Quick Overview
- 1#1: AFT Fathom - Provides comprehensive steady-state analysis of liquid piping systems including pumps, valves, and heat exchangers.
- 2#2: Pipe Flow Expert - Designs and analyzes pipe networks with pressure drop, flow rates, and sizing calculations for liquids and gases.
- 3#3: EPANET - Models hydraulic and water quality behavior in pressurized pipe networks for water distribution systems.
- 4#4: FluidFlow - Performs rapid flow and pressure drop calculations for complex pipe networks in process plants.
- 5#5: PIPE-FLO - Analyzes fluid flow, pressure losses, and equipment sizing in piping and duct systems.
- 6#6: WaterGEMS - Advanced hydraulic modeling software for water distribution and wastewater networks.
- 7#7: KYPipe - Engineers pipe networks for water, wastewater, gas, and fire flow analysis.
- 8#8: Pipenet - Offers steady-state and transient analysis for safety-critical pipework systems.
- 9#9: AFT Impulse - Simulates transient incompressible flow events like waterhammer in piping systems.
- 10#10: FlowCalc360 - Cloud-based calculator for pipe sizing, pressure drop, and flow rate computations.
Tools were evaluated based on feature depth (e.g., multi-fluid modeling, transient simulation), software reliability, usability, and practical value, ensuring they cater to diverse needs in water distribution, process plants, and industrial systems.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading pipe flow software options, such as AFT Fathom, Pipe Flow Expert, EPANET, FluidFlow, PIPE-FLO, and more, to highlight key features and capabilities. Readers will learn how each tool performs across common applications, aiding in informed selection for design, analysis, or maintenance projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AFT Fathom Provides comprehensive steady-state analysis of liquid piping systems including pumps, valves, and heat exchangers. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Pipe Flow Expert Designs and analyzes pipe networks with pressure drop, flow rates, and sizing calculations for liquids and gases. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | EPANET Models hydraulic and water quality behavior in pressurized pipe networks for water distribution systems. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 4 | FluidFlow Performs rapid flow and pressure drop calculations for complex pipe networks in process plants. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | PIPE-FLO Analyzes fluid flow, pressure losses, and equipment sizing in piping and duct systems. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | WaterGEMS Advanced hydraulic modeling software for water distribution and wastewater networks. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | KYPipe Engineers pipe networks for water, wastewater, gas, and fire flow analysis. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Pipenet Offers steady-state and transient analysis for safety-critical pipework systems. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | AFT Impulse Simulates transient incompressible flow events like waterhammer in piping systems. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | FlowCalc360 Cloud-based calculator for pipe sizing, pressure drop, and flow rate computations. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
Provides comprehensive steady-state analysis of liquid piping systems including pumps, valves, and heat exchangers.
Designs and analyzes pipe networks with pressure drop, flow rates, and sizing calculations for liquids and gases.
Models hydraulic and water quality behavior in pressurized pipe networks for water distribution systems.
Performs rapid flow and pressure drop calculations for complex pipe networks in process plants.
Analyzes fluid flow, pressure losses, and equipment sizing in piping and duct systems.
Advanced hydraulic modeling software for water distribution and wastewater networks.
Engineers pipe networks for water, wastewater, gas, and fire flow analysis.
Offers steady-state and transient analysis for safety-critical pipework systems.
Simulates transient incompressible flow events like waterhammer in piping systems.
Cloud-based calculator for pipe sizing, pressure drop, and flow rate computations.
AFT Fathom
enterpriseProvides comprehensive steady-state analysis of liquid piping systems including pumps, valves, and heat exchangers.
Scenario Manager for seamless what-if analysis and comparison of unlimited design alternatives with automated parameter sweeps and graphical results overlays
AFT Fathom is a premier steady-state simulation software for incompressible liquid flow in complex piping and ducting systems, enabling engineers to model, analyze, and optimize network performance. It accurately simulates pumps, valves, fittings, heat exchangers, and control systems while accounting for fluid properties, elevation changes, and system dynamics. Widely used in water/wastewater, power generation, oil & gas, and process industries, it supports design validation, troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance through detailed hydraulic calculations and reporting.
Pros
- Exceptionally robust solver handles the most complex looped networks, deadheads, and multi-outlet systems with high accuracy
- Vast libraries of fluids, pipes, pumps, and devices, plus easy customization and Excel integration for data import/export
- Advanced tools like Scenario Manager, Goal Seeking, and automated sizing for rapid design iteration and optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve requires engineering expertise and training for full proficiency
- Primarily Windows-based with no native Mac/Linux support
- High upfront cost may deter small firms or solo consultants
Best For
Professional engineers and engineering firms designing or analyzing large-scale industrial liquid piping systems in water, energy, and process sectors.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$7,500 for standard edition, up to $15,000+ for premium modules; annual maintenance ~18-20% of license fee; academic and volume discounts available.
Pipe Flow Expert
specializedDesigns and analyzes pipe networks with pressure drop, flow rates, and sizing calculations for liquids and gases.
