question
stringlengths 19
6.88k
| answer
stringlengths 38
33.3k
|
|---|---|
Problem Statement: How do set up a long-distance truck in Aspen Fleet Optimizer? | Solution: You should be able to pre-define the shift type with ending time up to 500 hours – this is approximately 20 days. You can turn on/off truck shift either manually or through truck schedule service – but it would be your responsibility to make sure the long-distance truck still on the road should not be turned on for next shift optimization. The long-distance order should be able to be optimized to the truck automatically.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can the Software License Manager (SLM) Give a License Expiration Reminder?
How do I modify the license expiration reminder?
How do I set the license expiration reminder for multiple client computers? | Solution: There are two methods for the License Expiration Reminder to be set.
Method 1:
Starting with V8.0, the client utility SLM Configuration Wizard has a screen dedicated for License Expiration Reminder.
1. Open the SLM License Manager
2. Open the SLM Configuration Wizard by clicking on Configure
3. Expand the Advance Settings
4. Select the number of days you would like the reminder to show up before the license expires. Your choices would be 0-60 days.
Method 2:
There is a registry key on each client computer that sets the license expiration reminder to X days. To edit it, do the following:
1. On the client computer, open the Windows Registry by clicking Start > Run > regedit.exe
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\AspenTech\SLM\Configuration
3. Right click the key called "SLMREMINDERDAYS" and select Modify. If the key doesn't exist, please create it manually and name it exactly as it appears here.
4. Change the value to desired expiration reminder days.
5. (Optional) If you want to export these settings, right-click on the Configuration folder and select Export and save the registry file.
6. (Optional) Deploy the registry file to each client computer so they all have the same configuration.
Keywords: License Expiration
SLM Configuration Wizard
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is Administrative privileges required to setup commuting on a client machine? | Solution: There is a one-time setup process to enable commuting on the client machine that requires Administrative privileges. Once the setup process is complete, Administrative privileges are no longer required to commute a license.
To setup commuting, follow these steps:
Run the aspenONE SLM License Manager as an Administrator.
Click the Config button to run the SLM Configuration Wizard.
Click Apply Changes.
Click Show Details. If you see a list of license keys, then the license initialization is complete and commuting is enabled.
An alternative to enable commuting is to run the file SLMLicenseInit.exe located in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Aspentech Shared folder. You can run SLMLicenseInit.exe 3 different ways:
Right-click and select Run as Administrator.
Open an Administrative Command Prompt and type: cd “C:\Progam Files (x86)\Common Files\Aspentech Shared” and press the Enter key. Then type: SLMLicenseInit.exe and press the Enter key.
As part of your aspenONE deployment package, create a custom script that will run SLMLicenseInit.exe after installing aspenONE.
What does SLMLicenseInit.exe do?
When SLMLicenseInit.exe is executed, it downloads SLM data from the license server and stores it in the C:\ProgramData\SafeNet Sentinel\Sentinel RMS Development Kit\System folder. This data is required for commuting to work. The “System” folder requires “Write” security privileges to be enabled.
Keywords: SLM, Commute, Commuting, Administrator privileges, Admin rights
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I compare two class libraries in Class Library Editor (CLE)? | Solution: CLE has a Difference Engine that enables the user to determine the differences between two referenced class library files. This functionality is available from the Compare Library tab in the workspace bar.
The steps above are an example to generate comparison results for two library files.
1. Download the attached zip file and unzip on your local drive. This zip file contains two library files.
2. Open Class Library Editor application.
3. Open DataModel1.azcl from attached file.
4.Click on right arrow button under Workspace window and scroll to second last tab named Compare Library and select it as shown in screenshot below.
5.Right click on root folder Comparison Results, and select Comparison Settings...
6. Click on Browse... button for Compare field and select DataModel2.
7. Click on OK and it will show you comparison between DataModel1 and DataModel2.
8. You can also use Open Result View, Clear Comparison Results, change Comparison Settings... or Refresh options from right click menu on Comparison Results.
Keywords: Comparison, datamodel, library, CLE, Class Library
References: None |
Problem Statement: Using BLOWDOWN to design and rate a blowdown orifice or valve | Solution: This tutorial will show you the key steps to set up a fire rating, a fire design, and a cold-case rating analysis with BLOWDOWN Technology in Aspen HYSYS.
Keywords: BLOWDOWN, Depressurization, BDV, Fire Case, Cold Case, Aspen HYSYS
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I configure EO variable connections in order to either close a recycle loop or connect variable values | Solution: In this example library, EO connections has been set up to achieve the following:
1) Close a recycle loop via an EO port connection
2) Set a block delta P via an EO variable port connection
In the Model attached, Cumene is produced in a Conversion reactor (RSTOIC) by reacting Benzene and Propylene. The chemistry defined in the Reactor is a simple conversion of 90% Propylene.
The model is set up in SM with the following input:
1) User Input in FEED (Temperature, Pressure, Molar Flow and Composition)
2) Input in REC-IN (Temperature, Pressure, Molar Flow and Composition)
3) Delta P and Hotside Outlet Temperature in the COOL (Heater) block
4) SEP block with a constant pressure adiabatic flash
5) Vapor Product not recycled to Reactor Inlet
6) F1 Calculator block that calculates pressure drop with respect to reactor product flow. The results are not passed onto the COOL block in SM.
Take note of the temperature of COOL-OUT, the Flow of REC-IN and the Purity of Cumene in PRODUCT. The COOL-OUT temperature determines the Cumene purity and we are not recovering any unreacted Propylene in the Separator vapor product.
After running the flowsheet in Sequential Modular method and converging, switch to EO
In EO Mode the following modifications have been made to the SM solution:
1) The Recycle loop is now closed. Data flows from REC-OUT to the Reactor block through REC-IN
2) A spec group has been configured to calculate COOL outlet temperature by fixing the purity spec of cumene in PRODUCT to 98%
3) The COOL heater pressure drop is now calculated by the Calculator
EO Connection 1: Port Connection (Pass-Through Stream).
In order to achieve this connection, the destination stream, which is a boundary feed stream in the flowsheet, is defined as a pass-through stream. This is possible because the boundary feed stream in EO is actually instantiated as a Feed block.example REC-IN is a boundary feed stream and has been defined as a pass-through stream. This is done by going to the Stream folder in the navigation pane, EO Options, Additional Options, in the Pass-through field drop-down and select ‘Yes’.
The intention here is to create a Port connection between REC-IN and REC-OUT. Each block has a certain number of Ports, the Ports can either be inlet ports or outlet ports. Since Ports are really a Block attribute, this connection is between the SEP block port and the REC-IN block port.
To find the correct port IDs, go to the control panel, while in EO mode, expand the Show EO Control view
This will reveal the OOMF programming language command line. This enables you to interact with the EO variables. Type the following command:
Print block ports block_ID
For example:
Print block ports SEP
This will return the list of ports and the direction of those ports (input or output) for that block. You can also try:
Print block ports detailed block_ID
Once the port names have been revealed, create the connection.
EO connection is set up in the EO Connections form. You access this via the navigation pane EO Configuration, Connection
EO Connection 2: Variable Connection
Another way to set up an EO connection is by connecting one EO variable to another. In this case we have a pressure drop being updated based on the flow, on a volume basis, at the inlet of COOL.
The Calculator block, F1, has been set up with the volume flow of REACT-OUT, linked to corresponding EO Variable. A delta-P parameter has been defined to store the calculated pressure drop. Both the Flow and pressure drop variables have been configured as local-param variables, i.e they don’t depend on any SM variable in order to get initialized. However, note that the Volume flow is linked to an EO variable, in the calculator block, but the delta-P variable is not. Since they are both Local-Param variables, a user value must be defined for each one, in order to have them initialized in EO
In order to link the delta P calculated by F1 to COOL pressure drop, the COOL-DP connection has been defined. F1 pressure drop calculated is the source variable while COOL pressure drop is the destination variable.
In this case, the Port connection is not activated as this is a variable connection.
Finally, Spec group purity makes the Cumene Product Purity constant and the COOLhotside outlet temperature, calculated.
Run the Model:
1) Go to the Equation Oriented tab, Run Control and set the Method to Sequential Modular
2) Re-initialise the simulation. Run
Note the following:
3) Flow, Temperature and Pressure of both REC-IN and REC-OUT. Since this is SM, they should be different. Particularly the flow.
4) Look at the Block results for COOL. Take note of the outlet Temperature and pressure drop
5) Take a look at the Purity of Cumene in the PRODUCT
Next, ensuring the flowsheet is converged, switch to the Equation Oriented Method. Ensure both EO Connections and the single Spec Group are enabled.
Solve the flowsheet.
Repeat the review of the solution in steps 1,2 and 3. Notice how the results have been updated to reflect the change in how the problem is posed in EO.
Navigate to the EO Variables grid, via EO Configuration folder and see that a separate grid has been configured for our key variables of interest.
You may try making small changes to the Cumene Purity spec to see how this changes your solution.
Keywords: Recycle loop in EO, EO Port connections, EO Variable connection
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I retrieve the dielectric constant of a pure component or a mixture in Aspen Plus? | Solution: For a pure component:
This is not available as a standard property. You can only see the Pure Component T-dependent parameter CPDIEC which is used to evaluate the dielectric constant. Note that the ELECNRTL model must be selected either on the Global property specifications, in a block or section, or at least on the
Keywords: user subroutine, user property, dielectric constant, mixture
References: d sheet of the Properties | Specifications form. You can retrieve the values using the Tools, Retrieve Parameter Results, then go to Properties, Parameters, Results, Pure component, T-dependent and select CPDIEC in the pull down list to view the values.
For a mixture and pure components:
A user property is required to evaluate the dielectric constant. The two example zips contain two subroutines and a dll which return the mixture dielectric constant and the pure component dielectric constant. There is no error checking. To use the .dll, a Fortran compiler is not required. Note the two zips are the same, but the second one has been updated. For the instructions below, choose one of the zips to work from.
To use the routines in a new Aspen Plus file, please see the following steps:
1. Save a copy of the .bkp file in the same folder as Simu1.bkp from the attached zip folders (the bkp file needs to be in the same folder where the .dll and .dlopt files are stored).
2. The simulation needs to be linked to the props.dlopt file included with the zips. Starting from the Simulation environment | Home tab, open the Settings menu from the Run section in the ribbon. From the Run Settings pop up window, click the Linker options button and navigate to the props.dlopt file included with the zips.
3. Go Properties, Advanced, User Properties.
4. Click New to create a new property (e.g. UP-1)
5. On the new property, enter the subroutine name UPDIMX (mixture dielectric constant).
6. Create another user property (UP-2).
7. On the property specifications, enter the subroutine name UPDIPU (pure comps dielectric constant).
8. Check the option "Pure component or partial property".
9. To use these properties, you need then to create a property set and select the properties UP-1 or UP-2.
You can then use these property sets in the usual way. In the example they are specified on the stream report.
Related information:
https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000024198 |
Problem Statement: How to change the execution time of the controller in DMC3 Builder? | Solution: In the Master model View, select edit / resample to change the execution frequency.
In this view you can also change the number of coefficients. Keep in mind that if you change these settings, you need to follow the next rule:
The above approach allows you to change the execution cycle up to 10 times, if you wish to change this even further you need to do additional steps. In DMC3 Builder create a skeleton model with your desired execution cycle. For example, I want to change the execution from 1 minute to 15 minutes, so create a dummy skeleton model with 1MV and 1CV:
In the new application, go to the case folder and import the model from the other application, its ok to overwrite the case.
Notice that the case icon changed from folder to a model object.
Then from the imported model update the master model. Using the edit options remove the dummy variables. The master model now has an execution cycle of 15 mins.
The problem with this approach is that the TTSS needs to increases. This is due to the minimum number of coefficients in the model is 30.
Keywords: DMC3 Builder
Execution Cycle
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I change the SLM communication port 5093 for TCP and UDP protocols? | Solution: If you wish to change the SLM Communication port, do the following:
1. Stop the Sentinel RMS License Manager service.
2. Change the default port number 5093 to whatever port you like on the SLM server computer using system environment parameter:
LServOpts -port <your new port number>
3. Changing or adding an environment variable requires a reboot of the server for the change to take affect. Reboot the license server.
4. Change the default port number 5093 on every SLM Client system by creating a String Value (REG_SZ) registry key called ServerPort under:
For V7.3 and below:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\HyproTech\SLM\Configuration\ServerPort
For V8.0 and above:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\AspenTech\SLM\Configuration\ServerPort
Then assign a new port number by double clicking on ServerPort and modifying its content with the new port
number as shown below:
Please Note:
By default, the Sentinel RMS License Manager service runs at port number 5093.
Port replacing 5093 will have to have both TCP and UDP protocols.
Port replacing 5093 has to be opened for communication on the firewall.
Key words
SLM
Communication
Protocols
Port
5093
UDP
TCP
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to build a custom template in Excel to transfer data from EDR? | Solution: Exchanger Design & Rating has default templates to transfer information to Excel. In case user wants to create his own template, there are blank Excel templates that can be used to build completely customized templates.
These Excel files can be found in C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating VX.X\Excel Templates
Instructions:
1. You must start with one of the Excel EDR templates. These contain VBA code that enables linking to EDR. There are different blank files, one per each different EDR product (S&T, Plate Fin, etc.). Once it's open, enable macros in Excel.
2. The easiest way to create a custom template is to drag-and-drop from EDR. Arrange the Excel template and EDR side-by-side so that you can see both.
3. Find the EDR desired input or result and click on it. Then drag-and-drop on the Excel template. When you first start the drag-and-drop you can tell if it is working because the mouse pointer changes to a '+'. After you drop in Excel you should have the EDR variable name displayed as an Excel comment. This is the mechanism EDR uses to connect variables to Excel.
4. Some EDR results are in grids. You can drag-and-drop only either an entire row or column (one or the other). If you select a column and it does not drag-and-drop, try selecting the row. Likewise, if you select a row and it does not drag-and-drop select a column.
5. To see the variables on a form (both input and results) select "Variable List" in the Customize ribbon. This displays all the EDR variables on the form that is opened.
6. If you do not want to use drag-and-drop you can copy the variable name of a known, working link to a new cell and then change the variable name to that found in step 5.
7. You can also see the variable name in the tooltip by checking this option in File | Options | UI Options 1: "Show variable attributes in the tooltip".
8. For drag-and-drop you can control what information to drag-and-drop in File | Options | Advanced: "Drag-drop format". It is recommended to select "Caption, value, units of measure".
Note: Whenever EDR's automation (COM) interface is used (Excel, simulators, etc.) you need to take care that the correct version is registered, so if multiple EDR versions are installed, make sure to work with the default version. Set Version tool can be used to change the default EDR version.
Keywords: EDR, Excel, template, custom
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the 'AspenTech certified' workflow process for a scheduler to work with APS? | Solution: The attached document goes through the roll forward process with Aspen Petroleum Scheduler.
This workflow has been validated against V10, but does also apply to other versions.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do we understand the back pressure when choking happens downstream PSV in Aspen Flare System Analyzer (AFSA)? | Solution: In AFSA, when choking happens, the upstream and downstream pressure and their ratio determines the mass flow. This mass flow is critical mass flow and it is fixed. In AFSA, the boundary condition is user specified mass flow. So if you specify a mass flow more than the critical mass flow which is physically impossible, it is not possible to correctly calculate the pressure. Therefore, under this condition, the back pressure is not correct. AFSA pressure results are valid only when the user design the pipeline to operate below choking. Otherwise, a choke will be indicated but the pressure and mass flow values are not appropriate.
