KFX™ software

KFX/EXSIM is specifically developed for safety-related applications, addressing scenarios such as gas dispersion, fires, explosions, and other industrial challenges. Its features include the porosity technique, Lagrangian model for droplet releases, the ability to handle multiple simultaneous releases in a single model, and seamless integration with Finite Element software for structural response analysis. 

Extensive usage and testing in numerous industry studies, both by DNV and external customers, have established KFX as a robust and stable simulator. Furthermore, the software has been developed in close collaboration with industry partners to best understand and address industrial needs efficiently and accurately. Notably, ongoing advancements include an advanced liquid CO2 release model that accounts for complex thermodynamics, two-phase releases, dry-ice formation and deposition, as well as obstacles, terrain, and wind conditions.

The competence behind KFX/EXSIM is the result of four decades of focused research, continuous development of fire simulation software, and consultancy work within turbulent flow and combustion, with funding from industry and the Research Council of Norway. Widely used in the industry, KFX/EXSIM is a leading CFD simulator for dispersion, fire, and explosion simulations. Extensive validation has been conducted, ensuring accurate results, and ongoing validation is based on experiments carried out in DNV Spadedam and with industry partners. KFX includes advanced Lagrangian models for fire mitigation and extinction using various water systems. It is also seamlessly interfaced with the KFX Usfos finite element structure response code, enabling non-linear dynamic structural response analysis. Additionally, KFX offers powerful CAD and topography import capabilities, allowing for automatic conversion of CAD geometries and easy handling of electronic maps. DNV's collaboration with industry partners on Joint Industry Projects (JIPs) focused on hydrogen, ammonia, and CO2 safety further enhances the software, with research results from these projects being integrated into KFX.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is the use of numerical methods to analyse fluid flows, helping predict flow patterns, heat transfer and chemical reactions. It leverages algorithms and computational resources to simulate how fluids interact with physical boundaries. 

CFD software facilitates the simulation and analysis of fluid flow, allowing engineers to visualize and predict fluid dynamics in various environments. It includes tools for setting up simulations, solving fluid dynamics equations and visualizing the results for interpretation. 

Passive fire protection (PFP) refers to the use of materials and systems designed to prevent or slow the spread of fire, maintaining the structural integrity of equipment without active intervention. It includes coatings, fireproof cladding and insulation that provides thermal protection to maintain the equipment's functionality during a fire. 

Testing of the software includes:  

1. Verification of the consequence models to ensure that the code correctly solves the associated mathematical model  
2. Validation of the results against experimental data 
3. Sensitivity analysis by varying a large number of parameters to ensure overall robustness of the code 

DNV has produced a document describing the verification and validation process for the KFX/EXSIM software. This is available upon request. 

The recommended specification for KFX/EXSIM is as follows: 

No Citrix, Microsoft, Oracle VirtualBox, VMware virtualization tools, e.g. XP mode on Windows7, are supported.