Intelligent automatic balancing of flows in looped networks using iterative solving algorithms
Pipe Flow Expert is a comprehensive software tool for designing, analyzing, and optimizing pipe networks transporting liquids such as water, chemicals, and oils. It models complex systems with pipes, fittings, pumps, valves, and tanks, calculating flow rates, pressures, velocities, and head losses using established engineering equations like Darcy-Weisbach and Colebrook-White. The software supports both simple and looped networks, aiding applications in HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and industrial processes.
Pros
- Powerful solver for complex looped networks with automatic flow balancing
- Extensive library of fittings, valves, and manufacturer pump curves
- High-quality isometric drawings and customizable reports for documentation
Cons
- Limited to steady-state analysis without full transient capabilities
- Windows-only platform with no native Mac or Linux support
- Steep initial learning curve for non-expert users
Best For
Professional engineers and designers handling pressurized pipe systems in industrial, HVAC, or plumbing projects requiring precise hydraulic analysis.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $1,295 for Pipe Flow Software basic version and $2,495 for full Expert version; annual support optional.
EPANET
otherModels hydraulic and water quality behavior in pressurized pipe networks for water distribution systems.
Advanced extended-period water quality simulation with reactive contaminant tracking
EPANET is a public domain software application developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for simulating the hydraulic and water quality behavior of pressurized water distribution piping systems. It supports extended-period simulations, including steady-state and dynamic analysis of flows, pressures, and contaminant transport in networks with pipes, junctions, pumps, valves, and tanks. Widely used in the water industry, it provides detailed reports on system performance, energy usage, and fire flow capabilities.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Robust hydraulic and water quality modeling validated by EPA standards
- Extensive input/output options and integration with GIS tools
Cons
- Outdated graphical user interface feels clunky by modern standards
- Steep learning curve requiring familiarity with network modeling concepts
- Primarily focused on water distribution, less flexible for other pipe flow scenarios like wastewater or gas
Best For
Civil engineers and water utility professionals modeling municipal drinking water distribution networks.
Pricing
Free (public domain software, no cost for download or use)
FluidFlow
enterprisePerforms rapid flow and pressure drop calculations for complex pipe networks in process plants.
Advanced multiphase flow modeling with built-in erosion/corrosion predictions
FluidFlow by Wood is a robust steady-state pipe flow simulation software used for designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting complex piping systems in industries like oil & gas, chemicals, and power generation. It excels in modeling single-phase liquids, gases, multiphase flows, slurries, and non-Newtonian fluids, providing detailed pressure drop calculations, equipment sizing, and energy optimization. The software features an extensive component database and supports both metric and imperial units for global engineering teams.
Pros
- Extensive library of over 1,700 validated components and fluids
- Accurate handling of multiphase, slurry, and non-Newtonian flows
- Automated equipment sizing and pump selection tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Windows-only desktop application with no cloud option
- High upfront cost with additional fees for modules
Best For
Experienced process engineers in industrial sectors requiring precise modeling of complex, multiphase piping networks.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$10,000-$25,000 depending on modules, plus annual maintenance (~20%)
PIPE-FLO
enterpriseAnalyzes fluid flow, pressure losses, and equipment sizing in piping and duct systems.
Integrated pump manufacturer performance curves for precise equipment sizing and selection
PIPE-FLO is a specialized engineering software from Revalize Software for steady-state analysis of piping systems in water, wastewater, HVAC, fire protection, and industrial applications. It enables users to model complex pipe networks, calculate flows, pressures, pump performance, and energy losses using intuitive graphical tools. The software supports incompressible fluids, extensive equipment libraries, and detailed reporting for design validation and troubleshooting.
Pros
- Accurate steady-state simulations with robust hydraulic calculations
- Extensive library of pumps, valves, and fittings from manufacturers
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface for building complex networks
Cons
- Lacks integrated transient analysis (requires separate PIPE-FLO Transient module)
- Steep initial learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing is enterprise-oriented and not ideal for individual users
Best For
Professional engineers and engineering firms handling design, optimization, and troubleshooting of industrial and municipal piping systems.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses or annual subscriptions; pricing on request, typically starting at $5,000+ depending on modules and users.
WaterGEMS
enterpriseAdvanced hydraulic modeling software for water distribution and wastewater networks.
Seamless bi-directional integration with AutoCAD, MicroStation, and ArcGIS for modeling directly in familiar environments
WaterGEMS by Bentley Systems is a powerful hydraulic modeling software designed for water distribution and wastewater collection systems, enabling detailed simulation of pipe networks under steady-state, extended-period, and transient conditions. It supports fire flow analysis, water quality modeling, and system optimization, making it ideal for municipal engineers planning and managing large-scale infrastructure. The software integrates seamlessly with CAD, GIS, and BIM platforms for enhanced data visualization and scenario management.
Pros
- Comprehensive hydraulic analysis including transients and water hammer
- Strong GIS and CAD integration for real-world data import/export
- Advanced calibration and optimization tools using genetic algorithms
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High subscription costs prohibitive for small firms
- Primarily optimized for water systems, less flexible for other fluids
Best For
Large engineering firms and municipal utilities managing complex water distribution networks requiring robust simulation and integration.
