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Problem Statement: How does Aspen DMC3 or DMC plus applications calculate the dynamic weights for a CV? | Solution: For the default dynamic optimization algorithm (DYNOPT = 0 - not use time varying ECEs), DMCplus calculates the dynamic weight for a CV as an average over the CV trajectory. The controller makes an assumption (simplified) assumption of the CV response/prediction and calculates the average ECE/dynamic weight based on this simplified response. Once the average dynamic weight is calculated, the controller uses this information to calculate the MV move plan, which then gives us the final/actual CV response. The simplified dynamic response of a CV is kept internal to the engine and is not published to be accessible to the user.
Consider for example a controller with TTSS of 180 mins and one of the CVs whose simplified dynamic response suggest that the CV will violate an operator limit beyond T = 100. Also consider that the Mid ECE for the CV is 10^6 (dynamic Weight = 0) and High ECE is 1 (dynamic weight = 1). With the overall prediction trajectory being 180 mins (1.5 X TTSS), the violation is occurring for nearly 0.5 X TTSS. If we calculate the average weight over this time period, it comes out to be (approximately) (100 X 0 + 80 X 1) / 180 = 0.44, which would be the number displayed in the PRT file for the controller. This calculated average weight is then used over the entire prediction horizon to perform the dynamic move plan calculations.
Here is an additional example describing how different values of DYNOPT parameter impacts the CV control.
This is a simple example showing the differences of dynopt (move plan options) when time-varying dynamic ECEs (1 and 3) are used, where the dynamic CV weighting varies along the horizon based on the value of the CV.
Using a simple 2x1 example:
Access the simulation node, select controller, run the simulation in close loop with dynopt 0 until it reaches SS:
Change CV1 operator limits to 3.5 to force a setpoint change. Step the simulation once:
Change dynopt from 0 to 1 and step once:
With DynOpt 3 we have:
Keywords: DYNOPT
Dynamic weights
Average ECE
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can I get brief description of the Options tab features in integrator settings in Aspen HYSYS Dynamics? | Solution: The following features are available under Options tab in integrator settings (Simulation/Integrator/Options)
Enable static head contributions should be selected if user wants Aspen HYSYS to calculate the static head for unit operations with holdup, considering the equipment holdup, the geometry, and elevation of any attached nozzles.
Rigorous non equilibrium mixed properties should be selected to get more accuracy from the simulation predictions. However, when the Reduce recycle efficiencies for small time steps option is selected, instabilities can occur.
Model choking liquid inside the valve option activates the model liquid choking option for all of the valves.
Use implicit check valve model option should be selected to ensure the complete elimination of reverse flow in check valves. If this option is cleared, reverse flow may occur for one time step before the check valve kicks in and stops the reverse flow.
Reduce recycle efficiency for small timesteps check box: By default, Aspen HYSYS assumes composition and flash computations to take place every 5 seconds. Lowering this value may result in stability issues, since the fictitious holdup recycle streams may increase excessively. An internal reduction of their efficiency will overcome this effect.
Close component material and energy balances check box: Material and energy balances will not take place at the component level in Aspen HYSYS because of performance reasons unless you select this option. For most applications, this may go unnoticed. Important exceptions are refrigeration cycles and depressuring utilities, where an evolution in the number of moles at the component level may be observed over time.
Autoadapt recycle rate of heat exchangers check box: When the holdup of heat exchangers is increased with respect to its default value or its integration step is made too small, you will encounter extremely large holdup recycle streams that may severely distort the temperature profile. Selecting the Autoadapt recycle rate of heat exchangers check box may help, but a preferable choice is to assign to the exchanger an integrating rate more in accordance with its residence time.
Keywords: integrator settings, integrator options etc;
References: None |
Problem Statement: What to do if network license is not getting hosted as server? | Solution: After proper license file installation, while hosting the license as server in configure window, if any warning / error message like “Server not running or disconnected, please verify the license server is running on the specified machine. Do you still wish to add the server?” is seen, ensure IP address or server name of the host machine is correct.
If both the IP address and Server host name are correct, check if any Antivirus program or application is installed in the host machine.
If any antivirus program is installed and active, try to disable the antivirus program temporarily for hosting the license and retry to host the license once again from configure window.
If the same warning message is seen again, then uninstall the antivirus program, restart the machine (if prompted) and configure the license server from configure window. License server will get hosted without any error message.
Keywords: SLM, Configure, Unable to host license server, Antivirus, IP address, Server Name
References: None |
Problem Statement: If a GDOT application loses connection to the license server, the below error message will be issued in GDOT Console:
“License lost; application will terminate in X days, X hours” | Solution: GDOT applications V11.0 or later, Optimiser or Data Reconciliation, will continue running through the grace period of 10 days. The Optimiser, Model Update, and Data Reconciliation processes will check every execution cycle.
During the grace period, if the connection to the license server is restored, then GDOT will automatically re-acquire the licenses and will reset the grace period. If the grace period expires, the applications will terminate and cannot be successfully restarted until the license server is available.
Aspen Unified GDOT by design does not support for any grace period at V12.1.
SLM_RN_GDOT_ONLAPP key is for online optimizer and SLM_RN_UNIF_GDOT for Aspen Unified.
Note: There is no grace period for the Excel GDOT Model Add-in.
Keywords: GDOT, Optimiser, Data Reconciliation, Model Update, Aspen Unified
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the purpose of the Dynamics Tuning Manager? | Solution: Pressure-Flow solver failures in dynamics are most caused due to very low or zero flows. To avoid solver failures and improve robustness, the Dynamics Tuning Manager provides options for modifying your dynamic model, helping ensure uninterrupted integrator performance.
Users can:
Select a section of the PFD and set up actions that are triggered when a failure-prone scenario is encountered. For example, select a section that HYSYS will automatically ignore when it approaches low flow. This section is automatically restored when it recovers from low flow.
Manually ignore a section of the PFD when the integrator is running.
Modify the scaling of differential equations for the selected objects in the PFD area to relax or tighten theSolution accuracy for that section of the flowsheet.
Keywords: Dynamics Tuning Manager, Low-Flow PFD area
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between log mean temperature difference (LMTD) and Uncorrected LMTD? | Solution: Uncorrected LMTD is applicable only for the Simple Weighted or Simple End Point exchanger models. It is calculated in terms of the temperature approaches (terminal temperature differences) in the exchanger, using the Equation shown below:
where: ∆T1 = Thot, out - Tcold, in and ∆T2 = Thot, in - Tcold, out
Note that when the Use Ft check box is cleared, this appears as <empty>.
LMTD is basically the uncorrected LMTD multiplied by the Ft factor.
When the Use Ft check box is cleared for the Simple Weighted or Simple End Point model, this is equal to the Uncorrected LMTD.
Keywords: Heat Exchanger, Performance, LMTD,Uncorrected LMTD
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to use a tube bundle heat exchanger in a 2-phase separator or 3-phase separator?
It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the basic configuration steps require to build a dynamic simulation using Aspen HYSYS. | Solution: User can install tube bundle inside a separator to heat or cool the content of vessel fluid. This option is only applicable for dynamic simulation. This can be added via the Heat Exchanger page in the Dynamics tab. See a screenshot below.
When the tube bundle Radio button is selected then this will automatically create connections for tube feed, tube outlet and an optional vapour product outlet. See the connection page in the Design tab.
Specify the connections for tube feed, tube liquid product and optional tube vapour product. Finally, configure the tube bundle in the Heat Exchanger page via the Dynamics tab as shown below.
The separator PFD after the configuration is shown in the screenshot below.
Keywords: Tube bundle, separator, heat exchanger
References: None |
Problem Statement: When simulating a shell & tube exchanger in EDR, why is the shell side velocity reported as zero when there is fluid flow? | Solution: The shell side velocity reported is the crossflow velocity. When there are no true crossflow regions between baffles, this velocity will be reported as zero.
In such cases, typically Input warning 1077 will be flagged that indicates that there are no true crossflow regions between baffles. If user increases the number of baffles, velocity will be calculated and reported on the shell side.
Keywords: Input warning 1077, velocity, shell side
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do you include valve stickiness in Aspen HYSYS dynamic simulation? | Solution: In reality, the valve does not respond instantaneously to changes in the actuator. A first order lag can be modeled in the response of the actual valve position to changes in the actuator position. The behavior of the valve percent opening as a function of the actuator position is shown as follows:
The valve stickiness time constant is specified in the Valve Stickiness Time Constant cell. The offset can be specified in the Valve Position section. If the valve stickiness time constant is left empty, the time constant value is assumed to be zero.
If the Valve has Worn Trim checkbox has been selected, an offset is added to the right hand side of the above equation. This offset disallows the valve percent opening to fully close.
Keywords: Valve Stickiness, Valve Worn Trim
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between the Pressure Flow Relation and Use Modified Pressure-Flow Eq the valve Dynamic Specifications? | Solution: Pressure Flow Relation option is the default dynamic spec and in dynamics, the suggested mode of operation for the Valve is the Pressure Flow specification.
The Use Modified Pressure-Flow Eq. option is selected, to enhance the robustness of the simulation, in case the process conditions around the valve change rapidly. This potentially eliminates the need to reduce the integrator time step to capture rapid transients around the valve, allowing for a faster dynamic simulation.
Please see the table below for the other differences between the two dynamic options.
Dynamic Specification Applicable Valve Sizing Methods K Value Damp Factor Sizing Method Parameters
C1, Km, and Cg parameters
Pressure Flow Relation
(Default and suggested mode
Manufacturer specific methods
Simple resistance equation
ANSI/ISA method
Can be applied and have effect on the calculations. Can be applied and have effect on the calculations.
Use Modified Pressure-Flow Eq.
ANSI/ISA method only
Please note that if you chose a different Sizing Method (i.e. Manufacturer specific methods or Simple resistance equation), the flow and pressures may change when you select the Use Modified Pressure-Flow Eq. check box. This is because the valve model switches to ANSI/ISA internally. Are not applicable and have no effect on the calculations. Are not applicable and have no effect on the calculations.
Also, the Modified Pressure-Flow Eq. option always handles multiphase densities and flows rigorously. Therefore, your selections for the corresponding options on the Rating tab | Options page (Handle densities for multi-phase systems rigorously and Handle multi-phase flows rigorously) have no impact when the Use Modified Pressure-Flow Eq check box is selected.
Keywords: Valve, Dynamic Specs, Pressure Drop, Pressure Flow Relation, Use Modified Pressure-Flow Eq
References: None |
Problem Statement: In the API sheet, for instance as shown below, the sum of the calculated pressure drops of the process stream for each zone (6.86 psi) does not match with the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet stream of the Fired Heater (7.26 psi). Why? | Solution: The reason there is a difference is because the pressure drops shown in the API sheet does not include additional tube-tube pressure loss below.
Keywords: Fired Heater, Pressure Drop, API Sheet
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the basis for default stack temperature drop (72°F)? Can EDR calculate this temperature drop based on the information already inputted (i.e.: Stack dimensions, ambient temperature) in lieu of a specific temperature drop? | Solution: The defaulted value provides the user a starting point (a generic estimate). The user can specify the value that matches the vendor’s datasheet or plant data on the Input|Program Options|Thermal Analysis|Flue Gas tab
EDR will not come up with an accurate heat loss calculation just based on the information already inputted.
Keywords: Fired Heater, Stack temperature drop
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can I perform Line Sizing Calculations for Non-Sizing Cases? | Solution: Yes, starting from V12, the Current Scenario drop-down list on the Line Sizing tab allows users to select the desired scenario, and then click Run Line Sizing to perform line sizing calculations.