Keywords: Choking, Back Pressure
References: None |
Problem Statement: This knowledge base article gives several suggestions for writing efficient Aspen SQLplus queries. | Solution: The following best practices will help you write more efficient queries:
1. Minimize the number of Aspen InfoPlus.21 database accesses
2. Reduce the use of write statements
3. Disable logging statements
4. Avoid like comparisons when accessing a specific record
5. Use temporary tables
6. Combine select statements with for loops to initialize local variables with fields from records
7. Use native Aspen SQLplus data types
8. Save queries as CompQueryDef records
9. Cache queries when possible
· Minimize the number of Aspen InfoPlus.21 database accesses
Each database transaction, whether read or write, locks the entire Aspen InfoPlus.21 database for the duration of the transaction. This means that while a query accesses the database, other queries (and indeed all other Aspen InfoPlus.21 applications) have to wait.
Consider the following query:
write atcai.name||' '||
atcai.ip_description||' '||
atcai.ip_input_value||' '||
atcai.ip_eng_units;
Since each direct field reference (i.e. atcai.name, atcai.ip_description, atcai.ip_input_value, and atcai.ip_eng_units) is a database read, therefore the query has four separate database accesses.
Compare that query with
set column_headers = 0;
select name, ip_description, ip_input_value, ip_eng_units
from atcai;
The second query replaces four direct field references with one select statement that fetches the fields name, ip_description, ip_input_value, and ip_eng_units from atcai. The select statement is able to read all four fields with one database transaction.
The same principle is true with indirect field references.
The query
local recname record;
recname = 'ATCAI';
write recname->name||' '||
recname->ip_description||' '||
recname->ip_input_value||' '||
recname->ip_eng_units;
has four database transactions while the query
local recname record;
recname = 'ATCAI';
set column_headers = 0;
select name, ip_description, ip_input_value, ip_eng_units
from ip_analogdef where name = recname;
has only one database read.
· Reduce the use of Write Statements
A simple way to reduce the number of database transactions and the number of statements processed is to eliminate write statements. Many programmers leave diagnostic write statements in queries forgetting to remove the writes when they are no longer needed.
· Disable logging statements
Related to reducing the number of write statements is disabling logging statements but using the command
set log_rows = 0;
at the beginning of the query.
· Avoid like comparisons when accessing a specific record
When accessing specific records, use = instead of like in where clauses.
For example, the query
select name, ip_input_time, ip_input_value from ip_analogdef
where name like 'ATCAI';
causes the query to look at each record defined by IP_AnalogDef to determine if its name equals 'ATCAI'.
whereas the query
select name, ip_input_time, ip_input_value from ATCAI;
causes the query to call an Aspen InfoPlus.21 API routine to translate 'ATCAI' into a record ID followed by another API routine to directly read the appropriate fields using the record ID. In this case, the query accesses only one record instead of looping through all tags defined by IP _AnalogDef looking for names that match the string specified in the like statement.
· Use Temporary Tables
Use temporary tables in queries to minimize repeated file or Aspen InfoPlus.21 database accesses. The IQ task executing a query stores temporary tables in memory. So access to information in a temporary table is faster than querying from the database, or reading from a file.
For queries driven by data in text files, read all of the lines (parsing out the individual values) into temporary tables and then process the data from the temporary table instead of reading values one at a time from one line at a time.
For example, consider replacing
iFC = (Select Count(*) From '&nFile');
FOR I = 2 To iFC DO
mFName = (Select trim('"' from substring(2 of LINE between ','))
FROM '&nFile' Where linenum = i);
oTName = (Select trim('"' from substring(3 of LINE between ','))
FROM '&nFile' Where linenum = i);
pName = (Select trim('"' from substring(4 of LINE between ','))
FROM '&nFile' Where linenum = i);
fgSGName = (Select trim('"' from substring(5 of LINE between ','))
FROM '&nFile' Where linenum = i);
< ... Processing ... >
END
with
Declare Local Temporary Table module.tcrf
(mFName record, oTName record,
pName record, fgSGName record);
Insert Into module.tcrf
Select trim('"' from substring(2 of LINE between ','), -- mFName
trim('"' from substring(3 of LINE between ','), -- oTName
trim('"' from substring(4 of LINE between ','), -- pName
trim('"' from substring(5 of LINE between ',') -- mFName
From '&nFile'
Where linenum > 1;
For (Select * From module.tcrf) Do
< ... Processing ... >
End
When a query selects the same information from Aspen InfoPlus.21 multiple times (this happens frequently, for example, when using sub-queries to filter information for a main query), select data from Aspen InfoPlus.21 into a temporary table and then do subsequent selects from the temporary table.
For example, consider replacing
FOR SELECT COUNT(name) AS CNT FROM IP_ANALOGDEF WHERE NAME = TKNAME DO
IF CNT = 1 THEN
< ... Processing ... >
END
END
with
Declare Local Temporary Table module.TankNames (TankName Char(24));
Insert Into module.TankNames
Select Name From IP_AnalogDef Where Name Like '1TK%';
< ... Processing ... >
If Exists (Select TankName
From module.TankNames
Where TankName = tkname)
Then
< ... Processing ... >
End
· Combine Select Statements with For Loops to Initialize Local Variables with Fields from Records
Combining select statements with for loops to initialize local variables with fields from records can significantly speed a query.
For example, the following query takes four database accesses to initialize the local variables HiHi, Hi, Lo, and LoLo since each direct field reference is a database transaction:
Local HiHi Real, Hi real, Lo real, LoLo real;
HiHi = ATCAI.IP_High_High_Limit;
Hi = ATCAI.IP_High_Limit;
Lo = ATCAI.IP_Low_Limit;
LoLo = ATCAI.IP_Low_Low_Limit;
By combining a select statement with a for loop, you can initialize the same four variables with only one read to the database as the following example shows:
Local HiHi Real, Hi real, Lo real, LoLo real;
For (Select ip_high_high_limit, ip_high_limit,
ip_low_limit, ip_low_low_limit
From atcai)
Do
HiHi = ip_high_high_limit;
Hi = ip_high_limit;
Lo = ip_low_limit;
LoLo = ip_low_low_limit;
End
· Use native Aspen SQLplus data types
Declare local variables as one of the native SQLplus data types (i.e., record, field, int or integer, real, char or character, or timestamp). Only use a variant variable (i.e., no data type specified) if interfacing to a COM object or you need a character string longer than 600 characters.
Using native data types minimizes the conversions between data types that a query has to perform.
A common mistake is assuming the statement
local a, b, c real;
declares the variables a, b, and c all as real variables. In fact, only c is declared as a real variable, while a and b are variants.
To declare a, b, and c all as real variables using one statement, use the following syntax:
local a real, b real, c real;
· Save queries as CompQueryDef records
Where possible, save queries as compressed queries defined by CompQueryDef.
Compressed queries reduce the amount of space required to store the queries and encourage good layout and commenting of queries. Aspen InfoPlus.21 removes comments and stores compressed queries using tokens. Consequently, there is an increase in performance because Aspen SQLplus has to read fewer characters when processing a compressed query.
If, due to company standards for example, it is not possible to save a query using CompQueryDef, then save queries using the definition record QueryDef. Both CompQueryDef and QueryDef records are stored in the Aspen InfoPlus.21 database.
Avoid saving queries as text files and then activating them using the start command. Starting a query from a text file causes the IQ task to to read and parse each line of the text file from disk on each execution and does not allow for caching. Use the syntax that allows the start command to activate a record defined by QueryDef or CompQueryDef.
· Cache queries when possible
Consider caching queries by changing the Protected field in the CompQueryDef or QueryDef record to CACHED.
For SELECT queries which process a number of rows, the time needed to parse a query is usually less than the time needed to execute it. However, for procedural statements, the time taken to parse a query can be significantly greater than the time needed to execute it. This is especially true of IF and CASE statements where all paths through the statement are parsed even though only one path may be executed.
Caching allows the IQ task to parse the query once, compile it, and store it internally.
An IQ task parses each line of an uncached query each time Aspen InfoPlus.21 activates the query.
Queries using Macro statements are not suitable for caching because cached queries cannot perform macro substitution.
Keywords: how to, back to basics
References: None |
Problem Statement: This is an example demonstrating the accurate modeling of formaldehyde-water phase equilibrium. | Solution: Formaldehyde-water phase equilibrium is very complex because formaldehyde and water react to form various short-chain oligomers. We have an example in Aspen Plus that uses chemistry to address this; however, there are some inconsistencies in the model.
The chemistry of water/formaldehyde is actually step-growth reactions. It is possible to set up a step-growth polymerization model to reproduce our property data package / chemistry fairly closely,
Attached is a test case that contains both the step growth method compared to the chemistry method. This file can be opened in Aspen Plus V7.3 and higher.
Keywords: Formaldehyde-water, Oligomer
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the functionality of the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Product Family when the license is unavailable in versions V8 and higher? | Solution: The following table shows the reduced functionality in License Grace Period and License Denied modes:
Application
Reduced Functionality in License Grace Period Mode
Reduced Functionality in License Denied Mode
InfoPlus21 Server
IP.21 will not allow the “point” count to increase; that is, no records with history repeat areas can be created.
No records with history repeat areas can be created.
Some client applications (for example, Process Explorer, Excel Add-ins, Process Browser) will not connect to an IP.21 Server that is running in License Denied mode.
Process Explorer, Excel Add-ins, IP.21 Process Browser, High Performance Trends
No reduced functionality
Will not function
A License Denial state is when the application is unable to check out a license from the license server.
A License Grace Period state is when the license has been granted at least once, the license server cannot be contacted again, and the license timeout after 900 minutes (15 hours).
For more information on InfoPlus.21 License States, see Knowledge base article 139153.
Keywords: Product Functionality, License Denied, License Grace Period
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is aspenONE Economic Evaluation compatible with Microsoft Office 64-bit? | Solution: aspenONE Economic Evaluation is compatible with Microsoft Office 32-bit. It is not compatible with Office 64-bit. Check the installation guide for the specific versions of Office (2013, 2010, etc) that are compatible with the aspenONE Economic Evaluation release you are running.
Keywords: 64 bit, 32 bit, 64, 32, Office, Microsoft Office
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between different Aspen properties file formats available in Advanced Options in EDR? | Solution: In the Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR), components can be selected from the Aspen Properties databank. By default the search for components can be done locally from inside the EDR environment.
If Aspen properties files are available from a previous simulation in the stand-alone Aspen properties/Aspen Plus then we can use the Advances Options to import the component list with their associated property parameters.
There are two options for importing the Aspen Properties files into EDR.
1) The Aspen Property Back-up file (files with extension .APRBKP). These are ASCII file containing all input specifications and results for an Aspen Properties problem. The APRBKP file is upwardly compatible which means that these files can be opened with the same version of Aspen property program that was used to generate them and additionally with higher versions of Aspen Property program.
2) The Aspen Properties Definition files. These are binary files containing arrays or data and intermediate convergence information used in an Aspen Plus simulation (*.APPDF) or Aspen Properties problem (*.APRDF). These files are version dependent which means that they can be imported into the EDR program provided that the same version of Aspen Property program used to generate them is available as the default version in Windows.
KeyWord:
Aspen properties, Advanced Options , APRBKP, APRDF, APPDF
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: If one is upgrading their Aspen InfoPlus.21 (IP.21) system, at a minimum, the following files should be backed up: | Solution: ? General Configuration:
o Configuration file - %C21BASE%\etc\c21_config
? History
o History configuration file - %C21BASE%\h21\dat\config.dat
o History map file - %C21BASE%\h21\dat\map.dat
o All archive filesets, as determined from "h21mon dates" command, "Filepath" column
? Group Information
o Group snapshots, as determined by TSK_SAVE record, SAVE_SNAP record, and loaddb defined task; default location is %SETCIM%\group200\InfoPlus21.snp; it may be safest to simply backup the entire group directory
o Group configurations; these are created by doing a "File | Save Group Configuration" from the InfoPlus.21 Manager.
? Batch Information
o BCU definition files, located in directory path listed under [BCU] section of %CIM21_CONFIG% file; default is %C21BASE%\bcu\dat
? Other
o SQLplus scripts
o Any custom applications
Notes:
1. You may also have to manually upgrade the snapshot files. You can do this using the %SETCIMCODE%\upgrade.exe utility.
2. When you start the IP.21 Manager on the new IP.21 box and read in your Group Configuration File (*.IPG), the correct entries for Registered Tasks will be created under:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\AspenTech\Infoplus.21\2.x\group200\RegisteredTasks
KeyWords:
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I use BackDoor methods to retrieve variables that are contained in an array? | Solution: Many variables in Aspen HYSYS are stored internally as arrays, and their BackDoor monikers follow a predictable pattern.
For example, for the shell-side temperature profile on a heat exchanger heating curve, the monikers follow this pattern:
ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.0
ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.1
ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.2
Observe that only the last number changes for each element in the profile. This can be tedious to access via automation, especially when the number of elements in the array is not known.
Dim E100 As HYSYS.HeatExchanger
Set E100 = hyFs.Operations.Item("E-100")
'Cast the HeatExchanger object into a BackDoor object
Dim E100BD As HYSYS.BackDoor
Set E100BD = E100
'Declare variables for shell-side temperature profile
Dim ShellSideTemp0 As HYSYS.RealVariable
Dim ShellSideTemp1 As HYSYS.RealVariable
Dim ShellSideTemp2 As HYSYS.RealVariable
'...etc
'Use the BackDoorVariable method to retrieve shell-side temeprature profile
'Observe that the monikers follow a pattern where the last value is an index that points to an underlying array
Set ShellSideTemp0 = E100BD.BackDoorVariable("ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.0").Variable
Set ShellSideTemp1 = E100BD.BackDoorVariable("ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.1").Variable
Set ShellSideTemp2 = E100BD.BackDoorVariable("ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.2").Variable
'...etc
A simpler and more robust way to access these variables is to replace the index with square brackets []. This will return the entire profile as a RealFlexVariable object:
'Replacing the last number in the moniker with a "[]" will return the entire array as a RealFlexVariable object
Dim ShellSideTempProfile As HYSYS.RealFlexVariable
Set ShellSideTempProfile = E100BD.BackDoorVariable("ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.[]").Variable
You can then write a loop to access all elements in the RealFlexVariable object.
Keywords: HYSYS COM OLE Automation ActiveX BackDoor
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I use BackDoor methods to retrieve variables that are contained in an array? | Solution: Many variables in Aspen HYSYS are stored internally as arrays, and their BackDoor monikers follow a predictable pattern.
For example, for the shell-side temperature profile on a heat exchanger heating curve, the monikers follow this pattern:
ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.0
ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.1
ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.2
Observe that only the last number changes for each element in the profile. This can be tedious to access via automation, especially when the number of elements in the array is not known.
Dim E100 As HYSYS.HeatExchanger
Set E100 = hyFs.Operations.Item("E-100")
'Cast the HeatExchanger object into a BackDoor object
Dim E100BD As HYSYS.BackDoor
Set E100BD = E100
'Declare variables for shell-side temperature profile
Dim ShellSideTemp0 As HYSYS.RealVariable
Dim ShellSideTemp1 As HYSYS.RealVariable
Dim ShellSideTemp2 As HYSYS.RealVariable
'...etc
'Use the BackDoorVariable method to retrieve shell-side temeprature profile
'Observe that the monikers follow a pattern where the last value is an index that points to an underlying array
Set ShellSideTemp0 = E100BD.BackDoorVariable("ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.0").Variable
Set ShellSideTemp1 = E100BD.BackDoorVariable("ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.1").Variable
Set ShellSideTemp2 = E100BD.BackDoorVariable("ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.2").Variable
'...etc
A simpler and more robust way to access these variables is to replace the index with square brackets []. This will return the entire profile as a RealFlexVariable object:
'Replacing the last number in the moniker with a "[]" will return the entire array as a RealFlexVariable object
Dim ShellSideTempProfile As HYSYS.RealFlexVariable
Set ShellSideTempProfile = E100BD.BackDoorVariable("ExchPerf.500/ExchPlot.300.0/ExchPlotCurve.301.3:Temperature.300.[]").Variable
You can then write a loop to access all elements in the RealFlexVariable object.