Pricing
Annual CONNECT subscription starting at around $5,000 USD, scaling up with user seats and advanced modules.
KYPipe
specializedEngineers pipe networks for water, wastewater, gas, and fire flow analysis.
Industry-leading dynamic surge analysis for predicting and mitigating pressure transients
KYPipe is a professional-grade pipe flow analysis software specializing in hydraulic modeling for water distribution, wastewater, fire protection, and industrial piping systems. It excels in both steady-state simulations and advanced dynamic transient analysis, including water hammer and surge protection. The software offers a graphical interface for network design, supports EPANET compatibility, and includes modules for gas, steam, and CO2 systems.
Pros
- Powerful transient surge and water hammer analysis
- Intuitive graphical editor with GIS integration
- Broad compatibility with EPANET and industry standards
Cons
- High upfront licensing costs
- Steep learning curve for advanced modules
- Windows-only with limited cloud options
Best For
Professional engineers and utilities handling complex water/wastewater networks needing precise transient simulations.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses starting at ~$4,995 for core modules, up to $15,000+ for advanced bundles; annual maintenance ~15-20%.
Pipenet
enterpriseOffers steady-state and transient analysis for safety-critical pipework systems.
Advanced transient module for slug flow and compressor surge prediction in gas networks
Pipenet is a specialized pipe flow analysis software for simulating steady-state and transient fluid flow in complex pipe networks. It excels in handling both incompressible liquids like water and compressible gases in applications such as oil & gas pipelines, water distribution, and fire protection systems. The software offers modular design with tools for network modeling, pump and valve sizing, and surge analysis, supported by a user-friendly graphical interface.
Pros
- Powerful transient analysis including water hammer and gas surges
- Versatile for both liquid and gas networks with accurate solvers
- Intuitive graphical network builder and reporting tools
Cons
- Higher cost for full modular suite
- Learning curve for advanced transient features
- Limited integration with CAD/BIM compared to competitors
Best For
Pipeline engineers in oil & gas or utilities requiring detailed transient flow simulations.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$4,000 per module; annual maintenance ~20%; contact for enterprise quotes.
AFT Impulse
enterpriseSimulates transient incompressible flow events like waterhammer in piping systems.
Advanced dynamic simulation of waterhammer and pressure surge propagation with automated surge suppression design
AFT Impulse is specialized pipe flow software designed for transient incompressible flow analysis in piping and ducting systems. It excels at simulating waterhammer, pressure surges, and dynamic system responses to events like pump startups, valve operations, or sudden demands. Used across industries such as oil & gas, power generation, and water utilities, it helps engineers design safer, more reliable piping networks by predicting and mitigating transient effects.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy in transient simulations including waterhammer and surge analysis
- Comprehensive library of components like pumps, valves, and control systems
- Powerful visualization tools and scenario comparison for optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex engineering-focused interface
- High cost limits accessibility for smaller firms or basic steady-state needs
- Less emphasis on steady-state analysis compared to general pipe flow tools
Best For
Pipeline engineers in high-stakes industries requiring precise transient flow analysis for surge protection and system safety.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start around $7,500 with annual maintenance fees of 20%; volume discounts and subscriptions available upon quote.
FlowCalc360
specializedCloud-based calculator for pipe sizing, pressure drop, and flow rate computations.
360° suite of interconnected calculators that link pipe sizing, pump selection, and expansion calculations seamlessly
FlowCalc360 is a web-based engineering calculator suite specializing in pipe flow, pressure drop, and fluid dynamics computations for pipes, fittings, pumps, and valves. It supports a wide array of fluids, pipe materials, and standards like Darcy-Weisbach and Hazen-Williams, enabling quick sizing and analysis for HVAC, plumbing, and industrial applications. The platform offers over 50 specialized calculators, making it a handy tool for everyday hydraulic engineering tasks without requiring full network simulation software.
Pros
- Intuitive web interface with mobile compatibility for on-the-go calculations
- Comprehensive library of 50+ flow calculators covering diverse scenarios
- Accurate results based on industry standards with unit flexibility
Cons
- Lacks advanced network modeling or transient flow analysis
- Requires internet access and subscription for full features
- Limited customization and reporting options compared to desktop alternatives
Best For
Freelance engineers and consultants needing fast, single-line or component-based pipe flow calculations without complex simulation needs.
Pricing
Free basic calculators; Pro subscription starts at $9.99/month or $99/year for unlimited access and advanced tools.
Conclusion
The reviewed pipe flow software offers diverse solutions, with AFT Fathom leading as the top choice for comprehensive steady-state analysis of liquid piping systems. Pipe Flow Expert and EPANET stand out as strong alternatives, excelling in network design and water quality modeling respectively, catering to varied user needs. Each tool provides unique value, ensuring there's a fit for every project requirement.
Explore AFT Fathom to leverage its robust capabilities for your piping system analysis, or dive into Pipe Flow Expert or EPANET if they align better with your specific project needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison