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Problem Statement: Customers who do not have a token license agreement should not install the 64-bit version of Aspen software. | Solution: Aspen InfoPlus.21 (IP.21) release version 8.5 is available both in the 32-bit and 64-bit version. The V8.5 installation media, both DVD 2 and DVD 2T, lets you install either 32-bit InfoPlus.21 or 64-bit InfoPlus.21. However, the 64-bit version of Aspen InfoPlus.21 is only available to token customers. As there is no license check during product installation, customers with perpetual license contracts are able to install the 64 bit products but will not have the run-time licenses to operate them. It is therefore recommended that customers who do not have a token license agreement not install the 64 bit version of Aspen InfoPlus.21.
To summarize:
· If you are a perpetual (non-token) license customer you must use DVD 2 and the 32-bit install option to install/upgrade Aspen software
· If you are a token license customer you must use DVD 2T and you can use either the 32-bit or 64-bit install option to install/upgrade Aspen software
For further details please refer to the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Product Family V8.5 Release Notes.
Fixed in Version
CQ00543579: Deferred for consideration in a future release.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How many user databanks can be added? | Solution: There was a limit of 30 databanks before version 12. In 12.1.3 and higher, there is a limit of 200.
Fixed in Version
12.1.3 and 2004 and higher
Keywords: user databank
References: None |
Problem Statement: When opening an .apw file, Aspen Plus gets the components mixed up (i.e., it starts to use physical property parameters for the wrong components). If an .inp file is exported, I get this for components:
COMPONENTS
N2 C10H16-D2 /
ETHANOL C6H12O-E1 /
PROPANOL C5H8O-D1 /
WATER C5H4O2 /
P-XYLENE C8H10-4
This is all wrong. If an old .bkp file is opened, the component list is correct.
What is going on? | Solution: This problem occurs when an old .apw file is used after the user interface has been customized to add a user or inhouse databank. When the user interface is customized, the system definition file (recdef) will change. The recdef contains pointers to the components which will point to new places after the customization. This is a limitation of the .apw file which is in a binary format. This is similar to what occurs when a new version of the software is installed . Old .apw files will open since the release is still the same; however, they are not compatible and should not be used after customization. Prior to customizing the user interface, all files should be saved in the .bkp format.
Keywords: gui
mmcustom mmtbs
References: : CQ00225459 |
Problem Statement: Where are the TBS files used to customize Aspen Plus and Aspen Properties?
In the Aspen Plus System Management Guide, it states that the TBS tables are stored in a compressed file format. To decompress the source data, use the extr_tbs command from the Aspen Physical Property System utilities directory:
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\AprSystem 2004.1\Engine\xeq\extr_tbs.bat
When I ran the extr_tbs.bat, I got a directory, but no files. Did I miss something? | Solution: Go to the Engine\utl (e.g. C:\Program Files\AspenTech\AprSystem 2004.1\Engine\utl) directory and run the extr_tbs.exe file.
Fixed in Version
CQ00228210: The documentation has been corrected for version 2006.
Keywords: lcd
table building system
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen Plus V8.4 now thinks that Equation Oriented (EO) input is incomplete if the physical type is not specified. Earlier versions accepted EO Input without a physical type. | Solution: Starting in V8.4, the EO Input form now requires physical type and units to be specified for each variable. This ensures that the value and bounds specifications are interpreted correctly if the global unit set is changed. It was always possible to specify these units, but it was not required, so simulations from previous versions may load with incomplete status on this form. For variables that are unitless and do not have a physical type, it is possible to use the type "Dimensionless."
Keywords: units, values
References: None |
Problem Statement: Files with the .scr extension which Windows 7 takes to be screensaver files are impossible to delete. Therefore, if Aspen Plus crashes, I'm left with a file I can't delete. In addition, a file FORT.32 has been created in the local working directory. | Solution: The inability to delete a .scr file (this is the accounting file unit 32) is caused by use of anti-virus software for Windows, McAfee VirusScan Enterprise. Apparently the software tries to protect the system registry by preventing the user (even an administrator) from moving or deleting a .scr file. Temporarily disabling the software will allow the files to be deleted.
Our recommendation is that customers configure their virus scanners to allow .scr files accessed by apmain.exe.
Keywords: None
References: : CQ00592067 |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to specify the reaction in the condenser and reflux drum?  | Solution: Reactions in the reflux drum and condenser cannot be modeled in Aspen Batch Modeler.
This is not as clear as you might expect when selecting option "reaction occur in all stages" that condenser and the reflux drum (if available in the column) will be also taken into account.
When specifying in the simulation Batch Distillation Column, the number of stages includes condenser and pot. However, in the reaction setup, the option "reaction occur in all stages" is inaccurate. The proper description of the button should be: reaction occurs in all stages except the condenser and reflux drum. When there are no results for reactions in the condenser it works as designed.
Fixed in Version
CQ00615195: Targeted for a future release.
Keywords: reaction, condenser, reflux drum
References: None |
Problem Statement: The current methodology of optimizer tuning faces several challenges:
· Generally the preferred optimization direction of variables is known. LP tuning is then developed to match these objectives
· Cost factors are not readily available and therefore are set by trial and error to achieve the desired result
· Using actual LP costs require accurate models
· Tuning needs to be revisited when the model is updated or objectives change | Solution: Smart Tune is a new multi-objective, steady-state solver algorithm that sequentially optimizes Manipulated Variables (MVs) based on priorities available in Aspen DMC3 software. Smart Tune allows the user to:
· Specify controller objectives using priorities instead of LP cost factors
· Utilize a new workflow wizard that significantly reduces LP tuning complexity
· Gain greater insight into controller strategy through a new web based operator and engineer screen
Please see the attached pdf document titled "Jump Start Guide: Smart Tune in Aspen DMC3."
This document is a brief tutorial with step by step explanation on how to configure the new Smart Tune Optimization feature in Aspen DMC3 controller using V8.8 Aspen Manufacturing Suite.
Keywords: Smart Tune
DMC3
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen Desktop Applications installation procedure in Japanese.
日本語版Aspen Desktop Applications 設置手順書です。 | Solution: See Attacheｄ.
添付設置手順書を参照下さい。
Keywords: Aspen Process Explorer, Japanese, 日本文
References: None |
Problem Statement: When I try to import an .mtl file by going to Data | Pure Components | Import Material... | Select Source, the Source Materials pane is empty. How can I resolve this? | Solution: Every .mtl file is associated with a .prj file. This issue occurs when the .prj and .mtl files were created in a version earlier than V8.8. There is an upward compatibility issue that causes the .mtl file to be unreadable when the user imports it into V8.8.
The workaround is to open .prj file associated with the .mtl file in V8.8. This will automatically update the .mtl file, and it will be readable in V8.8.
Keywords: .mtl .prj material import
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I manually install the Aspen Cim-IO for OPC service? | Solution: There are times when the Aspen CIMIO for OPC either does not get installed with the usual installation or the service has disappeared from services panel.
This article describes the procedure to manually install Aspen Cim-IO for OPC.
1. Open DOS prompt (cmd) using “run as admin�.
2. Specify path C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\CIM-IO\io\cio_opc_api.
3. In the last line, write manager.exe – install domain name\username password & press enter, on the server where Aspen CIMIO interface is installed.
Please make sure to enter your correct domain name at & preferably the user name password being used while installation or the windows login credentials.
In case the server belongs to workgroup and is not in domain, the domain name will be system name which can be confirmed from My Computer-> properties.
On successful completion of the service installation, the message below will appear in the DOS window:
Keywords: CIMIO for OPC service
CIMIO Manager service
References: None |
Problem Statement: What do I do with environment Variable LSHOST when there is more than one server? | Solution: The LSHost environment variable is used to tell the application to search for one or more license servers. When using multiple server names on the same line you need to separate the names, in both the environment variable string and ?lshost? file, with a colon (:).
When this variable is set, the application attempts to contact each server in the list beginning with the first license server in the list. If none of the specified license servers is found, the application stops searching and returns an error. LSHost disables the network broadcast search for servers. The lshost file works the same way as the LSHost environment variable.
Tip: The lshost file does not have a file name extension attached to it. The lshost file must be placed in the application root directory. The following is an example of an lshost file.
This file searches for TESTSERV_1, TESTSERV_2, TESTSERV_3, and TESTSERV_5, in that order. Notice that TESTSERV_4 has been commented out. Anything that follows a pound symbol (#) is treated as a comment
Keywords: LSHOST
Lshost
Slm
Environment variable
SLM
References: None |
Problem Statement: Does Aspen Shell & Tube Mechanical have a mechanical design method based on China GB code? | Solution: Shell&Tube Mechanical does not have the Chinese GB code. ASME code is accepted in China by many users because the GB code is based on the ASME code and TEMA.
The mechanical design methods available in Shell&Tube Mechanical are:
ASME (American)
CODAP (French)
AD-Merkblatter (German)
EN 13445 (European)
Keywords: China GB code, mechanical code, design method
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can I add stiffening rings to pressure vessels in Aspen Shell & Tube Mechanical? | Solution: Yes, the option is available. The first thing needed is to setup the pressure vessel option under Problem Definition|Description|Headings/Applications.
Then to see the stiffening rings option navigate to Exchanger Geometry|Shell|Shell Cylinder. The program will add stiffening rings automatically if option is ‘Yes’ and If no details are provided the program is going to select the ring size by itself
Keywords: Pressure vessel, stiffening rings
References: None |
Problem Statement: Opening the Aspen AFW Security Manager program causes the error:
Could not connect to AFW Security Server "system_name" via HTTP with the URL:
http://<system_name>/AspenTech/AFW/Security/pfwauthz.aspx
Opening the page:
http://<system_name>/AspenTech/AFW/Security/pfwauthz.aspx
in Internet Explorer to test correct access to the Aspen Security Server produces an error like:
Server Error in '/AspenTech/Afw' Application and makes reference to Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0.50727.5491 | Solution: Verify the Aspen Security Pool in Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager is configured to use .NET CLR version 4.0.30319.
Keywords: AFW Security Manager, connect, pfwauthz.aspx
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can we limit the percentage of a crude in the mix of crudes fed to a logical crude unit in Aspen PIMS? | Solution: Several methods are available to limit the percentage of a crude in a mixture:
? Method 1: Create a deferred cut for the crude pool and use PROCLIM to limit the target crude percentage
? Method 2: Define constraint rows in Tables ASSAYS and ROWS
Method 1: Create a deferred cut for the crude pool and use PROCLIM to limit the target crude percentage
This method involves a dummy pool to model the mixture of crudes. We will define a property to represent the percentage of the target crude in the mixture. We will use a dummy submodel to implement the target crude ratio constraint and PROCLIM to implement the ratio limit.
We will show an example in which we wish to limit the percentage of an individual crude, EEE, in the feed to logical crude unit CR1. The maximum limit will be 5% of EEE in the feed mix to CR1.
In Table CRDCUTS, define a deferred cut, CRD, to represent the crude mixture. A deferred cut is defined using a 9 in the TYPE column. Notice that CRD is only defined for logical crude unit CR1, not CR2.
In Table ASSAYS, define the DBAL row for the deferred cut, CRD. Also define a property to represent the percentage of the target crude in the mixture. We will call this property PCE. Note that, in row IPCECRD, the value we place a value of 100 under the target crude, EEE, and 0 under the other crudes. To extend this technique to more than one target crude, the modeler would place a value of 100 under each of the target crudes.
We cannot implement a constraint on a crude cut property directly in Table ASSAYS. To accomplish this, implement a dummy submodel, which we will call SCRL. This submodel has one column which is called CRD to allow us to pick up the PCE property which is recursed in the crude unit model. Column CRD is fixed to 1.0 because, for the property constraint to work, this column must have a finite, nonzero value. Row ZPCECRL implements a process limit, to be completed in Table PROCLIM. As with any other submodel, SCRL must be listed in Table SUBMODS and its spreadsheet attached to the Aspen PIMS model tree.
