

No.

98 How much does the software cost? Would someone who

normally uses other simulation software (Phast) be able to
use KFX easily, or are courses necessary?
Cost - our sales representative will be in touch.
 A training course to understand the software will be beneficial and will enable users to extract the
most value from their purchase.

99 As shown on the previous page, I want to model the leaked

liquid fuel and vaporize after and diffused. How can I set the
status of the fuel, liquid or gas?
Specify the composition and release conditions and KFX™ will calculate the dispersion and
evaporation.

100 Is the geometry file also created with KFX? Approximately

how long does it take to create the geometry of the plant
shown in the jetfire example with KFX?
See answer to question no. 7.

101 Is KFX capable of performing more than one scenario at the

same time?
Yes, several release scenarios can be modelled in the same simulation.

102 Is KFX capable of performing a pool fire?

Yes, KFX™ includes a liquid pool spreading and pool fire model.

103 For a jet fire model, will this model take the
objects/buildings as a general block or consider the MOC?
In KFX™ objects are modelled either as solid objects or as porosities if the objects are smaller than
the grid cell.

104 You mentioned that you can couple KFX fire with structure
response modelling. Which structural modeling is compatible
(e.g. Usfos)?
KFX™ can save result data for heat loads which can be used as input to the FAHTS module (fire and
heat transfer simulation module) of Usfos.

105 What are the details about importation of 2D CAD files or 3D

models? Does it take a long time to generate the model in
KFX?
KFX™ comes with a drawing tool that can be used to generate 3D models from 2D drawings. There
is, however, no automatic procedure for this.
106 Can the grid sizes in the x,y,z directions be different or
should they be the same?
The cell size does not need to be the same in all directions.

107 What is the difference between KFX and Safeti 3D? Does
Safeti contain a CFD module or not?
Safeti 3D is not CFD. However, it contains models that have been created based on CFD (e.g the
multi-energy model).

108 Can KFX predict the failure of structures and the effect on
people according to the heat fulx?
See answer to question no 66. For the effect on people due to fires, detailed maps of heat load in
different areas can be generated.

109 How does one integrate the detail result from FRA/QRA? Is
KFX used to confirm the highest risk only?
This is beyond the scope of the webinar, but there are various ways of doing this. One way is to use
CFD to define an upper limit of the magnitude of impacts that can occur (e.g. the peak explosion
load) and use this as a limit in the QRA.

110 Can you provide an example on pool fire?

Yes, on request.

111 For a preliminary simulation, is Phast simulation a suitable

alternative?
It really depends on the nature of the problem.

In most cases, Phast can be used to assess the magnitude of the problem.

112 In KFX, is there a default model or do we have to create our

model?
A geometry model representing the region to be analysed can either be imported from a CAD
geometry model or be generated with the geometry drawing tool, which is a part of KFX™.

113 Can the CFD results - heat load and blast over pressure be
transferred to FE software like ANSYS?
Heat loads can be transferred to the Usfos structural response analysis tool.

114 If we furnish a PDMS model file, can it be converted for CFD

analysis?
Yes.
115 Can KFX perform cryogenic modelling, including structural
impact based on cryogenic impact on metallurgy?
This is in development. It is not yet available in the commercial version of KFX™.

116 How is KFX related to Phast?

They are not related. They are owned by the same company - DNV GL.

117 Which database of chemical properties is used by KFX?

The database is based on thermophysical properties from the JANAF and NIST databases.

118 Where does the software take the chemical properties for
crude oil as substance?
If the oil components are not present in the built-in database, the data can be entered by the user.

119 How does one upload or create the 3D model?

Either convert existing geometry model from a CAD format or use the built-in drawing tool to
generate a new model.

120 Can KFX perform dust explosion?

No.

121 Is it possible to analyse indoor fires?

Yes, but only gas and liquid fires. The commercial version of KFX™ does not include a model for
combustion of solids.

122 Is this a conjugate HT method? Does the HF account for

conduction around the structures?
Yes, the heat transfer model in KFX™ includes heat conduction in solid materials. However, if the
purpose of the simulation is to calculate the detailed temperature development in objects and
structures, the geometry must be modelled with a high degree of details, including thermophysical
properties of the various solid materials. For structural impact it is more convenient to use the heat
loads calculated with KFX™ as input to a dedicated structural response tool such as Usfos.

123 In the oil and gas industry, where will we use CFD? What are
the softwares available?
This is beyond the scope of the webinar.

124 Will the software support SP3D files for modelling?

Will have to check this.
125 Is Phast software or KFX best? Which one will give almost
exact values?
It depends on the problem that needs to be solved.

126 Will it give value of explosion results also to fix fire

proofing?
The question is unclear. Please clarify or contact us again with the question (include marketing email
address).

127 Are there any differences between results of fire jets and
pools distances comparing with Phast and CFD? What is the
basis for considering 5 kg/s?
We have an ongoing project to see how hest flux predictions from both tools compare. We expect to
share the results of this work at our user conferences later in the year.

The 5kg/s was selected as an indicative value for the purposes of the demonstration.

128 Which stage of the project (FEED/early stage detail

engineering) should we do CFD simulations?
It really depends on the nature of the problem and other factors such as speed, impact of the
decision, etc.

129 Will CFD results be realistic if the 3D model does not include
congestion details (e.g. piping, cable trays, JBs etc.) and uses
assumptions?
See answer to question no. 11.

130 Is Phast validated with CFD? In my experience I have

noticed that CFD models of tankpit fires have considerably
higher heat radiation to their surroundings in comparison to
Phast calculations for the same pit, substance and weather
conditions.
The jet and pool fire models in Phast are validated versus experimental data.

We have an ongoing project to see how hest flux predictions from both tools compare. We expect to
share the results of this work at our user conferences later in the year.

131 Can this be used as basis for QRA?

Yes. CFD and KFX results can be used to inform the basis of/guide a QRA.
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