SigmaPipe is a free "community service" (Windows-based) tool designed to help engineers solve fluid flow and heat transfer problems. It is a blend of standard engineering pressure drop/heat transfer calculations and 3D object programming (in a video game-like environment).  It provides an easy way to create pipe geometry combinations and solve for the resulting fluid flow and heat transfer.

For a general SigmaPipe overview:

1. Introductory Lecture (Imperial College, London 12th Dec 2016, duration 14 min)

2. Software Demonstration (Imperial College, London 12th Dec 2016, dur 30 min)

To see a more detailed "big picture" overview (Chemeca 2014 Conference Paper pdf) click here.  For a more in-depth review (Elsevier ECE January 2016 article link, written in collaboration with Curtin University and Monash University) click here.

This software can evaluate problems involving various fluid types (eg water/steam , air, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, methane etc) with standard piping in a number of common materials of construction (eg carbon steel, stainless steel and copper). Valves, orifice plates and venturi meters are available.  Single-phase and two- phase (gas/liquid) problems associated with heating, cooling and natural convection heat loss can be addressed. ΣPipe is also capable of evaluating thermal expansion in piping systems, and can be used to gauge heat transfer impacts of internal linings and external pipe cladding.

This software is useful to process designers and also to plant engineers who need to diagnose flow/heat transfer issues in existing equipment.  It also has an important role in engineering education.

Quick and easy (step-by-step) training material is provided to help new users. This training material can be downloaded as a series of PowerPoint files from the table at the bottom of the Download Instructions page.  To go there, click on the blue button (near the top of this page).  Scroll to the bottom and choose the modules you are interested in, then click to download.  

Low Pressure Air Distributor Example

Mixer, Heat Exchanger and Flash Vessel

Fire Water Distribution System

Small Air Conditioner