Keywords: HYSYS COM OLE Automation ActiveX BackDoor
References: None |
Problem Statement: | Solution:
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can a Custom Table in Aspen Plus be exported and imported between different simulation cases files. | Solution: In order to export a Custom Table, you can right-click on the Custom Table name on the Navigation Pane and select ‘Export' option. When the Save window appears, save this and give it any name. The file will be saved with a .bkp extension
Then, in order to import the previously-saved Custom Table into another simulation, go to File | Import | File (Import a file to the current workspace), then select the .bkp file that you saved in the previous step. Now the table will be imported and located under Flowsheet | Custom Tables.
Note: The imported Custom Table will be ready to use with specified variables only if the name of the blocks and streams related to this custom table are the same. In case of any change in the name of the variables in the imported Custom table, Those should be specified again.
For further details, find attached a video which illustrates this procedure in Aspen Plus.
Keywords: Custom Tables, Export, Import.
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is there an example showing how to implement Hounslow discretization method for the population balance to model a precipitation tank (crystallizer)? | Solution: The crystallizer implements a steady state population balance as described in the paper by Hounslow et al (AIChe Jouranl November 1988, vol 34, no 11, pages 1821-1832).
Essentially this is similar to the BFD1 (backward finite difference) method, but with different weighting factors to have a better accuracy for the moments (refer to paper for details).
The dynamic population balance as described by Randolph and Larson is:
N : number-density function
G : growth rate
B : birth rate (nucleation)
D : death rate
With Hounslow discretization method, this becomes:
a, b, c = calculated to get moments more accurately
See the attachment for the simulation file and a complete description.
Keywords: PSD, PBE, precipitation
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is there an example showing how to implement Hounslow discretization method for the population balance to model a precipitation tank (crystallizer)? | Solution: The crystallizer implements a steady state population balance as described in the paper by Hounslow et al (AIChe Jouranl November 1988, vol 34, no 11, pages 1821-1832).
Essentially this is similar to the BFD1 (backward finite difference) method, but with different weighting factors to have a better accuracy for the moments (refer to paper for details).
The dynamic population balance as described by Randolph and Larson is:
N : number-density function
G : growth rate
B : birth rate (nucleation)
D : death rate
With Hounslow discretization method, this becomes:
a, b, c = calculated to get moments more accurately
See the attachment for the simulation file and a complete description.
Keywords: PSD, PBE, precipitation
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I retrieve the dielectric constant of a pure component or a mixture in Aspen Plus? | Solution: This is not available as a standard property. You can only see the Pure Component T-dependent parameter CPDIEC which is used to evaluate the dielectric constant. Note that the ELECNRTL model must be selected either on the Global property specifications, in a block or section, or at least on the
Keywords: user subroutine
user property
References: d sheet of the Properties, Specifications form. You can retrieve the values using the Tools, Retrieve Parameter Results, then go to Properties, Parameters, Results, Pure component, T-dependent and select CPDIEC in the pull down list to view the values.
Another option is to use a user property to evaluate the dielectric constant. The example contains two subroutines and a dynamic link library (dll) which return the mixture dielectric constant and the pure component dielectric constant. There is no error checking. If CPDIEC is missing for a component, a default value of 2 is used. To use the .dll, a Fortran compiler is not required.
To use the routines in another file, you would need to:
1. Go to Properties, Advanced, User Properties.
2. Click New to create a new property (e.g. UP-1).
3. On the new property, enter the subroutine name UPDIMX (mixture dielectric constant).
4. Create another user property (UP-2).
5. On the property specifications, enter the subroutine name UPDIPU (pure comps dielectric constant).
6. Check the option "Pure component or partial property".
7. To use these properties, you need then to create a property set and select the properties UP-1 or UP-2.
You can then use these property sets in the usual way. In the example they are specified on the stream report.
The attached screen capture shows how to select the dynamic linking option file. This is on the Customize tab of the Ribbon, under Options. |
Problem Statement: How do I create a summary of the revision history of all equipment in the project? | Solution: You can create a Project Status Report datasheet.
1. Open a Datasheet editor, either Excel Datasheet editor, Web Datasheet editor, or legacy Datasheet editor (Workbench) by selecting.
2. Connect to your workspace.
3. Create a new datasheet and select AZ Project Status Report.
4. You might need to select the case.
This creates a datasheet with all of the objects in the workspace with their revision history.
Keywords: Project status report, revision history, project history
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is there an example featuring the calculation of sensitivities in Aspen Custom Modeler? | Solution: A simple example (sensitivity.acmf) featuring a differential equation.
1- Create the model with the following equation:
dy/dt = y - (4*k1 + 3*k2)
2- The aim of the example is to calculate the sensitivities as well as the normalized sensitivities of y with respect to both k1 and k2 (Ref. Aspen Modeler
Keywords: None
References: manual. Chapter 4).
In the enclosed simulation, a script "sensitivity", has been created. Invoking it will clear any previous sensitivity results, will activate the sensitivity calculation. The sensitivities will be available on the messages window after a steady state run is performed.
Dim ACMApp
Set ACMApp= Application
ACMApp.Simulation.ClearSensitivities
ACMApp.Simulation.EnableSensitivities
ACMApp.Simulation.AddSensitivityVariable "B1.y"
ACMApp.Simulation.AddSensitivityParameter "B1.k1"
ACMApp.Simulation.AddSensitivityParameter "B1.k2"
'Run the Simulation
ACMApp.Simulation.Runmode = "Steady State"
ACMApp.Simulation.Run(True)
'Get sensitivities
Dim sens1, sens2, Nsens1, Nsens2
sens1 = ACMApp.Simulation.GetSensitivityValue( "B1.y","B1.k1" ) Nsens1 = sens1*B1.k1.Value/B1.y.Value
sens2 = ACMApp.Simulation.GetSensitivityValue( "B1.y","B1.k2" ) Nsens2 = sens2*B1.k2.Value/B1.y.Value
ACMApp.Simulation.DisableSensitivities
Application.Msg "Result"
Application.Msg "y " & B1.y.Value
Application.Msg "Sensitivity of y to k1 " & sens1
Application.Msg "Sensitivity of y to k2 " & sens2
Application.Msg "Normalized sensitivity of y to k1 " & Nsens1
Application.Msg "Normalized sensitivity of y to k2 " & Nsens2
Results will be displayed at the end of simulation messages window.
KeyWords:
ACM, Sensitivity, example, Normalized, EnableSensitivities, GetSensitivities, ClearSensisitvities, AddSensitivityVariable, AddSensitivityParameter |
Problem Statement: The composition from a reactor is measured at regular intervals, but instead of taking a sample almost instantaneously, the sample is collected during some time. Therefore the composition of the sample is the time average of the reactor composition during this interval (assuming the sampling flow is constant). How can we model this in Aspen Custom Modeler? | Solution: See the attached example file for ACM (v9 and higher). The reactor model here is a simple batch reactor. component A is converted to component B with a first order reaction with a rate constant k.
CA as conc_mole (initial, 1);
CB as conc_mole (initial, 0);
k as realvariable (Fixed, 0.01);
r as realvariable;
$CA = -r;
$CB = r;
r = k * CA;
The code to evaluate the average is:
// average composition
time0 as realvariable (fixed, -1e-5);
CA_avg as conc_mole;
CA_int as realvariable (initial, 0);
$CA_int = CA;
CA_avg * (time - time0) = CA_int;
The idea is that the first equation is accumulating the sample. The second equation evaluates the average. The time0 is set to a small negative value to avoid division by zero.
The flowsheet task reset periodically CA_int and time0.
Task sample runs at 0
for i in [1:1000] do
wait 0.1;
B1.time0 : time;
B1.CA_int : 0;
endfor
End
In this specific case, delaying the concentration by half the duration of the sampling time give a good approximation.
The plot shows the results: the blue line is the concentration of A in the reactor. The green line shows the composition of the sample. The red line shows the composition with the delay function.
To make the model more realistic, one should create another model to actually account for the fact the reactions may continue in the sampling bottle.
Keywords: task, delay, sample
References: None |
Problem Statement: This knowledge base article confirms whether Aspen InfoPlus.21 is compatible with Amazon Web Service. | Solution: Yes, Aspen InfoPlus.21 is compatible with Amazon Web Service cloud solutions. The system requirements will be the same as listed in the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Product Family Installation Guide.
Keywords: AWS
Cloud
supported on
works with
References: None |
Problem Statement: While generating the code for a Fortran procedure, I get the following error:
"No suitable C/C++ compiler was found - compilation aborted" | Solution: To use a Fortran procedure in ACM, the user is required to have the proper version of the Intel Fortran Compiler and Visual Studio installed on their machine.
Starting in V7.x and similarly in all 8.x releases, we only support the Intel Fortran compiler, which does not include Visual Studio but it requires it as a pre-requisite; because, the Fortran procedure code needs to interface with C++ code inside ACM.
The supported version of Visual Studio and Fortran Compilers for ACM V8.x are as follows:
Version Supported Fotran Compiler Supported Visual Studio
V8.0 Intel FORTRAN 9.0, 9.1, 10.0, 10.1, 11.0, 11.1 or 12.0 Microsoft Visual C++ .NET 2010 Professional edition
V8.4 Intel Fortran 9.0, 9.1, 10.0, 10.1, 11.0 11.1, 12.0, or 13 Microsoft Visual C++ .NET 2010 Professional edition
V8.8 Intel FORTRAN 9.0, 9.1, 10.0, 10.1, 11.0, 11.1, 2011 (V12), 2013 (V13), 2013 SP1 (V14), or 2015 Microsoft Visual C++ .NET 2013 Professional edition
V9 Intel FORTRAN 9.0, 9.1, 10.0, 10.1, 11.0, 11.1, 2011 (V12), 2013 (V13), 2013 SP1 (V14), or 2015. Microsoft Visual C++ .NET 2013 Professional edition
Please note that for version V9, exporting unit operations to Aspen Plus or HYSYS no longer requires a compiler.
KeyWords
Procedures, Fortran, ACM, Visual Studio
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: What does a target value of 0 mean in the Air Demand Analyzer? | Solution: The Air Demand Analyzer (ADA) target is usually the last condenser vapour outlet stream in the catalytic section. When we select Air Demand % target equal to 0, it means that we are obtaining the H2S:SO2 of 2:1 in reference stream (last condenser vapour outlet stream).
You can see this value on the Sulfur Recovery page of the stream.
The Air Demand of -4% in the furnace performance summary would be the amount of air (O2) required to have a stoichiometric ratio of H2S:SO2 of 2:1 in the furnace effluent stream.Â
In general, it is up to engineering judgement in terms of which stream to attach the ADA and target a 2:1 ratio to facilitate the elemental sulphur formation. It is typical to target the last condenser vapor outlet stream in the catalytic section, but an engineer may decide to target the vapor outlet stream of a condenser for Selective Oxidation Converter or may decide to target the vapour outlet stream of an upstream catalytic stage or the effluent of the furnace. For this reason, we report the air demand on many of the key Sulsim operations, even though you may be only targeting the air demand at a certain point with the ADA. This information is still helpful to the users to quickly understand the stoichiometric situation of H2S:SO2 at different stages in the process.
Keywords: ADA, air demand analyzer, target
References: None |
Problem Statement: What does the constraint column from the original optimizer monitor mean? | Solution: The value in the optimizer's constraint column represents the value of the constraint's constraint function, c, where
c = penalty * (limit - current value) as shown below:
Keywords: optimizer, constraint
References: None |
Problem Statement: The purpose of this demo is to illustrate how a DMCplus controller minimizes the perturbation?s impact. It compares the effects with and without DMCplus. The DMCplus controller has been configured to optimize the column operation, so the controller will do the best to control the qualities at the minimum cost. HYSYS is used as a virtual plant.
Three files are needed for this demo:
REFORMATE STABILISER-DYN V2004-2.HSC (HYSYS Dynamic model)
STABI.mdl (DMCplus Controller Model file)
STABI.ccf (DMCplus Controller Configuration file)
These three files are inside the Zip file called 'Demo DMCplus-HYSYS' attached to this solution (see here above) | Solution: 1. Software installed: Aspen HYSYS 2004.2 or later (your *.SLF license file must contain the DMC+ link option: SLM_HYSYS_DMCLink), DMCplus Online (choose ""Server Install""), DMCplus Desktop (Optional) and Production Control Web Server (Optional, you need to install Microsoft IIS from windows install) all from AspenONE 2004.2 or later.
2. Create the folder ?stabi? in the directory ?C:\Program Files\AspenTech\AC Online\app\?, and put in the files ?stabi.mdl? and ?stabi.ccf?.
3. Open the HYSYS case :? REFORMATE STABILISER-DYN V2004-2.HSC?
4. Go to Tools/Preferences and select the Variables Tab, create a SI clone units set where you choose Mass Flow in tonne/h and Pressure in bar.
5. Familiarize with the flowsheet, controllers and the Strip-Chart lines.
6. Open (double-click in object icon) the STABI object (this is the DMCplus controller) in the HYSYS PFD, and Check ?On? the ?Enable DMCplus? checkbox.
7. Go to ?Model Test? Tab in the STABI object and press the button ?Load DMCplus controller?. You should then see a green message saying ?OK? and the message ?DMCplus controller STABI is loaded? in the HYSYS message window.
8. Start the integrator (one-click on green traffic light). Everything should be flat lines. The basic controllers are controlling the process since DMCplus is in Manual mode.
9. Put the FC-FEED controller in Cascade mode. This read the SP from the perturbation transfer function object block. On the Strip-charts, you will see a sine wave perturbation on the feed flow, which will affect to the impurity values in top and bottom (red and blue thick lines).
10. After a while (three or more sine waves), go to ?Operation? Tab in the STABI object and put the controller mode in Auto. Now DMCplus controller start to take the control of the three local Setpoints (MVs: orange, green and pink strip-chart lines) to maintain the impurity values below limits.
11. (Optional). Open the Production Control Web Interface (PCWI). All DMCplus controllers variables should be available as in an standard DMCplus real plant controller.
12. After a while you should see something like the below screenshot. It shows how DMCplus minimize the feed flow perturbation impact over the Top and Bottom impurities (Red and blue thick lines) and the column differential pressure (dotted cyan line).
13. In the same ?Operation? Tab of the STABI object, change the Low Limit of the CV1 (i-Pentane in top) to 1.2 % and the High Limit to 1.21 %. You will see how DMCplus makes the corresponding moves to be as closer as possible to the new spec and to minimize the perturbation impact at the same time. (This step can also be perfectly performed from the PCWI).
14. Let's squeeze more the DMCplus controller: introduce a new perturbation!. Go to the Faceplate of the ?Air Temp? transfer function block object and Check ?On? the ?Active? checkbox. This will change the air temperature of the Aircooler (Cyan solid line) and the DMCplus controller will need to handle it.
15. After a while, Stop the integrator (press red traffic light).
16. We are going to put it manual the DMCplus to see the effect of both perturbations without the DMCplus controller. Go to ?Operation? Tab in the STABI object and put the controller mode in Manual. Also, change MV values column to the original values, MV1 to 195 Deg C, MV2 to 4 T/h and MV3 to 14 bars.
17. Start the integrator. The effect of the perturbation is much higher, exceeding the impurity limits. For faster execution, you can disable the DMCplus controller by Checking ?Off? the ?Enable DMCplus? checkbox in the STABI object.
18. After a while, you can drag to the left the little red triangle in the Time axis of the Stripchart, so you can see all the historic data accumulated and compare the results with and without DMCplus. We can see how the DMCplus controller provides a better control of the process against the same perturbations.
19. End demo: Stop Integrator and close HYSYS without saving changes (you can save changes with a different name file)
20. Note 1: Like in real plants, TC-BOTT controller can not follow changes in the MV1 since the feed flow affects the bottom temperature faster. Lower frequencies perturbation could be better rejected
21. Note 2: The GETCLC object is not used in this demo. This is just another DMCplus controller that has been used to generate the step-test data in a .clc file.