We place the crude mix ratio limits in Table PROCLIM.
Since PCE is a property that will be recursed for pool CRD, we need to provide an initial estimate in table PGUESS. The intersection of column name PCE with row name CRD will be the initial guess.
Shown below is an excerpt from the Full Solution Report for the model, showing that our limit of 5% crude EEE in the feed to unit SCR1 has been satisfied.
Model LimitCrudeFeedPctExMethod01, which demonstrates this technique, is attached to this solution.
Method 2: Define constraint rows in Tables ASSAYS and ROWS
This method involves only the addition of two control rows to Table ASSAYS and Table ROWS. It is somewhat easier to implement, and introduces no new recursion, but lacks the elegance of control offered by Table PROCLIM.
As with Method 1, we will show an example in which we wish to implement the percentage of an individual crude, EEE, in the feed to crude unit SCR1.
In Table ASSAYS, two new control rows are defined. ESUMCRD sums up the quantities of each crude fed to SCR1, and will set the activity of a specification column in Table ROWS. GLIMCRE implements the constraint on the target crude percentage. It will also be continued in Table ROWS.
In Table ROWS, the control rows ESUMCRD and GLIMCRE are completed. We define a new column, ULIMCRE, which is a specification column. Its activity will be the total crude charge to SCR1. The maximum limit on the percentage of crude EEE fed to SCR1 (5%) is entered at the intersection between GLIMCRE and ULIMCRE. Similarly, a minimum percentage can be implemented via an L-type control row.
Shown below is an excerpt from the Full Solution Report for the model, showing that our limit of 5% crude EEE in the feed to unit SCR1 has been satisfied.
Model LimitCrudeFeedPctExMethod02, which demonstrates this technique, is attached to this solution.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I change the extension for the spreadsheets that are output by PIMS? For example, I want to change the output spreadsheet extension from ".wk1" to ".xls". | Solution: This setting is accessed by right-clicking on the PIMS model icon and selecting "Output Spreadsheet Extension."
Please see the figure below.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to review blending information from a central location, instead of using the input tables BLENDS, BLNMIX, BLNSPEC and BLNPROP? | Solution: To review blending data from a central location, the Blending Data Assistant or the Blend Options and Specifications section in the data validation report can be used.
Blending Data Assistant
The Blending Data Assistant can be used to review blending information through a more comprehensive interface that allows to view most of the blending information in one spot.
This Data Assistant can be accessed from the Aspen PIMS menu, from Model | Data Assistants | Blending.
From this assistant you can also review the properties of each blendstock, by selecting a component and then clicking on the "Properties" button.
This data assistant can be used to enter or modify information in the blending tables only when there is one Excel table attched to each PIMS table. If for example you have multiple Excel tables attached to table BLNPROP (e.g. BLNNAPH, BLNFUEL, BLNREST), the assistant is not able to update the tables.
Blend Options and Specifications section in data validation report
This section of the data validation report is the most convenient to review blending specifications, because it centralizes in one place the components, the specs and the properties of the blendstocks.
Also, you can search for three stars (***) to find the specs that will be infeasible, at least in the first pass, a condition that should be avoided. This situation is highlighted below.
To generate the Data Validation report, go to the Aspen PIMS menu, Run | Data Validation, and then check "Validation Summary".
Keywords: Data Validation
Data Assistant
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why do I receive the error:
"Export error: The maximum number of columns in an excel worksheet with the current format is 256"
Is there a workaround? | Solution: In Aspen Flare System Analyzer (AFSA), when you run into this 256 columns limit issue, most likely you have too many fittings inside a pipe or too many components. Older versions of Excel used to have the limit of 256 columns. Consequently, lots of components, like the Infragistics that AFSA uses to write to Excel still has this limit, although Excel now supports 16384 columns. Therefore, the limit will stay till Infragistics starts supporting 16384 columns.
The workaround is to combine components that has small fractions, then the error is not showing anymore and export can be done successfully.
Keywords: Export to Excel, Export error, 256 Columns
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen Flare System Analyzer stops without converging and returns the message "failed due to a local minimum." | Solution: You can try the following:
1. In Calculation | Options | Solver page try tightening the tolerance for unit operation & loop pressure
2. If necessary try loosening the tolerance for loop mass balance
3. If above two recommendations does not work try change the loop solver method.
4. Supply estimates for the tear streams.
Keywords: Local Minimum
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is there any pan option for the Process Flowsheet in Aspen Flare System Analyzer? | Solution: Unfortunately the pan option is not available in the program. However, there are a few options that would help to manipulate the flowsheet view. These are listed below:Â
- Process Flowsheet tab | Zoom section
- Zoom bar
Another option is to use the Locate object function (right click on an empty space and select this option) useful while working with large networks and you cannot find an specific object in the flowsheet.
We have considered to implement a Pan option in a future release.
Keywords: pan, AFSA, flowsheet, zoom
References: None |
Problem Statement: In Aspen Flare System Analyzer V8.8, the Beggs & Brill Liquid Holdup has been added in Methods tab. What is the significance of Beggs & Brill Liquid Holdup and when should it be used and which option to select (original or Payne 1979) | Solution: The option Beggs & Brill Liquid Holdup applies only when you are using either one of the following multiphase pressure drop method:
· Beggs & Brill
· Beggs & Brill No Acc
· Beggs & Brill Homogeneous
The significance of Beggs & Brill liquid holdup is give user an option to either use or not use Payne's hold up correction model as part of Beggs & Brill method. Different from previous versions, application do not force user to use it based on an automated logic (previous versions assume Payne's model is not appropriate when the upward or downward incline is low).
In V8.8, Beggs & Brill liquid holdup gives the user the ability to judge whether to use Payne correction or not based on his or her experience.
Keywords: Beggs & Brill Liquid Holdup, Payne
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why do I get this error "XML document must have a top level element " when importing sources from HYSYS Relief Valve Sources? | Solution: When importing sources information from Aspen HYSYS Relief Valves, this error warning may show up because the set version for this Aspen HYSYS import file is not same as the Aspen Flare System Analyzer version.
For example, Aspen Flare System Analyzer V8.8 is being used for importing sources from Aspen HYSYS V8.8, however you have other versions of HYSYS on the same machine and the Set Version of HYSYS is assigned say to V9.0. This will lead to the above error warning.
To avoid this please follow the steps given below
1. Go to Set Version-Aspen HYSYS V8.8. Right Click and select Run as administrator.
This will set the version to V8.8, that implies by default when you open HYSYS it will be V8.8.
2. Next, make sure you get the message -"OLE Registration Successful".
Keywords: Import Sources, HYSYS, Set Version
References: None |
Problem Statement: When "Rated flow for Node Attached to Tailpipes' option should use in pressure drop calculation? | Solution: The "Rated Flow for Node Attached to Tailpipes" means that, the velocities from the rated flow are used in the pressure drop calculations for any node attached to a tailpipe.
Note that this option affects the nodes pressure drop calculation attached to the tail pipe such as connector, orifice plate, tee, etc., and does not affect the pipe pressure drop calculation.
For example, if you have a tailpipe X which is connected to a connector Y. With the "Rated Flow for Node Attached to Tailpipes" option being checked, the velocities from the rated flow are used for the pressure drop calculation of Connector "Y", because Connector "Y" is the node attached to the tail pipe. When the option is unchecked, the velocities from the design flow is used for the Connector "Y" pressure drop calculation.
 Therefore, in general we would recommend setting "Rated Flow for Node Attached to Tailpipes" to the same setting as the "Rated Flow for Tailpipes" option.
Keywords: Rated Flow for Node Attached to Tailpipes, Rated Flow for Tailpipes, Tailpipe, Pressure Drop Calculations at Node
References: None |
Problem Statement: The "Default" value of the PIPESIM registry key is a version of PIPESIM that is installed (e.g. 2010.1 or 2011.1), and that value is a subkey to the PIPESIM registry key. When Aspen HYSYS fails to find the subkey for the version written to "(Default)" it issues an error message and fails. | Solution: The key should be under either HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE or HKEY_CURRENT_USER (depending on if the program was installed "for all users" or "current user" option on the computer). The location is Software\Schlumberger\PIPESIM. The subkeys to this key should be the versions of PIPESIM installed, and the "Default" value of the PIPESIM key itself should be one of these versions.
PIPESIM versions 2010.1, 2011.1and 2012.x are supported by Aspen HYSYS.
For PIPESIM versions that include the new graphical user interface (2013.1 and higher versions), PIPESIM does not have a working link with Aspen HYSYS yet.
PIPESIM users should receive a "Classic" version, which will have a version number 2012.x and can be installed alongside these new versions. This is the version that Aspen HYSYS needs to detect in the registry and use when linking with PIPESIM with HYSYS.
Keywords: PIPESIM, registry key, subkey
References: None |
Problem Statement: APC nonlinear controller frequently loses communication with the Web Interface and freezes | Solution: This issue is typically seen in APC nonlinear controllers deployed through the APC Builder interface (RTE Environment). When this issue occurs, the controller application would turn red on the Web interface and would have a triangle with an exclamation mark signifying loss of communication between the APC engine and the Web interfacee. On the APC server, it would be signified by the RTEApplication.exe process associated with the controller experiencing this problem being frozen with a non-zero CPU (typically 13%).
The problem only occurs on applications that have an Independent (MV or DV) or Dependent (CV) variable in the structure without any model curves associated to them. Having no curves for a CVis known to lead to convergence issue in certain situation depending on the number provided to the controller engine. It is therefore highly recommended that controller applications are not deployed with no model curves for any of the variables included in the controller structure.
To resolve the problem the user would need to manually kill the RTEApplication.exe on the APC server, edit the controller application in APC Builder and ensure that all variables have at least one model curve and redeploy the revised application online.
Keywords: APC Builder
Non-linear controller
Web communication
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to get rid of below error message while performing Knock-Out drum calculations?
"Not enough data is there to calculate design. Please solve the Rating at least once with the option of saving phase properties" | Solution: Sizing calculations of knockout drum are function of the flow rate upstream of the drum, conditions in the drum (P, T and vapor fraction) and physical properties of the fluid. So before calculating the diameter, you must make sure that phase properties are calculated. Otherwise the above error message will appear. To get rid of that:
Under File=>Preferences menu, check the box for "Save Phase Properties" and RUN the file once more before doing design calculation.
Keywords: knock out, sizing, design, phase properties.
References: None |
Problem Statement: What could cause the error, 'Unable to Load Simulation Case' when an Aspen Plus or Aspen HYSYS file is being imported in Aspen Flare System Analyzer? | Solution: In some cases, when importing Aspen Plus file using the Import Sources/Aspen Plus/HYSYS Relief Valve Sources (as shown below) in Aspen Flare System Analyzer (AFSA or Flarenet) an error will be detected 'Unable to Load Simulation Case'.
One of the reasons could be that the Aspen Plus/HYSYS cases contains the component 'Air' and AFSA does not recognize 'Air' as a component. This will unable AFSA to import the PSV sources. Delete the component and then import the file. (Include Oxygen and Nitrogen instead of Air in the component list).
Keywords: Safety Analysis, PSV, Import Sources/Aspen Plus/HYSYS Relief Valve Sources, Unable to Load Simulation Case, Air
References: None |
Problem Statement: After exporting Tray Sizing results to "*.sulcol" file in Aspen HYSYS, why I cannot open this file using SulCol v3.2? | Solution: This is due to a version issue between the exported file from Aspen HYSYS and the current SulCol software. The "*.sulcol" file generated from Aspen HYSYS is currently a lower version (version 2). Between Sulcol v2 and v3, major changes have been done in Sulzer, therefore the file cannot be opened directly from Sulcol v3.2.