Previously, line sizing calculations were only performed for the scenario designated as the Sizing Case on the Scenarios tab.
Keywords: Safety Analysis, Line Sizing
References: None |
Problem Statement: A tube in a heat exchanger can be considered as a spring and mass system with damping, which is subject to an oscillatory force by the presence of the shellside flow. The amplitude of vibration will reach a maximum when the forcing frequency is close to the natural frequency of vibration of the system and is dependent upon the available damping.
In practice if the natural frequency and the forcing frequency mechanisms are similar, then excess vibration is assumed during the design, despite the presence of damping. If such coincidences in the frequency occur, then steps should be taken to change the natural frequency of the tube to avoid the problem. | Solution: If the Full HTFS Analysis vibration analysis method has been selected from Input | Program Options | Methods/Correlations | General tab, then when a case in run, the Vibration performance is shown in Results | Thermal / Hydraulic Summary | Vibration & Resonance Analysis | Resonance Analysis (HTFS) tabs.
In this form the ratio of the various resonance frequencies due to turbulent buffeting, vortex shedding and acoustic are shown together with the natural frequency of the tube for different representative tube locations in the bundle. In addition, resonance calculations are shown for the three axial locations, the inlet, midspace and outlet regions of the exchanger. In these locations it is likely that the span lengths and cross flow velocities may be quite different.
If one of the resonance ratio's are between 0.8 to 1.2, then it will be marked with an asterisk, as a possible vibration problem, unless the amplitude of vibration, if calculated, is greater than the TEMA amplitude limit, where it will then be marked as Yes.
In addition, if a triple co-incidence occurs (i.e., a resonance frequency = tube frequency = acoustic frequency), then this will be indicated as Yes.
Keywords: Vibration, Frequency Ratio, triple co-incidence
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the login credential for opening Aspen Operator Training user interface? | Solution: AOT requires a common log-in credential for all users to access the interface.
These credentials can be used:
Username: ISAdmin
Password: AspenTechAOT
When you launch Aspen Operator Training, the login dialog box appears.
To login to Aspen Operator Training:
In the Username field, specify the username for your account.
For Administrators, the default username is ISAdmin.
For Operators, the default usernames are Instructor, Operator1, and Operator2.
In the Password field, specify the password for your account.
For Administrators, the default password is AspenTechAOT.
By default, Operators do not need to specify a password.
Click Login.
Aspen Operator Training appears.
If you log in with an account that belongs to the Operator role, you can only access Runtime mode and the Communication and OPC Server interfaces.
In order to change Administrator or Operators passwords, you can do that by going to:
File > Security > User Roles
Then change the password for each role if needed:
NOTE: In future releases, this credential may change. Please contact Aspen Tech Support for updated credentials.
Keywords: AOT, Log-in, User Interface, Change Password
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to save adsorber bed configuration in Aspen Adsorption V12? | Solution: Users can save the adsorber bed/column data to an external file using the Save button on the bed configuration form.
This file contains the layer configuration and all specified (fixed) variables.
Users can use it in other simulations (or for rearranging layers) by using the open button
Keywords: Configure, Adsorber bed, save, layer, etc.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to transpose the Workbook table from column to rows in Aspen HYSYS V12? | Solution: In the Aspen HYSYS Simulation environment,
Click on the Workbook folder in the navigation pane or on the Home menu
On the left-hand side bottom corner, the user can clear the Horizontal Matrix check box.
If you do so, the Workbook results are transposed as a vertical matrix, with the stream/operation names appearing in the first column and each property having an applicable column.
Keywords: Transpose, workbook, horizontal matrix, etc.
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is Aspen Cim-IO backward compatible? | Solution: Yes Cim-IO versions are backwards compatible. However new versions of Cim-IO are not tested with unsupported versions of Cim-IO. If an issue occurs with an unsupported version of Cim-IO that can not be addressed by installing an available patch, the reSolution will be to upgrade to a supported version.
For more information about Aspen Cim-IO client and server requirements, see the Aspen Cim-IO User's Guide.
Keywords: Cim-IO
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to overcome dongle detection problems? | Solution: Even after proper installation of dongle driver with the installation media provided for Aspen SLM, there are situations where dongle detection fails. Please verify by opening device manager and check SafeNet USB SuperPro/UltraPro is listed under Universal Serial Bus controllers.
If it is not listed, then download and install the latest sentinel system driver installer for Sentinel SuperPro, UltraPro & SHK from Sentinal Gemalto.
Once installed, you will find the SafeNet USB SuperPro/UltraPro listed in your device manager.
Keywords: Sentinel, Gemalto, Dongle, Driver, SuperPro, UltraPro, SHK
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to speed up SLM client connectivity with SLM Sever? | Solution: The default socket buffer size on a busy SLM Server handling thousands of simultaneous license requests may result in more requests than the server can handle concurrently. Increasing the socket buffer size provides an opportunity for the OS to buffer up the data/requests while the service is busy processing the requests, so that the data/requests can be piped in an orderly fashion to the RMS service.
This gives a chance for the server to respond efficiently, rather than letting the requests go unanswered and timed out. The buffer size is incremented in multiples of default socket buffer known as a socket buffer multiplier. The SLM Server is configured to use a default socket buffer of 65535 bytes and the socket buffer can be increased to 262144 bytes with the “-sbm 4” setting on the LServOpts environment variable.
This socket buffer increase setting is already effective on aspenONE SLM License Manager V11.1 (SLM Server build 9.2)
Keywords: LServOpts, -sbm4, SLM, socket buffer
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to read the different bars and lines in a Probability to Exceed graph in Aspen Fidelis | Solution: The Probability to Exceed chart is a line graph that shows you the probability of meeting or exceeding the percentage on the X-axis. The line graph is plotted over a histogram that shows your actual data. An example is shown below:
In this example, we can see the following
The histogram shows that the lowest utilized capacity was just under 93%, and the highest was just under 97%.
The histogram also shows that the results were heavily weighted between about 94% and about 96% capacity.
The Y-Axis on the left shows how often each utilized capacity occurred, as a percentage of the total number of lifecycles. So 95% Utilized Capacity occurred in about 12.5% of the total number of lifecycles.
The right axis shows the Probability to Exceed as a percentage and the red trend line traces the probability to exceed the corresponding Utilized Capacity on the X-axis at each point. Therefore, the arrows show that there was a 40% chance to meet or exceed 95.5% capacity. By reading where the red Probability to Exceed line is plotted, you can also see that in this data set there was a 60% chance to meet or exceed 95.2% capacity.
Keywords: Utilized Capacity
Probability to exceed
Confidence level
Occurrences
References: None |
Problem Statement: There is no Finishing Convergence trend in Aspen Fidelis Simulation Monitor, as shown below | Solution: Absence of the Convergence trend in Aspen Fidelis Simulation Monitor after running the model generally occurs when there are less than three lifecycles run. Aspen Fidelis requires three or above lifecycles to generate a convergence by calculation. To rectify this issue, it is recommended to change the simulation settings to run three or more lifecycles using the steps below:
1) Open the Aspen Fidelis Model, go to Set Run Parameters [1]
2) Make sure to have three or more number of lifecycles by setting the Lifecycle End ID [2] to 3 or greater
3) Run the simulation and observe that the Convergence trend fluctuates as each cycle completes successfully
Keywords: Missing Trend
Convergence blank
Empty Fidelis
Lifecycle setting
Wrong Lifecycle
Missing convergence trend
No convergence trend
References: None |
Problem Statement: The trend lines in Aspen Mtell Alert emails are not visible, as in the screenshot below | Solution: Email alerts sent out by Aspen Mtell will not display trend lines if the Webserver settings in Aspen Mtell System Manager are not pointing to the correct server. To rectify the issue, follow the steps below:
1) Open Aspen Mtell System Manager and navigate to the Configuration [1] tab
2) Under Settings [2] select General [3]
3) Make sure Server Name [4] is correct and points to the server where IIS webservices for Aspen Mtell application is running. Generally, the main application server. Aspen Mtell uses this Webservice to populate Email trends in Email Alerts.
4) Test [5] the Server to confirm that the Webservice is running and connection is successful. Proceed to Save these settings.
Subsequent email alerts should now have trends populated as expected.
Keywords: No Data
Email empty
Email error
Blank trend
Missing trend
Missing trends
Empty email
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I get list of all deployed live Aspen Mtell agents? | Solution: User may require to get list of all deployed live agents. This can be done from Aspen Mtell System Manager by following the below steps:
1. Open Aspen Mtell System Manager and select Equipment [1] tab
2. Click on the Export Agents [2] tab under the equipment section
3. Select the Type of agent [3] you want to export
4. Click the ... button [4] to browse to the desired location to export the agents to and then specify a file name
5. Click Export [5] to export the list of live agents.
6. Click OK [6] and This should export all live agents with relevant details into a .csv file in the specified path.
Keywords: Deployed agents
Live Agent list
Agent Export
Agent filter
References: None |
Problem Statement: What do the different colors in an Aspen Mtell Maestro Probability Trend stand for? (highlighted in the red box in below image) | Solution: Aspen Mtell Maestro uses a range of colors in the probability trend to symbolize how each period contributes to the decision of the agent trained by Maestro. They are :-
1. Green = Normal data used to build the Agent
2. Red = Pre-failure data used to build the Agent
3. Blue = Normal data used to test the Agent
4. Yellow = Pre-failure data used to test the Agent
5. Black = Post-failure data and excluded data. There are 2 different scenarios in this case:
- Within the training range: Not used to build or test the Agent.
- Outside the training range (i.e., holdout): It is used during the Agent metrics calculation if not labeled as post failure.
Keywords: Maestro colors
Maestro Probability
Multicolored
References: Build and Train Aspen Mtell Maestro Agents - Best Practices |
Problem Statement: Queries in Aspen Batch Query Tool using absolute time are timing out if they take more than 40 seconds to complete. Is there anything that can be done to optimize the AspenBatch database?
Another related problem can be that queries from other AMS products like eBRS work correctly, but much slower than usual. | Solution: Yes, there is. Please refer to the Word Document attached to thisSolution for the detailed step-by-step instructions including several screen captures.
Also, the following KB article describes the procedure very well:
https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/6099/getting-started-with-sql-server-maintenance-plans--part-1/
Below is the step-by-step list of things that need to be changed :
1. Open the MS SQL Server Enterprise Management Studio, drill down to the appropriate server node, expand the Management folder, right-click on the Management Plans and click on the Maintenance Plan Wizard option.
2. Maintenance Plan Wizard opens.
3. Enter a name for you plan in the Name box.
4. Under the Schedule: section, click the Change... button, click Next, change the Schedule Type to Recurring and set it to desired frequency.
5. After changing the schedule click Next and in the Select Maintenance Tasks window select ‘Reorganize index’ and ‘Rebuild Index’. Click Next to continue.
6. Don't check anything on the Integrity Check page and Un-check everything on the Database Backup page,
7. Don't check anything on the Transaction log backup page,
8. Check the Write report to a text file on the Reports page,
9. Un-check everything on the Maintenance plan history page,
10. Click Finish.
11. Now, you will see your new maintenance task under the Management folder.
12. Right-click on it and select Execute option from the Context menu.
NOTE: The optimization job takes about 30 min on a 5 GB database.
Keywords: reindex
re-index
slow performance
timeout
time out
Aspen Batch Database
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I change/edit the email notification settings after an Aspen Mtell agent has been deployed live? | Solution: After an Aspen Mtell agent has been deployed live its notification settings can be changed through Aspen Mtell System Manager Application.
