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Problem Statement: When using Exchanger Design & Rating (EDR), I’m getting “Warning 1832: Obsolete Physical Properties Warning/Message”. What does it mean? | Solution: Warning 1832: Obsolete Physical Properties Warning/Message, is related to unnecessary physical properties being specified. This usually happens when any of the process streams is single-phase, but two-phase physical properties have been entered. The warning can be easily removed by deleting the additional physical properties (for all pressure levels).
Keywords: Warning 1832, obsolete physical properties
References: None |
Problem Statement: Where can I see the "Data Recorder" in the Aspen HYSYS V8.X? | Solution: This tool is no longer available after HYSYS V8.0. Now, the items listed on the "old" Databook (i.e Data Tables, Strip Charts, Case Studies) are listed under the Navigation Pane, in the Simulation Environment
Keywords: Data Recorder, Databook
References: None |
Problem Statement: The solution status of an Adjust block is a variable that cannot be imported into a spreadsheet. In V8.8, it is possible to ‘drag and drop’ the check box in the Adjust window to a cell in the spreadsheet. This, however, does not work in other V8 versions, such as V8.4 or V8.6. This problem is mainly relevant when you have a relatively large number of Adjust blocks which require monitoring. | Solution: A workaround for this situation consists in monitoring the status of Adjust blocks in a simulation in the Adjust manager (located in the Home ribbon).
The value in the Status column in this menu can, however, be imported into a cell in a spreadsheet (e.g. A1) by dragging and dropping.
In the case of an ignored operation, the imported variable will have a value equal to 7. If the user wants a message to be displayed, an IF statement can be defined in another cell:
@if(a1=7, "Ignored", "Not Ignored")
The use of the Adjust manager requires that you choose the Simultaneous solution method, which is appropriate if you have several Adjust blocks. You can also use the Flowsheet Summary options to filter ignored Adjust blocks.
Keywords: Adjust, Spreadsheet, Ignored, Status
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the supported chemical and physical solvents for Acid Gas Package in Aspen HYSYS V8.6? | Solution: The Acid Gas property package introduced in Aspen HYSYS V8.4 version allows for the rigorous modeling of gas sweetening processes.Â
Please use the following list as a reference to ensure that you are selecting supported amine components in Acid Gas Cleaning Package in Aspen Hysys V8.6 version. Please note that the amine can be a pure component stream, or consist of a blend of supported amines.
Supported Amines
Monoethanolamine (MEA)
  Diethanolamine (DEA)
Triethanolamine (TEA)
Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA)
Diglycolamine (DGA)
Diisopropanolamine (DIPA)
Piperazine (PZ)
PZ + MDEA
Sulfolane + MDEA
Sulfolane + DIPA
From Aspen HYSYS V8.6 onward, rather than using an amine solution, Aspen HYSYS gives the option of using dimethyl ether of polyethylene glycol (DEPG) as a physical solvent. DEPG is the constituent of the widely-known Selexol commercial solvent.
The Acid Gas package now also supports the inclusion of ammonia and phosphoric acid. Ammonia may be present in feed gas to a sweetening process, while phosphoric acid may be used as an additive to improve amine regenerator performance.
Keywords: Amines, Chemical Solvents, Physical Solvents, Solvents for Acid Gas Package
References: None |
Problem Statement: There are a number of ways in which the Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR) Suite can be linked to Aspen Plus;
· In the EDR standalone program, the File | Import From | Aspen Plus, may be used where a Aspen Plus file is then selected, where the simulation case is searched for heater/coolers and HeatX blocks. The process and property data can then be passed to EDR.
· Inside of Aspen Plus, for a HeatX block, the “Size Shell&Tube” button will open Shell & Tube and pass across both the process and property data.
When using one of the above methods, the warning box may appear as below. | Solution: If the above message is generated, then check that the Aspen Plus file name does not contain any “.” (dot) in the name, other than before the extension. If a dot is present, then remove and try linking again.