The workaround is to open the sulcol file from Aspen HYSYS in SulCol v3.0 and save it. Then this file can be opened in newer versions of SulCol.
Keyword
Tray Sizing, Sulcol
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to find the wall temperature of a pipe segment. | Solution: Unfortunately there is no way to see these variables in the Aspen HYSYS pipe segment. The only way to get these temperature values is to do a manual calculation using the reported heat transfer coefficients. The other option is to use the Aspen Hydraulics pipe segment. With heat transfer in Hydraulics, the insulation temperature profiles are reported on the Performance| Insulation tab.
Keywords: pipe segment, wall temperature
References: None |
Problem Statement: In Aspen Flare System Analyzer, when configuring a Relief Valve, I have to enter a value for the Mass flow and a different value for the Rated flow. What is each one of these being use for? | Solution: By default, Aspen Flare System Analyzer will use the Mass Flow value to calculate pressure drop along all the models in the simulation.
However, the user has the option to configure the flow type that will be used for pressure calculations in some of the simulation objects.
Going to Home | Options | General in the Mode section, the user can select if Rated flow should be used for the following:
· Rated Flow for Tailpipes:
When activated, every pipe that has been defined as a tailpipe will use the value of Rated flow to calculate the pressure drop.
Any pipe that has not been defined as this, will still use Mass flow to do this calculation.
A pipe can be defined as Tailpipe from the Pipe Editor | Connections section.
Note: The API guide for Pressure-Relieving and Depressuring Systems recommends that tailpipes be sized based on the rated capacity.
· Rated Flow for Downstream Nodes Attached to Tailpipes:
If selected, the immediate node, such as a connector or tee, attached from a tailpipe will do pressure drop calculations based on the Rated flow value.
Nodes attached to non-tailpipes will use Mass flow to do the calculation.
· Rated Flow for Inlet Pipes:
When selected, Rated Flow will be used to do pressure calculations in the inlet piping to source nodes, otherwise the normal Mass flow will be used.
Keywords: Rated flow, Mass Flow, Tailpipes, Downstream Nodes
References: None |
Problem Statement: In Aspen HYSYS, you can add compressor curves and create adiabatic plots for values of efficiency and head. The efficiency and head for a specified speed then can be plotted against the capacity of the Centrifugal Compressor.
But if your data is different from the requested by Aspen HYSYS, you must transform it in order to use it on the simulation. | Solution: In this example, we will convert the discharge pressure and power data, to an adiabatic efficiency and head values, by following the next steps:
1. Transform the discharge pressure units to psia/kPa
2. Calculate the adiabatic head using the following equation:
In US units
Had = Adiabatic head, ft*lbf/lbm
R = Gas constant, (ft*lbf)/(lbm*R) = 1545/MW
T1 = Inlet gas temperature, R
P1 = Absolute inlet pressure, psia
P2 = Absolute outlet pressure, psia
k = Cp/Cv
In IS units
Had = Adiabatic head, N*m/kg
R = Gas constant, J/(kg*K) = 8314/MW
T1 = Inlet gas temperature, K
P1 = Absolute inlet pressure, kPa
P2 = Absolute outlet pressure, kPa
k = Cp/Cv
3. Then calculate the Adiabatic Power:
hpad = power, HP
W = mass flow, lb/s
Had = adiabatic head, ft*lbf/lbm
hpad = power, KW
W = mass flow, kg/s
Had = adiabatic head, N*m/kg
4. And finally use the following relationship to calculate the adiabatic efficiency (ηad):
Keywords: Compressor, Compressor curves, Adiabatic efficiency, Adiabatic head
References: s
Perry, R. and Green, D. (2008). Perry's chemical engineers' handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill. |
Problem Statement: How is the Olefin % and Bromine number calculated in Hydrocracker? | Solution: The Hydrocracker will always look at the Bromine number specified for the feed on the Reactor Section | Feed page.
Bromine number is function of the neutral nitrogen, sulfidic sulfur, polynuclear aromatics (3 and 4 ring aromatics) and olefins. When the user enters a bromine number for a feed, the contributions from neutral nitrogen, sulfidic sulfur and 3+4 ring aromatics are first calculated and those are subtracted to get the contribution from olefins.
Bromine number from neutral nitrogen = (mf(LNNIT) + mf (MNNITA) + mf (HNNITA2) + mf(VNNITA3) ) * 5.43009e+4 / (IN_MW * 0.7)
Bromine number from sulfidic sulfur = ( mf(LS8) + mf(MS12) + mf(HS28) ) * 1.34158e+4 / (IN_MW * 0.7)
Bromine number from 3+4 ring arom = ( mf(HA3) + mf(HBNITA2) + mf(HA4) + mf(VA3) + mf (VA4) + mf (VTHA3)) * 1.180E+3 / (IN_MW * 0.7)
Bromine number from olefins = Bromine number specified - bromine number from neutral nitrogen - bromine number from sulfidic sulfur - bromine number from 3+4 ring aromatics
Olefin weight percent = Bromine number from olefins * IN_MW * 0.7 / 160.
In these equations, the mf() is the mole fraction of that component and these correspond to the lumps reported on the Results | Feed Blend page (except the results are reported on a weight basis). So the neutral nitrogen components are any components with an NNIT in the name. Similarly, any component ending with an S and a number corresponds with a sulfide component and the number corresponds to the number of carbons in that lump. Finally, the 3 and 4 ring aromatics are components with an A3 (three aromatic rings), A4 (four aromatic rings) or A2 with a basic nitrogen ring (BNIT) or a Th (Thiophene ring). The IN_MW is the molecular weight of the feed stream which is determined by the composition of the lumps.
Once the olefin weight percent is calculated, this is distributed to the olefin components and these are reacted back to the corresponding non-olefin components in the first bed of the reactor.
Keywords: hydrocracker, bromine number, olefin
References: None |
Problem Statement: In the model we apply some bias to some properties (eg. RON). These properties are correctly calculated in the final blend, but when looking at the UBML derived properties (eg. RONE, RON with ethanol) the bias doesn't affect the calculation of the derived property in the final blend. | Solution: As UBML derived properties are very complex, it is highly probable that the property calculation of the blend comes from the components (eg. RON from component 1, RON from component 2,...). The value of bias is applied to the heel, so it will only affect the final blend. As the properties of the final blend are not a variable in the UBML calculation of the derived property, they won't affect the value.
On the other hand, Hdr Bias does affect the properties of the components. So if a value is applied to it, it will affect the calculation of the derived property.
Keywords: UBML, derived property, bias, hdr bias
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do you define the effect of temperature contribution and user supplied DT Contribution overwriting Global dTmin values? | Solution: The Global contribution is defined as (+/-)dTMin/2 for Cold (+)/Hot(-) streams. If you delete ‘Global’ from the Process or Util data DT Cont column then the number entered for that stream (process or utility) replaces the value Global dTMin value ‘Global’.
As an example for a cold stream if Global dTMin is 10, then the ‘Global’ contribution applied to this stream is +10/2=5 (a shift of +5). To emulate this for the stream a local DT Cont of +10 is entered.
In Figure 1 the Global dTMin is 30C. If all plant Cooling Water (CW) HX’s are observed to have a T approach of 5, then we either have to adjust the real CW utility temperature (falsely downwards) or apply a user temperature contribution to the CW utility. So for the CW utility a local DT Cont. of -20 (Figure 2) is entered, then this local contribution is applied to the CW utility stream as +-20/2=-10 (a shift of -10). The Hot stream will be shifted globally by –dTmin/2 = -30/2 = -15. In real temperature terms the dT is now - [(-15) – (-10)] i.e +5.    Â
It is appropriate to apply local temperature contributions to utility stream as each utility is unique. However, to apply local temperature contributions to process streams may not be as helpful, as Pinch uses a composite of all hot or all cold process streams. Because of the composite nature of process stream Pinch calculations, the outcome of applying a temperature contribution to a process stream depends upon the population of other process stream of the same (hot or cold) type in the same temperature interval.
Figure 1
Figure 2
In Version 8.6 Aspen HYSYS a negative user contribution was not allowed. This defect with v8.6 was fixed in EmergencyPatch (Aspen Energy Analyzer V8.6 EP01) which is found in knowledge base solution 142696.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to deploy APC controllers in systems with Trend Micro Virus Scanner? | Solution: The Trend Micro Virus scanner installs the listening service (TMLISTEN.EXE) on port 12345 using HTTP protocol. This conflicts with the RTE service which needs 12345 for the online server.
Symptoms:
· The RTE service appears to start without error but there is no communication from the PCWS to the online server.
· The APC/AOD node on the PCWS Configuration tab is yellow while the DMCplus/IQ are both green.
· APC Builder has the Deploy option grayed out.
In order to diagnose this problem, you need to look at the "AspenRTE" logs to see the message about the port conflict.
The RTE service starts normally even with this port conflict.
To overcome this issue, it is necessary to use the "Configure Online Server" program from the Windows Start menu of the online machine.
Stop the online server using the "Enable Server" checkbox to disable the service and select apply to stop the service, then change the HTTP port from 12345 to another available port.
Finally "Enable Server" and press Ok to restart the service.
After restarting the Online server (in "Configure Online servers"), the PCWS port can be changed to the same number and the APC applications now can be seen in the PCWS.
It will now be possible to deploy applications using the APC Builder as it will no longer be grayed out.
Check the AspenRTE windows log to make sure the service started correctly.
Keywords: APC deployment, APC Builder, Micro Trend Virus Scanner
References: None |
Problem Statement: Controller redeploy through APC Builder fails with the following error message in the Event Viewer logs-
AspenTech.ACP.RTE.Remoting.AppAdditionException: Failed to add application to node Online@localhost. ---> System.ApplicationException: Exception caught while adding application data to Node. ---> System.ArgumentException: Wrong data type
at AspenTech.ACP.DataStorage.GenericVector`1.AddDataPoint(DataSample sample)
at AspenTech.ACP.DataStorage.GenericVector`1.AddSampleWithPruning(DataSample toAdd)
at AspenTech.ACP.DataStorage.GenericVector`1.AddSample(DataSample sample)
at AspenTech.ACP.RTE.DataSetAppHistoryStore.Add2(IEntry e, List`1 orphanedTagNames)
at AspenTech.ACP.RTE.DataSetHistoryServer.Connect(INode node, String appName, DateTime loadTime, IHistoryProvider histProvider, ILogFacility appLogger, Boolean inSimulationMode)
at AspenTech.ACP.RTE.Node.InsertAppNodeData(ApplicationBase application, String applicationName, ApplicationSite appSite)
at AspenTech.ACP.RTE.Node.AddApplicationToNode(ApplicationBase application, String appName, ApplicationSite appSite)
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at AspenTech.ACP.RTE.Node.AddApplicationToNode(ApplicationBase application, String appName, ApplicationSite appSite)
at AspenTech.ACP.RTE.Node.InternalAddApplication3(String predeployedApplicationName, String applicationName, IProvideSimulationTime simulationTimeProvider, ApplicationBase application)
at AspenTech.ACP.RTE.Node.AddApplication(String predeployedApplicationName, String applicationName, ApplicationBase application)
at AspenTech.ACP.RTE.Remoting.AbstractDeployAppTask.AddToOnlineExecEnv()
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at AspenTech.ACP.RTE.Remoting.AbstractDeployAppTask.AddToOnlineExecEnv() | Solution: One of the most common cause of this issue if that the context/memory regions of the currently deployed application (with the same name) has been corrupted. In such a case, even deleting the application does not clear the online context. The can be confirmed by checking if there are any files referencing the controller (that has been deleted from the web) still exist in the C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\RTE\V8.x\Clouds\Online\sys folder.