Below are the steps:
Open Aspen Mtell System Manager
Click on the Equipment [1] tab
Select the Asset in consideration (in this example, Compressor 1) [2]
Click on Agents [3] under Health Monitoring
Click the arrow next to the agent in question to open the drop-down if it already has email settings [4], or, if it does not have emails set up yet, click New Email in the ribbon to setup email alerts for that agent
Make required changes to the Email settings in the Notification Content [5] box
Click Save [6] to register these changes
Keywords: Set Email
Edit Email
Live email
Apply email template
References: None |
Problem Statement: The ability to configure multiple Historian adapters gives flexibility to connect to various data sources via the same Aspen Mtell server. This feature is useful when there are more than one Historian server of the same type, for example, four separate IP21 servers. | Solution: To create multiple Historian Adapters of the same type, follow the steps below:
1) Navigate to C:\inetpub\wwwroot\AspenTech\AspenMtell\Adapter\Adapter folder (in this example, Pi) [1].
Note: If Aspen Mtell was installed on a different directory, not the C:\ drive, this folder will be in that directory.
2) Make copies of the adapter folder (in this example, Pi, for OSI PI adapter) equal to the number of similar Historians you intend to setup adapters for [2]. (In this example we are setting up two OSI PI adapters: Pi_2 and Pi_3) [3]
3) Open the replicated adapter folders and navigate to the bin [4] folder
4) Look for the configuration application [5] file, as below, right-click on it and run as administrator [6]
5) Fill in the Server Configuration [7] details for the Historian you will be connecting to
6) Click Save [8] once the details have been entered correctly and Test is successful
7) Repeat steps 3-6 for all the duplicated adapter folders
8) Open Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager and navigate to the newly duplicated folders (Pi_2/Pi_3, in this example) [9]
9) Right click on the newly created folder and select Convert to Application [10]
10) Navigate to the Application pool selection [11] and use the dropdown to select the adapter you are creating (AspenMtell_Pi, in this example) [12]
11) Confirm the application pool by clicking on OK [13]
12) Confirm the application by clicking OK [14] in Add Application screen
13) Repeat steps 9-12 for all the adapter folders newly duplicated
14) Open Command Prompt as an Administrator and run the command IISRESET [15] for the changes to be applied.
15) Open Aspen Mtell System Manager and Add a Data Source with a name of your choice (in this example, Pi_2) [16]
16) Make sure to use the Dropdown to select the correct Historian type [17]
17) Fill in the Adapter URL with http://hostname/AspenTech/AspenMtell/Adapter/Adapter folder name/ [18] (In this example the hostname is APM and the adapter folder name is Pi_2)
18) Click Save [19] to lock these changes into Aspen Mtell System Manager
Keywords: Multiple Historian
IP21 adapter
Client Adapter
Same historian
Duplicate adapter
Multiple adapters
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen Mtell logs can take upto 40% of Database size. In order to reduce/compress the size of the database for better space management, shrinking Database logs can be carried out following the steps in this KB article | Solution: In order to shrink logs, open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and connect to the SQL server hosting Aspen Mtell Database
1) Locate the Aspen Mtell Database in SQL server and right click on it (MtellSuite in this example) [1]
2) Select Tasks [2] and navigate to Shrink [3], finally selecting Files [4]
3) Navigate to File Type and select Log [5] from the dropdown
4) Select the desired Shrink action [6]. There are two ways to do this
Either Release unused space
Or Let SQL re-organize the pages to condense the file into a size that you prefer
For further details, it is recommended to read the Microsoft document related to shrinking
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/databases/shrink-a-file?view=sql-server-ver15
5) Select OK [7] to execute the shrink
Keywords: Shrink Log
Mtell log
Database size
Compress
References: None |
Problem Statement: Mtell System Manager is unable to Find Agent and Training services even though these services are up and running in the services application | Solution: This issue can occur due to IPV4 settings on the server, which could be blocking the opening of ports used by Aspen Mtell Agent/Training service.
It is recommended to seek help from your IT/Admin team to check the IPV4 Multicast setting and set it to Enabled on the Server where Aspen Mtell and its services are installed.
Keywords: IPV4
Multicast
Mtell Ports
Invisible
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to model the conversion of ortho-hydrogen to para-hydrogen? | Solution: Yes, the Aspen Properties databanks contain components for both ortho-hydrogen and para-hydrogen.
Component Name Alias
HYDROGEN-PARA H2-PARA
HYDROGEN,-DIATOMIC,-ORTHO H2-N3
The REFPROP property method can be used to calculate the properties and to predict the conversion in an equilibrium reactor such as RGIBBS. With no adjustments to any parameters the predictions show the correct trend, but they are slightly off in magnitude. The DGFORM of Ortho-Hydrogen can be adjusted to match the data.
The attached example files will run in Aspen Plus V11 and higher.
Literature Aspen Aspen
Temperature Equilibrium Para
Percent Equilibrium Para
Percent Equilibrium Para
Percent
K Literature Aspen -
no adjustments Aspen -
DGFORM adjusted
20 99.821 99.9366599 99.9694292
30 97.021 97.307267 98.5223809
40 88.727 85.8305057 91.3385056
50 77.054 68.7772089 78.7386913
60 65.569 53.8729176 65.7347462
70 55.991 43.3022103 55.2339415
78 50.028 37.4014175 48.8602983
80 48.537 36.1980336 47.512631
90 42.882 31.4015734 41.9726108
100 38.62 28.0918837 37.9859295
120 32.959 24.0654826 32.9387615
150 28.603 21.2198735 29.2098852
200 25.974 19.641613 27.0130216
250 25.264 19.3283713 26.4851203
300 25.072 19.3426353 26.4124416
McIntosh, G. (2015). Applications of ortho-para hydrogen catalyst. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 101. 012079. 10.1088/1757-899X/101/1/012079. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Ortho-Para-properties-of-hydrogen_tbl1_287507289
Key Words
Hydrogen
Ortho-Hydrogen
Para-Hydrogen
H2
RGIBBS
REFPROP
VSTS 556854, 579597, 619596
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How is the pressure drop across a relief valve calculated in Aspen Flare System Analyzer? Why do I see large pressure drop across the relief valve? | Solution: In actuality, Aspen Flare System Analyzer doesn't calculate the pressure drop across a pressure relief valve. The relieving pressure is the upstream pressure for the relief valve, and the downstream pressure is the back pressure calculated from the downstream pipe.
In the above figure, the pressure 27.39868 bar is the relieving pressure calculated by Aspen Flare System Analyzer (or entered by the user). The downstream pressure of 3.687 bar is the calculated back pressure for the flow network.
The Aspen Flare System Analyzer solver calculates the pressure 3.687 bar from the flow rate and system back pressure(1.01325 bar). In the forward direction, the solver determines the material and energy balances from source to flaretip. While moving in the backward direction (i.e. from flaretip to source outlet), the solver uses the pressure drop calculation to find out the pressure at the source outlet. The calculation runs iteratively until the pressure at each node is within the tolerance limit.
Note: A wide difference in the source back pressure and MABP indicates that the user can further reduce the pipe size between flaretip and source, or the flow rate may be further increased.
Keywords: relief, valve, pressure, drop
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I write an Aspen SQLplus query that returns only the historical entries that have a changed value compared to the previously returned value?
This knowledge base article provides a sample query which returns only changed historical values. | Solution: 1
The first example returns all data (including the repeated values) as shown below:
SELECT IP_TREND_TIME, IP_TREND_VALUE
FROM MyTag
WHERE IP_TREND_TIME BETWEEN 'TimeA' AND 'TimeB' AND
IP_TREND_QLEVEL = 'Good';
The returned data values are: 0, 1, 1, 1, 2, 3, 3, 0. Then one can loop through these results to find only the changes at 0, 1, 2, 3, 0. It would be more elegant to have an SQLplus query that only returned the changed values.
An alternative is to write a function to check for changes and use this in a Where clause.
For example:
function value_changed(x real, previous_value out real)
if x = previous_value then
return false;
else
previous_value = x;
return true;
end
end
local previous_value real;
select ip_trend_time, ip_trend_value
from test1
where ip_trend_qlevel='Good' and value_changed(ip_trend_value, previous_value);
Solution 2
An AspenTech customer, Anthony Denicola, ELI LILLY-INDIANAPOLIS, IN, had a similar need and developed the following query:
Select
t1.TS,
t1.Value,
t1.Name,
(Select t3.Value From History t3 Where t3.Name = t1.Name And t3.Request = 2 And t3.TS = t1.TS - 00:00:01 And t3.Stepped = 1) As Previous_Value
From
History t1
Where
t1.Name = 'MyTag' And
t1.Request = 5 And
t1.Status = 0 And
t1.TS Between 'Start Date' And 'End Date' And
t1.Value <> Previous_Value;
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: A user wanted to develop a .NET application and needed to read from an Aspen SQLplus temporary table that is populated with InfoPlus.21 data. | Solution: Here is an exampleSolution
Note, if the last line in the SQLplus procedure is a SELECT statement, then the result set gets returned to the calling routine:
PROCEDURE TEST
DECLARE LOCAL TEMPORARY TABLE MODULE.X
(NAME CHAR(10), VALUE REAL);
-- insert two rows of static test data into the declared temporary table
INSERT INTO MODULE.X VALUES ('ABC', 123.4), ('DEF', 567.8);
SELECT * FROM MODULE.X;
END;
TEST;
The following C# example shows how to read data from the example TEST procedure using ADO.NET SQLplus Data Provider:
void reader()
{
using (DbConnection conn = new AspenTech.SQLplus.SQLplusConnection())
{
conn.Open();
DbCommand cmd = conn.CreateCommand();
cmd.CommandText = TEST;
cmd.CommandType = CommandType.StoredProcedure; //4
using (DbDataReader reader = cmd.ExecuteReader())
{
while (reader.Read())
{
Console.WriteLine(reader.GetString(0) + + reader.GetString(1));
}
}
}
}
Keywords: Visual Studio
console
development
namespace
References: None |
Problem Statement: Example: CO2 Emissions Modeling for Olefins Planning Using Aspen Unified PIMS | Solution: The Chemical and Petrochemical sector is one of the largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting industrial sector among stationary sources such as Power Plants, Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems. The chemical and petrochemical industry accounts for 30% of global industrial energy use and 16% of direct CO2 emissions. This Aspen Unified PIMS Planning example model captures the carbon emitted in a sitewide olefins optimization model. It covers two main sources of CO2, mainly the Furnaces and Boilers. With ongoing focus of global majors to include sustainability aspects into their planning and scheduling models, this model can be used as a starting point for including CO2 emission modeling in Aspen Unified PIMS olefins planning models.
Please see the attached PDF for steps on how to create the model.
Key Words
Aspen Unified PIMS, Carbon Emissions, Modeling
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: After estimating parameters, entering No to replace the existing value for each parameter individually gives different results from No to all. | Solution: After completing an estimation run in which you estimated any parameters for which values were previously available, you may be asked whether you want to replace the existing value with the newly estimated one on input forms. If you click Yes or No in response to this prompt, the answer will only apply to that parameter; for parameters which did not previously have values, the estimated value will be written without asking you. But if you click No to all, the entire operation of writing parameters is aborted and no values are written to input forms, including for parameters which previously had no value.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I configure my Windows Firewall to allow client communication to the License Server? | Solution: A network firewall program is designed to limit security risks on the Windows operating system. It blocks almost all network TCP and UDP communication ports including the ports that AspenTech's SLM Security uses.
If it is not possible to turn off the firewall protection, it will be necessary to open TCP and UDP communication ports bidirectionally.