22. Note 3: This demo can run with the new Aspen Watch from AspenONE 2006, since it is web based.
Keywords: dynamics, DMC Plus
References: None |
Problem Statement: Where to find the references for the data sources used for regressing the binary interaction in the insert files? | Solution: We can find the references for the data sources that were used in regressing the binary interactions in the Help (F1).
Aspen Plus
Keywords: Electrolyte Inserts,
References: | Physical Property Data Reference Manual | Electrolytes Data | Electrolytes inerts (please see the screen shot below) |
Problem Statement: Can the capital cost results of different Scenarios be reviewed and compared in one Report output? | Solution: Yes, via Data Trending. This feature facilitates comparison of scenarios by allowing the user review capital cost summaries of different scenarios in a single Excel workbook. Data Trending can be used to compare different scenarios for the same project or different scenarios from different projects.
The Data Trending feature displays the direct costs of each scenario on one spreadsheet, with a separate row for each scenario.
For more information on how to configure the Data Trending please refer to Knowledge Article 127814-2.
Keywords: Data Trending, capital cost, Aspen Icarus Reporter
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I model the mixing of the tube fluids from a tube rupture event? | Solution: The way to model a tube rupture event and pressure rise in the shell side due to tube rupture in Aspen HYSYS Dynamics is shown in the file attached.
The tube fluid is represented by stream 10 and the shell fluid is represented by stream 7. The relief valve called ‘Ruptured Tube’ is used to represent the tube hole. So, the relief valve area is the area of the ruptured tube. This relief valve is initially closed.
To model the rupture, you will need to specify the set pressure of this valve to a value less than the tube side pressure (Stream 3 pressure = 35 bar).
During the tube rupture event, the tube side fluid flowing through the rupture (stream 13) mixes with the shell side inlet (stream 12) and creates the new shell side fluid (stream 4).
In the strip chart, you can see how the pressure of the new shell side inlet (stream 4) increases after the tube rupture.
Keywords: tube rupture, relief valve
References: None |
Problem Statement: The task TSK_ALRT is added starting from V9.1 which is related to the Alert functionality in aspenONE Process Explorer.
If you are still using 32-bit Aspen InfoPlus.21, TSK_ALRT may not able to start up. This article provides a checklist to fix the problem. | Solution: 1- Check if the definition record "AlertUserDef" is existing in Aspen InfoPlus.21 database. If not, please load attached "AlertUser.rld". you can refer to KB111481
on how to load .rld into an Aspen InfoPlus.21 database.
2- Ensure that IP21 Subsicription API is enabled from dbclock.config, after enable IP21 Subsicription API, you will need to restart IP.21 to take effect.
<Subscriptions Enabled="YES">
dbclock.config is located at C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\group200 by default.
KeyWords
TSK_ALRT
Subscription
API
dbclock.config
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Assuming that we have three machines, IP.21 server A, CIM-IO server and IP.21 server B. This article provides you an example on how to use CIM-IO for OPC UA to get data from one Aspen InfoPlus.21 to another | Solution: Step I: We have a tool called “UA configuration tool”, it can be used to export and import/trust certificate. We will export 3 certificates on CIM-IO server first.
1. Go to “Manage Application” | Find , then browse to C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\CIM-IO\io\cio_opc_uai
2. Select cimio_opcua_read.exe, then click on Browse and select cimio_opcua_read.Config.xml, then click on OK.
3. Repeat 1,2 to add cimio_opc_write.exe and select its configuration file which is cimio_opc_write.Config.xml
4. Repeat 1,2 to add cimio_opc_unsol.exe and select its configuration file which is cimio_opc_unsol.Config.xml
5. Now, you should be able to see cimio_opc_read, cimio_opc_write and cimio_opc_unsol in the list.
6. It’s time to export these three certificates. Select cimio_opcua_read | click on view Application Certificate… | Export…Export other two certificate for “write” and “unsol”
Step II: We will use IP.21 server B as an OPC UA server. And Export a certificate on IP.21 server B.
1. Make sure TSK_OPCUA_SVR has started up in IP.21 manager
2. Launch “UA configuration tool”, Go to “Manage Application” | Find , then browse to C:\Program Files\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\code | select IP21OpcUAServerHost.exe | click on OK
3. Select “IP21OpcUAServerHost” | click on “View Application Certificate…” | Export…
Step III: Copy those certificates exported from CIM-IO server to IP.21 server B(OPC UA server), then import/trust them.
1. Launch “UA configuration tool”, Make sure “IP21OpcUAServerHost” is selected | Go to “Manage Security” tab | Import Certificate to Trust… | select the certificate to import | click on Yes
2. Click on “Select Certificate to Trust…” |select “%CommonApplicationData%\OPC Foundation\RejectedCertificates” as Store Path | select cimio_opcua_read | click on OK
3. Repeat above 1,2 to import/trust the certificate for “write” and “Unsol”
Step IV: Copy the certificate exported from IP.21 server B (OPC UA server) to CIM-IO server and import/trust it.
1. Launch “UA configuration tool”, select “cimio_opcua_read” | Go to “Manage Security” tab | Import Certificate to Trust… | select the certificate to import | click on Yes
2. Click on “Select Certificate to Trust…” |select “%CommonApplicationData%\OPC Foundation\RejectedCertificates” as Store Path | select “AspenTech InfoPlus.21 OPC UA Server” | click on OK
3. Repeat above 1,2 to import/trust the certificate for “write” and “Unsol”
Step V: On CIM-IO server, Create CIM-IO for OPC UA interface using CIM-IO interface manager
1. Add Cim-IO interface | select “Cim-IO for OPC UA”
2. Next, and type a username and password which is used to start Aspen CIM-IO manager service.
3. Next, and type OPC UA server | click on Discover | Select the OPC UA server
4. Next |Next | Finish
5. Add Domain\User and password for OPC UA security settings. | click on Save Configuration | click on Yes | Start the interface.
Step VI: On IP.21 server A, Create Logical Device using Cim-IO IP.21 Connection Manager.
1. Add new connection… | give it a name
2. Next, and type the CIM-IO server name | click on Discover | select the OPC UA interface
3. Next | Next |Finish
Step VII: On IP.21 server A, Create Get record then add occurrences
You may refer to KB000016712 to get the SYNTAX used for Aspentech InfoPlus.21 OPC UA Server tags.
Step VIII: Verify the data collection
KeyWords
OPC UA
CIM-IO for OPC UA
UA configuration tool
Certificate
IP21OpcUAServerHost
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: You may not want to see the logon window prompt while opening a A1PE URL from client machine. This article provided a way to by pass A1PE security checking and allow all connections to A1PE logged on as same user. | Solution: CAUTION: YOUR ASPENONE PROCESS EXPLORER OR MES SYSTEM MAY BE IN HIGH RISK OF SECURITY BREACH AFTER THE FOLLOWING STEPS.
***AspenTech wouldn’t be responsible for any DATA LOSS caused by any security breach.***
Prerequisite:
You have an account on the server could access and operate A1PE all features.
You need to change the settings with Local administrators.
You know what you are doing.
Purpose:
1. To shut down A1PE Process Explorer Windows Authentication and turn on Anonymous Authentication.
2. To shut down aspenONE Search domain security
Steps:
Turn off A1PE Process Explorer Windows Authentication
Open IIS Manager via Start Menu or type “inetmgr.exe” in Run command.
Expand server node and go to “Site”->”Default Web Site”->”ProcessExplorer”.
c. Hit “ProcessExplorer”, in “Features View” on the right side.
d. Double click on “Authentication”.
e.Disable “Windows Authentication” via Context Menu or “Action” Pane.
f. Edit “Anonymous Authentication” via Context Menu “Edit” or “Action” Pane.
g. Choose “Specific user”.
a) Hit “Set…”, in “Set Credentials” dialog, type a valid User Name and Password, and confirm password.
b) Hit “OK” to save it.
h. After Hit “OK” to close “Edit Anonymous Authentication Credential”, Enable “Anonymous Authentication” via Context Menu or “Action” Pane.
2. Turn off “Process Data” Windows Authentication
a.Under “ProcessExplorer” Node, there is a “ProcessData” node.
b. Follow the step 1 to turn off Window Authentication and turn on Anonymous Authentication.
3. Turn off Domain Security.
a. For Start Menu, find “aspenONE Credentials”.
b. Check “Domain Security” is “OFF”. Please note, to change “ON”, “OFF” checkbox, you need to first check “Domain Security” checkbox.
4. After 1, 2, 3 steps are done, restart IIS.
5. On client:
a. Make sure IE security has configured correctly to skip user password checking.
6. Visit A1PE, after logon to Process Explorer, make sure the account logged in is the account you set in step 1 and 2.
KeyWords
A1PE
Logon
Security
Disable
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When adding a remote Aspen Calc node connection to Aspen Calc it may receive an error Failed to connect to server <servername>, permission denied | Solution: Configuring Aspen Calc to Administer Remote Nodes
This document describes procedures to allow the Aspen Calc user interface to configure remote Aspen Calc servers. It describes steps to configure the firewall, DCOM security, and AFW Security.
Configuring Aspen Calc for a Domain Network Topology
Use the following steps to configure Aspen Calc for use with computers and user accounts that belong to a Windows Domain.
On the Aspen Calc Server
1. Allow Firewall Access to Aspen Calc If the Windows Firewall is active.
Since the server belongs to a domain, you should configure the Domain network firewall to allow DCOM connections to Aspen Calc. You must either add the Aspen Calc Scheduler service to the firewall exemption list, or you must disable the firewall altogether. Here are the steps to allow Aspen Calc DCOM connections through the firewall:
a. Open Windows Firewall control panel from Start | Control Panel, then select Check firewall status under System and Security.
b. Select Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall.
c. Click the Change settings button to enable changes.
d. Click the Allow another program button.
Note: Do not select the “Aspen Calc” shown in the Programs list. This is for the user interface. Instead, use the Browse button as described below to select the Aspen Calc Scheduler server executable (CalcScheduler.exe).
e. Click Browse then navigate to find the Aspen Calc Scheduler executable, CalcScheduler.exe, under C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\Aspen Calc\Bin. Click Add.
f. Ensure the check box for the Domain column is selected.
g. Click OK to save changes.
2. Configure DCOM Security
Again, since the server is in a domain, then domain user accounts should be used to access Aspen Calc. You must ensure these accounts are granted DCOM access using these steps:
a. For each domain user or group account that will access the Aspen Calc server, use the Local Users and Group control panel to add them to a local group that will be granted both local and remote DCOM access. It is recommended that you add them to the Distributed COM Users group.
b. Launch the DCOM properties window by using Start | Administrative Tools | Component Services, and then expand the Component Service folder to find the local computer, then right-click and select Properties.
c. From the COM Security tab, click Edit Default in the Access Permission area.
d. If the Distributed COM Users group does not appear in the list of groups and users, then:
i. click Add,
ii. click Locations, then choose the local computer and click OK.
iii. click Advanced,
iv. click Find Now,
v. scroll to find the Distributed COM Users group,
vi. click OK, then OK again.
e. Ensure that the Allow check boxes are enabled for both Local Access and Remote Access for the Distributed COM Users group, and then click OK.
f. Click Apply from the Properties window.
g. Perform steps d through f for the Launch and Activation Permissions. This time, ensure that the Distributed COM Users group is allowed Local and Remote permissions for Launch and Activation.
h. Click OK to close the Properties window.
Note: For sites that require tighter security, instead of changing the global machine DCOM settings as shown above, perform these steps directly on the AspenTech Calculator Engine under the DCOM Config folder of Component Service control panel.
3. Configure Local AFW Security
Aspen Calc must be configured in the AFW Security Management tool by performing these steps:
a. Load the Aspen Calc application security configuration into the AFW Security Manager by:
i. right-click on Applications,
ii. click All Tasks, then Import Application,
iii. then navigate to the Aspen Calc security configuration file, “AspenCalc_base_security_install.xml” under folder “C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\Aspen Calc\Bin”,
iv. then select the file and click Open
b. Create the Aspen Calc securable object for the current server by:
i. expand the Aspen Calc application,
ii. then right-click on Servers,
iii. then click New, then Securable Object,
iv. then name it the same name as the computer, then click OK
c. Create one or more roles and assign the domain user and group accounts to the appropriate role.
d. Configure permissions by:
i. click on Servers under Aspen Calc in tree,
ii. right-click on server name in content pane, then click Properties,
iii. select the desired role to configure, then enable the desired permissions,
iv. click OK when done
e. Wait up to five minutes for AFW cache to refresh.
Note: Using the AFW tool to force a refresh does not always seem to work.
Note: It may be necessary to restart the Aspen Calc Scheduler service from the Windows Services control panel to ensure the new AFW security changes are recognized.
4. Configure Aspen Calc Scheduler service
a. Use the Windows Services control panel to find the AspenTech Calculator Engine service.
b. Right-click on the service, then click Properties.
c. On the Log On tab, enable the Log on as option to This account, then specify a domain user account that has the necessary permissions to access the network and the appropriate Aspen Calc files on disk. Typically this could be an account that belongs to the local Administrators group.
d. Click OK to save changes, then restart the service.
5. Add Users to Aspen Calc Folder permissions
a. Add the everyone group to the Security on …\AspenTech\Aspen Calc folder.
b. Select Allow for Read & Execute, List
c. OK
On the Client Computers
1. Launch Aspen Calc UI with a Domain User Account
To manage Aspen Calc on a remote client computer that belongs to a Windows domain, you should launch the Aspen Calc UI using a domain user account.
2. Add Remote Aspen Calc Server to Node List
a. From the Aspen Calc UI, use the View | Options menu to show the Options window. From the Nodes tab, add a remote Aspen Calc server node.
b. Once added, you should be able to add or edit calculations, provided you user account has the appropriate permissions in AFW Security.
3. Add Users to Aspen Calc Folder permissions
a. Add the everyone group to the Security on …\AspenTech\Aspen Calc folder.
b. Select Allow for Read & Execute, List
c. OK
Configuring Aspen Calc for a Mixed Windows Workgroup and Domain Network Topology
Some customers may design their network topology such that the Aspen Calc background service resides on Windows server within a workgroup (i.e. a non-domain server). Please follow the steps below to allow client computers that do belong to a domain to connect to the Aspen Calc server.
On the Aspen Calc Server
1. Allow Firewall Access to Aspen Calc
Since the server belongs to a workgroup, and not a domain, you must configure the public firewall to allow DCOM connections to Aspen Calc. You must either add the Aspen Calc Scheduler service to the public firewall exemption list, or you must disable the public firewall altogether. Here are the steps to allow Aspen Calc DCOM connections through the firewall:
a. Open Windows Firewall control panel from Start | Control Panel, then select Check firewall status under System and Security.
b. Select Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall.
c. Click the Change settings button to enable changes.
d. Click the Allow another program button.
Note: Do not select the “Aspen Calc” shown in the Programs list. This is for the user interface. Instead, use the Browse button as described below to select the Aspen Calc Scheduler server executable (CalcScheduler.exe).
e. Click Browse then navigate to find the Aspen Calc Scheduler executable, CalcScheduler.exe, under C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\Aspen Calc\Bin. Click Add.
f. Click OK to save changes.
2. Configure DCOM Security
Again, since the server is in a workgroup, you are forced to use local, non-domain user accounts to access Aspen Calc. You must ensure these accounts are granted DCOM access using these steps:
a. Create one or more local user accounts.
b. Add these local user accounts to a local group that will be granted both local and remote DCOM access. It is recommended that you add them to the Distributed COM Users group.
c. Launch the DCOM properties window by using Start | Administrative Tools | Component Services, and then expand the Component Service folder to find the local computer, then right-click and select Properties.
d. From the COM Security tab, click Edit Default in the Access Permission area.
e. If the Distributed COM Users group does not appear in the list of groups and users, then:
vii. click Add,
viii. click Advanced,
ix. click Find Now,
x. scroll to find the Distributed COM Users group,
xi. click OK, then OK again
f. Ensure that the Allow check boxes are enabled for both Local Access and Remote Access for the Distributed COM Users group, and then click OK.
g. Click Apply from the Properties window.
h. Perform steps d through g for the Launch and Activation Permissions. This time, ensure that the Distributed COM Users group is allowed Local and Remote permissions for Launch and Activation.
i. Click OK to close the Properties window.