Select any files in this directory referencing the controller that cannot be deployed and delete these files (leave them in the recycle bin, in case they need to be brought back). Try redeploying the controller through APC Builder. This should allow the controller to be redeployed.
Keywords: APC Builder
AppAdditionException
Redeploy
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to import a PIPESIM simulation into HYSYS? | Solution: The Design | Model page in the PIPESIM Enhanced Link block allows the user to import, export, and edit a PIPESIM model.
Clicking the Import button opens the standard Windows file picker property view that allows model selection. Only single branch models identified by the *.bps extension can be selected.
The Original PIPESIM Model field is read-only and echoes the original path and file name of the model that is imported via Import. It may be empty if the model has been created from within the link rather than by importing an existing PIPESIM model.
The Edit button allows the user to load and run the PIPESIM2000 GUI within the current model. When the GUI is loaded, a work file name appears in the caption bar. The model can be edited but must be saved under the same file name. HYSYS does not continue its calculation until the PIPESIM2000 GUI is closed. The PIPESIM model is saved with the HYSYS case and not recorded stand alone.
The Export button allows the user to export the embedded PIPESIM NET model file. The source composition data is not changed to reflect the current composition of the feed stream in the HYSYS flowsheet. Only the configuration of the pipes and nodes will be changed.
Keywords: HYSYS, PIPESIM, Hydraulics, Import
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to edit the performance results table for stream analysis tools. | Solution: The performance results tables for stream analysis tools like Boiling Point Curves, Cold Properties, Envelope Analysis,Petroleum Assay and Property Table can be tailored to the required columns by the user.
Follow the steps below to edit the table columns.
1. Add a Stream Analysis. (In the screen shot below, shown is the Boiling Point Curve Analysis)
2. Go to the Performance tab- Results Page.
3. Right Click on the first row and the list of options are available to choose the required columns.
(Here, only TBP and ASTM D86 are selected instead of viewing all the ASTM Analysis distillation data)
Can select More (Column Filter).. for setting up the filters.
The same procedure applies to the other stream analysis tools.
Keywords: Stream Analysis, Performance, Results
References: None |
Problem Statement: When using the PIPE model and another program, very different K factor losses are calculated. For what K factors are Aspen Plus calculating in each section of a pipe? | Solution: Aspen Plus doesn't calculate a loss K factor for the pipe length. Aspen Plus integrates down the length of the pipe to calculate the pressure drop.
For most of the fittings, (gate valves, butterfly valves, Large 90 degree elbows, Straight tees, Branched tees) we do not calculate a K-Value in Aspen Plus. The correlation calculates an equivalent length directly. We add this equivalent length to the pipe length to get the total pipe length. Aspen Plus converts the L/D to extra pipe length by multiplying by the pipe diameter, D, and adds the extra length to the specified pipe length. The Churchill equation is used to calculate friction factor.
Using K = f * (L/D) will get a K-Value for the fitting. But many of our correlations calculate L in the equation, not K.
Users can find the K factors used via the following procedure:
1. Specify a pipe length of 0 on the Setup | Pipe Parameters form.
2. On the Fittings1 or Fittings2 form, specify a single fitting, for example, 1 Gate Valve
3. Run the simulation
4. Find the friction factor from the Results | Profiles form.
5. Find the Equivalent Length from the Results | Summary form. This will be the pipe length used in the integration
6. Get the Diameter from the user's specification. If pipe schedules are used, do View | Input summary and in the pipe block the actual diameter is IN-DIAM.
7. Use the equation K = f * (L/D) to calculate the K factor for the single fitting.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: In Aspen Air Cooled Exchanger, what is the input “velocity heads for perforated plate pressure drop�, found under Program Options | Methods/Correlations | Tube side tab | Solution: This input item is used for entering the average number of velocity heads lost through each perforated plate in the headers. This Number of velocity heads is used for calculating the pressure drop across the perforated pass partition plates.
Perforated pass plates are usually fitted to strengthen the header in high-pressure applications. They increase the tube side pressure loss and the average number of velocity heads lost through each plate is used to model this loss.
The velocity is based on the full flow area, i.e. the area perpendicular to the flow without the perforated pass plate present.
The Number of velocity heads N is a constant. To explain further:
Velocity head VH (kg/m.s^2) is calculated as:
                 Or                  Â
 Â
Where:
m is the mass flux (kg/s.m^2)
Rho is density of the fluid ( kg/m3)
V is velocity in m / s
Pressure drop DP (kg/m.s^2) is calculated as:
where N is Number of velocity
Hence DP = N *VH
N can be found for different types of fittings and is dimensionless.
Keywords: Velocity heads, Number of velocity heads, Perforated pass plates, Pressure drop
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to save the simulation and close it, and still be able to review the results later? | Solution: You can get the previous history on opening a simulation doing the following steps:
1. In the Snapshot manager, check the option "Load latest snapshot on opening this simulation"
2. In the Snapshot Manager, on the "Create" tab, select "File saved" to ensure that a new snapshot is created immediately before saving.
3. Run the simulation to completion (you can do steps 1 and 2 also when the run is complete)
4. Save the simulation.
5. Close the simulation.
When you re-open the simulation, you will see that it is at the time at which it was saved and the plots will show the data.
The data are actually stored in the working folder (AM_simulation) so you need to make sure to keep both the simulation file and the working folder in the same location.
We recommend to keep a copy of the simulation file saved at the initial conditions to make sure you can re-run the simulation again in case the snapshot required at time 0 is not available, or any other reason.
Keywords: snapshot, plotdata, plot, history
References: None |
Problem Statement: When trying to export a model from Aspen Custom Modeler using Visual Studio 2010, the following error message is reported and the export fails.
LNK1123: failure during conversion to COFF: file invalid or corrupt | Solution: This may be due to a problem in Microsoft Visual Studio. See http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/7dz62kfh.aspx.
To export a model from Aspen Custom Modeler V8.4, you should use Visual Studio 2010 professional edition. There is however a problem if more recent versions of Visual Studio are installed, e.g. 2012. In this case, the user must install a Visual Studio 2010 patch, according to the document published by Microsoft. This service pack can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=23691.
Keywords: Model export, ACM, dll, msi, Aspen Plus, HYSYS
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I un-hide the stream names or the block names for the whole flowsheet?
If you are hiding the labels of all objects, you will not be able to un-hide them using the individual stream setting without un-hiding labels on all objects first. | Solution: There are two visibility settings for labels:
1. Individual settings for each stream and block.
2. Setting for all objects on the flowsheet.
To un-hide labels on all objects, right click the mouse on some empty part of the flowsheet and you will see the command "Hide Labels".
Uncheck that option first, and then you can un-hide individual objects.
Keywords: Hide Label, Hide, ID
References: None |
Problem Statement: After removing lots of object data from workspace, we are getting the warning ?Unable to resolve trigger dependency?
constantly being logged on journal.log file upon workspace loading.
<<<< ---- End ---- >>>>
<<<< Warning Message[12/02/2013 10:01:31] User='EDP200310G\Administrator' Computer='EDP200310G' Application='AZ Drawing Editor' Session='\\EDP200310G\SR3\{068798C1-C1A1-420A-ABF5-66100D8DB3AA}'>>>>
Unable to resolve trigger dependency <F-29684>PlantItem::ItemNumber[0](1) -
<<<< ---- End ---- >>>>
This is causing the workspace to load very slowly and hindering project time. How this warning can be refrained
from getting and being logged? | Solution: Add the below line to the Library Configuration file (cfg).
Journal::defaultReportLevel=Errors
Then proceed to Reset All demons from Rules Editor/ Tools.
?Reset All Demons? rebuilds the triggers by running all defined demon patterns.
There is no danger on running this.
Keywords: Workspace integrity, Reset All Demons.
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between Primary, Secondary, Instrument, Unit Op and Utility connections in the Drawing Editor? | Solution: Connections are links between database objects that represent flows between the objects. The default connections are:
· Primary connection: Line representing the main streams used by the process. It could be identify as the process line.
· Secondary connection: Line not always used by the normal process. For instance, it could be the recirculation line of a tank used only during start-up or maintenance.
· Utility connection: Line representing utility line (e.g. water, N2, steam).
· Instrument line: Line used by the instrumentation (e.g. air tubing).
· Unit Operation connection: Object used when importing a simulation and which represent a simulation stream. The UO connection symbol is used when you import a simulation as Aspen Plus or Aspen HYSYS. In a common workflow, UO objects are not created by the user but only by the simulation interface. It should not be connected a UO connection to equipment objects, but to Unit Operations.
The inlet connection type does not have to be the same than the outlet stream. For instance a tank could have one primary connection at the inlet and one primary and one secondary at the outlet. It depends really of the equipment configuration.
Keywords: Primary, Secondary, Instrument, Unit Op and Utility connections
References: None |
Problem Statement: Tracking memory leak issues effectively. How to export information from Task manager into Excel to track the usage of memory by a particular service. | Solution: When tracking suspected memory leak problems it is common to create excel sheet records with the memory consumed by the services used on the system. Manually entering the memory consumed could be a taxing process since it involves matching the correct PID number for the task and then performing data entry to enter the values.
A fast and effective way could be to use the command prompt to create a csv dump file which captures the memory consumption report at the instant when the command is executed. The following command can be issued at regular intervals to generate multiple csv files which can then be combined into one excel sheet with results.
Combining data from various csv files could give a result similar to as shown below -
This can be further used to make a report for in-depth analysis on memory consumption increase by programs. As shown in the image below the graph shows that the memory consumption is under control for the sum of control.exe processes (in blue) which is used by DMCplus controller and clpmain.exe process (in red), which is used by composite applications.
Keywords: Memory leak
Composite
References: None |
Problem Statement: I draw a PFD with some equipment. Now I want to draw some of the PFD equipment into PPID.
For instance, I draw a pump, X-101 in the PFD. When I try to drag this item from the Stock file in order to use it in the PPID, I receive the message "Diagram Type and Symbol doesn't match" and cannot add it. How can I add this object in the PPID? | Solution: First, it’s necessary to configure the symbol map before being able to drag the symbol on the PPID. Here is the procedure:
1. Right-click on the symbol in the stockpile and select Symbol Map...
2. In the Select Symbol for Diagram Conversion from PFD window, display the PPID library folder in order to select the symbol, and click on Add button to add it in the right window.
3. After clicking OK, you should be able to add it in a PPID.
Keywords: PPID, Symbol, Drawing Editor, diagram type
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is there a quick and efficient way to stop all Aspen services on APC servers? | Solution: When applying an APC software cumulative patch or emergency patch to an APC online system there is a requirement to stop all online applications and stop all Aspen services from the Services window. Manually stopping the services could be time consuming since this involves selecting each service from the Services window and stopping it one at a time. This process of stopping windows services can be automated by using command line scripts and .bat files.
NOTE: Stopping Aspen related windows services while the controllers and iq applications are running online could cause the controllers to crash and potentially lead to corruption of memory in controller context. It is therefore recommended to use the .bat files judiciously by running them only during downtime of controller and iq applications.
The stop.bat file attached to this solution provides an example syntax that can be used to stop ACO Utility Server service, the Aspen APC Message Log service and the Aspen Data Source Directory Service. Modify the stop.bat file to include and/or exclude other Aspen services depending of the type of APC server in question. For example, APC Web Provider Data service needs to be included in the stop.bat file for APC Web Server while the line containing ADSA service may be excluded from the stop.bat file for the APC online server.
