Alden’s Air & Gas Modeling group is responsible for the physical and computational fluid dynamic modeling of gas flow systems. For the last few years, the majority of this work has centered on the modeling of air pollution control systems such as SCRs, ESPs, baghouses, wet and dry FGD systems, ductwork, and wet stacks for the utility power generation industry.
Recent increases in the industry’s demand for gas flow modeling services put a significant strain on our resources, and in some instances, on our ability to meet schedules. In response to this increased demand, Alden has made a significant commitment to increase the size of its Air and Gas Modeling Group, as well as its facilities.
As a result of this commitment, the Air & Gas Modeling Group is the fastest-growing group at Alden. From a staff of four in 2004, the group has, through selective hiring, expanded to a full-time staff of 18 engineers, technicians, and support personnel -- including an Administrative Assistant who keeps it all running smoothly.
Our facilities have also been growing to keep pace with our increasing staff and work load. A wing of our main Engineering building has been completely renovated to accommodate the increased size of the Air & Gas Modeling Group.
Recent facility improvements in the flow model test laboratory include modernization of power tools and expansion of the shop area used for model construction; the addition of two new computer-controlled data acquisition systems; significant upgrades and expansions to our hot wire anemometer system; and migration of the laboratory’s data acquisition and computer systems to a wireless network.
The group’s fastest-growing modeling area is in the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Computational modeling at Alden is performed using ‘Fluent’, one of the world’s leading CFD codes. Alden is the country’s largest private consulting company using this code. In conjunction with our Numeric and Hydraulic Modeling Groups, Alden has eleven engineers (four with PhDs), performing CFD modeling, which provides significant depth to our expertise in this area. Our network of high-end multi-processor computer workstations is continually updated and expanded to keep pace with the demand for CFD modeling. It also incorporates the latest technologies, including the recent addition of an eight-processor computing cluster.
Alden has made a commitment to meet the needs of our clients, and by increasing the size and improving the facilities of our Air & Gas Modeling Group, we plan on remaining the leading provider of flow modeling services to the power generation industry.
David K. Anderson
June 8, 2007