The communication ports affected are:
1. TCP Port 5093.
2. UDP Port 5093.
To re-open the communication ports through the Windows Firewall Application do the following:
1. Open the Control Panel on your computer.
2. Open the Windows Firewall Application.
3. Select the Exceptions Tab.
4. Choose Add Port.
5. Give the Exception a Name (Ex. SLM #1, #2, #3).
6. Place 5093 (no quotes) in the port number.
7. Choose UDP.
8. Repeat Steps 4 through 7 for port 5093 TCP.
Keywords: XP, Windows 7, Vista, Service Pack 2, SP2, Windows,License Server, Firewall, ports
References: None |
Problem Statement: Users may encounter messages like the following in the CIMIO_MSG.LOG:
CIMIO_OPC_NOVALIDITEMS, No Valid Items in the list, all the tags in the list are invalid
CIMIO_OPC_SUCCESS, Operation Succeeded | Solution: These messages may be suppressed by following method, starting Version 10 (applicable for V9.0):
a. Open Aspen CIMIO Interface manager (This GUI will be available on system hosting CIMIO server)
b. Highlight the OPC Interface node under Cim-IO Interfaces and check Ignore No valid items in list error
c. Click on Save Configuration. It will be recommended to restart CIMIO service post this setting.
For previous versions, the method to enable this option will be to double-clicking an executable utility:
OPCProperties.exe
located in folder:
%CIMIOROOT%\io\cio_opc_api
Doing so will invoke a configuration dialog. There should be a checkbox in there along the lines of:
Ignore 'No Valid Items in List' Error?
Check this option, or mark it as affirmative. The Cim-IO Server will need to be restarted for these changed to go into effect.
Keywords: CIMIO_OPC_NOVALIDITEMS
No valid items list message in CIMIO msg log
CIMIO connection failure
Intermittent CIMIO connection issue
Intermittent write failure
References: None |
Problem Statement: When trying to import an Equipment Set from a CSV file in Aspen Mtell Agent Builder, you receive the following error:
(Default Exception Handler) Application Exception:
Input array is longer than the number of columns in this table.
This error will trigger on the “Validating each row…” step. | Solution: This exception occurs when one or more of the rows in the CSV file has more entries/columns than the header row. This happens when that row contains a cell with a comma. To find the cells with commas follow the steps below.
Open the CSV file in Excel
Open Find and Replace, you can either use the CTRL+F shortcut or go to Home -> Find & Select -> Find…
Type a comma in the Find what: field
Click Find Next until you have identified all the cells with commas
Remove the commas you found and save the CSV file
Attempt the Equipment Set import again, it should no longer trigger this error.
If you do not find any commas when using Find and Replace is is likely the comma was added in a text editor, such as Notepad, and not in Excel. If that is the case it will show up as a column break in Excel. To find the rows with extra columns follow the steps below.
Select cell A1 in the Excel file
Click CTRL+A to select the filled cells
Check if there are more columns selected than column headers
4. If there are, scroll down until you find the row(s) with the extra column(s)
You may find that the contents of one of your cells has been split into additional cells, creating extra columns, if this is the case, recombine the cell that was split to correct the columns.
If it is just an extra cell entered in error in one of the rows, delete the extra cell.
Save the CSV file
Attempt to import the Equipment Set again
If you still do not find the problem:
There may be an extra empty field in the CSV file which is not showing up in Excel. Try saving the file again from within Excel, and it should remove the extra comma.
Keywords: Equipment Set Import
Input Array
CSV Import
References: None |
Problem Statement: In this | Solution: , we explain a brief example of how third-party application connection can be done using IP21 as the communication Gateway
Solution
In this example, we will review the connection of Matrikon as our 3rd party application to DMC3 using IP21 as “man in the middle”. This example can be extrapolated to applications as RTO or other historians as OSIsoft PI.
Please refer to the attached PDF file to check the Details for the example connection.
Keywords: DMC3, OPC, IP21
References: None |
Problem Statement: Changing parameters like enthalpy of formation (DHFORM) does not result in changes on the calculated heat of reaction. | Solution: If the Barin equation parameters (CPxXP#) stored in the Inorganic databank are used then Enthalpy (H), Gibbs Free Energy (G), and entropy (S) are simple functions of these parameters based on thermodynamics as calculated from the Barin parameters. Any changes in parameters such as DHFORM will not have an effect on the enthalpy calculations when the Barin equations are used. To see when the Barin equations are used refer toSolution 4398 When Does Aspen Plus Use Barin Equations?.
If you want Aspen Plus to consider the enthalpies of formation rather than use the Barin equations, you can do one of the following:
Move the INORGANIC databank further down the list on Components/Specifications/Databanks sheet.
Change the value for THRSWT to explicitly specify what equations are being used. Refer toSolution 3026 for more info on THRSWT. You can also find the information in the Aspen Plus on line help by searching the key word THRSWT. A value of 200 or greater for any element of THRSWT means that property is calculated using the BARIN equations.
Keywords: DGFORM, DHSFRM, DGSFRM, Hrxn, Gibbs, Entropy.
References: None |
Problem Statement: After changing the passwords for the InfoPlus.21 and Cim-IO Services, the tags only show a straigh line when being plotted | Solution: If it is required to change the the password associated with the accounts running Aspen InfoPlus.21 Task Service or Aspen Cim-IO Manager, you first need to stop the service, then change the password and finally restart it. Not doing the previously explained will result is a lost of communication between the InfoPlus.21 Server and the Cim-IO server, which will cause the tags to stop receiving information and therefore the values will appear to be frozen.
Note: Restarting Aspen InfoPlus.21 Task Service will cause a restart of InfoPlus.21
Keywords: InfoPlus.21
Cim-IO
Password
References: None |
Problem Statement: This article describes some steps and concepts to consider for the different users that will work on the same server. | Solution: GDOT Unified authentication requires Windows user credentials, but different Roles can be managed from Aspen GDOT Unified depending on the level of access that we would like to provide to every user.
From the Roles page, we can have three different sections that can be delimited: Roles, Models, and Price Catalogs.
In the case of the model page, we can break the access for all models or specific Models. The common Roles that can be selected are Author, Owner, and Viewer.
In the following example, we have two users Student as Administrator and Owner, and Nando as Viewer for Q1
In this case, Student can Access and do Modifications on Model Q1 but Nando will only have access for view the model without doing modifications. On the following image, we can see that the model blocks are grey out for nando on Model Q1
The Steps to assign different roles for the Models page are the following.
Go to Roles and Select Models then click on the + button and select the role type (owner, author, viewer)
Select the application that will be restricted
This will display a new window showing a search bar for users or workgroups. Write the username that will be assigned and click on the search icon to find the specific user.
On the bottom part select the user that is going to be added to the server and click on the add owner/author/viewer button and this will automatically change the configuration
Keywords: GDOT, Unified, Users
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the format of the input file used to read and write data using the Aspen CimIO_T_API client? | Solution: Tag File Format for GET Request
For a GET request, the tag name, Cim-IO data type and device data type are entered on separate lines for each value to be accessed. The device data type may be omitted if it is the same as the Cim-IO data type. Therefore, each row
in the file contains either:
TAGNAMCIM-I/O DATA TYP DEVICE DATA TYPE
Or
TAGNAMCIM-I/O DATA TYPE
Example
TEST1 REAL REAL
TEST2 ASCII ENUM
TEST3 SHORT
TEST4 LONG ORDINAL
TEST5 LONG
TEST6 DOUBLE REAL
Tag File Format for PUT Request
The format for the tag file for a PUT request requires the tag name, Cim-IO data type, value, output type, and device data type. If the device data type is the same as the Cim-IO data type, it may be omitted. Each line in the file
must use one of the following formats:
TAGNAME CIM-IO DATA TYPE VALUE OUTPUT TYPE DEVICE DATA TYPE
Or
TAGNAME CIM-I/O DATA TYPE VALUE OUTPUT TYPE
Example
TEST1 REAL 123.456 GOOD REAL
TEST2 LONG 123456 GOOD LONG
TEST3 SHORT 1 GOOD ORDINAL
TEST4 DOUBLE -4545.4 GOOD
TEST5 ASCII ABC SUSPECT ENUM
TEST6 LONG 2 GOOD DBST
Keywords: get
put
cim-io test
References: None |
Problem Statement: What TCP ports are required to be open between a V11 Aspen Cim-IO Interface Server and an Aspen Cim-IO Client like Aspen InfoPlus.21? | Solution: The improved Aspen Cim-IO Store and Forward architecture requires the following bidirectional ports to be open between the Aspen Cim-IO Client and Aspen Cim-IO Interface Server.
V11 Aspen InfoPlus.21 connecting to a V11 Aspen Cim-IO Interface Server.
Aspen Cim-IO Manager 7777
DLGP Available port assigned by the interface configuration
DIOPs [Read, Write Unsol] Available ports assigned by the interface configuration
Scanner [SC] Available port assigned by the interface configuration
Store [ST] Available port assigned by the interface configuration
V10.1 and older Aspen InfoPlus.21 connecting to a V11 Aspen Cim-IO Interface Server.
Aspen Cim-IO Manager 7777
DLGP Available port assigned by the interface configuration
DIOPs [Read, Write Unsol] Available ports assigned by the interface configuration
Scanner [SC] Available port assigned by the interface configuration
Store [ST] Available port assigned by the interface configuration
Forward [FW] Available port assigned by the interface configuration
Keywords: Firewall
Ports
Tcp
References: None |
Problem Statement: On the AspenCalc, each Schedule Group has its own priority. The priority can be accessed by right-clicking the targeted schedule group and select Properties. What is the meaning of the Priority? | Solution: Priority is the priority at which the Group is to run. Higher priority Groups are processed before lower priority Groups scheduled at the same time. The priority for each schedule group can be modified.
Keywords: Priority
AspenCalc
Schedule Group
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to create an ad-hoc Statistical Process Control plot on Aspen Process Explorer? | Solution: Here is the procedure.
1. Open a new Statistical Process Control plot (such as XBar, Range, etc...) on Aspen Process Explorer.
2. Insert an IP.21 tag to the tag legend area.
3. Right-click the plot, click SPC Parameters to define the subgroup size.
4. Right-click the plot, click Control Limits to define the manual control limit.
5. Click OK if you are good with the parameters. The ad-hoc Statistical Process Control plot will be created.
Keywords: ad-hoc Statistical Process Control
Control Limits
subgroup size
Aspen Process Explorer
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to add a column for displaying the aggregate calculation on Aspen Process Explorer? | Solution: Here is the procedure.
1. Right-click the tag legend area, and click Legend Setting.
2. On the Column tab, click New.
3. Select the Aggregate Column tab, define Column Name, Column Type, and Calculation Period.
4. Click OK, and the new aggregate column will be added to the column list.
Keywords: Aggregate Column
Aspen Process Explorer
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to display the aggregate value on the trend plot on Aspen Process Explorer? | Solution: Here is the procedure.
1. Insert an IP.21 tag to a basic trend plot on Aspen Process Explorer.
2. Right-click the tag on the tag legend area, then click Properties.
3. On the Sampling, select the desired aggregate calculation instead of Actual.
4. Define the aggregate calculation period. Click Settings to define more parameters such as Start Option and Timestamp Anchor.
5. Click “Save”, and the basic trend plot will display tags' aggregate values.
Keywords: aggregate value
Aspen Process Explorer
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to add a column for displaying the aggregate calculation on aspenONE Process Explorer (A1PE)? | Solution: Here is the procedure.
