Ventus

Pressurization studies for smoke control solutions

Build 3D pressure zone models for stairwells, atrium spaces, and underground buildings using CONTAM-X in a modern UI.

Take confidence in smoke control simulation

Build zone geometry and flow paths painlessly.
Edit your 3D model with an efficient and intuitive interface.
Manage multiple scenarios and avoid errors.

View Ventus Features

Deliver pressurization answers from your existing building information.

Import CAD geometry

Import 3D models or 2D floorplans to build geometry. Build real-scale 3D models and not abstract schematics. Measurements from PDF are unnecessary.

Design simulations in 3D

See see the entire building in a single view. Direct visualization of flow path connections. See how zones/rooms connect to others, and to exterior ambient conditions.

Simulate multiple ambient conditions

Easily compare results for varying outdoor conditions. Maintain multiple simulation configurations for sensitivity analyses and multiple scenarios.

Deliver answers quickly

Simulations often run to completion in seconds. Data tables provide an interface for sorting and filtering results. Tabular data can be easily copied into report documents.

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Documentation and tutorials ready to help you advance

Start delivering better results now

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CONTAM-X + Ventus

Why Ventus?

Ventus is designed to provide a static pressurization simulation for smoke control analysis, along with transient species tracking throughout a building. The simulation is performed by CONTAM-X maintained and developed by NIST.

Like PyroSim and FDS, Ventus provides a premium user experience for industry leading CONTAM simulation software. By utilizing our expertise in delivering 3D modeling applications for fire protection engineering and a continuous development process, Ventus will exceed the demands of CONTAM users who want to accelerate their smoke control projects.

A Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) might choose to use Ventus over CONTAM-W for several reasons:

  • Ventus learning curve is less steep compared to CONTAM-W, enabling new users to become proficient more quickly.
  • Ventus allows users to build 3D models of pressure zones based on actual building geometry.
  • Ventus can import BIM data in the form of IFC files. This allows for exports from tools like Autodesk Revit to become a source of truth for Ventus geometry.
  • Ventus manages multi-variable scenarios for simplified batch simulation and analysis.
  • Ventus tabulates results data for multiple scenarios into data tabs within the UI, CSV data exports, and 3D visuals.
  • Ventus provides superior visualization capabilities, allowing engineers to quickly view results and gather outputs from their simulated scenarios.

Whether for stairwells, atriums, or underground buildings, proper air handling systems must be designed for pressurized smoke control in case of emergency. Ventus provides a clear and efficient path from modeling a building to understanding temperatures, pressures, densities, and contaminants, so that the proper solution can be reached.

It's important to note that the choice between Ventus and CONTAM-W will depend on the specific needs of the project and the preferences of the engineer. Each tool has its strengths and the best option may vary from one scenario to another.

Thunderhead Engineering supports you every step of the way. Through extensive online documenation and self-directed tutorials, you can learn performance-based design modeling with greater efficiency and proficiency. We design our software for anyone to learn, and our customers are delighted when our support team helps them succeed.

Pricing

License types to meet your needs, no hidden fees

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