FOR FLUID SYSTEMS

Capability: Barracuda is used to simulate, understand, and optimize fluidized systems. The software models 3-D chemical, thermal, and flow dynamics in gas-solid and liquid-solid systems. It allows engineers to peer inside full-scale reactors under actual operating conditions and understand the impact complex particle flow has on chemistry. The recently upgraded software—to version 14—now includes a chemistry module to model the homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical reactions inside fluidized bed reactors. The new liquid injection module simulates liquid spray coating of particles, while another new feature allows wall wear to be reported annually. Barracuda can model equipment at lab scale, pilot scale, and full production scale to assist in raising new processes to full production size and throughput.

Hardware: PC running Linux.

Developer: Computational Particle Fluid Dynamics Software LLC, 10899 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87111; (505) 275-3849; www.cpfd-software.com.

Cost: $36,000, annual lease.

www.me.hotims.com/28783-70

CAD TRAINING

Capability: SolidProfessor Update Training 2010 is a downloadable computer course that helps users get the most out of SolidWorks 2010. It provides an in-depth review of each enhancement to the CAD program and how best to use it. Lessons cover the fundamental changes to sketching, parts, features, assemblies, detailing, drawings, and sheet metal, as well as new shortcut techniques such as mouse gestures and rapid dimensioning. New to the course offering are lessons for SolidWorks premium add-ins such as routing and simulation, as well as new and improved tools like SustainabilityXpress and SimulationXpress.

Hardware: PC running Windows 2000 or NT.

Developer: SolidProfessor, 1111 6th Ave., Suite 540, San Diego, CA 92101; (866) 966-6977; fax (619) 342-4849; www.solidprofessor.com.

Cost: $799 premium edition; $599 professional edition; $399 standard edition; $199 basic edition.

www.me.hotims.com/28783-71

TECHNICAL INFO

Capability: Online technical resource Knovel provides engineers with quick access to technical information. The new My Knovel feature, an online personal folder, is intended to replace a physical binder of resources. The service has also recently added a nanotechnology collection that features content from publishers that include Elsevier, McGraw-Hill, Springer, Smithers Rapra, Royal Society of Chemistry, World Scientific, and Wiley. Engineers working with nanoscale materials will find technical information on processing techniques, tips for materials handling, and recommendations for managing defects.

Hardware: PC with Internet access.

Developer: Knovel, 489 Fifth Ave., 9th Floor, New York, NY 10017; (212) 297-0801; www.knovel.com.

Cost: $5,000, starting, for an annual corporate subscription. Cost is based on number of users and subject areas.

www.me.hotims.com/28783-72

RESERVOIR VIEW

Capability: Tecplot RS 2009, a simulation visualization and analysis tool for oil and gas reservoir modeling, now includes Sensor data loaders. The addition means both well-production data and grid-solution data—created by the Sensor reservoir simulator—can be loaded directly into the application, which eliminates the need to preprocess Sensor files. The Sensor data loader was created by the Strickland Group, a petroleum engineering consultancy. The application now supports most major reservoir simulator formats including Sensor, Eclipse, Chears, VIP, VDB, Front-Sim, and 3DSL.

Hardware: PC running Windows XP or Vista, or the Linux operating system.

Developer: Tecplot Inc., 3535 Factoria Blvd. SE, Suite 550, Bellevue, WA 98006; (425) 653-1200; fax (425) 653-9200; www.tecplot.com.

Cost: $6,000, starting.

www.me.hotims.com/28783-73