Note: For sites that require tighter security, instead of changing the global machine DCOM settings as shown above, perform these steps directly on the AspenTech Calculator Engine under the DCOM Config folder of Component Service control panel.
If you intend to access the Aspen Calc server from remote client computers, then you should add one or more local user accounts on the client computers that match the names and passwords of the same accounts that exist on the server.
3. Configure Local AFW Security
Aspen Calc must be configured in the AFW Security Management tool by performing these steps:
a. Load the Aspen Calc application security configuration into the AFW Security Manager by:
i. right-click on Applications,
ii. click All Tasks, then Import Application,
iii. then navigate to the Aspen Calc security configuration file, “AspenCalc_base_security_install.xml” under folder “C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\Aspen Calc\Bin”,
iv. then select the file and click Open
b. Create the Aspen Calc securable object for the current server by:
i. expand the Aspen Calc application,
ii. then right-click on Servers,
iii. then click New, then Securable Object,
iv. then name it the same name as the computer, then click OK
c. Create one or more roles and assign the local user accounts to the appropriate role.
d. Configure permissions by:
i. click on Servers under Aspen Calc in tree,
ii. right-click on server name in content pane, then click Properties,
iii. select the desired role to configure, then enable the desired permissions,
iv. click OK when done
e. Wait up to five minutes for AFW cache to refresh.
Note: Using the AFW tool to force a refresh does not always seem to work.
Note: It may be necessary to restart the Aspen Calc Scheduler service from the Windows Services control panel to ensure the new AFW security changes are recognized.
4. Configure Aspen Calc Scheduler service
a. Use the Windows Services control panel to find the AspenTech Calculator Engine service.
b. Right-click on the service, then click Properties.
c. On the Log On tab, enable the Log on as option to This account, then specify a local user account that has the necessary permissions to access the network and the appropriate Aspen Calc files on disk. Typically this could be an account that belongs to the local Administrators group.
d. Click OK to save changes, then restart the service.
5. Add Users to Aspen Calc Folder permissions
a. Add the Aspen Calc users to the Security on …\AspenTech\Aspen Calc folder.
b. Select Allow for Read & Execute, List
c. OK
On the Client Computers
1. Launch Aspen Calc UI with Local User Account
To manage Aspen Calc on a remote client computer that belongs to a Windows domain, you must launch the Aspen Calc UI using a local user account. You cannot use a domain account because the Aspen Calc server resides in a workgroup and thus does not have privileges to authenticate domain members.
There are two ways to launch Aspen Calc using a local user account:
a. either logon to a Windows desktop session using a local user account, or
b. use the “Run as different user” feature found in some versions of Windows (such as Windows 7 by SHIFT, right-clicking the Aspen Calc shortcut, then choosing Run as different user).
2. Add Remote Aspen Calc Server to Node List
a. From the Aspen Calc UI, use the View | Options menu to show the Options window. From the Nodes tab, add a remote Aspen Calc server node.
b. Once added, you should be able to add or edit calculations, provided you user account has the appropriate permissions in AFW Security.
3. Add Users to Aspen Calc Folder permissions
a. Add the Aspen Calc users to the Security on …\AspenTech\Aspen Calc folder.
b. Select Allow for Read & Execute, List
c. OK
KeyWords:
node
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is there a way to use tube inserts in Aspen Shell & Tube Exchanger? | Solution: Currently, Aspen Shell & Tube Exchanger allows specification of one type of tube insert, the twisted-tape, for enhancement of heat transfer. All the other options are available only if you have been supplied with special software (in the form of dlls) by the insert manufacturers.
For more information, refer to the KB Article ID 000033041: Modeling Twisted Tubes using the Koch Heat Transfer dll.
This option is available on Input | Exchanger Geometry | Tubes | Inserts.
Keywords: Twisted-tape, tube insert, HTC.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I enable an aspenONE custom installation? | Solution: This knowledge base article explains how to create an aspenONE custom installation. This can be used to install certain required applications, where as the standard software installation has the products bundled. For this example, the aspenONE Manufacturing Supply Chain suite of products are shown. This is also available for the aspenONE Engineering Suite of products.
Please follow these steps:
1) Open the aspenONE media in Windows Explorer, select setup_custom.xml and drag & drop it into Setup.exe.
2) With this procedure, you will be able to select the desired applications to install.
Keywords: Custom install,
aspenONE Manufacturing Execution Systems,
aspenONE Engineering Systems
References: None |
Problem Statement: Modelling Radfrac with external condenser and reboiler. | Solution: Condenser and/or reboiler are, usually, integrated in a Radfrac column but there are cases where the condenser (reboiler) of a Radfrac column needs to be modelled as a separate block. When possible, it is better to keep the condenser/reboiler internal to the Radfrac block for convergence reasons. It is more difficult to converge a simulation featuring a Radfrac block with external heat exchangers to model the condenser and the reboiler, than a simulation where the condenser and the reboiler are internal to the Radfrac block.
The simulation is configured so that it could be exported as pressure driven.
KeyWords:
Radfrac, external, condenser, reboiler, pressure driven, Aspen Dynamics, Aspen Plus
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can a query (in the Aspen SQLplus Query Writer) be run against a *DIFFERENT* Aspen InfoPlus.21 database without using the Aspen SQLplus Query Writer menu commands 'Query' | 'Host' to change the connection to a different IP.21 system? In other words, how can a command be run to talk to a different InfoPlus.21 by just changing the syntax of the query to designate the name of a different IP.21 system? | Solution: An ODBC connection must be made to the alternate system. Following that, an additional database link must be set up in the SQLplus Query Writer's Tables tool. Finally, the syntax of the query must be adjusted to utilize the new database link. Here are additional details:
Note: The following example is performed on a 64-bit Windows Server 2012 R2 running a 64-bit version of Aspen InfoPlus.21.
Establish ODBC connection to alternate system
1. In the Windows Start menu search using 'ODBC 64' and select either of the two choices that appear:
2. In the ODBC Data Source Administrator switch to the 'System DSN' tab then select the 'Add...' button on the right.
3. Select AspenTech SQLplus on the next screen and then click 'Finish':
4. On the screen that appears fill in a name and (optionally) a description and then click 'Advanced':
5. On the 'SQLplus Advanced Setup' screen unselect the 'Use Aspen Data Sources (ADSA) choice and click 'OK':
6. Back on the Setup screen the bottom of the box will have changed. Fill in the name of the remote IP.21 system and the port number (default port number is 10014 though it may need to be adjusted according to the TSK_SQL_SERVER settings on the remote system). The name of our remote system is HigginsBoat in this example. (Optional) If you click the 'Test' button a message indicating 'Connection Test OK' should be returned.
Set up database link in Query Writer
7. Open the SQLplus Query Writer and bring up the Tables wizard (use this button):
8. Click on 'Add Link' button on the right:
9. Fill out the 'SQLplus Database Link' screen and click OK and then dismiss the Tables wizard:
Adjust Query to use new link
10. Open the SQLplus Query Writer and adjust the query to use the new link name. The syntax is:
"LinkName".table_name
For example - the following query can be used to get a count of the number of IP_ANALOGDEF records present on the system (the system to which we are currently connected - called Liberator):
The query could be adjusted to make the same request of the remote system (HigginsBoat):
Note that the double-quotes around the data source name are required in certain circumstances (if there are spaces or special characters). They are not required here specifically but their presence does not have a negative impact.
Keywords: select count(name) from IP_ANALOGDEF;
select count(name) from "HigginsBoat".IP_ANALOGDEF;
DSN
Data Source Name
References: None |
Problem Statement: The cetane index in the the cold property of a stream is shown as empty. | Solution: The cetane index can only be calculated when the ASTM D86 50% cut point temperature is known. This will only occur when there are 3 or more components in the stream with a mole fraction greater than 1e-6.
Keywords: cetane index, ASTM D86 50%
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the meaning of zone, layer and set in LNG exchanger? | Solution: On the Sizing (dynamics) page, we can specify the geometry of each zone in the LNG unit operation.
We can partition the exchanger into a number of zones along its length. Each zone features a stacking pattern with one feed and one product connected to each representative layer in the pattern. In practice, a plate-fin heat exchanger may have a repeating pattern of layers in a single exchanger block. A set is defined as a single pattern of layers that are repeated over the height of an exchanger block. Each zone can be characterized with a multiple number of sets each with the same repeating pattern of layers. The figure below displays an LNG exchanger block (zone) with 3 sets, each containing 3 layers:
The Zone Sizing and Configuration group contains information regarding the geometry, heat transfer properties, and configuration of each zone in the LNG unit operation. To edit a zone, select the individual zone in Zone group, and make the necessary changes to the other groups. The Zone Geometry group displays the following information regarding the dimensions of each zone, Width, Length.
This length refers to the actual length of the exchanger, which is used for heat transfer. The remainder is taken up by the flow distributors. The flow of material travels in the direction of the length of the exchanger block. The fins within each layer are situated across the width of the exchanger block. This information is available in the help guide, press F1 to access
Zones do not represent anything physically in the LNG exchanger they are more of a modelling term. What zones allow you to do is partition the exchanger along its length allowing you to model different flow patterns in the LNG exchanger
KeyWords, LNG exchanger, zone, layer, set
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the meaning of the warning 1132? | Solution: The warning 1132 is often displayed when there are inconsistensies between input values in the input Geometry
And the values in the Tube Layout
To eliminate this warning, check inconsistencies between these two forms and in the case shown changing the shell ID in the Geometry to 94 inch will resolve the problem.
The alternative is to use the New (Optimum) Layout for the Tube Layout in the input form.
Keywords: , warning 1132, Use Existing Layout, New (Optimum) layout
References: None |
Problem Statement: In the RadFrac block when a pump-around is used, in the Operating Specification form the variable vapor fraction is not available, why? | Solution: The valid phase for the return stream is by default set to follow the source phase. When we change the valid phase for the returning stream to Vapor-Liquid then the vapor fraction operating specification becomes available.
Keywords: : pump-around, vapor fraction, operating condition
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the Cleaning Lane or Tube Alignment input form in the Bundle Layout? | Solution: The tube alignment between passes identifies whether tube rows and columns should line up in adjacent passes. It can be used with any tube layout, but is particularly useful for 45 or 90 degree layouts, when it can be set when cleaning lanes are required.
For staggered layouts, the lining up of rows and columns in adjacent passes imposes a restriction on the possible values of pass partition lane widths, and values will be set accordingly. For 90 degree layouts, the restriction only applies to the central lane of an H-banded layout.
The following alignments are available:
Unaligned: no forced alignment.
Aligned for cleaning lanes: full alignment for 45° tube patterns. For H-banded layouts, this option also aligns the center band for 90° tube patterns.
Aligned for all layouts: aligns tubes for all layouts and tube patterns.
Keywords: , Cleaning Lane, Tube Alignment, pass partition lanes
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I convert an existing legacy DMC plus application to new DMC3 application | Solution: The following key (license) is required for conversion to DMC3: SLM_RN_APC_DMC3.
Upgrade your DMCplus Model project to a DMC3 project. It will now produce MDL3 files. These files can be deployed online as a DMC3 controller.
To achieve the above step –
Open DMC+ model àCreate a new project à Select DMC3 option
Right click on Model (Left side pane) à Select “Import” à Import required .MDL file
After successful import, select model from right side pane
Right click on model name & select “Export”. This will export the .MDL3 file. Save this file in folder ..\app\<controllername>
Update the .ccf (DMCplus Build à Tools menu à Options à General tab à Model -Browse…-) with the .mdl3 file saved in step #1.
Save the CCF and close DMC plus build.
Reload the controller with CCF saved in step #3
PCWS and APC Manage display the DMC3 icon to identify the controller.
Refer to the “Aspen Manufacturing Suite Advanced Process Control Release Notes V8.7 / New Features / Aspen Process Controller and Aspen DMCplus / Aspen DMC3 platform added for greatest level of application maintainability” (Solution 140673) for additional information.
Keywords: Advanced Process Control, APC, V8.7, DMC3, DMCplus, Aspen Process Controller Builder, FIR, Token, license, RN_APC_DMC3
References: None |
Problem Statement: DMCplus marks any number (input or calculated) less than or equal to -9999 as a bad value. If a variable with a very large magnitude is used in the controller as an MV, with the tuning set such that the controller could move the MV by a magnitude greater than 9999, it is possible that the controller calculates a MV move of -9999 (or smaller). Each run, the DMCplus controller performs what is known as a last check validation of the calculated results to ensure that unreasonable numbers are not written out to the DCS. If an MV move of -9999 (or smaller) is calculated in a particular controller execution cycle, this number will be flagged by the last check validation to be a bad value, thus causing the controller to turn OFF. | Solution: It is recommended that variables with large magnitude measurements be transformed to a different scale (with smaller magnitude) before being included in the model. This is typically done using the Piece-Wise Linear Transforms (PWLN) option in DMCplus. Remember that the transforms needs to be applied to data before building the model and if a model already exists, rebuild the model after applying the transform to the concerned tag. The transform also needs to be applied to the concerned variable in the CCF file.
Example, flow measured in kg/hr (range 0 to 300000) can be transformed to ton/hr (range 0 to 300) using the PWLN transform with (X1, Y1) = (0, 0) and (X2, Y2) = (300000, 300).
Keywords: Piece-wise Linear
Large magnitude measurements
DMCplus
References: None |
Problem Statement: Does IQ have a parameter that can confirm the accuracy of a model? How can the accuracy of an existing IQ model be estimated? | Solution: IQ does not have any built in parameter that quantifies the accuracy of an online model prediction.
There are multiple methods to determine model accuracy depending on how/where the user wishes to perform the model accuracy analysis.
1. Offline:
a. IQmodel: If history of the online data for the lab measurements and the input values are available (2-3 weeks), the user could use IQmodel in the Run mode (using the historical data) in order to look at the predictions using one particular model. The user can open two IQmodel applications (one with old model and one with new model) and compare the accuracy of the predictions from the two models side by side. Please note that an IQR file in order to use this method. This method provides statistical information such as RSQ (R-squared), Avg. Error, etc., which are a measure of the model accuracy. For example, RSQ = 1 mean a perfect model. Higher the value of RSQ (closer to 1), better the quality of the model.
b. DMCplus Model: Run predictions using the MDL file and the data in DMCplus. Use this method when the IQ is built using DMcplus MDL file.
c. Excel: If the IQ uses an algebraic equation (developed outside IQmodel and DMCplus model), the user could create a calculation using that equation in excel and match it against the corresponding lab measurements (XY Plots in Excel).
2. Online:
If the user wishes to check the accuracy of the model when it is running online, they would need to look at the trends (using Process Explorer, or a similar tool) of the following parameters and ensure these are reasonable-
a. PREDBIAS: When the process is at steady state, this parameter should also be steady (not keep oscillating) at a particular value; you might have some noise in this parameter depending on the amount of filtering you use.
b. UPR vs Lab Measurement: Plot the Unbiased SS Predictions and the lab data on the same plot to confirm if the trends of the UPR follow the overall trend of the lab measurements.
c. BPR vs Lab Measurement: You can compare the Biased SS Predictions from the model against the actual lab measurements. The trends of these might help identify any mismatch or unmeasured disturbances in the process model.
