Many process flows have been designed using proven empirical engineering relationships. However, with climate change upon us, increased process efficiency is a vital component in the fight against global warming.

This 3D animation shows a twin fan blowing air. Pathlines coloured by velocity magnitude show the direction of the flow inside the enclosed fan and dusctwork. From a black box prespective, the flows are not perfect but meet specifications. Examination of the intertal flow structures, only possible using CFD modelling, show potential large areas of flow recirculation, resulting in decreased energy efficiency.

CFD modelling allows a process engineer to peer inside the steel and aluminium structures to reveal the complex interactions that occur in the most mundane operations.