Nuclear Verification and Validation (V&V) of Fathom by Applied Flow Technology (AFT)
Applied Flow Technology sells Fathom, a flow software package, for the analysis of piping systems. This powerful software package performs flow analysis for piping systems. AFT provides Fathom with several optional add on modules to expand the functionality of the program. Fathom is provided as a commercial grade package.
The current V&V package available is for Fathom Version 7, Release 2011.07.06
Quality Assurance
Archon Engineering, PC has developed a Verification and Validation package for Fathom and its Goal Seek and Control (GSC) and Extended Time Simulation (XTS) modules. This package was developed under Archon's 10CFR50 Appendix B, and ASME NQA-1, 1994 QA program. Thus, Archon is able to provide this package via a Nuclear Safety Related Purchase Order to Nuclear Clients.
Commercial Grade Dedication
To use software for nuclear safety related analysis, the software must be either purchased from a 10CFR50 Appendix B supplier, or it must be commercially dedicated. Commercial software to be used for safety related applications is considered a basic component, and as such must undergo a Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD).
ASME NQA-1 provides guidance on verifying software for safety related use and Archon’s V&V package becomes an integral part of the CDG process.
More about Commercial Grade Dedication
Pricing
The initial fees will entitle the customer to updates to the V&V package for one year (Archon will update the V&V package approximately twice a year to the latest Fathom version at that time). The initial fees are:
- Fathom (Basic Module): $24,000
- Fathom GSC Module (optional): $3,000
- Fathom XTS Module (optional): $3,000
A subscription is available to maintain upgrades beyond the first year. The cost for the subscriptions are:
- Fathom (Basic Module): $7,200
- Fathom GSC Module (optional): $600
- Fathom XTS Module (optional): $600
The V&V package is considered proprietary and may only be copied and distributed for the user’s internal use at a single site. For use at additional sites, V&V package is available at a 50% discount of the above prices.
V&V Package Details
The V&V report will as a minimum verify the following:
- Fathom's database file (Fathom7.dat dated 5/23/2008) is accurate for the following items:
~Steam and Water properties (density, viscosity, vapor pressure)
~Pipe sizes (diameters, thickness)
~Pipe roughness
~Fitting loss data
- That flow, and pressures are accurately calculated using Fathom's pipe and junction features. Each junction type will be checked against manual calculations for the different user options provided by Fathom.
- Heat Transfer (Fluid and pipe wall temperatures, heat rate, heat flux, etc.) are accurately calculated from user supplied thermo-physical data (i.e. thermal conductivity of pipe and insulation data, etc.)
- The Goal Seek and Control (GSC) module will be evaluated to determine that it produces correct and accurate results for the different Goal and Variable options Fathom provides (optional for GSC module only)
- The Extended Time Simulation (XTS) module will be evaluated to determine it produces correct and accurate results for the time triggering scenarios that Fathom provides (optional for XTS module only)
The V&V document will also include a summary of all errors or limitations of the software identified as a result of the V&V.