Alph Comes to the iPad!

Version 1.3 of Alph is now a "Universal" app that will run natively on either the iPhone/iPod Touch or the iPad. The extra screen real estate on the iPad allows the information flow diagram to always be visible, with other windows opening over top of it. The functionality is identical on both devices, but the iPad definitely is nicer to work on.

This version also introduces a function solver tool which will use the Brent (single equation) or Broyden (multiple equations) methods to alter its outputs until the input formulas equate to zero. This allows the solution of both simple adjust functions and complex multiple recycle problems to be automated.

Free no more?

The base version of Alph now includes the tower tool, compounds C1-nC10, iC4, iC5, N2, CO2, H2S and water, but it now costs $19.99 or your local currency equivalent. Alph Jr continues as a free application with all tools, but limited to just C1-nC10. Having the base version of Alph less capable than Alph Jr. just didn't seem to make sense.

The compound options have also been consolidated into larger groups and an Alph Professional option in the Alph Store will upgrade Alph to have all available features.

Other changes include:

• Interface changes - the Information Flow Diagram takes on a more central role.
• Formula enhancements - added trig functions, max and min functions and even an if and a not function.
• Polytropic Efficiency is now calculated by the compressor/expander tool.
• And of course numerous miscellaneous fixes

Please see the revisions page of the manual for more complete descriptions.

Craig Morris 2010-07-06
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