Keywords: Failed to generate Aspen Plus APPDF, EDR linking, heating curves, cooling curves
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I model and optimize a Spray Dryer in Aspen Plus? | Solution: The attached Aspen Plus V8.4 demo will show you how an industrial spray dryer can be modeled in Aspen Plus and how such dryer can be optimized to reduce its energy demand while also staying within the product specifications. There is an associated PDF to guide you through the steps.
This example will cover
· Basic description of the spray dryer model
· Model the use of a gas cyclone and filter to improve product recovering and increase throughput
· Demonstrating the Aspen Plus sensitivity and optimization capabilities to determine optimal operating conditions to reduce the dryers total energy demand while staying within product specifications
· How reducing the drying agent flow rate and heater outlet led to a reduction in the energy demand by 12.5%.Â
Keywords: Solids Capabilities, Unit Operations, Drying, Formulation, Energy optimization
References: None |
Problem Statement: AOC-based collection program, Collect.exe, does not run if there is a invalid tag in the collection list. The observed error is :
Validating tags...
IDB: IDB_Valid failure: PDB: Error Validating: check $ACODHOME/etc/valid.err
TST: Cannot validate the tags against the real-time database.
TST: PC501.PV is out of service!
TST: IDB_GetValue returns tag status: IDB_ST_ERROR
TST: PC301.MODE is out of service!
The input file contains incorrect information!
Edit test and restart collection.
However, the valid.err doesn't contain any useful information on which tag is invalid in the collection list which can create a problem for large tag list. | Solution: s:
The Collect.exe does not have a facility to report invalid tag but the Data Collection Utility in DMC3 Builder does. In order to use the tag validation function in DMC3 Builder, the collect tag list needs to be converted to a .CSV file with the following format (you can use MS Excel to edit the file)
Data Collection
Version: 0.2
Tag Name,I/O Source,I/O Tag Name,I/O Data Type,Period (sec).,Engineering Units,Description
PC301.OP,IOIP21,PC301.OP,Single,60,MBPH,Flow to T-101
Once the .CSV file is ready, open up DMC3 Builder and click on Online (A project file is not needed).
Click on Manage and select the online server.
It will bring up the manage data collection window. Click on Import and import the CSV file contains all the tags.
After the tag list is imported, click on Submit to see which tag is invalid.
You can use the result to edit the tag list and remove and invalid tags. You can close the data collection window without click on the Start Collection button. Otherwise it will start up the DMC3 Builder collection utility
Keywords: Collect.exe
References: None |
Problem Statement: Jump Start Guide for getting started with interactive sizing rigorous heat exchanger models in Aspen Plus. | Solution: Learn about the new workflow in Aspen Plus V8.0 for sizing rigorous Shell&Tube and AirCooled models inside your Aspen Plus simulation. Follow our step-by-step guide to transform a simple exchanger in the attached Aspen Plus file into a rigorous Shell&Tube model. The solution file for the final EDR exchanger is also provided. This tutorial is intended for new or experienced users to get first-hand experience using the new technology. After completing the example workflow you will be able to start taking full advantage of the cost, time, and efficiency savings of interactive design.
The KBI includes a rigorous sizing guide document as well as sample case files.
Keywords: design, sizing, interactive, heat exchanger
References: None |
Problem Statement: This knowledge base article describes the steps required to move from user-based (Standalone) licensing to Network Licensing. | Solution: Standalone licenses reside on each client computer. When Standalone licenses are used every user must install the license file locally on each computer that will use AspenTech software. When a Network or Token license is used, the license file is installed on a centralized license server and the licenses are shared among several users. Each client computer will access the Network license server through a network connection. For more information on Standalone and Network licenses, please see KB Article 115078.
Follow these steps to install and configure the Network license system. Note that steps 1 and 2 are only required if you need to order a new or modified Network license file.
1. Determine the locking criteria for the Network License: this could be to a USB dongle, the Ethernet address of the license server, or for Virtual Machines, the Hostname and IP address of the license server.
2. Submit a license request to AspenTech via the support website: support.aspentech.com. KB 129579 explains the procedure to follow to request the license file.