Keywords: Model Accuracy
Inferential
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the best method of comparing results from Aspen Petroleum Scheduler V7.3.1 with Aspen Petroleum Scheduler V8.7 or V8.8? | Solution: Following are few of the steps which can be used for comparison of results:
1. Set the Crude threshold limit in model settings to 0.5% in both the versions before generating the results.
There was a change made in V8.7/V8.8 that impacts how small crude fractions are handled by the Crude Unit. In V7.3.1 crude fractions smaller than 0.005 (0.5%) were ignored and was not actually used, however, in V8.7 the Crude Tolerance value from the Config Dialog is used. Also the way the gas products were calculated in V7.3.1 was incorrect. Change the setting in the Config dialog to 0.5 (%), this will make V7.3.1 and V8.7 calculate more similar results. There still will be errors in V7.3.1 in the gas products coming off of the Crude Unit.
2. After this, run the model and publish the results. The first thing to compare in the results table would be _Strms and _tanks (daily results) tables.
3. If any differences are seen in these values then the user should try to track these results in the refinery model to the point where they start to differ. This would give an idea to the user as to what might be causing these differences. Usually if a lot of differences are observed, tracking it can give the root cause as these differences are propagated downstream.
4. Once the user is done with daily tables, he can move on to compare periodic tables, _ZSTRMS and _ZTANKS, to verify there aren’t differences in periodic data. A strategy similar to previous point can be followed.
5. For possible explanations to the differences, users can refer to 145585, 145587, 145578, 145582, 145261, 145541, 145589
Keywords: Comparison
periodic results
daily results
References: None |
Problem Statement: Basic XML knowledge in Aspen SCM is a prerequisite for reading this document. | Solution: s # 135832, 135995, 136528, 136585, 137107 and 138030 are recommended, if you are looking to gain basic XML knowledge in Aspen SCM.
When dialogs / prompts / windows are designed using XML, there might be situations where command buttons should close the dialog, sometimes after executing a command / rule / macro. This solution explains how to code this.
Solution
Consider a very simple dialog box:
Consider the following workflow:
The user would come in and choose between the two options. If they are satisfied with their choice, they would click Save. If not, they would click Cancel.
In either cases, after clicking on the button, the dialog should close. Save button would execute an additional logic before closing the dialog.
This solution explains what needs to be done in order to make a command button close the dialog.
1. In the View section of the XML, the following commands needs to be added to those Command Button properties:
a. Type="DialogButton"
The property type for these two command buttons should be “Dialog Button”. This is a special type of command button that would work only with XML Dialogs / Prompts / Windows and not with any of the normal XML screens.
b. Command="C0R2S"
This attribute helps when an additional command needs to be executed apart from closing the dialog.
c. Caption="Save"
This attribute defines the text to be displayed on this button.
2. In the View Model section of the XML, details of the command can be written. In this example, C0R2S section must be present, since that was used in the example above. The Type attribute should define this as “Command”. The After sections can detail the commands to be executed when this button is clicked.
<C0R2S
Type="Command">
<After
A1="!Save"
A2="STATMSG DIALOG SUCCESSFUL"/>
</C0R2S>
In summary, the following XML code would display this dialog message:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<CONFIG>
<TEST_USER
Header="Custom User Management Screen"
ViewModelID=":TEST_VM">
<Views>
<TEST_GRID
Type="LayoutGrid"
Columns="auto,auto"
Rows="auto,auto,auto">
<Views>
<C0R0
Column="0"
Row="0"
ColumnSpan="2"
Type="PropertyView"
DataSource="C0R0S"
Editor="Label"/>
<C0R1
Column="0"
Row="1"
ColumnSpan="2"
Type="PropertyView"
Editor="RadioList"
DataSource="C0R1S"/>
<C0R2
Column="0"
Row="2"
Type="DialogButton"
IsDefault="True"
DialogResult="True"
Caption="Save"
Command="C0R2S"/>
<C1R2
Column="1"
Row="2"
Type="DialogButton"
DialogResult="False"
Caption="Cancel"/>
</Views>
</TEST_GRID>
</Views>
</TEST_USER>
<TEST_VM>
<States>
<STATE1>
<Properties>
<C0R0S
Type="String"
Value="Choose Time Slice"/>
<C0R1S
Type="Enum"
ValueSource="YESNO"/>
<C0R2S
Type="Command">
<After
A1="!Save"
A2="STATMSG DIALOG SUCCESSFUL"/>
</C0R2S>
</Properties>
</STATE1>
</States>
</TEST_VM>
</CONFIG>
For information on how to bring up this dialog message using the SHOWSCRN command, please refer to the solution # 137047.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When upgrading the SLM Server, what file(s) should I backup? | Solution: The only file that needs to be backed up, is the license file (lservrc) from the C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\SafeNet Sentinel\Sentinel RMS License Manager\WinNT folder.
Keywords: SLM Server, Backup, License
References: None |
Problem Statement: What Advantages does the SLM Offer? | Solution: The SLM was designed to provide equivalent functionality to the old Hyprotech security system while adding many of the features asked for by clients. Some of the major capabilities offered by the SLM are listed below.
Reduced administration and total cost of ownership (TCO).
? Easier software additions.
? A key exchange is no longer required to add new software or features.
Easier administration and management.
? A single SLM client application can now be used to fetch both standalone and/or network licenses.
? The SLM uses USB key for both standalone and network software
Enhanced administrator software.
? The administrator can lock out users and reserve licenses for specific users.
Improved performance.
? The SLM is designed to work on slow networks or networks with high traffic. It increases the speed with which licenses are checked-out from the network license server, resulting in improved application performance.
Advanced capabilities
? Token systems
? Commuter option
Keywords: advantage, functionality, SLM, improve, improved, token, commuter
References: None |
Problem Statement: In V8.4 and V8.0, user can click on a cell to start editing (i.e. cursor will be visible as soon as a single click was made). This made selection of multiple number of cells very difficult – so copying multiple cells, bulk editing values of multiple cells, etc. had to have difficult workflows. | Solution: In order to fix this issue, in V8.7, the behavior of click-to-edit was changed. In the latest version, when the user click on a cell, it just selects that cell. Only when he/she double clicks on that cell, the cursor appears i.e. editing mode is entered. This allows for easier workflows when copying and bulk editing. This change also achieves performance improvements when loading grids.
When single-clicking on a cell:
V8.0, V8.4
V8.7
When double-clicking on a cell:
V8.0, V8.4
V8.7
Because of this change, when there are drop downs in the table, they won’t be immediately visible to the user:
V8.0, V8.4
V8.7
Once he/she double clicks the cell, the drop down menu will appear.
Keywords: Grid
Editing
CQ00495083
CQ00514918
CQ00545968
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are good database settings to significantly avoid simultaneous save issues in Aspen Petroleum Scheduler and Aspen Refinery Multi-Blend Optimizer? This means errors like "Another user is currently updating the database" when a user tries to save. | Solution: The existing logic in Aspen Petroleum Scheduler (APS)/Aspen Refinery Multi-Blend Optimizer (MBO) that prevents two users from saving at the same time is as follows:
· User "A" saves, an entry immediately goes into the SCHEDULE_LOG table with the DESCRIPTION: 'Saving Events'
· When user "A" is finished saving, the DESCRIPTION is updated to 'Close_Scheduling.' the time stamp is also updated.
· If user "B", who is trying to save, first checks to see if there are records in the SCHEDULE_LOG that arent 'Close_Scheduling', this means someone may be in the middle of saving. We then look to see how long ago that record was created, if it's less than the CONFIG table entry INT_MINS_SAVE_SCHEDULE, we inform user B that they can't save.
By default, INT_MINS_SAVE_SCHEDULE , is set to 5 minutes (value can be from zero to 1000 minutes). So it is possible that the message was legitimate. We can suggest a couple of things:
1. If you get the message again, immediately look at the SCHEDULE_LOG to see if the most recent record is still showing 'Saving Events' and the X_UPDATED is less than 5-min ago.
2. You can set INT_MINS_SAVE_SCHEDULE to a smaller time in the CONFIG table. If you set it to "0", it will disable this feature. Of course, this also means that data corruption can occur if multiple users save at the same time.
It is important to note that the SCHEDULE_LOG table updates in the user's local time, instead of standard server time. If the two times are different, it may lead to a longer time before the second user can save, since he may be in a different time zone. for this, the best practice would be to set all the SCHEDULE_LOG.X_UPDATED time stamps to server time, instead of the user's local time.
This can be modified by toggling the USE_LOG_UTC feature to "Y" (meaning Yes). The following record can be added in the table CONFIG:
ID Value
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: The objective of this tutorial is to show how to retrieve application snapshots and history of values that are maintained by an online application running in an online server.
Applications running in APC Builder will maintain data history and snapshots (copies of the online controller) by default. A retrieved application history dataset contains not only a history of measured values for all variables included in the application Model, but also a history of data points that reflect changes in controller set points (that is, limits, targets, and so forth) and a few general parameters, such as MasterOnOffStatus, for example. | Solution: Download the PDF file tutorial attached to this solution.
Keywords: APC Builder, Aspen Process Controller Builder, Application snapshot, History, Online
References: None |
Problem Statement: This Knowledge Base article shows how to resolve the following issue:
BCU "Save as XML" Configuration Add-in adds leading space in text type designators. | Solution: In V7.3, V8.0, V8.4, V8.5 and V8.7 of the BCU Configuration Add-in, manually delete a leading space in front of text type designators in the XML output (.bcu) files.
The issue will be fixed in a future release of the BCU Configuration Add-in.
Example:
No leading spaces for text type designator “MDL�.
XML output (.bcu) file showing leading space for the text type designator “MDL�.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: If the RabbitMQ user fails to be added to the RabbitMQ server during installation, the Schedule Manager will log that there are no metadata extractors available, and the AspenTechSystemAgentService will be stuck in the Starting state. | Solution: /Workaround
1. Using a browser on the aspenONE server, go to http://localhost:55672/mgmt. The username and password will still be the default value of “guest�
2. Click on the Users tab.
3. In the Add a user section of the page, fill in the necessary information to add the user admin with password admin, and give the user the administrator tag.
4. Click on the Add user button.
5. Edit the user by clicking on the user name for the admin user, the click on the Set permission button to give the user access to the queues on the root server.
6.  Close the browser.
Fixed in Version
CQ00554124: To be announced
Keywords: aspenONE, Search, SOLR, ESB, RabbitMQ
References: None |
Problem Statement: If the Active Directory server is not on the domain controller, Solr cannot access the Active Directory, and throws an exception during search. | Solution: /Workaround
1. Copy the “C:\Program Files\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\Tomcat7.0.50\appdata\solr\conf\AspenSearchSolrSecurity.xml� file to the desktop.
2. Edit the AspenSearchSolrSecurity.xml file.
3. Change the ldapUrl entry in the file to the correct URL for the Active Directory server.
4. Copy the AspenSearchSolrSecurity.xml file back to the “C:\Program Files\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\Tomcat7.0.50\appdata\solr\conf� directory.
5. Re-start the Apache Tomcat service.
Fixed in Version
CQ00553958: To be announced
Keywords: aspenONE, Search, SOLR, Security
References: None |
Problem Statement: A user is unable to access aspenONE when the install administrator password changes. | Solution: /Workaround
1. Launch the Services console from the Administrative tools under Control panel and check if the SQL Server is running.
2. If it is not, double click on the service SQL Server (SQLExpress)
3. Update the password on the Log on tab, click Apply then OK to save the changes made
4. Click on the Start button to start the service
5. Launch the aspenONE Configuration tool
6. Select the Windows Services tab
7. Input the username and new password
8. Click Save
Fixed in Version
CQ00553532: To be announced
Keywords: aspenONE, Password, no access, installation administrator
References: None |
Problem Statement: A user is unable to initialize a database on a non-windows 7 operating system | Solution: /Workaround
1. Run the command window as an administrator on your aspenONE server
2. Cd to the directory “..\Program Files\AspenTech\aspenONE\Utility”
3. Type in the command:
aspenONEInitializer.exe "/cs:connectionString='Data Source=.\SQLEXPRESS;Initial Catalog=AspenONEContext;Integrated Security=True;Connect Timeout=15;Encrypt=False;TrustServerCertificate=False'" /us
Data Source= .\<SQL Database>
This will create a new AspenONEContext database in your SQL datasource
4. Restart the server once the new AspenONEContext database has been created
Fixed in Version
CQ00553448: To be announced
Keywords: aspenONE, Initialize, SQL Server, Database
References: None |
Problem Statement: Users cannot map tags in the simulation application if the aspenONE and InfoPlus.21 servers are not part of the intranet sites in the web browser on the client machine | Solution: /Workaround
1. Launch your browser and select Internet Options
2. Select the security tab
3. Select Local Intranet, click on the Sites button then click on Advanced
4. Add the aspenONE server http://<aspenONEServer> and the InfoPlus.21 http://<InfoPlus.21> to the sites and click OK to save settings
5. Click on the Custom Level button still with Local Intranet selected, scroll to the bottom of the Security Settings dialog and verify the “Automatic logon only in Intranet zone” or “Automatic logon with current username and password options” are selected
6. Close the browser and reopen it for your changes to take effect
Fixed in Version
CQ00552383: To be announced
Keywords: aspenONE, Plant data, Simulation, Security
References: None |
Problem Statement: ATRenameTags utility allows tank and stream tags to be the same. Since these tags should be unique what is the workaround to get the ATRenameTags utility give a warning message? | Solution: Following steps can be used to get a warning for duplicate tags for Tanks and Streams in ATRenameTags utility:
1. Open OrionDbGen.mdb file.
2. Add a row with CONFIG_ID=”SHARED_TYPES” in table ATUTILITY_CONFIG
3. Run Rename Tag utility
4. This test uses a SQL server DSN file but any file can be used, Oracle or Access:
5. Change Tank T011 to C122, an existing Stream Tag
6. Now the program does not allow the update (the update button is disabled):
Keywords: Aspen Refinery multi blend optimizer
Aspen Petroleum Scheduler
OrionDBGen
Table Config
References: None |
Problem Statement: When the One-Click Installation runs, and there is a 32-bit SQL or an earlier SQL product already installed with a SQLEXPRESS instance already present, the installer will fail to find or create the database for aspenONE. | Solution: /Workaround
Verify that the instance name SQLExpress1 has not been created. If it has, find an instance name (SQLExpress2, SQLExpress3, …) and use that instead of SQLExpress1 in the following instructions:
1. Create a new folder aspenONEClickInstall on the C: drive (if your HOMEDRIVE is not C, create it on your HOMEDRIVE).
2. Copy the folders, aspenONE_Web_Quick_install and aspenonev8.4dvd1, from the installation DVD to the aspenONEClickInstall folder.
3. Edit C:\aspenONEClickInstall\aspenONE_Web_Quick_install\exe\ConfigurationFile.ini, and set
a. INSTANCENAME=”SQLExpress1”
b. INSTANCEID="SQLExpress1"
4. Save the changes.
5. Edit C:\aspenONEClickInstall\aspenONE_Web_Quick_install\aspenONE OneClick install.xml, and set
a. INSTANCE.0E23E3D2_EF49_4F0F_814F_E2343DA09FCD="SQLEXPRESS1" [In <PARAMETER11>]
b. INSTANCE.0E23E3D2_EF49_4F0F_814F_E2343DA09FCD="SQLEXPRESS1" [In <PARAMETER13>]
c. SQLINSTANCE.2B03BE90_7649_48CB_813C_5BD69F08E331=".\SQLEXPRESS1" [In <PARAMETER24>]
6. Save the changes.
7. Now run the one-click install aspenONE_Web_Quick_Install.exe and proceed as usual.
Fixed in Version
CQ00554090: To be announced
Keywords: aspenONE, One-Click, Installer, SQL
References: None |
Problem Statement: When attempting to search, no results are returned, and the following exception is in the catalina log file in the C:\Program Files\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\Tomcat7.0.50\logs directory:
SEVERE: java.lang.NullPointerException
at org.apache.lucene.index.TermBuffer.set(TermBuffer.java:95)
at org.apache.lucene.index.SegmentTermEnum.scanTo(SegmentTermEnum.java:158)
at org.apache.lucene.index.TermInfosReader.get(TermInfosReader.java:232)
at org.apache.lucene.index.TermInfosReader.get(TermInfosReader.java:179)
at org.apache.lucene.index.SegmentTermDocs.seek(SegmentTermDocs.java:57) | Solution: /Workaround
Install aspenONE V8.7 Cumulative Patch 1.