1. On the tag legend area, click Add/Remove Column.
2. Enter the name for the column you want to add, and select Aggregate instead of Attribute.
3. Define the aggregate function and calculation period.
4. Click Add, and the new column will be added to the column list.
Keywords: Aggregate Column
A1PE
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to display the aggregate value on the trend plot on aspenONE Process Explorer (A1PE)? | Solution: Here is the procedure.
1. Insert an IP.21 tag to a basic trend plot on A1PE.
2. Check the checkbox of the tag on the tag legend area, then click the Edit button.
3. On the Trend Type, select Aggregate instead of Actuals.
4. Define the aggregate function and the calculation period.
5. Click “Save”, and the basic trend plot will display tags' aggregate values.
Keywords: aggregate value
aspenONE Process Explorer
References: None |
Problem Statement: When opening the SQL server management studio to shrink the database and log, the error “Alter failed for Database XXX” popped up. How to troubleshoot? | Solution: The issue was caused by the items not back up before shrink.
Here are the steps:
Launch SQL server management studio.
Right-click the database, select Tasks, select Back up.
Back up the database or log you want to shrink.
Right-click the database, select Tasks, select Shrink, select database or files.
Select the database or log you want to shrink, click “OK”.
The error message will be eliminated, and the file will be shrunk.
Keywords: SQL server management studio
Alter failed for Database XXX
Shrink database
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to turn on the DCOM log for Aspen Calc troubleshooting? | Solution: Here is the procedure:
On the IP.21 server, go to folder “C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\ProcessData”
Launch the ProcessDataAdministrator.exe as administrator.
On the Tab “DCOM”, select the Aspen Calc as CLSID and Interface, and enter the IP.21 server name as Host.
Click “Turn On”.
Run the connection from client machine by Aspen Calc.
On the IP.21 server, you will see the related DCOM log be displayed on the Windows Event Viewer System Log.
Turn off the DCOM log on “ProcessDataAdministrator.exe”
Keywords: DCOM log
Aspen Calc
References: None |
Problem Statement: This knowledge base article describes how to display a given value in an Aspen Process Explorer plot based on the value of a timestamp in a database record. | Solution: An ad-hoc calculation in Aspen Process Explorer can be used to display a given value based on the value of a timestamp in a database record. The following is an example of what you would type in the tag name field in an Aspen Process Explorer plot to see a value displayed based on a timestamp. The record name used in this example is atcai.
=IF {atcai 1 ip_trend_time} > 3/26/2021 THEN 10 ELSE 0
This ad-hoc calculation compares the time stamp in the first history occurrence against the user-specified timestamp of 3/26/2021. For the data which has the time stamp before 3/26/2021, then the value 0 is plotted in Aspen Process Explorer. For the data which has the timestamp before 3/26/2021, then the value 10 is plotted in Aspen Process Explorer.
Keywords: timestamp
adhoc
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to publish multiple Aspen Process Explorer plots to aspenONE Process Explorer at once? | Solution: Here is the procedure
1. Open Aspen Process Explorer, Click Tools tab, Click Plot Utility.
2. Change the Source from File to Folder, and select the target folder.
3. Click Export XML, and ALL of the APEx trends in the target folder will be published to the A1PE.
Keywords: Aspen Process Explorer plots
aspenONE Process Explorer
Multiple plots
Publish
References: None |
Problem Statement: On the V11.0, the BCU Administrator shows error B21BCU-55002: Unable to connect to the BCU server, it may not be running, or you may not have permission to access it: data source name, when trying to connect to the local data source. The Windows Event Viewer shows error Event 10010, DistributedCOM: The server did not register with DCOM within the required timeout. | Solution: Please uninstall and reinstall the BcuServer.exe by running the below command on the command prompt as an administrator:
\Program Files\AspenTech\Batch.21\Server\BcuServer.exe /unregserver
\Program Files\AspenTech\Batch.21\Server\BcuServer.exe /install
After the run the command, the BCU Administrator error will be eliminated and able to search the database.
Keywords: BCU Administrator
B21BCU-55002
BcuServer.exe
References: None |
Problem Statement: The time it takes to make a connection between the client and the server may take longer the more the data sources are configured in the Aspen Data Sources Architecture (ADSA), especially if some of the data sources are redundant. TRACERT (Trace Route) is a command-line utility that you can use to trace the path that an Internet Protocol (IP) packet takes to its destination. It also shows the time it takes to make a connection between the client and the server. | Solution: On the client machine, go to the DOS prompt.
Type the following:
C:\> tracert <IP21 server name> <return>
Tracing route to <IP21 server name> [10.48.28.187]
over a maximum of 30 hops:
1 10 ms <10 ms <10 ms <IP21 server name> [10.48.28.187]
Trace complete.
You will get back the information that tells you how long it took to trace the route from the client to the server. This information is very helpful in determining how the client and the server are talking to each other via router network.
Keywords: trace
router
IP21
PE21
ADSA
slow
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to enter internal and external symmetry numbers for corrections for the Benson estimation method? | Solution: It is possible to enter SYMMETRY and OPTICAL-ISOMER for the Benson method for a component. These corrections are only used for Gibbs Free Energy of Formation (DGFORM) estimation. SYMMETRY and OPTICAL-ISOMER cannot be determined automatically from structure.
Attached is an example for dichloroethene where for C2H2CL2, the groups (groups 309 and 104) are determined from the Structure by Aspen Properties and for C2H2CL2B, the groups including SYMMETRY (group 405) and OPTICAL-ISOMER (group 406) along with the groups for the structure were entered. This file can be opened in Aspen Plus V10 and higher
Key Words
PCES
Estimation
Benson
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Error 500 can be returned when using the Batch APC on A1PE. This error appears due that A1PE can’t connect with the IP21 Server. This article describes a couple of | Solution: to fix this problem.
Solution
1.- Verify that TomCat service is running and using an Administrator Account.
2.- ISAPI filters are enabled and with the correct version on IIS. The following KB will describe a further step on how to verify this:
https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000093842
3.- make sure that Domain Security is OFF, you can verify by going AspenONE credentials. To access the application, go Windows start ----> type AspenONE credentials and run the application as Administrator. Make sure the Domain Security is selected as OFF:
This may require also an IIS reset.
4.- Go Windows Start----> type Process Explorer Admin and Run it as Administrator. This will open the scanning of the IP21 database. Verify that the connection is successful by looking at the green status indicator at the top of the page and click on Scan Database. This will make sure that all IP21 data will be available on A1PE.
Keywords: Batch APC, A1PE, IP21
References: None |
Problem Statement: Run Time Error 521 “Can’t open Clipboard” can happen when running Model uncertainty Plots on DMCplus Model or trying to run Analysis on Smart Audit. This | Solution: provides a potential workaround by cleaning up the clipboard.
Solution
The proposed workaround is to create a shortcut on the desktop, running the following command:
1. On the PC experiencing the issue, right-click anywhere on the desktop and choose: New ---> Shortcut.
2. Enter the following command into the Location field:
cmd /c echo off | clip
3. Click Next and give the shortcut a name like Clear Clipboard.
4. Run the Shorcut as Administrator
This will clear the clipboard manually.
Keywords: DMC+, Clipboard, Smart Audit
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do you move a solid component from one substream to another? I would like to move a solid component from the MIXED substream to the CISOLID substream and add a particle size distribution (PSD) in order to use some of the rigorous solid unit operations. | Solution: Components can be moved from one substream to another using the RSTOIC block.
A particle size distribution (PSD) can be added if the substream allows.
The stream results before and after moving the solid to the CIPSD substream:
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I move the contents of one Cim-IO Transfer record (like IoGetDef, IoLongTagGetDef, IoLLTagGetDef) to another? | Solution: 1. Using the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Administrator, create a new transfer record defined against IoGetDef, IoLongTagGetDef, or IoLLTagGetDef
2. Fill in the fixed area fields of the new transfer record. Leave the field IO_RECORD_PROCESSING OFF.
3. Execute the following query to copy the contents of the repeat area from the old Cim-IO transfer record to the new one:
set expand_repeat=1;
macro fields = 'IO_TAGNAME, IO_DATA_PROCESSING, IO_DATA_TYPE, '
'IO_VALUE_RECORD&&FLD';
insert into NewIOGet (&fields) select &fields from OldIOGet;
Note: Substitute the name of the new Cim-IO transfer record for NewIOGet and the name of the
old transfer record for OldIOGet.
4. Deactivate the old transfer record and activate the new one.
If the data conversion fields must be maintained, you could use the recsave/recload utilities as described in the following article:
Creating and mass loading records with Load Records... utility
Keywords: Long long tags
IoLLTagGetDef
Get record
IoGetDef
References: None |
Problem Statement: This knowledgebase | Solution: documents the connection string that is required to be used with MES products in combination with Java 8+.
For more information on Java 8 JDBC-ODBC bridge jars please following article:
Is there a JDBC Driver available for Aspen InfoPlus.21?Solution
The following connection string will work for Java 8 JDBC-ODBC jar file (AeBRSJDBC.jar) located at: \Common Files\AspenTech Shared\Tomcat8.X.XX\lib
DB_NAME_1 = IP21
DB_DESC_1 = connection to InfoPlus.21
DB_TYPE_1 = IP21
DB_URL_1 = jdbc:odbc:DRIVER={AspenTech SQLplus};HOST=<<IP.21 nodename>>;CHARTIME=No;CHARINT=No
DB_DRIVER_1 = Aspentech.JdbcOdbc.JdbcOdbcDriver
Note, the connection URL must take the form: jdbc:odbc:DRIVER=
Keywords: APEM
Environment Configuration Key Editor
IP.21 database connection
java.lang.StringIndexOutOfBoundsException: String index out of range: -1
References: to a named ODBC data source, for example jdbc:odbc:IP21 (which you may have used with the Oracle JDBC-ODBC bridge), is not supported by the Aspentech bridge. |
Problem Statement: A new Conversations application that allows participants to subscribe to and participate in news-feed type conversations has been added to aspenONE Process Explorer V11.
You may see the following error message when access Conversations by clicking the Conversations icon on the aspenONE Home page. | Solution: 1. Go to aspenONE Process Explorer server (Directory server)
2. Launch ADSA
3. Click on Configuration tab
4. Click on Public Data Sources
5. Highlight the data source and click on Edit...
6. Double click on aspenONE Process Explorer Comments component.
7. Check Default Data Source
8. Close the browser, then access Conversations application again, the error message should be disappeared.
KB article 000091837 explained How does the aspenONE Process Explorer Comments service work.
Key word:
Conversations
Default comment
Data source
Error Code (-1)
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: You may create on the fly calculations in Graphics. When the quality is becoming Bad, the overall calculation is affecting.
For example: We have a calculation = TagA + TagB + TagC. As you can see, TagA has been calculated even if it is Bad. | Solution: You may use If statement to preventing the Bad tag to be calculated.
=(IF{TagA IP_INPUT_QUALITY} =-6 THEN 0 ELSE TagA) +(IF{TagB IP_INPUT_QUALITY} =-6 THEN 0 ELSE TagB) + (IF{TagC IP_INPUT_QUALITY} =-6 THEN 0 ELSE TagC)
Note: The dropdown list of IP_INPUT_QUALITY is maintained by record QUALITY-STATUSES
Key word:
Adhoc calculation
on the fly
Bad
Quality
If
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When modelling a Pipe Segment, if the pressure drop in the pipe segment is too big, a warning may appear, saying that increment dP > 10% of inlet. Check Trace. But when does it appear and what does it mean? | Solution: Remember that the pipe segment compute calculations dividing the pipe into increments in order to estimate better the properties at each increment, and the final result is a contribution of the results from all the increments. In each increment a pressure drop is being calculated and this warning appears when the dP in one increment is higher that the 10% of the inlet pressure of that very same increment. Also the warning says: Check Trace, as in the trace window you can see which increments are presenting this problem, as it can be observed in the following images.