3. Open Network Ports: The Software License Manager (SLM) that AspenTech deploys on the installation DVDs requires ports 5093and 5094 for both TCP and UDP to be opened on the network for communication between the SLM License Server and the SLM Clients (for more info see KB 114208). These ports must be open for the client computers to obtain licenses from the SLM License Server across the network.
4. Install SLM License Server: the installation files are included in every DVD of an aspenOne release. Locate and run setup.exe from the root folder and select 'SLM Server' from the 'Administration' tab.
5. Install SLM Tools on the License Server: run setup.exe from the root folder and select 'SLM Tools' from the 'Administration' tab. Install 'SLM Tools 7.3' for Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 2003 Server. Install SLM Tools 8.4 for Windows Vista and Windows 2008 Server.
6. Install the Network License: follow the steps highlighted in KB 125761 to install the license file.
7. Configure SLM Clients to get Licenses from the SLM License Server: This can be accomplished using the SLM configuration Wizard, which is part of the SLM Tools. The configuration steps are outlined in the following KBs: For V8.8 and below 142627, For V9.0 and above 21970.
8. Upgrade your software: when using token licensing, AspenTech recommends that the aspenOne applications are upgraded to the latest version to enable full functionality. Earlier versions of aspenOne may not work correctly with new licenses. For details on licensing for a particular application or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact AspenTech Support at 1-888-996-7100.
Keywords: SLM Server, Network License, SLM Tools, Tokens
References: None |
Problem Statement: Installation of Microsoft SQL Server Express 2012 SP2 guide. | Solution: As part of the Aspen Product Suites, the user is required (in most cases) to install Microsoft SQL Server Express 2012 SP2 as a prerequisite. AspenTech provides a copy of Microsoft SQL Server Express 2012 SP2 on the aspenONE Media. Below is a step by step guide to install the software.
1. From the aspenONE Media, double click on the folder labeled “3rd Party Redistributables”. Your display should change to this:
2. Now you will need to open the “Microsoft SQL Express 2012 SP2” folder and double click “SQLEXPR_x64_ENU.exe” to start the installation.
3. Click the “New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation” link.
4. Accept the license terms and click Next.
5. The installer will scan for product updates and install the setup files automatically.
6. Leave the default features selected as shown below, and click the Next button.
7. Enter a name for the SQL Instance or use the default “SQLExpress”. After inputting this information, click the Next button.
8. Use the default server configuration settings and then click the Next button.
9. Select the “Mix Mode” option and type in a password for the sa (System Administrator) account. Aspentech recommends using the password of Aspen100. Click the “Add Current User” button to add yourself as a backup administrator in case you forget the System Administrator password. Click the Next button.
10. On the Error Reporting screen, leave the checkbox to send reports to Microsoft unchecked, and click the Next button.
11. The installation will begin.
12. Once the installation is complete, click the Close button.
You have now successfully installed Microsoft SQL Server Express 2012 SP2 and you are prepared to continue with the installation of the Aspen products. If you have encountered any issues, please contact Aspentech Support at 1-888-996-7100 taking options 5 then 1.
Keywords: SQL Server Express, Installation guide
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen Audit and Compliance Manager(AACM) keep showing "Please wait while searching for records" but no records returned when click on "submit Query" button | Solution: Firstly, Please check KB000001436 (Aspen Audit & Compliance Manager setup and troubleshooting guide) and ensure there is no configuration issues.
Next, Please add the website to Compatibility View in Internet Explorer and test again.
If the issue still exists, please contact AspenTech for help.
Keywords: AACM
Compatibility
Searching for records
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to fix aspenONE Engineering Suite V10 Install hangs or stops at certain percentage? | Solution: In this situation, the user is login as a Non-Administrative User Account installing the aspenONE Engineering V10.0 Suite manually on Windows 10.
The user account does not have privileges to modify the system registry; therefore, rebooting the machine will not change the system pending reboot status.
The aspenONE media installation will continue to request a "System pending reboot".
Option 1: Login as Administrator Account to remove the System pending reboot, then run the setup.exe from the install media again.
The pre-installation requirement is for the account installing Aspen products must have Local Administrator privileges.