An example start.bat file has also been provided with this solution and it contains the example syntax to start up Aspen services. Similar to the stop.bat file, this file will also need to be customized for the different Aspen APC servers (Online, Web and Aspen Watch).
Note: The .bat files attached are example files that illustrate the syntax used for stopping and starting Aspen related windows services. The user has to modify and customize these attached example .bat files depending on the type of APC server it will be used on (APC Online/APC Web/APC Watch) .
Keywords: Windows services
.bat files
Automate
References: None |
Problem Statement: When you install Aspen Basic Engineering Server, then the installer ask for SQL Server 2012 Express
How to work around this? | Solution: Below is the workaround:
1. There will be a setup.xml file on the installation folders. Please open the setup.xml file.
2. Search for the following text:
Name="Aspen Basic Engineering Server"
3. There will be two instances of this seen.
4. Carefully remove just the following line from the xml tag element <Options>for both the instances
<OptionPreReq="REQ_SQLPreReq,REQ_SQLPreReq_wow,REQ_SQL2008,REQ_SQL2008_Wow,REQ_SQL2012,REQ_SQL2012_Wow"/>
5. Save setup.xml file and rerun the install
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to recover a single diagram from the Drawing Editor if it was deleted from workspace? | Solution: There is no way to recover a single diagram from the Drawing Editor if it was deleted from workspace.
If it was backed up, you may be able to recover it by importing it to the workspace, or if it was exported before using the package.
Keywords: Restore, Drawing Editor, back up
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I change the label units inside the Drawing Editor? | Solution: Inside the Drawing Editor Menu, go to Labels and select Change Unit Set…:
The select Unit Set window will be displayed and then you can select the units you want to have on your labels (Metric, SI, Imperial, and so on):
Keywords: Change Unit Set, V8.4, Drawing Editor
References: None |
Problem Statement: Radio Buttons in Excel Datasheet editor doesn't work with "Cross" and "Check" options. Why? | Solution: The Excel datasheet editor does not support radio buttons with "Cross" and "Check", only with "Fill". It is not feasible due to constraints within Excel. This is already noted down as an enhancement in our system and will be addressed in the future.Â
Keywords: Radio, fill, cross, check, excel, datasheet
References: None |
Problem Statement: Clicking Radio buttons gave users an error "Cannot run the macro A3183177.VBAMacro_Field895. The macro may not be available in this workbook or all macros may be disabled." in Excel Datasheet Editor. How can users solve this problem? | Solution: The problem might be because users did not save the datasheet definition file extension as *.xls in V 8.8. If you did not save the file extension to the required standard, it will cause problem when generating the ztx template. Hence, the radio button will be disabled when opening the datasheet in the Excel Datasheet Editor.
Keywords: Excel Datasheet Editor, Radio Button, Macros may be disabled.
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to configure DMCplus such that the controller will run for some time based on its internal prediction for non-intermittent CVs? | Solution: The above outcome can be achieved by using internal calculations in DMcplus. Mark the CV in question as an intermittent CV (even though the analyzer provides a new values every minute) and then add an input calculation to the controller that will update NEWPV based on change in the measurement that have been coming in. See example below,
Input Calculation: DEPOLD = @IF(FIRSTRUN, DEP, DEPOLD)
‘If this is the first time the controller is running, set DEPOLD = DEP
Input calculation: NEWPV = @IF(@GE(@ABS(DEP – DEPOLD), TOLNZ), 1, 0)
‘Set NEWPV = 1 only if DEP – DEPOLD is greater than a certain user specified tolerance
Output Calculation: DEPOLD = DEP
‘Set DEPOLD = DEP for next cycle
Here, DEPOLD and TOLNZ are user defined variables for the particular CV. When the analyzer is working properly, set TOLNZ as 0, so that NEWPV will be 1 every cycle. When it is not working properly, set a value for the TOLNZ. This along with the intermittent variable parameters would allow you to use keep this CV online using predictions when analyzer is in calibration.
Keywords: Intermittent variable
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why are symbols grayed out in the Drawing Editor on a client machine? How do I fix it? | Solution: In a Server-Client set up, the symbol library should be specified as UNC ( Universal Naming Convention) path so that it can be accessed from multiple client machines. The format of UNC path is:
\\machine name\Share name\Directory path, machine name is server name, share name is name of share on the machine and directory patch is the directory
There are 2 ways to handle this:
1. From client machine, you can specify symbol location ( File=>symbol location when workspace is not open). You need to do it for every client machine.
2. On server machine, go to the *.cfg file and specify the "symbol path" as "\\machine name\Share name\Directory path". This method is more efficient as you need to do it only on server.
Keywords: configuration, shared resources
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does Aspen DMCplus handles transform variables in Control, Smart Step and Calibrate? | Solution: For the MVs the following variable attributes are transformed before the engine calculations are performed:
1. VIND Input value
2. ULINDM/LLINDM Upper/lower operating limits
3. UMVENG/LMVENG Upper/lower engineering limits
4. UVLIND/LVLIND Upper/lower validity limits
5. MAXMOV The largest change the controller is allowed to make in the MV
6. SSSTEP Steady-state step limit
7. ETMV External target value
8. ETMRNG Range for the external target (ETMV±ETMRNG/2)
Additionally when running in Smart Step mode or Calibrate the following variable attributes are transformed:
9. STMVMAXSTEP Maximum Step Size Allowed
10. STMVMINSTEP Minimum Step Size Allowed
11. STMVTRG MV Target from User
For the CVs the following variables are transformed before the engine calculations are performed:
1. DEP Input value
2. UDEPTG/LDEPTG Upper/Upper operating limit
3. UDPENG/LDPENG Upper/Upper engineering limit
4. UVLDEP/LVLDEP Upper/Upper validity limit
5. RAMPSP Ramp setpoint (done only if CV is a ramp, otherwise ignored)
6. CVSTEP Steady-state step limit
7. ETCV External target value
8. ETCRNG Range for the external target (ETCV ±ETCRNG/2)
Additionally when running in Smart Step mode or Calibrate the following variable attribute is transformed:
9. STCVDELTA CV Test Margin
Some of the above variable attributes for the MVs and CVs are transformed directly, for example the operator limits. However other variable attributes are transformed based on a relative value.
The MVs Smart Step and calibrate variable attribute are calculated based on the current VIND value. For example for STMVMAXSTEP in the positive direction:
STMVMAXSTEP * = transform(VIND + STMVMAXSTEP)
Then for the negative direction would be:
STMVMAXSTEP * = transform(VIND - STMVMAXSTEP).
STMVMAXSTEP is set to the maximum of the transformed value of STMVMAXSTEP in the positive and negative directions. If VIND is outside of limits, then STMVMAXSTEP is only considered in the direction that would bring the setpoint within the limits.
There is a special case when you are using the PWLN and you are outside the range of the line segments mapped bye the x-y pairs. In that case the output will be extrapolated using the two pairs of numbers closest to the input. The extrapolation will occur on both transform calculations and anti-transform calculations.
For example, in calculating the transform for the delta value SSSTEP, the following values must be within the transform range:
A = transform (VIND + 0.5 * SSSTEP)
B = transform (VIND – 0.5 * SSSTEP)
These values are calculated and subtracted as:
SSSTEP = A - B
Afterwards the engine checks if the SSSTEP value does not violate the Upper or lower limits (LLIND & ULIND) in the transform space.
When a CV uses a transform function, the Test Margin (STCVDELTA ) will also be transformed using the Operating Limit as its reference point. If the Operating Limit is near a point where the transform function saturates (i.e., even a large change in the raw value results in a tiny change in the transformed value), the transformed Test Margin will be very small. It is required that a certain amount of Test Margin be in place to prevent possible CV violation when step testing (either using SmartStep or Calibrate). As such, the validation code will issue a warning if it detects that the transformed Test Margin is less than 1% of the Operating Range (UDEPTG-LDEPTG)/100 and resets it internally to 1% of the Operating Range.
In APC Builder you can access to the raw measurement (VIND) and transformed value (VINDA) in simulation by clicking the variable name:
Keywords: SmartStep
Calibrate
Transform
References: None |
Problem Statement: Controller participating in a composite has FFW switch as "Operator switch off" despite it being set to ON. | Solution: Applications in the composite work in a particular manner, especially when the controllers in the composite have feed forward (FFW) variables with the same name. In situation like this, the switches in the FFW variable for the first controller in the composite list is used as the switch for the same variable in the other controllers also involved in the composite controller. Therefore if the variable is turned OFF in the first controller in the composite INI list, the variable will be turned OFF in the other controllers that are also part of the composite solution. Please note that this is the case only when the composite controller is loaded and running. If the composite controller is stopped, this above behavior does not occur.
Additionally, if all the FFW variables in the furnaces are the same, it would be recommended to use a common set of Engineer and Operator switch tags for these variables instead of having a separate switch for each controller for this variable. This way, it can be ensured that when a FFW variable is turned OFF in one controller is automatically turned OFF in the other controllers as well.
Keywords: Composite
Feed forward
ON/OFF Switch
References: None |
Problem Statement: When running 4x4 gain matrix analysis or a 3X3 gain matrix analysis on a large model it is possible that DMCplus Model may require a long amount of time to compute the result. This sometimes leads to a non-responsive DMCplus application. This behavior is specific to system which is loaded and running with programs other than DMCplus model. | Solution: The recommended solution is to use a system which is an isolated offline machine is not running another programs while DMCplus model is performing this heavy computation of 4 X 4 gain matrix for a large model.
For a very large model of the order 50MVs x 60 CVs the 4x4 gain matrix analysis could take a computatinal time of 30 min or more if no other programs are running simultaneously on the system
Keywords: Gain matrix analysis
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I replace the AspenTech logo with my company's logo in a border label? | Solution: · Open the label border symbol with the Graphic Definer tool.
· Delete the AspenTech logo (select the logo and click delete button on the keyboard).
· Go to the Insert tab ribbon | Objects…
· In the Insert Object pop-up window unselect Link checkbox and look for the bitmap logo in your machine using the Browse… button. When you find it click OK button.
· With the mouse pointer define the location of the image.
· If you need to change the size of the logo select the image and use the black squares.
· Finally, save the symbol file and generate the template.
· Reload the workspace with the Administration tool.
Keywords: Graphic Definer, label border, bitmap, logo.
References: None |
Problem Statement: Collect.exe, a data collection program on the online server, crashes even though all the tags are valid and it passed validation (i.e, dmcpcollect -v taglist) | Solution: The name of the tag list has to be 15 characters or less. Renaming the file name of the taglist to be less or equal 15 characters would fix this problem
Keywords: collect
dmcpcollect
References: None |
Problem Statement: SQLplus EXECUTE statement can execute query code on remote database like Oracle or MS SQL, syntax needed by queries to run on other database need to use single quote marks which will be interpreted by SQLplus as a close character for the current EXECUTE line statement if the query is written on SQLplus. This solution provides a simple method to include a quote mark as part of the query to be executed by the EXECUTE statement without messing the syntax used SQLplus. | Solution: Single quote character can be included on EXECTUE statement like is show in this example:
Execute 'UPDATE MyTable SET MyDate = ''24-JUL-15 00:04:57.5'' '
On MyRemoteDB
A single quote mark can be added by using two single quote characters ('' not ") as part the query string. Other special characters
Keywords: SQLplus
EXECUTE
quote mark
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen SQL plus query writer shows error "Failed to connect to Server", on launch, in Aspen IP21 client system.
Tag browser shows "Server (nodename): [AspenTech][SQLplus] Failed to connect to server". | Solution: When trying to connect to the Aspen Infoplus21 server through Aspen SQL plus, it shows error "Failed to connect to Server".