Fixed in Version
CQ00553947: To be announced
Keywords: aspenONE, Search, SOLR
References: None |
Problem Statement: SQL Server does not install without manual intervention on a machine which has a home drive not set to C:\ | Solution: /Workaround
1. Install the aspenONE server pre requisites on your machine
2. On the SQL Server install, you will get a warning about being unable to access a log file on the C:\ drive which does not exist
3. Follow the path specified on the warning message on the home drive and copy the directory to the C:\ drive. Then click Retry on the dialog to continue the install
4. Run the aspenONE standard install to complete the aspenONE server install
Fixed in Version
CQ00550136: To be announced
Keywords: aspenONE, Installation, SQL Server, Home drive
References: None |
Problem Statement: When the Tomcat Manager/SOLR username and password are updated, a user is unable to see search results in aspenONE | Solution: /Workaround
1. Open the Administration App in aspenONE
2. Click on the Configuration Manager tab
3. Select System in the Application column to view its properties under the Configure Column
4. Click Edit on the SolrUsername field and enter the new username used in the Configuration tool
5. Repeat the same step for the SolrPassword
Fixed in Version
CQ00553396: Targeted for a future release.
Keywords: aspenONE, Search, SOLR, Administration App, Username, password
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen Watch Predefined reports limitations. | Solution: Note the following about available report types (available in PCWS):
· Predefined reports are marked with an asterisk (*) character. These include Constraint*, Management*, and Performance*.
· Custom reports are listed without an asterisk (*) character. However, they are listed only if they have been configured and made available by an Aspen Watch system administrator.
Some known limitations are:
· The Predefined reports cannot be scheduled as the Custom reports (via Aspen Watch Maker).
· The Predefined reports cannot be mailed as the Custom reports (via Aspen Watch Maker).
The request for these features is addressed by CQ00464768, currently deferred.
· The Predefined reports are compiled, so they cannot be edited by the end user more than the fields displayed on PCWS (Time Interval, End Time and Duration).
· The Predefined reports cannot be executed using the Process Data Excel Add-In.
Keywords: Aspen Watch, PCWS, Predefined reports, Excel Add-In
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to configure Aspen DMC3 in V8.7? | Solution: Please see the attached pdf document titled "Jump Start: Configuring Aspen DMC3 in V8.7."
This document is a brief tutorial with step by step explanation on how to configure Aspen DMC3 in V8.7 Aspen Manufacturing Suite.
Keywords: Calibrate, Adaptive
DMC3
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to Create Trend Plots with aspenONE Process Explorer V8.7 and How to convert ".apx" Files to XML Files. | Solution: aspenONE Process Explorer, a web-enabled client application, enables users to create plots, view process graphics, and analyze data in real-time from Aspen InfoPlus.21 or third party databases. It provides secure access to your data from any device connected to your network without the need for client-side installation. aspenONE Process Explorer consists of the following types of displays:
· Trend Plots
· Process Graphics
· Ad-hoc SPC Plots
· Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Plots
· Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Plots
This is not meant to be used as a stand-alone reference document. AspenTech recommends that a range of other
resources be referenced to give the new user a comprehensive view of OEE. These may include:
· AspenTech Support Center
· AspenTech Training - instructor-led and online classes are available
· AspenTech Business Consultants
· Additional Jump Start Guides—available on a variety of related topics
The purpose of this document is to provide the user with an overview of functions and steps on how to create a plot
screen by utilizing aspenONE Process Explorer V8.7. In addition, this document will demonstrate how to convert Aspen Process Explorer “.apx� files to XML files. The user capabilities in all sections of this procedure will be dependent on the access setup by the IT Administrator. This guide assumes that the user has aspenONE Process Explorer V8.7 installed.
Please download the attached document to read more
Keywords: jump start, process,
References: None |
Problem Statement: When attempting to install Aspen CIM-IO for OPC the installation screen won't show a list of the components and only display a blank screen: | Solution: It appears the installation files became corrupt. If this happens when trying to run the install from a network drive, try running the installation setup from the original DVDs or request a new download link following kb 137368
Keywords: CIM-IO for OPC Installation
References: None |
Problem Statement: This knowledge base article summarizes the steps needed for installing Aspen InfoPlus.21 with Aspen MES Cluster on a Windows 2012 R2 Datacenter.
Refer to the Aspen MES Cluster Guide appropriate for your version of Aspen InfoPlus.21 for complete instructions. | Solution: Add Microsoft Clustering to Aspen InfoPlus.21 servers
1. Log onto the first server that will become a cluster node and launch the Server Manager.
2. Select Dashboard from the left panel, then click Add other servers to manage.
3. Specify the name of the second server and click Find Now. After the computer name appears in the lower panel, click the right arrow to add it to the list of managed servers, and click OK to finish.
4. From the dashboard, click Add roles and features, click Next, then select Role-based or feature-based installation, and then click Next.
5. Select Select a server from the server pool, then select the first server in the list, and then click Next.
6. Click Next to skip roles, then enable Failover Clustering.
7. Click Add Features when prompted to add additional features.
8. Under the Remote Server Administration Tools feature, enable both the Failover Cluster Automation Server, and the Failover Cluster Command Interface options
9. Enable the check box to restart the destination server automatically, then answer yes to confirm.
10. Perform the same steps to add the cluster feature to the other server. Since we added that server into the server pool, the feature can be added without leaving the current server.
11. Click Add Roles and Features, follow the wizard, but instead select the second server from the server pool list, skip roles, select Failover Cluster feature, then add the additional remote administration options, then click Install, and then click Close.
12. Create snapshots of your servers if they are virtual machines.
Create a Cluster
13. Log onto the first server. From the Server Manager, select the Tools, Failover Cluster Manager menu option.
14. After the Failover Cluster Manager appears, click the Validate Configuration action in the right Action panel.
15. Follow the Validate a Configuration Wizard. Click Next.
16. Add the names of both servers to the list, then take the defaults to validate the cluster nodes.
17. If the tests all show as passed, then enable the check box to Create the cluster now using the validated nodes, and then click Finish.
18. The Create Cluster Wizard appears. Click Next, then specify the cluster name. Ensure the Add all eligible storage to the cluster check box is enabled. Click Finish when it completes.
19. Create snapshots of your servers if they are virtual machines.
Install Aspen InfoPlus.21/Aspen Production Record Manager (APRM) into a Cluster
20. Install Aspen InfoPlus.21 and/or Aspen Prodcution Record Manager (APRM )onto both servers.
21. Configure the license manager on both servers.
22. If Aspen InfoPlus.21 is installed, start Aspen InfoPlus.21 on each servers as a smoke test, then stop Aspen InfoPlus.21.
23. Create snapshots of your servers if they are virtual machines.
24. Launch the MES Cluster Administrator to add Aspen InfoPlus and/or APRM to the cluster.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why do I get an error message to uninstall 32-bit Oracle drivers in mMDM Administrator?
"Can't test oracle connection, please uninstall current 32-bit Oracle client and install 64- bit one instead." | Solution: When trying to create a mMDM database from the mMDM Administrator Wizard you get the error shown above when connecting to Oracle 12g.
Oracle 12g uses 32bit and 64bit drivers to connect to the client. You maybe on a 64 bit machine although the Manufacturing Master data Manager is a 32bit application. If you have the 64bit Oracle diver installed you will need to download the 32bit Oracle client.
To verify which oracle driver you have installed you can look in your windows folders.
If the oracle driver is in the c:\program files\Â folder and your Operating system is 64bit then you have the 64bit oracle installed. You will need to contact your IT administrator or download the client drivers from Oracle.
Keywords: Oracle
mmdm
32bit
64bit
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the UBML/Automation rules to be followed to prevent MBO startup crashes after upgrading to v8.4 and above? | Solution: Automation makes it possible for your application to manipulate objects implemented in another application, or to expose objects so they can be manipulated. Any utility that uses automation code needs to be recompiled for v8.4 and up using the new .tlb files. Once recompiled that utility will not work with the prior versions.
Even for APS, several new functions have been introduced and it is better to recompile using the latest .tlb file.
Keywords: Multi Blend Optimizer (MBO)
Automation
.tlb files
References: None |
Problem Statement: For a certain version of OPC server on the Honeywell AppNode (TPN Version R684.1, TPS Release 401 Version 1.3, and TPNDSS.EXE Version: 401.1.1.3.0), it has been observed that the OPC client configured in APC Builder may cause a memory leak in the TPNDSS.EXE process running on the AppNode. | Solution: The memory leak could be result of corrupted tag name cache on the OPC server. To stop the memory leak on the AppNode, disable "tag name cache" in the OPC Client configurations on the APC\online server. To change the configuration, launch Configure This Server through APC Builder, switch to the IO tab, select the IO Source and edit the IO OPC source to disable tag name cache (see screenshot below). Accept the changes and close Configure This Server and APC Builder windows.
To recover the extra memory consumed by the OPC server, restart the OPC server on the AppNode.
The side effect of disabling the tag name cache is that the tagnames are also sent in communication when it is disable making the communication potentially slower and a little larger packets.
Since these are memory resident caches the difference may not be something that the client would even notice.
KeyWords
TPNDSS
OPC
Memory leak
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does DMCplus handle cost values for transformed variables? | Solution: Cost values are not transformed for either MVs or CVs. The values entered for CST or CVCST are used as entered along with the transformed MV or CV values to perform the LP calculation.
In situation where you have lot of transformed variables, using the true (rigorously estimated) of that particular variable would not be correct and the controller might not move to the desired optimum with this cost. The LP cost used in a DMC controller is more of a tuning parameter that is used to move the controller to the correct optimum operating corner. Therefore, whenever a variable is transformed, the user would need to change the LP cost for that variable in such a way that the controller moves the process in the correct direction and is hitting the correct constraints.
If rigorous/true cost values are to be used to perform the economic optimization, these could be done using products such as Aspen RTO, which uses rigorous techniques in order to model the plant. The RTO system can then be configured to write External Targets to the DMC controller, which would then perform in the desired manner.
Keywords: LP Optimization
DMCplus Engine
Cost
Transforms
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does PCWS indicate active constraint when a MV is wound-up (as indicated by the AWSCOD parameter)? | Solution: PCWS is supposed to indicate in the Combined Status, the most restricting of conditions for each variable (AWS Lo, if the variable is wound-up low). It may also highlight the active constraint depending on the value of MANACT (constraint indicator) independently of the Wind-up condition. For example, the controller would highlight the upper limit of an MV in situations where the controller would have moved the MV to one of its operator limits had it not been wound-up (the MV though does not actually move to the constraint because of the wind-up).
Keywords: Wind up
PCWS
Active Constraint
References: None |
Problem Statement: File location Path is greyed out when installing software. How to fix this? | Solution: This issue occurs because some of the Aspen software components have already been installed on the default file location that the installer has been locked to. This disables changing a new file location.
If it is necessary to install Aspen software at a different location on the system, it would be required to uninstall the Aspen software completely, reboot after the uninstall and then run the installation once again. The setup should not allow the user to edit\change the file location.
Keywords: Aspen Install
File location grey
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is there any DMCplus variable that is set when DMCplus control license is lost? Can it be used to raise a DCS alarm on this event? | Solution: There is a parameter under General section in the ccf called LICSTS (Minutes until app license expiration). LICSTS is not a flag but a countdown. It is the number of minutes remaining until the Control license expires. If this value starts counting down from 14400 then the controller has lost its license and is in a 10 day grace period. If it re-acquires a license before the 10 day grace period then this value will be reset again to 14400.
For your convenience, this variable is provided so that a license expiration alarm can be configured on the DCS.
Important note: DMCplus entry dictionary states LICSTS can be an AWRITE parameter, yet this is not correct. It must be only LOCAL or WRITE, as AWRITE keyword is reserved for user defined entries. When you set up this alarm, make sure you use the WRITE keyword. A documentation defect has been logged to address this typo (CQ00581366)
Keywords: LICSTS, license expiration alarm, DCS, control license lost, DMCplus
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does the DMCplus engine use the MOVRES parameter to calculate the step size for a MV? | Solution: The MOVRES parameter for an MV is used by the DMCplus engine to add a constraint on the smallest MV step that the controller can write out to the DCS. This feature is not for DCS resolution problems; rather it is for physical process limitations. MOVRES defines the smallest change (in engineering units) the controller is to make in the manipulated variable setpoint in one cycle if the controller decides to move this variable. In case a move smaller than MOVRES is calculated by the engine in a particular cycle, the controller engine would accumulate such moves until the total accumulated move size becomes larger than the value specified by the MOVRES parameter. This feature is useful for working with valves that require sufficient movement before the process is affected and for discrete variables such as fin fans.
The functioning of the MOVRES parameter changes slightly for controllers that have their IPSKIP parameter to a number other than one. IPSKIP parameter in DMCplus allows the DMC engine to solve the move calculation at a lower resolution than the prediction calculation. For example, consider a controller with the IPSKIP set to a value of 5 (internally set by the CCF). For this controller, if the controller engine calculates that it needs to step a MV by 0.5, the controller would actually implement 0.5 / IPSKIP = 0.1 for the MV at the time.
Listed below is how the IPSKIP term affects the MOVRES calculations as seen when simulating the controller using DMCplus Simulate.
1. Consider that the controller is at steady state (all Current Move values close to ZERO) and an MV in the controller currently has a value of 16.7, which is also its low limit. Also assume that the MOVRES for the MV is set at 0.035 and IPSKIP is set at 5.
2. Now, the user changes the low limit for the MV to 16.6 and steps the controller. This will allow the controller move freedom to move the MV and it will start to push it towards the new low limit of 16.6.
3. However, the controller would not make a move on the MV as the MOVRES is set at 0.035. The controller will therefore wait until the total accumulated move (MOVACC) is equal to IPSKIP * MOVRES, which in this case is 0.175 before implementing a move on the MV.
4. After multiple controller cycles, when MOVACC reaches a value of 0.175 (or greater), the controller would move the MV by a certain CMOV (current move). This CMOV value is calculated based on the following logic-
a. If current MV value is within the operator limits by a value greater than IPSKIP * MOVRES, the controller will implement a CMOV = MOVRES / IPSKIP.
b. If current MV value is within the operator limits by a value less than IPSKIP * MOVRES, the controller will implement a CMOV = Abs(Limit – MV value) / IPSKIP
5. In the case of current example, condition 4(b) is activated because (Current Value – IPSKIP * MOVRES) < LOW LIMIT ----------- 16.7 – 0.175 = 16.525, which is below the low limit of 16.6.
6. The controller therefore implements a CMOV = (16.7 – 16.6) / 5 = 0.02, which is below the MOVRES and the MAXMOV values set for the MV.
7. Had the current value of the MV been 16.7 (instead of 16.6) and the low limit been 16.5, the controller would have implemented a CMOV = 0.035, which is same as the MOVRES for the variable.
8. The reason MOVRES functions the way it does for condition 4(b) is because, in case this condition becomes active and the controller write out a CMOV = MOVRES / IPSKIP, the controller predictions for the future moves of the MV would indicate that the MV will line out outside the specified limits (It actually wouldn’t as the controller will correct itself the next cycle). This will alarm the operators\engineers when looking at the live trends. Condition 4(b) allows the controller to not cause such an alarm.