Attached to this KB is the Aspen Engineering Suite Installation Guide V10 and on page 9 is the Pre-installation Checklist.
Option 2: If you are login as an Administrator Account, please refer to this KB article #46059 as a possible solution.
Keywords: Installation hangs of stops, aspenONE Eng_V10, stopped at certain percentage, Task Manager, and aspenONE Installer
References: None |
Problem Statement: When reopening Aspen Batch Modeler file there are no results available, so user must rerun the simulation to check results. Is it possible to save Aspen Batch Modeler file with results included? | Solution: Aspen Batch Modeler file is not saving results by design. However, to save a file with the results one can create a snapshot in the end of the run, and then automatically load the snapshot while opening the simulation.
To create and manage the snapshots:
1. Open Tools| Snapshots:
2. When results are available, save a snapshot, for example by clicking "Take snapshot" button in Snapshot Management window, Create tab:
3. In Snapshot Management widow, General tab, select Check-box: “Load latest snapshot on opening this simulation”:
4. Save Aspen Batch Modeler file
5. Close the simulation and open it again – snapshot should be load automatically and results will be displayed in a file.
Keywords: Save Results, Snapshot Management
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do you run Hysys in read only mode with the Hysys_runtime license? | Solution: Hysys can be run in a read only mode, using the runtime mode, you’ll use the Hysys_Runtime license instead of the Hysys_Process license to open the software consuming 8 tokens instead of the 14 required to run the complete mode,
These are the steps to run hysys on read only mode:
1. Open a Command windows (Open start menu and type on the search CMD).
2. Type cd \Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\Aspen HYSYS V9.0 and press enter (you can change the version just by changing the v9.0 for the version number, this works from v10 down to v8.4).
3. Type AspenHysys.exe /runtimehysys and press enter.
You can also use the attached script to start Hysys on read only mode by extracting it and double clicking it.
Keywords: Hysys runtime, read only
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I install Aspen Engineering Products v9 on a client machine without the Aspen Properties Enterprise Database (APED) to connect to a remote APED Server? | Solution: Many customer environments do not allow installing any databases on a local user machine. These customers will maintain a central SQL Server hosting all the databases.
To host a Aspen Properties database on a SQL Server for v10, please follow Article 000044681
Configure the client machine to disable local APED and allow Remote APED:
A registry entry needs to be created before installing any Aspen Products on the client machine to all remote Aspen Properties Database.
Download attached Registry file and run it on the client machine.
The following entries will get created in the registry.
64- Bit Machine:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\AspenTech\APED\36.0]
"ASPENDB"=dword:00000002
32-bit Machine:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AspenTech\APED\36.0]
"ASPENDB"=dword:00000002
Install Aspen Engineering Products on the client machine:
Please follow Aspen Engineering Suite V10 Installation Guide to install Engineering products on user machine.
Configure the client machine to register a remote Aspen Properties Database:
Please go to Article 000044682 for the configuration of the client SQL remote connection.
Keywords: Centralize, Central, Aspen Properties Database, APED, Share, Remote Connection, Database, Register
References: None |
Problem Statement: HYSYS V8.4 에서 Equilibrium Plot 이 작동하지 않습니다. | Solution: 이것은 V8.4 에서 발생하는 문제이며, Aspentech 에서는 Fix 는 발행하지 않았으나 간단한 해결 방법이 존재합니다.
먼저 V8.4 의 Equilibrium Extension 을 Unregister 한 후에 다른 버젼의 Equilibrium Extension 을 다운로드 합니다. (V8.6 이상).
다음, 다운로드한 DLL 파일을 다시 Registration 합니다.
첨부는 V10 의 Extension 입니다.
Keywords: Equilibrium plots, VLE, TXY
References: None |
Problem Statement: In Aspen Plus we can report many calculated properties on stream results forms and on the flowsheet by creating property sets. However, in Aspen Plus Dynamics, the Material stream only reports some properties and we cannot edit the stream type. This tech tip goes through how to report additional properties in Aspen Plus Dynamics by working through an example of reporting stream pH values. | Solution: Follow these steps to learn how to report pH for a stream in Aspen Plus Dynamics.