At the same time, tag browser also shows error "Server (nodename): [AspenTech][SQLplus] Failed to connect to server".
There could be multiple reasons for this issue which are listed with the solutions.
1. Check if external task TSK_SQL_SERVER is running in InfoPlus 21 Manager, in IP21 server. Also, make sure that the port number is 10014 in manager.
2. In SQL plus query writer, ensure that Query-> Host shows correct IP21 server name and port 10014.
3. Check the ADSA Public data source in IP21 server for below services are added:
- Aspen DA for IP.21
- Aspen Process Data (IP.21)
- Aspen SQLPlus service component
4. Ensure that Aspen SQLPlus service component has port no. 10014. If not, change the port no. to 10014 and restart the Aspen ADSA service from control panel.
5. Check the windows services file and make sure that there is only one entry for SQL plus with port number 10014.
Once all of the above mentioned points are checked, SQL plus and Tag browser will open successfully without any error messages further.
Keywords: Failed to connect to Server
Server (nodename): [AspenTech][SQLplus]
SQL error
Tag browser error
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is there a way to read HTRI files directly into Aspen Exchanger Design & Rating (EDR)? | Solution: Yes, by reading the *.DBO file. This output file has to be explicitly cleated by HTRI.
The fluid properties are not in the *.DBO file. So, when you import a *.DBO file in EDR, the geometry is pulled in but not the fluid properties. EDR can create both a thermal and mechanical file.
To open this HTRI case within EDR, go to File -> Open and select the file type as HTRI Output file (.DBO) and browse to the location where it's saved.
Keywords: HTRI, import, EDR
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I transfer HTRI files to Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR)? | Solution: We can only open .dbo or .out format HTRI files in Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating. So, please save your HTRI files in .dob or .out formats to be able to open with Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating.
Click on file << Open HTRI, you will be able to browse .dob or.out files. Now Click on File << Save HTFS.
This way you will be able to save your HTRI file as Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating file.
Keywords: HTRI, EDR, HTRI file conversion utility. HTRI-HTFS
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to create a new flowsheet in Aspen PIMS Platinum? | Solution: To create a new flowsheet in Platinum:
1. Click Create New Flowsheet icon in tool bar.
2. Enter flowsheet name and select group, equipment and streams you want to display on the new flowsheet.
3. Click Finish to generate new flowsheet.
4. The new flowsheet will show the selected streams and the selected units will display in color. And unselected units will be greyed out in new flowsheet.
Keywords: Create New Flowsheet
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the definition of the total, effective and required area and the difference between U clean, U dirty and U service? | Solution: - The total area of the heat exchanger is determined by the PI (3.14) * Tube Outer Diameter * Tube length * Number of tubes * number of shells.
- The effective heat transfer area is the area available for heat transfer (this is also often referred to as the actual area). This is the total area minus areas which are not available for heat transfer, which include tube length within tubesheets, tube projections beyond tubesheets and tube length beyond blanking baffles etc.
- The required area is that heat transfer area which would be required in order to achieve the required duty, given the calculated overall coefficients and the temperature difference.
U clean: Overall heat transfer coefficient (excluding fouling resistances) predicted by Aspen TASC based on the fouling resistances specified and referred to the required area. Please note that the specified fouling resistances may affect the wall surface temperature and therefore the coefficient.
U dirty: Overall heat transfer coefficient predicted by Aspen TASC with fouling resistances included, and referred to the required area.
U service: In "Checking" and "Design" modes, this is the overall heat transfer coefficient which corresponds to the heat load specified by the user and the effective surface heat transfer area, i.e. U service = (Specified Heat Load) / (MTD * Effective heat transfer area).
In "Simulation" mode the duty (and outlet temperatures) are determined by Aspen TASC. Therefore the required area is the same as the effective heat transfer area (and actual area).
The area ratio is given by:
Area ratio = Effective heat transfer area / Required area
and also
Area ratio = U dirty / U service
KeyWords
Duty, total area, effective heat transfer area, required area, clean coefficient, dirty coefficient, service coefficient, area ratio
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can you get vapor/liquid densities for each stage with a time profile? | Solution: User can use new form to customize a time profile with vapor density and liquid density for each stage.
1. Click Tools from the menu and select new form. Choose History table and you will see a blank form is open.
2. Go to profile results and properties tab. You will be able to see a profile table for liquid/Vapor density at the end of batch time.
3. Select the whole column of liquid density and drag those variables to the table that we created in step 1. The time profile of liquid density for each stage will be generated.
4. You can use the same method to get the vapor density table.
Keywords: Liquid/ Vapor density table, Column, stage, time profile
References: None |
Problem Statement: Are Aspen EDR tools integrated with any 3D modeling software? | Solution: EDR interfaces with Autodesk Inventor for 3D modelling. You can either run it directly from shell and tube (thermal) or transfer the data to mechanical design (S&T mechanical) and finally export to Inventor.
Make sure Inventor is installed. To do this, one has to go to File | Export and then choose Inventor there, as shown in the screenshot below
Then you will have the option of choosing exchanger components for which you want to generate Inventor drawings
Keywords: 3D modeling, EDR, Autodesk Inventor
References: None |
Problem Statement: Type ahead search in aspenONE Process Explorer (a1PE) V8.8 is not working. | Solution: 1. Make sure IP.21 is running in the license granted mode
2. Go to http://localhost/ProcessExplorer/webcontrols/pbitemdetails.asp?admin=true , press start scan, make sure # of tags are not zero
Go to start->all programs->AspenTech->Common Utilities-> right click on “ADSA Client Config Tool x64� run as administrator , make sure “Aspen Process Subscription(Generic)� is added
1. Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\Tomcat7.0.57\appdata\solr\conf , make sure security is not enabled if IP.21 security is not configured.
<searchComponent name="security" class="com.aspentech.solr.security.AddSolrSecurity">
<str name="enabled">false</str>
<lst name="domainInfo">
2. Restart tomcat service, restart Aspen Data Source Directory service , and restart IIS
3. Try type ahead search again , it works
Keywords: A1PE
search
type ahead
References: None |
Problem Statement: What does ET tracking means and how to change the default behavior? | Solution: When ET tracking is enabled on a particular variable, the engine sets the ET value equal to the Steady State Target of the variable on the first cycle when ET service is turned ON for that variable. This is the default behavior. In some situations, it might be desirable to have the ET track the current measurement of the variable instead of its Steady State Target. This can be accomplished using a custom input calculation. To allow the ET tracking to set the ET track the current value when the ET service is first ON for the variable, do not use the ET Tracking feature; instead, use a calculation based on the logic given below.
If (FirstRun = 1) Or (ETStatus = -1 And ETSwitch = 1) Then
ETVal = CurrentPV
End If
where, FirstRun = First Run indicator for the controller.
ETStatus = ET Status Flag
ETSwitch = ET Service Switch
ETVal = External Target value to be used
CurrentPV = Current measurement of the variable
Keywords: ET tracking
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to fix operation warning 1325?
Also applicable to operation warning 1326 and 1327.
Operation Warning 1325: The required fraction of the surface area for cooling the liquid phase is approximately y %. However the number of naturally submerged tubes, calculated using a pressure drop model is --, which means that x % of the surface is submerged by the liquid phase. You can re-run the case with an input value of the Area Fraction Submerged less than x% to bring the input and the required values of the submerged surface into agreement.
Operation Warning 1326: The required fraction of the surface area for cooling the liquid phase is x % (This is an approximate calculation that may be conservative especially if the shellside resistance is controlling). However you specified in the input data that only y % of the surface is submerged by the liquid phase. you can re-run the case with an increased Area Fraction in order to bring the input and required values of the submerged surface into agreement.
Operation Warning 1327: The required fraction of the surface area for cooling the liquid phase is approximately y %. However you specified in the input that x % o the surface is submerged by the liquid phase. You can re-run the case with a reduced Area Fraction Submerged in order to bring the input and the required values of submerged surface into agreement. | Solution: In EDR, the tube submergence is roughly estimated at each numerical iteration based on the shell inlet and outlet conditions, without involving the details of the interval points (because those come after this initial estimation).The value recommended by EDR in the warning message should be taken as a rough estimate, and the user should play around with that value. In other words, you will need to do some iterations around the x% value to get a reasonable solution.
You can specify this percentage in Shell and Tube Input --> Program Options --> Thermal Analysis --> Heat Transfer (tab) --> Fraction of tube area submerged for shell side condensers
Keywords: Operation warning 1325, 1326, 1327, Fraction of tube area submerged, Thermal Analysis
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to set up clustering for web based applications like aspenONE Process Explorer (A1PE), ADSA and AFW? | Solution: Aspen MES web applications like A1PE do not have any built in functionality that will help them failover to secondary server. In order to implement clustering on Aspen MES web applications IIS needs to be set up as per the following Microsoft solution to failover to secondary node.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/970759
Please note that the solution recommended by Microsoft for implementing failover clustering for IIS has not been tested by Aspen.
Keywords: Cluster
Web Server
A1PE
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can Pot Pressure be used as trigger value in Operating Steps? | Solution: From V8.8 onward, Batch Modeler has the option of specifying Pot pressure as a Trigger Value.
To access the Trigger value, please go to Navigation Panel > Operating Steps > Step > End Condition.
Please see this screen shot as an example:
Key Words
Operating Steps, Pot, Pressure, Trigger
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Some tags have multiple map records assigned. How do I change the map record being used by an aspenONE Process Explorer plot? | Solution: To change the map record being used in a plot you need to edit the properties of the tag being plotted. Click on the Edit Pen icon next to the tag you want to change. The expand Source, and select the map record to use from the Attribute drop down box.
Keywords: Map record
A1PE
Aspen One Process Explorer
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is there a way to include gravity effect on pressure drop calculations? | Solution: Yes, there is a way to include the gravity effect along with friction. You make this selection by going to Input | Program Options | Thermal Analysis | Pressure Drop Tab.
However, when using this option approximations are used in calculating gravitational changes. For instance height changes in nozzles and channels are not allowed for. In the case of vertical exchangers, for the tubeside, changes are allowed for over the length of the tubes, and for the shellside changes are allowed for over the internal length of the exchanger. For horizontal exchangers, the shellside height change is taken to be one internal diameter if the inlet/outlet nozzles are on opposite sides (top/bottom) of the exchanger.
Keywords: gravity, friction, pressure drop.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I prevent the warning that appears when heat load is close to the maximum possible value? | Solution: Go to Input / Application Option/ Calculation Method. Change Calculation option method to Advanced Method.
Go to Program Options / Calculation options and reduce the convergence tolerance - heat load value.
Keywords: Heat Load, maximum possible heat load, Tolerance
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to select tubes for vibration analysis check in rating mode. | Solution: The program-selected vibration tubes are chosen to be representative of potential worst cases. You will see that they are concentrated in the baffle windows, where support for the tubes is less frequent, and near inlet and outlet nozzles, where flows are highest.
User can also nominate addition tubes that are deemed important to analyze. To select another tubes for vibration checks, navigate to Geometry Summary | Geometry and specify Use Existing under Tube Layout. On the Tube Layout tab, right-click a tube to select it. Select Vibration on the context menu, and then Mark.
After running the program, you will see your additional tube(s) in the Vibration and Resonance Analysis results and on the Tube Layout.
Keywords: Tube Layout, Vibration analysis
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are different options for acceleration to be included for Pressure drop calculations in Heat Exchangers? | Solution: There two options for including acceleration and these can be selected from Input | Program Options | Thermal Analysis | Pressure Drop Tab.
The default settings 'Acceleration during heat transfer' considers the acceleration pressure recovery during condensation and for all other changes associated with density change in the heat transfer region. However, the effects of flow area changes in the heat transfer region (for example, entry to the tubes from the channel) are ignored.