The trace window is pointing at the increments 3, 4 and 5 as the increments which needs attention. To review the pressure in those increments go to the Performance tab in the Pipe segment and click on the View Profile button, there you can review the result for each increment.
As it can be seen, in each of the last 3 increments, the Total dP is higher than the 10% of the inlet pressure of each of the segments, this is what this warning is reporting, it is not an error, but it is a warning that the pressure is starting to decrease faster in those increments. Thus this indicates that calculations can be improved, the first thing that can be changed is increasing the number of increments, which will allows Aspen HYSYS to calculate better the properties in each increment.
Keywords: Pipe segment, 10%, dP, increment
References: None |
Problem Statement: What does the warning Segment Pressure Drop Greater Than 10% Of Inlet Segment Pressure mean? | Solution: The warning message Segment Pressure Drop Greater Than 10% Of Inlet Segment Pressure For XXX under View | Results | Messages | Solver (where XXX is the name of a pipe in the model) means that in at least one element in pipe XXX the pressure drop over that element is more than 10% of the element inlet pressure.
In this situation it is recommended to increase the number of elements for the pipe concerned (seeSolution 109960). In general for a single phase vapour system the use of too few elements will result in a higher pressure drop. For a two phase system this generality may be incorrect dependant upon the vaporization and/or condensation along the pipe.
Experience has shown that 25 to 30 elements is adequate for all but the longest pipes. The default value of 10 elements normally gives the best trade-off between accuracy and speed, although this decision is somewhat subjective.
Keywords: elements, two phase elements, pressure drop, 10%, warning
References: None |
Problem Statement: Symptoms were observed with PCSPUT error messages on the PCWS Web Viewer or APC Manage for the Aspen Inferential Qualities (IQ) applications that were writing to FoxIA AIN block. This issue was being experienced after upgrading the DCS (Foxboro EVO) supervisory control server (Foxbridge) from version 7.00.03 to version 8.02.01. The AIN block measurement parameter is not updated even though the source value in Aspen IQ is changing.
The workaround being used that temporarily resolves the issue is to first READ the IQ values a few times using either the CIMIO Test API tool or Matrikon Explorer, then the writes from IQ application to the AIN block are successful. However, this is not a sustainable workaround for maintenance purposes, especially with multiple tags mapped from IQ to AIN, as this would have to be done every time the server is rebooted and loses connection. | Solution: The root cause of this issue was a defect on the AIM*OPC side. ReSolution was to upgrade the AIM*OPC version from 3.5 to 3.6.1. After the AIM*OPC upgrade, no PCSPUT error messages where reported for the IQ, even after a reboot and workaround was no longer required.
Keywords: IQ, PSCPUT, Foxboro, Foxbridge, OPC, AIM
References: None |
Problem Statement: Where can I see the ports used by the OPC UA Configuration tool for v10 | Solution: InfoPlus.21 Server automatically configure the firewall ports during installation. If you want to see which ports are being used by the applications for the OPC UA connection, please follow these steps.
1. Open UA Configuration tool.
2. Click on Manage Application Tab
3. You need to have IP21OpcUAServerHost.exe select on Application to Manage (see image below)
if IP21OpcUAServerHost is not on the options, click the Find button --> ProgramFiles --> Aspentech --> InfoPlus.21 --> db21 --> code and select IP21OpcUAServerHost.exe and open it.
4. Click on Manage Firewall Access and a window will open named Open Firewall Ports(see image below)
If you check the box of 4840 or 52601 you will be able to see the ports used by application
Check the box of Application Access Granted and you will be able to add or remove any port.
Keywords: OPC UA
IP.21 Server V10
Firewall
Ports
OPC UA Configuration tool
References: None |
Problem Statement: When trying to execute the MSRSR.rpt and the MEVST.rpt the following error appears:
SQL Return: SQL_ERROR
Error Code: S0002
Error Message: [Oracle][ODBC][Ora]ORA-00942: table or view does not exist | Solution: The MSRSR.rpt and the MEVSR.rpt both require the Sales and Receipt Module Database Tables, therefore is required to add these tables to the model.
The procedure to add the modules is mentioned below:
Note: These modules can added only if the end user subscribed for the optional add-on modules. The Customer must have a valid license for each module before activation.
The Aspen Operations Reconciliation and Accounting application includes the following optionally licensed add-on modules for the relational database as listed below:
a.) ERP Module
b.) Sales and Receipts Module
c.) Planning Module
The respective activation codes for each of these modules can be found in the respective text files that can be found in:
C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\Advisor\Documents
The text file for the Sales and Receipt module is called EnableSnRModule.txt. The activation code is mentioned at the bottom of the text file.
Once you have the activation code, go to AORA DBtools and open the model logged as SUPERUSER. Then go to Tools, Manage Modules and Add Modules.
Type in the module name and enter the activation code; Finally click on Add.
Keywords: MSRSR.rpt
MEVSR.rpt
References: None |
Problem Statement: ANL files .ANL files can be produced by Aspen Nonlinear Controller (formerly Aspen Apollo), Aspen Process Statistical Analyzer (formerly Aspen IQmodel Powertools), and Aspen Nonlinear Controller.
When importing ANL files in Nonlinear projects. You might see the gains are not correctly populated among the inputs
Internally, the software keeps a list of inputs in a fixed order. For example, let’s say you train a BDN with the order FIC101 and FIC102. You then reorder the inputs to FIC102 and FIC101. The software keeps the BDN inputs in the order FIC101 and FIC102. And it keeps a mapping from the new external order to the internal order. When you read an ANL file, it assumes the inputs are in the internal BDN order.
This | Solution: explains a procedure to correctly import ANL in Nonlinear projects.
Wordaround
Open the ANL file with Notepad and identify the order of inputs. The structure of the recipient model has to match this order.
Here you have two options:
If you have the original dataset with the vectors used to build the ANL in the project file:
In datasets view, Select the original dataset create a vector list containing only the inputs and output(I/O) of the ANL file.
Use the extract tool to create a new dataset extracting the vector list from the previous step.
Select the extracted dataset and select properties
Arrange the order to match the order of the ANL file. Leave the output at the end of the list.
In Controllers view, create a new Nonlinear controller.
Mark select variables from dataset. Select the extracted dataset and vector list.
Select the I/O and match confirm the structure and order as the ANL.
Apply any transformations
Go to Build Models, change model type to imported. Click configure and hit browse to select the ANL file to be imported.
Import and apply changes. Confirm the Gains show correctly.
Use the edit function to get the desired structure. Note that even if you export an ANL after this step, it won’t change the order of I/O.
If you don’t have the original dataset with the vectors used to build the ANL in the project file:
In Controllers view, create a new Nonlinear controller.
Mark select variables from dataset. Click on Add and specify new variables with the same name and order as the I/O in the ANL.
Go to Build Models, change model type to imported. Click configure and hit browse to select the ANL file to be imported.
Import and apply changes.
<Optional> you might see the gains are incorrectly scaled.
Prior importing the ANL, the base values are zero for input and output. Set them to the desired values you would like to scale.
Use the edit function to get the desired structure. Note that even if you export an ANL at this step, it won’t change the order of I/O.
Fixed in
Next major release of DMC3 Builder product suite. nonlinear CV.
Keywords: …APC Nonlinear Project, ANL, VSTS 577300, VSTS 605009
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does OptiPlant calculate spacing between the pipes? | Solution: OptiPlant calculates the Pipe spacing using the Formula: Flange Diameter of Large Pipe/2 + the smaller pipe dia/2+ Flange insulation of bigger pipe + Pipe insulation of smaller pipe + Face to Face.
Flange Diameter of larger pipe Flange Diameter is read from the file Flange.ans file located at C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\Aspen OptiPlant V12.1\Data\ANSI. This file contains the flange diameter for different pipe diameters.
Pipe insulation of smaller pipe Pipe insulation is read from the file Insthick.ans located C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\Aspen OptiPlant V12.1\Data\ANSI Face to face distance
Face to face distance is 50mm by default. But this data can be changed to any value. This face to face distance data is available in the file Rt_param.ans file located at C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\Aspen OptiPlant V12.1\Data\ANSI.
Keywords: Pipe spacing
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why OptiPlant is giving FEI License check error? | Solution: This Error message would appear if the user clicks on any button in OptiPlant without launching a project. It is required to create a new project folder and launch OptiPlant using that. Once the project folder is launched in OptiPlant, this error message will go away.
Keywords: FEI License Check Error
OptiPlant
References: None |
Problem Statement: The cost of X -ray is more than three times when the shell cylinder length is changed to 3079 mm or above | Solution: The reason for the increase in X-Ray price is that, starting at 3079 mm, the shell will have a girth weld.
This adds a significant extra X-ray cost.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why incorrect server name/IP is indicated on the SLM Configuration Wizard even after adding the correct server IP address? | Solution: If the computer is belonging to the Domain network environment, SLM software uses server name/IP address information which is stored in Domain controller.
But if domain controller side information is wrong, this problem can be caused.
In that case, please follow the procedure below to resolve the issue..
Note: This procedure requires “Admin Privilege”. Please log on by using Admin user.
・Please launch “AspenOne SLM License Manager” on the client PC.
・Click Configure button. Then “SLM Configuration Wizard” dialog box is opened like below.
・Expand “Advanced settings” node and uncheck “Resolve server name” option.
・Type the SLM server’s IP address on the “Server Name or IP column” then click “Add server” button.
・Click “Apply Change” then “Close” button.
Keywords: SLM Configuration Wizard
Resolve server name
Advanced settings
References: None |
Problem Statement: The following message may appear when opening a newly installed Aspen Process Explorer for the first time (after getting past the registration screens):
Unable to acquire Process_Explorer license.
There's a 'Details' and a 'Close' choice. Details returns this:
(Name of license server) (Bucket - perhaps Default) (Type - Unified License) (Code 18) (Description - The license for this product or feature could not be found. <plus more>)
On the IP.21 box, on the 'License Status' tab if you get the properties for the IP.21 from the Administrator, if it says License Granted and Process Explorer works okay on that box, what should be done? | Solution: Open the WLM Admin tool on the license server machine. If this key is present:
SLM_RN_PME_PRCEXPL_TK
then it means that the license has the key that Process Explorer needs so we need to change the install on the non-working system to be a token-installation. The options are to install with token media, or maybe to use thisSolution
ID: 000078488 Utility to convert an installation done without DVD2T (Token DVD) to work with token license system
or perhaps the best, quickest thing would be to use thisSolution
ID: 000082302 - How do I convert multiple clients to Token Licensing at once?
But once the numeric string is copied, change the first 2 to a -4.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: When opening UA Configuration tool and choosing Import Certificate to Trust on Manage Security tab, the following error appears
this means that a Config.file has not been added to the Opc.Ua.Discovery.Server | Solution: 1. First make sure the services Aspen CIM-IO Manager and OPC UA Discovery Server are running on the same administrator accounts.
2. On OPC UA Configuration tool | Manage Security, you need to have Opc.Ua.DiscoveryServer on Application To Manage, click Edit
a window will pop out, click Browse for Configuration File
3. Go to ProgramData | OPCFoundation | Config and open the Opc.Ua.DiscoveryServer.Config.xml
and select the .xml file
4. Click OK
Now you will be able to import certificates to trust.
