Webinar - Understanding the Advantages of Kenexis Plume Modeling

Advancements in computer modeling have significantly improved the state of the art in fire and gas detector placement and configuration. These models reduce uncertainty by simulating a wide range of release scenarios that reflect real-world conditions. They also incorporate the physical properties of fuels and gases in ways that prescriptive methods and rules of thumb cannot fully address.

Despite these technological advances, fire and gas mapping remains a specialized practice undertaken by relatively few engineers. The field demands extensive training, and typical projects require days or weeks of simulation work. Additionally, the shortage of qualified engineers and the high demands placed on them often deter organizations from assigning simulation-based engineering tasks.

To address these challenges, the company has developed Effigy™ engineering simulation software specifically designed by practitioners for practitioners. Built on over 15 years of project experience, the application is actively used by engineers to meet the technical rigor of real-world fire and gas system design. It also functions as a collaborative platform, enabling teams to work together effectively across disciplines and locations.

Effigy™ aligns with the workflow outlined in the International Society of Automation’s technical report ISA-TR84.00.07-2018 (Guidance on the Evaluation of Fire and Gas System Effectiveness), the industry’s leading methodology for performance-based design. At its core is a patented plume modeling engine that accurately calculates flame detection coverage and enables precise, optimized detector placement. For facilities with complex piping and partially obstructed environments, plume modeling minimizes the number of detectors required while maintaining effective coverage. Hosted on Microsoft Azure, the application performs complex simulations in minutes, dramatically reducing analysis time.