When the option 'Acceleration changes during heat transfer and area change' is selected, acceleration changes associated with nozzles and with entry/exit area changes to a heat transfer region are included. The inlet and outlet pressures are assumed to relate to flow within nozzles. Within channels, flow areas and hence velocities are hard to define, but areas are assumed to be large and velocities low.
Ignore Acceleration can be used when you would not want to include acceleration.
Keywords: Acceleration, Pressure Drop.
References: None |
Problem Statement: When you go to the Dynamics tab on the Hydraulics subflowsheet, the program mentions that there is a limitation with the dynamics solver saying that it provides a non-compositional model
If Aspen Hydraulics does not take into account compositions, how does it work with composition on Dynamisc mode? | Solution: Aspen HYSYS unit operations typically solve to equilibrium conditions using an equation-of-state or activity model. On the other hand, Aspen Hysys Hydraulics uses a non-compositional model, commonly used in the upstream industry for modeling petroleum fluids.
At the wellhead, the full compositional breakdown of a fluid is not known, but phase-specific flows and density data are readily available. Thus, a limited set of data, including pressure, temperature, oil specific gravity, gas specific gravity, production GOR and water cut is all that is required to model the behavior of the oil. So compositions will not be necessary, but rather, there will be other properties used to model the right behaviour of the fluid.
In dynamics mode, each Aspen Hydraulics subflowsheet will solve using a single composition. The composition to use during dynamics is selected from the PVT Generation list on the Dynamics tab of the Aspen Hydraulics property view. In addition, the user can decide whether this composition should change and the magnitude of the difference to trigger the change (refer to the Enable PVT table Regeneration feature on the Dynamics tab).
If gathering systems or gas lift systems are to be modeled, then a hybrid composition should be determined and selected from the PVT generation list. This hybrid composition should be defined in at least one of the feed streams before connecting to Aspen Hydraulics.
Keywords: Aspen Hydraulics, Upstream, Dynamics, solver, compositional analysis, composition balance, components, flash, PVT,
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is Exchanger Effectiveness and how can this be used in Aspen Shell & Tube Exchanger? | Solution: The effectiveness of a (two-stream) exchanger is the exchanger heat load as a fraction of the maximum possible heat load. The maximum possible heat load for a given set of process inlet conditions occurs either when the hot stream is cooled to the cold stream inlet temperature, or when the cold stream is heated to the hot stream inlet, whichever of these gives the lower heat load.
The input value of effectiveness is essentially an alternative way of specifying the exchanger duty. It is not needed if the actual exchanger duty is specified. In Simulation calculations, the input value of effectiveness, like that of exchanger duty is simply an initial estimate.
The value for the effectiveness lies between 0 and 1. A value of 1 can nominally only be obtained using a pure countercurrent exchanger of infinite area. Multi-pass exchangers, even with a very large area excess, will usually have an effectiveness well below unity. Effectiveness is valuable as an input in Simulation if you only know the stream flows and inlet conditions. This is specified in the Process Data form as highlighted below.
The program also calculates the exchanger effectiveness, based on the calculated exchanger duty. Using the output Effectiveness from one run can provide a good initial guess for a subsequent run in which flows or inlet conditions have changed slightly. The calculated effectiveness is available in the Heat Transfer Page under Thermal / Hydraulic Summary.
Keywords: Exchanger Effectiveness, Shell and Tube Exchanger
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I transfer a database from one version to another? | Solution: To copy a database (for example costing database) instead of copying all the *.PDA and *.MDB files from the old customized default folder to the new default folder, Version Control Utility could be used.
From the Windows Menu go to “All Programs� > AspenTech Folder > Exchanger Design and Rating V8.x > Set Version – Aspen EDR V8.x
Once the Version Control Utility is opened, go to the “Customized Files� Tab. Select the Source and the Target versions.
You could transfer the complete database or just part of it, for example the database for Private material prices.
Keywords: Transfer Database, Update Database.
References: None |
Problem Statement: The Custom Stream Summary is blank.
Also, streams seem to be reinitialized at the end of a run.
i.e.
For example, in the Control Panel at the end of a run it shows:
->Generating block results ...
Block: B1 Model: HEATER
->Simulation calculations completed ...
REINIT REPORTFL COMMAND OPTIONS MENU, TYPE < TO CANCEL
ALL Reinitialize all streams
A+> REINIT REPORTFL
REINIT REPORTFL COMMAND OPTIONS MENU, TYPE < TO CANCEL
ALL Reinitialize all streams
A+> REINIT REPORTFL | Solution: Check if you have file called atxc.dll in the C:\Windows\system32 directory. If yes, rename it (later you can delete it, if it doesn't break anything). This .dll affects communication in Aspen Plus and Aspen Properties. The old version of the .dll in the system32 directory comes from a 12.1 installation and can do weird things to the Control Panel, Custom Stream Summary in version 2006. This file also exists in the Aspen Plus installation directories; hence, there are no problems due to deleting the file from the system32 directory.
If this does not work, then try turning of Interactive Load Results in the Run\Settings dialog box.
Keywords: custom stream summary
References: None |
Problem Statement: When a CalcScript formula that includes a MovingAverage function call is executed an "error executing method" message is generated or even the AspenCalc Windows service crashes completely and requires restarting manually. | Solution: The MovingAverage function is designed for ad-hoc calculations and not scheduled calculations. The MovingAverage function calculates the time-weighted average value of a tag.
Within a CalcScript formula use the TagAverage built-in history function instead. This function calculates the average of a tag over a specified time period. The return value includes a quality status and timestamp and requires a complete set of data for the period.
For more information regarding the TagAverage function please refer to the AspenCalc help file.
Note: It is important to use the Insert Formula button to insert any of the built-in functions.
Keywords: Error executing calculation
Method '~' of object '~' failed
Error Executing Method "MovingAverage"
CalcScheduler.CalcCommands
References: None |
Problem Statement: When using CalcScript to create calculation, there is a need to CAST or CONVERT a text string to generate a fixed timestamp.
However, there is no such in-built functions available in CalcScript. | Solution: There are in-built functions which are capable of obtaining the various time component such as:
· DAY
· HOUR
· MINUTE
· SECOND
It is possible to calculate and set a fixed timestamp using the above in-built functions.
The below CalcScript uses the timestamp function NOW to return the current date and time.
Using this current date and time, a timestamp is set to the current date at 9 AM.
T1 = NOW()
T2 = T1 - HOUR(T1)/24.0 - MINUTE(T1)/1440.0 - SECOND(T1)/86400.0 + 9/24.0
T1 is being assigned with the current date and time when the calculation is executed.
T2 is making used of the timestamp in T1 to minus off the hours, minutes and seconds which is obtained using the in-built functions.
These hours, minutes and seconds obtained are divided by values.
Finally, 9 hours is added to set it to 9 AM.
A single day has 24 hours.
Each hour has 60 minutes which means in a day it has 24 hr X 60 min = 1440 min.
Each minute has 60 seconds, this means that in a day there is 1440 min X 60 sec = 86400 sec.
It is important to note that the hour, minute and second will need to be divided decimal values if not it will be performing whole number division.
Below is the result of the execution of the CalcScript mentioned above.
Keywords: HOUR
MINUTE
SECOND
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does one enable error logging for Process Recipe? | Solution: Process Recipe has the ability to log verbose usage/error messages to a text file. Error logging can be enabled on either the Process Recipe client PC or on the Process Recipe server.
To enable verbose logging one needs to modify a registry key. Do this as follows:
Open the registry editor, regedit.
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE | Software | AspenTech | Process Recipe | Server Settings then set the verbose flag to "1".
Restart Process Recipe (only the client OR server will need to be restarted, depending on which machine the registry key was set.) When Process Recipe is subsequently restarted these logs will grow quickly. Therefore, once the specific error has been encountered it will be desireable to change the verbose flag back to "0", then restart APR for the registry change to take effect. These log files will be written to the C:\ directory.
KeyWords
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to change the elements in a default layer type? | Solution: You will initially see a set of defaults. The basic default sequence for each stream in the layer type (after an initial end bar) is shown below:
It is possible to modify any item. The corresponding defaults in the other columns in the table will also adjust accordingly.You can change layer elements to represent layer profile such as one shown below:
Couple of points to note while modifying element types:
1) The sequence of layer elements always terminates the default item 'Unspecified' which should have zero length. This Unspecified element is a check to make sure the length of all other elements in the layer type sum to the exchanger length.
2) If you edit the first distributor to be of type (out), the second will change to type (in).
The full list of options for layer elements can be seen in Plate Fin Exchanger Help (F1) --> Plate Fin Input --> Exchanger Geometry --> Layer Types --> Layer Element Type
Keywords: layer elements, modify
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I install the Enterprise Update Center pre-requisites on Windows Server 2012? | Solution: Step 1: Load up Microsoft Server Manager
Step 2: Click on “Add roles and features�
Step 3: Enable “Web Server (IIS)� then click Next
Step 4: Make sure you have the following pre-requisites enabled
Security:
· Basic Authentication
· Windows Authentication
Application Development
In this section enable the following
· .NET Extensibility 4.5
· .NET Extensibility 3.5
· ASP.NET 3.5
· ASP.NET 4.5
· ISAPI Extension
· ISAPI Filters
Management Tools
In this section enable the following
· IIS Management Console
· IIS 6 Metabase Compatibility
· IIS 6 Management Console
Keywords: tools, application, installation, configuration, apps, setup
References: None |
Problem Statement: Does the aspenONE V8.8 suites support Windows 10? | Solution: The V8.8 release supports Windows 10, with the following exceptions:
Engineering products that do not support Windows 10:
· Aspen Process Tools
Manufacturing & Supply Chain products that do not support Windows 10:
· Aspen PIMS Platinum
For the full aspenONE V8.8 Platform specifications, click the following link:
https://www.aspentech.com/uploadedFiles/Support_and_Training/Deployment_Solutions/V8.8%20Supported%20Platforms.pdf
Keywords: aspenONE, V8.8, AES, MSC, MES, Windows 10
References: None |
Problem Statement: Do I need a new license for aspenONE Suite V8.8? | Solution: If you are planning to upgrade to aspenONE V8.8 and wondering if you will need a new license then this knowledge base article will help you answer your question.
In release of aspenONE V8.8 Suite there are no new license keys so you will not be required to obtain a new license file.
However if you are using an old license from V7.x then you might need to request for a new license which can be done using our support site.
1. Visit our Support Center
2. Click on Upgrades, Media & Licenses
3. Click on Place a License Key Request.
Please only do this if you are 100% sure that you have an old license.
Keywords: aspenONE License
V8.8 license
do I need a new license for V8.8?
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the system/hardware requirements for aspenONE Engineering V8.8? | Solution: Supported Operating Systems
· Windows 8.1 Update Professional and Enterprise (64-bit)
· Windows 7 SP1 Professional and Enterprise (32- and 64-bit)
· AspenTech recommends using a 64-bit Operating System for Activated Engineering, RefSYS Refinery Reactors, when working with large models. For more information, please refer to the product installation guides.
· Aspen Plus Refinery Reactors and Process Manuals do not support Windows 8.1
· If FIPS is enabled, aspenONE Exchange users must have the latest Windows Update patches installed on their machine.