Keywords: OPC UA
OPC UA Configuration Tool
CIM-IO
OPC.Ua.DiscoveryServer
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is the holdup for rate-controlled reactions (specified on the RadFrac's Reactions form) the same as the holdups for rate-based distillation (specified on the RadFrac's Pack rating | Rate-based form)? | Solution: Use the RadFrac | Reactions | Holdups sheet to specify the holdup for rate-controlled reactions in equilibrium calculations. This holdup will be used to initialize rate-based calculations. Use the Rate-Based Modeling | Rate-Based Setup | Holdups sheet to specify the holdup for the Column Internals of a Section for the rate-based calculations instead of having holdup calculated it from a correlation.
Important: The holdup basis specified on the RadFrac | Reactions | Holdups sheet determines the units for the pre-exponential factor during equilibrium or rate-based calculations. Holdup basis is determined separately for each stage, where the holdup for any stages with unspecified holdups is taken to be in a mole basis. Incorrect specification of the holdup basis will lead to incorrect interpretation of the pre-exponential factor units and thus incorrect results.
Keywords: hold-up
hold up
References: : CQ00496101 |
Problem Statement: AOL Services V12/V12.1 is not able to start after the switch to the Local System account. You may see Error 1053 reported in a popup window saying Error 1053: The service did not respond in a timely fashion when attempting to start the service. | Solution: There are multiple potential reasons that Aspen Online Services is not able to start when switching to the Local System account:
SQL Express 2014 SP2 is not installed.
SQL Express 2014 service is not running.
SQL Express 2014 SP2 service is not being selected to run Aspen Online V12/V12.1 services.
For reason number 3, the user can run SelectInstance.bat using Administrator right under System Drive | Program File | AspenTech | Aspen Online V12.X folder.
Note: Please make sure the SQL Express that is installed is SQL Express 2014 SP2. The older version and newer version may not work properly. Installer for SQL Express 2014 SP2 is included in the AspenOne Media under the 3rd Party Distributable folder.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: A DMC controller can shut off or exit the process with the error message: General: MV check failed: User calculation MAXMOV exceeded. What does this message mean and how can we troubleshoot it? | Solution: Every cycle, the controller checks to see if the setpoint that is about to be output to the MV is greater than the maximum move and tolerance. This is called the Last Check, LSTCHK: |VIND – VINDSP| > (MAXMOV + MOVTOL). If this check comes out true, then the controller will turn off and produce the message “User calculation MAXMOV exceeded.”
Possible Root Causes andSolutions
The most common root cause of this issue is a custom calculation created by the user that is causing the setpoint change to be greater than the maximum move. Please verify if there are any user-defined calculations that could be provoking this response.
Another root cause could be that Move Tolerance (MVTOL) is set lower than the Process Control System reSolution (decimal tolerance). For example, if DMCplus is sending a setpoint of 12.00 (2 decimal places) to the DCS, and the DCS returns a measurement value of 12.000001 (6 decimal places), the controller will read this as a tolerance breach (i.e. VIND > VINDSP). To avoid this scenario, the move tolerance parameter, MVTOL, is used as the reSolution, in engineering limits, of an MV. For more details on MVTOL, please refer to this article: https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000074108. Therefore, please verify that MVTOL is set to be greater than or equal to the PCS reSolution. The value this should be set to can also be determined from the PCS documentation.
There is also a reported defect that can trigger the controller turning off due to tolerance differences in the move calculation and LSTCHK. The chances of this to occur are higher when the MAXMOV is very small. This defect (464980) was originally fixed in V10 CP2 EP5 and V11 EP3. If you do not have the latest patches applied, please request access to them by submitting a case online: https://esupport.aspentech.com/apex/S_CaseSubmit
Further Troubleshooting Efforts
Unfortunately, there is no direct way of checking which MV is triggering this response. What we can do, though, is enable the Debug Print Files and catch the error if it happens again. Here are the steps to enable this:
On the PCWS > Online tab, click on the controller name to open the Controller Details page
Set the “Debug Print Counter” to the number of cycles you want to log
Set the “Diagnostic Print Mode” to Both
This will generate PRT and PRB log files once the counter of cycles is finished, which can be found in this folder: C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Online\app\
The Debug Print Counter for DMC3 controllers is equivalent to the Diag Print Switch for DMCplus controllers, so this is the entry you want to set for the number of control cycles to capture diagnostic logs.
If you expect this error to come at a certain time or under certain conditions, this is when you can set it to a few control cycles in advance and once those cycles are over, it will print diagnostic logs with full controller details. Once you can capture the error in these logs, you can see which MV is violating the Last Check.
Another option for troubleshooting is to try to reproduce it using Simulation in the offline Desktop tools (DMC3 Builder or DMCplus Simulate).
The Event Viewer captures error messages from the program as well. You can try under the Application logs and the DMCplus logs. The Aspen DMCplus or AspenRTE logs should capture the messages from PCWS so maybe there is more information about the variable under the Details section of the message in Event Viewer.
Event Viewer Navigation Tree:
Example of the message details in Event Viewer:
Keywords: maxmov, exceeded, mv check failed
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I setup an optimization problem in Equation Oriented (EO) mode? | Solution: The attached example shows how to optimize the operation of a distillation column in order to maximize profit.
The column is separating ethanol from water. The profit is calculated as:
1 $/lbmol *lbmol of Ethanol produced - 5 $/BTU * Reboiler Duty in BTU - 2 $/BTU * Condenser Duty in BTU.
This profit equation can be changed to account for other costs.
Steps to create the objective function:
1) Create the objective function by going to the EO Configuration folder/Objective, click add and name the new objective function PROFIT and select 'linear'.
2) Enter the terms of the objective function, Look for the relevant variables from the EO variables. To obtain Ethanol mole flow in the distillate, an Analyzer block was created that reports this value so that it is accessible in the profit equation. Also, include the units for each cost term and the global units for the profit equation. Also, ensure the direction is set to 'Maximize'.
3) Create a Spec group to select the variable to be optimized (EO Configuration/Spec group). In this case the variable to be optimized is the mole fraction of ethanol at the outlet. The manipulated variable is the mole reflux ratio. Provide reasonable bounds for the Optimized variable. In this example, we want to set a minimum concentration of 85% of Ethanol in the Distillate.
4) Change the run type from simulation to optimization and select the objective function.
5) Under Objective | Results you can see the value of the objective function.
Keywords: Optimization, Aspen Plus, Equation Oriented, EO
References: None |
Problem Statement: Specific network port number is required to add into exception list of the network firewall in order to allow the connection between Aspen Online Client machine and Aspen Online Server Machine | Solution: For the network port requirement for the firewall, you can refer to the list below for the different versions of Aspen Online.
aspenonlineV12.1 39001/tcp #For Aspen OnLine V12.1
aspenonlineV12.0 38001/tcp #For Aspen OnLine V12.0
aspenonlineV11.0 37001/tcp #For Aspen OnLine V11.0
aspenonlineV10.0 36001/tcp #For Aspen OnLine V10.0
The user also can get the port number from C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\services in the machine with Aspen Online installed as shown in the screenshot below:
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to see a proper scale on the flowsheet and in the PDF print version?
In some cases, it is possible to find different scales in the flowsheet. This can affect the size in the process flow diagram (PFD) icons or letters, in the Model Palette icons, or in the PDF printable version. | Solution: For seeing a proper scale on the flowsheet and in the PDF print version, it is suggested the next 2 modifications:
Modify the screen reSolution to 1920 x 1080.
In File/Options/Flowsheet/Label Font select Arial as a Font and 8pt as Size, click on Ok/Ok.
After that, restart Aspen Plus and open the case.
Keywords: Font, big icons, PDF print, re
References: None |
Problem Statement: Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to schedule a particular service to restart without user intervention, e.g., as a stop-gap measure until a particular problem is resolved. This | Solution: suggests you how you can do this.
Solution
You can use either the SC.exe utility (available from the Windows resource kit) or NET START/NET STOP commands. The example below uses the NET START and NET STOP commands to restart the AspenTech Calculator Engine service:
First, create an MS DOS batch file with the following commands in it:
net stop AspenTech Calculator Engine
net start AspenTech Calculator Engine
Save it and go to Control Panel --> Administrative Tools --> Task Scheduler. Add a new scheduled task via the Wizard, and browse to your batch file. After that, schedule it to run maybe once a day, at a particular time. This will restart the AspenTech Calculator Engine service daily.
Keywords: Restart
service
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to pass the pipe failing due to ‘Improper point generated (point outside all CLBs)’ error. | Solution: This indicates the line is trying to route outside the defined area of the plant. Large lines off the top of the towers, or lines going below grade usually face this problem.
Sketch the pipe.
Check that the working units stated in the line list are the SAME as the working units used in the OptiPlant plot plan.
If pipes are going underground, through a floor slab, make sure the floor slab is designated as
penetrable hard volume, so pipes will not need to route completely around the floor slab.
Check if the pipe-routes are not trying to go beyond the defined plot-plan limits.
Key Words:
CLB, etc
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to pass the pipe failing due to “Route violates bend to bend distance” error message. | Solution: This indicates that the pipe cannot satisfy the bend distance criteria. It usually occurs when there is congestion near one of the end points and when the pipe is trying to exit out of or enter into the pipe rack. Check the start and end points to observe if there is congestion.
Sketch the pipe and check whether there is enough room available for the two 90-degree bends to be placed. Users can check the bend radius and bend-to-bend distance in the Pipe-Data form of the failed pipe.
Altering an HZ keyword to specify an actual direction. For example, if there is congestion on the north side of the equipment, changing the keyword from HZ to HZE will connect the pipe to the east side, avoiding congestion.
If the point is a tee, it may help to specify the tee direction through the component list, or the Custom Rules. If the tee direction is chosen as Down from a header, but the area is congested, designating the tee direction as Up will avoid the congestion
Key Words:
Bend to Bend, etc
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Input Gen error - For Line < Line Id > the Service type < type > and Battery Rack type < type > do not match. The service type will be changed to match the rack type. | Solution: Check that the rack ID for this line is of the same type as the line. For example, if the line has ‘P’ for service, it should only go to racks of process type. This is listed in the rack file (*.rks) in the second column.
Key Words:
Service type,etc
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why input generation process is throwing an error message for Pipe Specs.
Line < Line Id > has spec < pipe spec > which is not in Pip_spec.dat file. | Solution: The spec for this line is not found in the pip_spec.dat file. It can be added by simply entering the information in this file. Pip_spec.dat file present in the project folder.
Key Words:
Pip_spec.dat, etc
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why Input Generation report throwing an error message as ‘Cannot find/read component list file <Component list>.’ | Solution: If a component list (*.cls) is to be used, check that it is present inside the project directory and has the same prefix as the line list and equipment list. If no Component List is to be used, this message can be ignored.
Key Words:
Component List, .cls, etc
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why OptiPlant is giving, and error message as shown below upon running define environment.
Interference with RACK VOLUMES detected after reading <model name>. hv and <model name>.rks.
Please resolve the interference error to route pipes.
Process Rack-Volumes <rack name> is interfering with <equipment> | Solution: This error occurs when any hard volume of the equipment or structure is clashing or interfering with any “Rack Volume” built in the model. Identify the rack-volume IDs interfering with other hard-volumes in the layout. Select that that rack volume in the OptiPlant Model and check for interference visually in the layout to resolve it either by moving or modifying the rack volume or equipment or structure.
Key Words:
Define environment, Interference, Rack volume, etc
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the rules in OptiPlant which get applied to Equipment and structures? | Solution: In OptiPlant, the user can define some rules to the equipment and structure to control the pipe routing. These rules can be applied using the parametric form of the objects. The 3D model is converted to Hard Volumes and Racks files for the router based on the rules, which are applied to each item in the 3D Model. These hard-volume rules govern the routing of pipes. The hard volume types are assigned in the object parametric forms. Following are the different hard volume types:
Equipment - Non-supportable item that pipe cannot route through and needs to maintain a clearance.
