What is EFFECTS?
  • 31 Oct 2024
  • 2 Minutes to read

What is EFFECTS?


Article summary

EFFECTS by Gexcon is an advanced consequence modelling software that helps predict the outcomes of accidental releases of hazardous chemicals. Known for its easy-to-use interface, EFFECTS uses internationally recognised scientific simulations to provide clear and reliable results. The software is based on established theories from the Yellow Book and Green Book and has been continuously enhanced with recent research and new models.

Key calculations in EFFECTS include:

  • Heat radiation from fires (Pool Fires, Jet Fires, BLEVEs, etc.)

  • Overpressure from explosions (Vapour Cloud Explosions, Solid Explosions, etc.)

  • Toxic concentration/dose from dispersing clouds.

Dispersion simulation in EFFECTS

Dispersion simulation in EFFECTS 

What makes EFFECTS suitable for safety professionals?

EFFECTS is built on decades of research and international standards, making it a reliable tool for safety professionals. The software provides comprehensive consequence assessments for various substances, including toxic or flammable gases, liquefied gases, and liquids.

What scenarios can EFFECTS model?

EFFECTS offers over 70 advanced models to simulate various scenarios, such as leaks, catastrophic ruptures, explosions, toxic dispersions, and fires, among others. Users can analyse individual models or combine them to gain a comprehensive understanding of potential incidents.

Can EFFECTS adapt to both detailed and broad analysis requirements?

EFFECTS leverages the extensively validated DIPPR chemical database, which includes over 2200 chemical components, and allows users to define custom chemicals and mixtures. Moreover, the software supports detailed Vapour Cloud Explosion calculations by defining 3D congestion areas and assessing physical damage and fatalities through vulnerable areas on a map.

How does EFFECTS accommodate different levels of user expertise?

EFFECTS is designed for both experienced and occasional users. Experts value the software's flexibility in adjusting input parameters, while newcomers find the user interface intuitive and easy to navigate. The "Combined models" feature simplifies the evaluation of Loss of Containment (LoC) events, making the process efficient for all user levels.

Are the results from EFFECTS reliable?

EFFECTS is based on the Coloured Books, an internationally recognised standard for safety analysis. The software is continuously enhanced and validated to ensure accurate analysis, including for emerging energy applications.

Developed by Gexcon, a leader in safety and risk management, EFFECTS guarantees reliable, comprehensive, and accurate analysis. Gexcon’s expertise in advanced dispersion, explosion, and fire modelling ensures the software’s robustness and reliability.

How does EFFECTS facilitate sharing data and results?

EFFECTS features a user-friendly interface with an integrated GIS environment, allowing seamless integration with Microsoft Office™ and Google Earth® for professional presentations.

Heat radiation contours exported from EFFECTS to Google Earth®

Heat radiation contours exported from EFFECTS to Google Earth®

How does EFFECTS accommodate different budget needs?

EFFECTS offers flexible pricing and licensing options, including cloud-based solutions, making it accessible for both large corporations and specialised engineering firms. This flexibility ensures that all organisations can benefit from the advanced capabilities of EFFECTS, regardless of their size.

Is EFFECTS applicable to new energy carrier applications?

EFFECTS includes advanced models for dispersion, fire, and explosion to support a safe energy transition. The software accurately models the unique properties of substances like hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide (for Carbon Capture and Storage) and is validated extensively against experimental data. A detailed validation report can be accessed by our users in the EFFECTS & RISKCURVES download centre.


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