Supported Web Browsers
· Internet Explorer 10 or 11
· Google Chrome on Desktop and iPad (Only supported by aspenONE Web Server)
Supported Microsoft Office
· Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus (Desktop deployments only)
· Microsoft Office 2010 SP2 or 2013 SP1 (32-bit) (Except Aspen Plus Refinery Reactors)
Required Runtimes
· .NET Framework 4.5.1
· .NET Framework 3.5 (for SLM)
· Java JRE 1.6 (Only required for Economic Evaluation)
· Flash 10 or higher (Required for Exchange training videos)
· Visual Studio Tools for Office 2010 (Required for Aspen Batch Process Developer)
Supported Database Clients
· Microsoft SQL Server Express 2012 SP1
· Microsoft SQL Server Express 2008 R2 SP2
Supported Reporting Services
· Crystal Reports 11 (Only used by Economic Evaluation)
Desktop Hardware Requirements
· Computer and Processor: Intel Core-i5 family 2.8 gigahertz (GHz) or faster
· Memory (RAM): 8 GB 1/2
· Free Hard Disk Space: 80 GB 1
· Display: Graphics card / monitor supports 1280 x 1024 or higher resolution
· Network: 100 MB/second
S
Server Hardware Requirements
· Computer and Processor: Dual Intel Wolfdale-DP family 2.66 gigahertz (GHz) (4cores) or faster 3/4
· Memory: 16 GB or more 3/4
· Free Hard Disk Space: 300 GB 3/4
· Display: Graphics card / monitor supports 1280 x 800 or higher resolution
· Network: 100 MB/second or above, Gigabyte network recommended.
Notes:
1. For desktops with PIMS, 16 GB of RAM and 250 GB of free hard disk space is recommended.
2. On a 32-bit Windows 7 system, the operating system cannot use more than4GB of RAM. 64-bit systems are recommended.
3. For standalone deployments of Engineering products, the following is
sufficient: Intel Core-i5 family 2.8 gigahertz (GHZ) or faster, 8 GB of RAM, and 150 GB of free hard disk space.
4. For aspenONE Server and Aspen Properties Enterprise Server, the following is recommended: Quad Intel Wolfdale-DP family 2.66 GHZ (8 cores) or faster, 32 GB of RAM, and 500 GB free hard disk space.
SLM (Software License Manager), AFW (Aspen Framework Security), and Infrastructure machines follow the same hardware requirements as Engineering. When running software on a virtual machine, the machine should meet the same requirements as shown above.
If you want more detailed information please refer to the documentation available on the DVD or our support site under the documentation section.
Keywords: aspenONE Engineering V8.8
aspenONE Engineering V8.8 System Requirements
supported operating system
supported browsers
required runtime
Server Requirements Engineering V8.8
what are the system requirements for aspenONE Engineering V8.8?
References: None |
Problem Statement: What does "CCF_KW_WRITE" errors mean? What are the typical causes of the "CCF_KW_WRITE" errors in a online inferential application? | Solution: The "CCF_KW_WRITE" errors typically occur for a controller when the controller is having problems writing out values to specific tag on the DCS. The “CCF_KW_WRITE” could be caused because of multiple reasons, which are listed below-
1. Incorrect tag name defined in the IQF file. This typically happens if updates are made to the DCS to remove certain tags, but the IQF file still pointed to the old tag names. To fix the problem, the user would need review the valid.err file located in \Program Data\Aspentech\APC\Online\etc\ folder on the Online Server and determine the tag resulting in the Write failure, correct the error in the IQF file and reload the IQF. Also confirm if the configuration is point to the correct tag data type (ex. DBVL, DBDV, etc.) before reloading the IQF file.
2. Synchronous vs Asynchronous writes to Delta V OPC. Connections to Delta V OPC requires that all writes are performed synchronously. The write errors may occur if the CIM-IO for OPC connection used by the IQ application is not configured to perform synchronous writes. Reconfiguring the CIM-IO for OPC to perform synchronous writes and restarting the connecting service should resolve this problem.
3. The prediction process offset (P1OFFSET) and update process offset (P2OFFSET) in the Config section of the IQF are set equal and both to 0. Th fix in this situation would be to edit the IQF file to set the P1OFFSET = 5 and P2OFFSET = 10 and reload the IQF (basically create an offset between the prediction and update processes).
Keywords: CCF_KW_WRITE
Inferential
Write Error
References: None |
Problem Statement: Where are the SLM client tools located in V8.8? The SLM client tools (SLM Configuration Wizard, SLM License Profiler, SLM Commute...) are under folder common utilities in previous versions (V8.7 and below). E.g. Start | All Programs | AspenTech | Common utilities. However, in V8.8 the SLM client tools are not in common utilities folder. Where can I find it? | Solution: In V8.8, the SLM client tools are under folder Aspen SLM (aspenONE SLM License Manager): Start | All Programs | AspenTech | Aspen SLM | aspenONE SLM License Manager.
Keywords: SLM Client tools, SLM configuration wizard, SLM license profiler
References: None |
Problem Statement: Common Questions and Answers for aspenONE V8.8 Suite. | Solution: Engineering Deployment V8.8
1. What are the system/hardware requirements for aspenONE Engineering Suite V8.8? View KB
2. What are the prerequisites for aspenONE Engineering V8.8? View KB
3. Do I need a new license for aspenONE Engineering Suite V8.8? View KB
If you would like more documentation please refer to our documentation section.
Keywords: system/hardware requirements
aspenONE Engineering V8.8
prerequisites for aspenONE Engineering V8.8
license for aspenONE Engineering Suite V8.8
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does Aspen IQ apply and use transforms to the various variables involved with the prediction equation? | Solution: The built-in transform option in Aspen IQ is only available to use with the inferential output. All bias update calculations are performed in the transformed domain based on the transform function applied to the output variable. The input variables to the inferential can be transformed using input calculations (IC) and output calculations (OC).
Keywords: Aspen IQ
Transform
References: None |
Problem Statement: When starting an installation of the aspenONE V8.8 Engineering Suite, during the prerequisite checking stage, the installation will look at the computer to determine if there is enough system memory or RAM available. If not, then this message will display:
"aspenONE requires a minumum of 8GB RAM. Please increase the RAM to the minimum required memory and restart the installation." | Solution: The installation retrieves the installed memory size from the Windows Installer property "PhysicalMemory", which is defined as "The installer sets the PhysicalMemory property to the size of the installed RAM in megabytes". And it compares the property's value with 8192 to determine if machine has sufficient physical memory.
However, this property does not get the "installed" memory, but instead it gets the "total" memory. Since the computer hardware has reserved some piece of the memory, the system has made the "total" memory to be less than the "installed" memory. For example: the machine has 8GB physical memory, the "installed" memory is 8192MB, but the "total" memory is 8119MB.
In the example above, the installation will always report that the machine does not have 8GB of memory.
Aspen has created replacement XML files (setup.xml and setup_custom.xml) that have had the memory restriction removed. They are attached in “Install V88 with no memory check.zip”.
Here are the instructions:
1. Unzip the contents of the .zip file to a new folder
2. Copy the contents of the V8.8 media to a folder on your C:\ drive if you have not already done so.
3. Replace the xml files that are part of the V8.8 media with the xml files in the Install V88 with no memory check.zip.
4. Try the install again. You should not see the error message.
Keywords: setup.xml
setup_custom.xml
memory
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen Framework (AFW) Tools have a "Transfer AFWDB Data" utility which allows users to export AFWDB PROFILES, ROLES and APPLICATIONS to XML files. These XML files can later be imported into AFWDB databases by using the Import function.
Some of the questions that might arise during this process are:
? By default, where are these XML files being saved?
? Is it possible to specify the file names and paths? | Solution: The default Export path for the Transfer AFWDB Data utility is C:\Documents and Settings\<current user>. The default file names are BPEPROFILES.XML, PFWROLE.XML and PFWAPPL.XML for Profiles, Roles and Applications respectively. The path and file names can be manually specified by the user. For example:
NOTE: the user-specified directory must exist beforehand.
Keywords: Transfer AFWDB Data
Import Export AFW
AFW Tools
XML
References: None |
Problem Statement: This document presents a procedure for migrating an Aspen Local Security installation to Aspen Framework without respecifying any of the role-based security data. | Solution: Backup and save the AFWDB.mdb Access Database file in a work directory that is not part of the AspenTech installation path to protect it from deletion in the next step.
Deinstall Local Security.
Install the Database Manager (MS SQL or Oracle), the Aspen Framework Server and Client Components. The AFWDB database tables will be created during the Aspen Framework Data Source Creation step (page 3-15 of Aspen Framework Installation Manual). Finish the installation.
Complete the first post installation configuration step to configure the Internet Information Server. (Page 3-18 of the Aspen Framework Installation Manual). A new AspenTech FTP site will be created for managing shared BPE profiles. FTP is not used by Local Security.
Import the Local Security roles and any definitions for custom applications from the saved Access Database to the SQL or Oracle Database. The MS SQL DTS Import Wizard can be used to import Access data directly. This wizard is activated from the Action pull-down menu after selecting the Afwdb database. Transfer the contents of the PfwAppl, PFWGlobal, PFWLog, PfwRole, SecGroup and SecObj tables.
Resume the post installation procedure at step 3 opening the AFW Security Manager (page 3-19 of the Aspen Framework Installation Manual).
Skip the post installation role definition steps 6 through 13. All role information will be already present.
Delete the Aspen Framework and BPE applications if they exist.
Reimport the xml files for the Aspen Framework and BPE applications as shown in steps 14 - 16. Assign Open privilege to the Administrator for the AfwSnap-in. Grant Modify privilege to the Administrator for the SaveAllProfiles BPE Profile object.
Complete the remaining post installation steps.
KeyWords:
ALS
Local Security Server
migration
migrating
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Which model settings are used in MPIMS and XPIMS models for AO? | Solution: When using an M/XPIMS global model with Advanced Optimization (AO), you have the capability of setting many model settings at both the global and local model levels. This document describes which of these settings are active for a global model or local model.
The model setting is available at the model tree, i.e the left pane of the PIMS model. For AO, there are General model setting, L.P. model setting, Non-linear Model (XNLP) setting, Non-linear Model (XSLP) setting and Reporting model setting.
LP Model Settings - Only the global settings are used
Non-linear Model (XNLP) setting - Only the global settings are used
Non-linear Model (XNLP) setting - Only the global settings are used
General Model Settings
POOLCHARÂ Â Â Â Â doesn't apply to global models; grayed out on the general tab;Â
local models use their own POOLCHAR values when processing crude cuts.
GALSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â disabled for global models; local models use their own values
VTWÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â global and local models use their own values
VOLBASISÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â global and local models use their own values
SMALLÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â not overwritten by global model
global and local setting is used to determine if the coefficient value is too small in AO
SOURCE Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â the global model setting overrides the local model setting
                             On the general model settings dialog for local models
the SOURCE field is grayed out which shows that this field can't be set for the local model
ReportingModel Settings
There are separate report settings for the global model and the local models. These report settings are set in the reporting node (under general model settings) for the global model. In the reporting node's selection tab, there are two sections: Global Plant and Local Plants. Under each Plant heading, a user can select what reports to have created for the global and local models.
For each of the specific testing, if you are unsure where to look for it, you can refer to HELP file in PIMS and search for the particular setting.
KeyWords:
settings
xpims
mpims
general
AO
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When installing the 64-bit version of AspenTech Manufacturing products including Aspen Cim-IO, is any of the Aspen Cim-IO product 64-bit, or is all of Aspen Cim-IO 32-bit? | Solution: The only parts of Aspen Cim-IO which are 64-bit are the client tasks, like the main, asynchronous, and unsolicited tasks (TSK_M_XXXX - cimio_c_client.exe, TSK_A_XXXX - cimio_c_async.exe, TSK_U_XXXX - cimio_c_unsol.exe). Everything else is 32-bit. So on an Aspen Cim-IO server, it will all be 32-bit. On the Aspen Cim-IO client (e.g. Aspen InfoPlus.21) side it's all 32-bit except for the external tasks, which are 64-bit.
Keywords:
References: None |
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