Tower - Supportable equipment that pipe cannot route through and needs to maintain a clearance. However, pipe can be supported off this equipment, so it stays within .5 M of the equipment.
Structure - Supportable item that pipe cannot route through.
Penetrable - Non-supportable equipment but pipe can route through it. It will do a cost calculation to determine whether it is cheaper to route through it or around it.
Penetrable Rule depends on the wall thickness & the pipe size
Penetrable Rule does not mean that the pipe will always penetrate through the object; It will decide after doing the cost-calculation
Process Rack - For process service pipes in the pipe rack or a “rack volume”.
Utility Rack - For utility service pipes in the pipe rack or a “rack volume”.
Common Rack - For process & utility service pipes in the pipe rack or a “rack volume”.
Keywords: Object Rules
Equipment Rules
HV Type
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the differences between Center to center and Actual Piping MTO? | Solution: Type of Calculation – MTO provides the length of the pipes per this calculation. Basically, two types of calculation are there:
i. Center to Center- It means the total length of the pipe from start to finish, including the center to center length of the fittings (elbows and flanges) and inline components as well as the valves, reducers, tees, and orifices.
ii. Actual - It measures the edge to an edge length of pipe (excludes out the center to center length of the inline components). Basically, it would be the “cut length” of a pipe in a pipeline.
Keywords: Piping MTO
Center to Center MTO
References: None |
Problem Statement: Are there any pre-requisites that need to be followed prior to import a DXF in OptiPlant? | Solution: There are some pre-requisites, which needs to be fulfilled by the users before importing the DXF in OptiPlant:
The 2D DXF file must have the same coordinate system as that of the OptiPlant plot-plan.
The UNITS of the 2D DXF file must be the same as that of the plot-plan units in OptiPlant.
The scale of the 2D DXF file must be the same as that of the OptiPlant scale
The 2D DXF content should be exploded before import to remove any arcs, polygons, or ellipses
The 2D DXF file should be purged to remove any other data referenced in
After following the above-mentioned steps save the DXF file to 2007 or lower version of DXF and import it in OptiPlant.
Keywords: DXF Import
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to calculate the Rack Volume height? | Solution: The height of the rack volume is calculated by using the formula, ½*(OD of the largest pipe in mm) + rack shoe height (100mm), for example, if the height of rack volumes N1 and N2 are 300 mm each and the line ID NGL-P-5003, NGL-P-5064 and NGL-P-5000 forced having line size of 750mm each. So, the minimum required height for the rack volumes should be {½*(762 mm) + 100mm} = 481 mm, but the given height of rack volume is 300 mm, which is an insufficient height for these lines to route through. Update the value of the rack volume N1 and N2 to 500mm respectively
Keywords: Insufficient rack Height
Rack height rules
References: None |
Problem Statement: Upon using Excel export, either for exporting the model or the line list, OptiPlant is giving an error message which is shown below: | Solution: Sometimes the Microsoft office updates break the interfaces with some software. To resolve this issue, first, try to reboot the system. If this issue persists, then the user will need to repair Microsoft office by going into the control panel. After repairing it, this issue will go away.
Key Words:
Excel Export, Line List Export
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: The Databanks PURE856, PURE93, PURE10, and AQU92 are NOT available in V7.3 and higher. PURE11, PURE12, and PURE13 are NOT available after V8.4. PURE20, PURE22, and PURE24 are NOT available after V11. These are superseded by AQUEOUS and later versions of PURE which include more recent data from DIPPR and other sources.
Each of these databanks is from a version of Aspen Plus at least ten years old. They have been retained for users who require complete compatibility with results from previous versions. Because most users have now updated their simulations to newer database versions, these old versions are being dropped to reduce the size of the database delivered with each installation.
If the Upgrade Databanks dialog box appears in Aspen Plus or Aspen Properties, it means you have opened a file which references these databanks and you do not have the databanks available. Either upgrade the databanks to the latest versions (which may give different results because the newer databanks may have more accurate property parameters), or use the | Solution: below to install the retired databanks and then reopen the file.Solution
It is possible to use the Aspen Properties Enterprise Database to preserve copies of these databanks if you still need to use them. See the attached document Maintaining Access to Retired Databanks for details.
You can download a version of the backup database APLDB attached. Once you have done that, follow the instructions below for restoring the database. If you need to preserve access to these retired databanks for many different product versions, you may need to download multiple versions of APLDB provided in thisSolution.
There are four versions of APLDB available and you can choose to download one or more based on what you need:
APLDB from V8.0 containing PURE856, PURE93, PURE10, and AQU92. This database can be restored with V8.0 and higher (APLDB from V8.0.zip)
APLDB from V8.6 containing PURE856, PURE93, PURE10, AQU92, PURE11, PURE12, and PURE13. This database can be restored with V8.6 and higher (APLDB from V8.6.zip)
APLDB from V8.8 containing all of the above databanks. This database is FIPS 140-2 compliant. This database can be restored with V8.8 and higher (APLDB from V8.8 with FIPS 140-2 compilant.zip).
APLDB from V12 containing PURE856, PURE93, PURE10, AQU92, PURE11, PURE12, PURE13, PURE20, PURE22, and PURE24. This database is FIPS 140-2 compliant. This database can be restored with V12 and higher (APLDB from V12 with FIPS 140-2 compilant.zip).
Restoring the APLDB Database
Launch Database Manager - Aspen Properties <version> to start Aspen Properties Database Manager. Run as administrator.
Right-click Database Manager - Aspen Properties <version> and select All Tasks, then Restore Database.
Select the server and filename for the new database. For LocalDB, enter the database name directly. For SQL Server, enter apeduser2 for Login Name and Aproperty88# as Password and then enter the database name.
You must enter APLDB as the database name if the backup file is from V8.0.
You can enter APLDB or APLDB84 as the database name if the backup file is from V8.6.
You can enter APLDB or APLDB88 as the database name if the backup file is from V8.8.
You can enter APLDB or APLDB120 as the database name if the backup file is from V12.
File Directory: Click Browse and locate the backup file APLDB downloaded.
Click Finish when you are done entering these settings. You will see some status messages, ending with RESTORE DATABASE successfully processed and some statistics about the size of the database.
Click Close.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Customer wants to simulate a process with electrolytes and mixed solvents. What data is required to regress interaction parameters? How should he go about the regression? Does it matter whether true or apparent approach is used? | Solution: When regressing electrolyte data you MUST use a property method with the same approach (true or apparent) as the data. I.e. if the data includes the compositions of the ions, true approach must be used, and if the data incudes only the apparent compositions as is more common, the apparent approach must be used for the regression. All of the data sets in a regression case must use the same approach. Either approach can be used with the regressed parameters in the simulation.
Parameters for electrolyte systems are often regressed from the following types of data:
Vapor-liquid equilibrium data (TXY, PXY, or TPXY)
Liquid-liquid equilibrium data (TXX, PXX, or TPXX)
Liquid molar enthalpy data (HLMX)
Liquid heat capacity (CPLMX)
Osmotic coefficient data (OSMOT)
Mean ionic activity coefficient data (GAMMA)
Salt solubility data (TPX or TX)
Liquid molar volume data (VLMX)
pH data (PH)
The best regression results will be obtained if multiple data types are used.
The general approach is
Binary NRTL interaction parameters between the solvent species should be regressed from phase equilibrium (TPXY or TPXXY) data along with enthalpy data if available.
Binary interaction parameters between a single ion pair and each of the solvents (GMELCx for ElecNRTL and GMENCx for ENRTL-RK) should be regressed from a series of phase equilibrium (TPXY or TPXXY) data where only one electrolyte component is present along with enthalpy data (HLMX, CPLMX) if available. Note that heat ofSolution data (HLMX) cannot be used directly with electrolyte models (See Knowledge Document 6729 - https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000067229 for more details).
Binary interaction parameters between sets of ion pairs should be regressed from a series of phase equilibrium data containing multiple electrolyte species.
Keywords: DRS, regression, electrolyte, approach
References: : VSTS 108708 |
Problem Statement: Are there any recommendations to import lines from the excel template to the line list? | Solution: Following is the recommended work process to follow when importing lines from excel file into line-list for routing:
If the line list in the excel file is available, then all the lines need not be imported into OptiPlant in one go.
The lines can be imported in smaller groups
The recommended process to import lines in smaller groups are as follows:
By size – importing groups of lines that are critical for the process or for the area
By type – import the equipment to equipment lines and headers lines first and then import the equipment to branch and then at last, the branch lines.
By system – import a group of lines that forms the complete critical system to get all the critical system of lines in first and continue to move accordingly to other systems
Keep a copy of your line list as “Master Line List” and create a new excel file as “Working Line List”.
If decided
By size –
Sort the Excel file by size.
Select 20-25 lines first that are large bore lines and copy them over to the “Working Line List” excel file and bring it into OptiPlant format.
Import the line list and update the start/end types. NOTE: You may have errors in the line list template when you first open it, but it's ok, the errors should go away when you update the line list.
Run batch to ensure there are no errors.
Continue selecting the next set of lines and following the same process.
By type –
Identify the major headers first and copy those lines into the “Working Line List” excel file and bring it into OptiPlant format.
Import that line list and update start/end types.
Run batch to ensure there are no errors.
Next, identify the equipment to equipment lines and select 20-25 lines at a time and then update start/end and run batch.
Continuing doing till to have first completed all equipment to equipment, then equipment to branch and then finally, branch to branch lines.
By system –
Select one complete system at a time to use and copy those lines into the “Working Line List” excel file and bring it into OptiPlant format.
Import that line list and update start/end types.
Run batch to ensure there are no errors.
Continue doing the same for all other systems
Keywords: Line List Import
References: None |
Problem Statement: Are there any recommendations to set up a new project in OptiPlant? | Solution: Before creating a new project in OptiPlant, users should review the Plot Plan to determine whether a project should be divided into several smaller projects that can be developed by one or more users. It is recommended to divide OptiPlant projects into areas that have approximately 00 - 500 lines. This is not a technical limitation of the OptiPlant software, but a work process recommendation. If a single project has to be broken up into multiple smaller projects, then it should be divided after defining logical battery limits
IMPORTANT –
The Plot Plan Filename must not contain spaces and should not have any special characters like ?, /, \, >, <, . ,, etc... Only hyphen (-) and underbar (_) are allowed.
The length of the project path length should not exceed more than 128 characters. The length of the project path length also includes the drive name in which the plot-plan is created, for example, D:\Refinery\FEED\GastoLiquids
Keywords: Project Set up
References: None |
Problem Statement: Previously, configuration and start-up of Cim-IO for OPC required users to manipulate several files: the Windows Services file, the cimio_logical_devices.def file, and various files in the %CIMIOROOT%\io\cio_opc_api directory.
Most of this manual configuration has been eliminated in current versions to simplify configuring the Cim-IO for OPC interface. | Solution: Cim-IO for OPC now uses an entirely GUI-based configuration utility. The CIM-IO Interface Manager utility allows you to configure how Cim-IO for OPC behaves. This utility is used to configure the logical device name, TCP/IP service name, node name and any other additional configuration required for CIMIO for OPC to operate.
For detailed information about this utility, refer to the Aspen CIM-IO User's Guide attached to this KB article.
Note: Our old OPCProperties.exe utility has been removed from distribution as of MES V10. Its functionality is now part of the CIM-IO Interface Manager.
Keywords: OPCProperties
CIMIO for OPC
References: None |
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