Keywords: MOVRES
DMCplus
IPSKIP
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to change the APC Online server name? | Solution: 1. Ensure that you are logged in the system with an Administrator account.
2. Turn Off the controllers with the Master On/Off Switch on the PCWS
3. Stop the controllers via the Manage tab on the PCWS, or APC Manage (DMCplus, IQ, NonLinear), or the Online Applications tab of Aspen Process Controller Builder (APC Builder apps).
4. Access the Services panel from Administrative Tools. In the Services folder stop ALL Aspen Services. Most services start with “Aspen”, but don’t forget ACO Utility Server, AFW Security Client Service, DMCplus Context Service and DMCplus CCF Switcher Service (if enabled).
5. Change the computer name of the server.
6. Reboot the server.
7. If required, navigate to <drive>:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc, edit the Hosts file (change the node name).
8. Edit the cimio_logical_devices.def file on all APC servers to use the new node name.
For DMCplus Watch collection update IODMCP (or the one used) in the Online / Watch server –it may be required to update the controller in Watch Maker to pick up the IO Device changes-. For APC Builder apps Watch collection edit the Online server name via Watch Maker, Actions menu, Online Host Connection –it may be required to redeploy the controller to transfer the changes-.
For Cim-IO processes check if the Online name is used, depending on how it was configured it can be via bat files, OPC Properties, Cim-IO Interface Manager, etc.
9. If the AFW / Local Security server runs on the same machine, stop the AspenTech Production Control RTE service and the AFW Security Client service, open AFW Tools to update the URL, and restart the services.
If the AFW Security Manager, Applications, RTE node needs to be recreated follow solution 137645.
10. For APC Builder apps, open APC Builder, Online menu, Servers. Remove the outdated server and recreate it (use the Add button).
11. For V8.4 and later versions delete the license status file associated with each controller. The file extension is .2st and the first part of the name is the controller name.
· DMCplus / IQ / NonLinear controller license status files are located in the following location:
o C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Online\sys\etc
· APC Builder apps license status files are located in the following location:
o C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\RTE\V8.7\Clouds\Online\sys
12. On the Web server (PCWS) open the Web viewer, Configuration tab, remove the old Online server references, add the new Online server name entries and click Apply. The lights have to go Green.
13. Start the controllers and verify they work correctly.
Keywords: Server name, change, Online server, APC Online server
References: None |
Problem Statement: What does the message "Adjusted steady-state step to 10.0*(IPXNCI/300)*MAXMOVE" mean? | Solution: During the controller's validation, the maximum steady-state move (SSSTEP) of a MV has to be
0.0 < SSSTEP <= 10.0 * (IPXNCI / 30) * MAXMOV
where IPXNCI is the number of model coefficients and MAXMOV is the maximum move per cycle
Anything bigger will be reset to the mentioned high limit and a message "Adjusted steady-state step to 10.0*(IPXNCI/300)*MAXMOVE" is produced. However this message is some what incorrect. The actual high limit for SSSTEP is 10.0*MXMULT*MAXMOV, where MXMULT is equal to (IPNMOV – 6)/2. IPNMOV is the number of future moves.
The intent is to set the SSSTEP equal to the MAXMOV times the number of available control moves. Because of the complex way the number of available control moves is determined and the number of cycles at which the control moves will be implemented, it was decided that 10*MXMULT*MAXMOV was a conservative upper bound for all possible controllers.
Keywords: SSSTEP
IPXNCI
MXMULT
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why do the individual (Manipulated or Controlled) variable operator service switches remain ON even after the Main controller switch is OFF? | Solution: The service switch of individual Manipulated Variable or Controlled Variable is independent of the main controller Master On/Off switch. This allows the operators and engineers the option to take out only specific MVs, FFWs or CVs from the controller calculations when the controller is running in closed loop (with Master ON). If the Service Switch for a particular MV, FFW or CV is turned OFF, the particular variable is completely discarded from the DMCplus calculations for the process. For example, if an FFW is turned OFF, any changes to the FFW will not be used to calculate the predictions of the CVs.
Regardless of the Master ON/OFF switch, the DMCplus engine is performing its calculations- the CV predictions, the SS targets for MVs and CVs and the MV move plan. The controller will only write out an MV setpoint (VINDSP) to the DCS if the controller Master ON/OFF Status is ON. Otherwise, it just performs the calculations and displays it to the user over the web or DCS graphics.
This condition is called ‘running the controller is Open Loop'. It is useful to show the operators where the controller is going if they are going to turn the controller ON. The active constraints will also be indicated with a blue background even when controller is only running in open loop mode.
Keywords: Operators switch
Master ON/OFF
DMC plus
References: None |
Problem Statement: The Aspen SQLplus query writer has the default maximum lines of Output set to 10,000. This value can be changed if required for the query output. | Solution: Open Aspen SQLplus. Click on Query -> Maximum Output Lines. Specify the output lines desired for the query.
Note:The maximum default output lines are set for the current session only. On closing and opening the Query Writer, the default value goes back to 10,000
Alternatively, the maximum output lines can be changed using the ODBC Data source Administrator.
Click on the DSN configured that utilizes the AspenTech SQLplus driver.
Click on Advanced. The Maximum Rows allows you to change the default Output lines.
Keywords: Maximum Rows
SQL Plus
Output
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the default values used when calculating Aspen SQLplus column widths? | Solution: Aspen SQLplus calculates the width of a column based on the expression rather than any values returned.
For example,
SELECT NAME FROM IP_ANALOGDEF; will result in a column with 24 characters (see DEFAULT_RECORD below)
SELECT NAME||'SUFFIX' FROM IP_ANALOGDEF; will result in a column with 30 characters (DEFAULT_RECORD plus length of 'SUFFIX')
The option used to provide the default column width depends on the data type of the expression. If the data type of the expression is unknown, DEFAULT_UNKNOWN is used.
The default value for the column width SET options are listed below:
· DEFAULT_BIT = 32
· DEFAULT_CHAR = 32
· DEFAULT_FIELD = 55
· DEFAULT_INT = 12
· DEFAULT_REAL = 14
· DEFAULT_RECORD = 24
· DEFAULT_TIMESTAMP = 20
· DEFAULT_UNKNOWN = 32
You can use the SET command to change the default column width immediately before running a SELECT statement.
For example,
SET DEFAULT_RECORD=256;
SELECT NAME FROM IP_ANALOGDEF;
SET DEFAULT_RECORD=DEFAULT;
Keywords: Calculate
Width
Clipped
Truncate
Output
Result
References: None |
Problem Statement: When browsing to Aspen SQLplus Reporting home page, the following error message is received. | Solution: It is likely when browsing to the default home page for IIS (http://localhost), the same error message will be returned. This error occurred due to multiple versions of the .NET Framework on the computer that is running IIS and IIS was installed after .NET Framework 4.0 or before the Service Model in Windows Communication Foundation was registered.
To resolve the issue,
1. Launch Internet Information Serivces (IIS) Manager.
2. Select Application Pools as shown in screenshot below.
3. Refer to Aspen InfoPlus.21 Product Family Installation Guide for the supported Microsoft.Net version. In the above example, it is a aspenONE V8.7 installation as such Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 or 4.5 are supported.
4. Delete away the Application Pool .NET v2.0 and .NET v2.0 Classic which are not supported based on above screenshot.
5. Browse to C:\Windows\System32\inetsrv\config folder in Windows Explorer.
6. Open Applicationhost.config file in Notepad.
7. Change the following
<add name="ServiceModel" type="System.ServiceModel.Activation.HttpModule, System.ServiceModel, Version=3.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=b77a5c561934e089" preCondition="managedHandler" />
to
<add name="ServiceModel" type="System.ServiceModel.Activation.HttpModule, System.ServiceModel, Version=3.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=b77a5c561934e089" preCondition="managedHandler,runtimeVersionv2.0" />
8. Restart Internet Information Services.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: After a new installation, when trying to search for a tag in aspenONE Process Explorer you get a pop-up window regarding a search error. This suggests that you make sure that the search server is properly configured in AtWebPlotsConfig.xml.
This problem is described in the Known Issues section of the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Product Family V8.5 Release Notes. | Solution: Check in file:
C:\inetpub\wwwroot\AspenTech\ProcessExplorer\WebControls\AtWebPlotsConfig.xml
Near the end of this file there is a section <Solr>. Make sure the server name is correct e.g.
<Server>http://ServerName:8080</Server>
Where ServerName is the name of your server where solr is running.
Keywords: Solr
AtWebPlotsConfig.xml
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why does Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS) show "License configuration error. Application will stop" for an APC controller? | Solution: If the Licensing is Perpetual this will occur. The behavior is as designed. The State Space controller was sunset. Please refer to solutions 118704 and 126769 ("Product Lifecycle Announcement for Aspen State Space Controller Online") for further information.
Keywords: License, APC, PCWS, State Space Controller
References: None |
Problem Statement: This Knowledge Base article provides steps to resolve the following issue:
Scan All fails to scan tags and OEE records and files when executed by members of an AFW role with ReadOnly permissions.
# of tags: 0
0 OEE Files(s) Scanned | Solution: In order to enable Scan All Data option, the AspenDispatchService Application Pool Identity in IIS must be set to an account that has permission to read the tags to be scanned, such as the account running the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Task Service service.
Background:
In aspenONE Process Explorer V8.5 and 8.7, Start Scan on the All tab makes a request to the aspenONE Scheduler to initiate a new Scan All. The aspenONE Scheduler does not support Windows Authentication and does not make this request under Admin UI user's context. The Dispatch Service App Pool Identity is required here. This identity is also required to support the automatic daily scans.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to prevent the error, "Unable to checkout license SLM_RN_ALL_ASPENONEPLAT – signing out" when launching aspenONE PIMS Platinum 64 bit | Solution: When launching aspenONE PIMS Platinum 64 bit either through PIMS or through browser directly. Users may get Unable to checkout license SLM_RN_ALL_ASPENONEPLAT error.
aspenONE PIMS Platinum 64 bit uses SLM Configuration Wizard 64 bit tool to acquire license.
Please configure SLM Configuration Wizard 64 bit to resolve this issue.
Note: All aspenONE application which are 64 bit should be using SLM Configuration Wizard 64-bit
Keywords: SLM_RN_ALL_ASPENONEPLAT, 64 bit, 64-bit, SLM
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to rename unit in Platinum flowsheet | Solution: We can rename a unit or equipment in Aspen Platinum flowsheet by following steps:
1) Click Edit Flowsheet .
2) Go to Group Assets.
3) On the right-hand column of process units, double click the unit name and rename the unit.
Keywords: Rename
Unit
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to edit charts and tables without regenerating a new one in Platinum | Solution: 1. Edit Charts
1) Click the arrow button in the left upper corner or go to Active Screen Tools , click Edit .
2) Platinum will go to data entry interface and modification can be made on Basic Information and Properties tab
2. Edit Tables
1) Choose the table needs to be edited.
2) Click Active Screen Tools .
3) Click Edit .
4) Click Wizard, Platinum will go back to the Table Wizard or Stream Comparison Wizard to re-setup data.
5) Under Edit status, tables could also be pivoted by clicking icon .
Keywords: Edit
Table and Chart
References: None |
Problem Statement: Users can sometimes see data for tags in A1PE for which they do not have read permission. | Solution: /Workaround
This is an issue with the REST service and IP21 data server. The work around is to force the REST service to use DA when connecting to IP21 data server.
You will need to create a string value "w3wp.exe" in the registry.
1. Go to start -> regedit
2. If running 32-bit Process Data REST service:
Locate to [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{710B32A1-7277-11D1-932C-00805F0F1C84}]
If running 64-bit Process Data REST service:
Locate to [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{7:10B32A1-7277-11D1-932C-00805F0F1C84}]
3. Add new key "ProcessList"
4. Add new string value "ProcessName1" to "ProcessList"
5. Update data for "ProcessName1" as "w3wp.exe"
6. Restart the web server
Keywords: security
REST
w3wp.exe
A1PE
registry
References: None |
Problem Statement: The following error message may appear when creating a new OEE record using aspenONE Process Explorer:
"Failed to process selector record request. Check log file for details."
Where is the log file referenced in the error message? | Solution: The log file can be found in: \ProgramData\AspenTech\DiagnosticLogs\ProcessData
Keywords: NewOEE
Warning
References: None |
Problem Statement: This article lists the license keys needed to use the aspenONE Process Explorer and aspenONE Process Explorer Analytics.
These keys are only available with aspenONE token-based license files and not with perpetual or legacy token-based license files. | Solution: You need the following keys to use aspenONE Process Explorer and aspenONE Process Explorer Analytics.
SLM_RN_ALL_ASPENONEPCXP
SLM_RN_ALL_ASPENONEPCXP+
SLM_RN_PME_ASPENONEALYT
Note: If you are using a perpetual license, do not select 64-bit when installing or upgrading. Please refer to solution 139832 for options.
Keywords: aspenONE Process Explorer, license
References: None |
Problem Statement: Unable to start APC Configure Online Server.
After installing APC products, you attempted to start APC Configure Online Server. However, the APC Configure Online Server does not show.
Further diagnosis of the problem with DebugView (tool from Sysinternals) shows similar exception messages:
[2980] System.ArgumentOutOfRangeException: InvalidArgument=Value of '0' is not valid for 'SelectedIndex'.
00000020 12:16:55 PM [2980] Parameter name: SelectedIndex
00000021 12:16:55 PM [2980] at System.Windows.Forms.ComboBox.set_SelectedIndex(Int32 value)
00000022 12:16:55 PM [2980] at AspenTech.ACP.DesktopBase.ConfigureServer.UpdatePermissionsDataGrid2()
00000023 12:16:55 PM [2980] at AspenTech.ACP.DesktopBase.ConfigureServer..ctor(String userName, String domain, String win_userName, String win_domain, Boolean isImpersonating, UpdateInitializationStatus updateInitializationStatus)
00000024 12:16:55 PM [2980] at AspenTech.ACP.DesktopBase.OnlineConfigPlugin.CreateServerConfigurationForm(IDesktopView callingView, UpdateInitializationStatus updateInitializationStatus)
00000025 12:16:55 PM [2980] at AspenTech.ACP.DesktopBase.Program.UIThreadMainMethod()
00000026 12:16:55 PM [2980] at AspenTech.ACP.DesktopBase.Program.UIThreadMainMethod()
00000027 12:16:55 PM [2980] at AspenTech.ACP.DesktopBase.Program.Main(String[] args)
00000028 12:16:55 PM [2980] AspenTech.ACP.RTE.UpdateExecutor.Execute() thread aborting. | Solution: The cause for this symptom (with specific reference to the above exception messages) could be due to corrupted AFW cache or AFW database. The exception messages are showing that the Configure Online Server is trying to read the roles and permissions, populate the Configure Online Server Roles table, but failing.
To resolve this:
Step 1 - Clear the AFW cache.
- Stop AFW Security Client Service.
- Delete all files under ProgramData\AspenTech\AFW.
- Restarting AFW Security Client Service.
Step 2 - Backup the AFW database and clear out the RTE roles.
- The steps to do this is documented in kb137645.
Keywords: Aspen Security Framework
DMCplus
DMC+
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does aspenONE Process Explorer calculate the total number of records it needs to scan? | Solution: aspenONE Process Explorer calculates the records to scan using these steps below:
1. It gets all records defined by AtMapDef in the Aspen InfoPlus.21 database
2. Finds all the unique definition records used by the map records
3. Retrieves all records defined by each definition record
4. Skips all records that are found in the folders configured in the AtProcessDataREST.config file as configured in the TagCount section. See following file extract:
<!-- ************************************************************
TagCount: Skip Folders during Search
Skip any tag that is contained in the following IP21 Folders.
This reduces the number of tags that can be searched.
************************************************************ -->
<SkipFolders>
<Folder>Disallow_all</Folder>
</SkipFolders>
Keywords: Scan
Index
InfoPlus.21
Calculate
Number
References: None |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.