1. Open attached Aspen Plus file Start-Example.bkp
2. In this file a property set called pH has been created and the pH is reported on the streams using global data.
3. Export the simulation as flow driven to Aspen Plus Dynamics and save to a convenient location.
4. Click away the warnings. Aspen Dynamics will open the exported file Start-Example.dynf
5. If you look at the stream results by double clicking on a stream, you will find that pH is not reported.
6. You will need to add a variable to the simulation for pH for each stream. This is done in the Flowsheet Text (or Constraints). In the Explorer, click on Flowsheet and then in the contents of Flowsheet, double click on the Flowsheet text type to open.
7. In the Flowsheet Constraints introduce the variables for pH in each stream where you would like to view the results. There is a built-in variable type for pH. The new variables to introduce are the pH for each stream. This is written as follows:
FEED_pH as pH;
LIQ_pH as pH;
8. To obtain the pH values for the stream, use the built-in property procedures available in Aspen Plus Dynamics (and all modeler family products). The complete list of property procedures available can be found in the Hel9 documentation under Using Aspen Modeler Features | Aspen Custom Modeler
Keywords: Properties, Aspen Plus Dynamics, Flowsheet Constraints, Steams keyword,
References: | Library Reference | Property Procedures | Overview of Property Procedures.
9. On the Help page, scroll down to the property procedure for pH and see the "ppH Example". This is the general text that you will use to access pH for the streams.
10. The inputs to the procedure are Temperature, Pressure and Mole Fraction of components. Open the AllVariables table for a stream. You will see that the stream temperature is variable T, pressure is p and mole fraction is Zn(i) for each component.
11. We need to input to the ppH procedure the stream's Temperature, pressure and composition. This is done by using the keyword "streams" followed by the name of stream. For example, to access the mole fraction array of component list in the feed stream, it is written as follows:
streams("FEED").Zn
12. Write the pH property procedure call in the Flowsheet constraints language. Once you have written in the window, there will be an asterix (*) in the name of the window. This means that your changes have not been saved. Compile the model to save and apply these changes. Compile by pressing F8, or right-click on the window and select Compile. The model is compiled when the asterix (*) is no longer there.
13. You may now open the Flowsheet Local Variables form and you will find the new pH variables that were created. When you run the model you find that the pH is calculated.
14. pH is now being reported. A plot of pH vs time can be created by clicking the new form button and dragging the FEED_pH and LIQ_pH variables from the Flowsheet LocalVariables table to the plot. |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between choked/critical flow and choked/critical velocity? | Solution: The mass flow through an orifice is a function of three basic parameters:
velocity
upstream density
orifice area
Below a certain upstream to downstream pressure ratio (P2/P1), the velocity through the orifice reaches sonic velocity. Further increase in upstream pressure (or decrease in downstream pressure) do not cause any further increase in the velocity. This is a choked/critical velocity condition as the parameter which is "choked" or "limited" is velocity.
However, even though the velocity through the orifice is choked/critical, the mass flow through the orifice may not necessarily be choked. This is because with the increase in upstream pressure the upstream density also increases. Since the mass flow rate is a function of upstream density, the mass flow rate also increases. And therefore, in that condition the mass flow through the orifice is not choked or limited.
By maintaining a fixed upstream pressure to the orifice and allowing the outlet pressure to vary, there would be a range of outlet pressuress over which the velocity as well as the mass flow rate through the orifice would be choked.
Therefore, in summary, even though the velocity through the orifice is limited to the velocity of sound in that medium/fluid, the mass flow rate continues to increase as the absolute upstream pressure increases.
KeyWords
Choked flow, critical flow, choked velocity, critical velocity, sonic velocity, orifice
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can Aspen Framework Role Based Security components be used within a .NET application? | Solution: Yes. This ASP.NET example, implemented in C#, illustrates how this can be accomplished.
The out-of-process client interface to the role based security system (AFW Security Client Service) is used in this example. This is the perferred interface for connecting a server application to the AspenTech Role Based Security system. By default, the client security components contact the user's NT Domain or Active Directory to determine the user's group membership when resolving his role since groups are often used within role specifications. Using the out-of-process service essentially decouples the web application from specifications required for interfacing with the Active Directory. Other AspenTech servers, such as InfoPlus.21, also use this interface
This example illustrates how the AspenTech Role Based Security client components can be used within ASP.NET applications using the GetUserRoles method as an example. This method returns a list of roles to which a user is assigned.
Significant Features:
A reference to the AFW Security Client Service is made once when the page is first loaded (in Page_Load Event)and is stored as a Session Object. This reference is retrieved from the Session Object and reused each time the page is reposted.
A list of roles is retrieved for a specified user and login domain. An error is issued if no roles are available. The retrieved role list is bound to a list box.
Configuration Requirements:
The AFW Security Client Service is automatically installed with AspenTech products. Please verify that it is running before running this example.
The IIS Virtual Application running this example must use Integrated Windows Security.
A project reference must be made to both AuthWrapperSvc 1.0 Type Library and Authorization 1.0 Type Library. Both of these are selected from the Project/Add
Keywords: None
References: COM tab.
If a Virtual IIS Application is created called GetUserRoles, this example can be activated using a url having the form: http://<server>GetUserRoles where <server> is name of the server. Default.aspx has been designated as the default page and will automatically be loaded.
KeyWords
dotNET
.NET
AFW
security |
Problem Statement: How can I view the Scheduling Tools ribbon in Aspen Plant Scheduler? | Solution: To view the Scheduling Tools ribbon, containing a number of tools you use for the Campaign Manager, verify the following:
The case meets the tier requirement by being open in either PS-EA or PS-EO. Use the PS_TIER switch in the APPDATA table to specify the case type. Please refer to the following KB for more details: How to change from one tier to another in Aspen Plant Scheduler?
The CM_Activate switch in APPDATA is set to Yes (Y).
Press F3 on your keyboard to display the Command Window. Call APPDATA from the command line and scroll to (CM_ACTIVATE) row. Change the value to Y, like the image below:
After applying the change you should see the new ribbon section from the Planning Board
Keywords: Sequence Builder, Production Wheel
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the benefit of using the deadtime estimation feature located under Case Editor in APC Builder? | Solution: Deadtimes can commonly be mis-identified as fast dynamics by both FIR and SubSpace (more so in FIR). APC Builder has the capability to estimate the deadtimes for individual response curves before the main identification is performed. APC Builder then provides the user with the option of enforcing the deadtimes as constraints when identifying response curves. This allows the model ID algorithm to correctly distribute the fast dynamics of the process to the remaining potential candidates (ones that do not have deadtimes set of have shorter deadtimes specified) thus improving the overall quality of the identified model and specifically the fast dynamics response curves.
Note- The user has the option to overridden the estimated deadtimes if need be.
Keywords: APC Builder
deadtimes
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to setup controller simulations for operator training purposes using PCWS as a Human Machine Interface (HMI)? | Solution: Both DMCPlus Desktop and APC Builder have simulation tools that allow control engineers to run the controller off-line to test and adjust the tuning. However the interface for these simulations tools are not build to be used as training tools for operators. It is possible to simulate a DMC controller using the online PCWS interface. There are three techniques that can be used to achieve this:
1. Using APC Builder\Online Simulation Option- Deploy the application in APC Builder with the enable online simulation checked. If the application is a DMCplus application, the ccf and mdl can be imported into APC Builder for simulation.
The I/O can be left in the plant connection without any adverse effects. If the enable Aspen Watch monitoring is checked, the simulation data will be saved in AspenWatch. Thus care must be taken to either delete the AspenWatch data before putting the actual live controller online or document when that occurs.
The PCWS will display the controller with a dark background (see below) to indicate that the application is running in Simulation mode.
2. Using Internal Calculations- A user can convert a DMC\APC application into an online simulator by adding specific internal calculations to the application (or CCF file). Before adding the calcs, the user must disable\delete all the I/O connections from the application (or CCF) in order to ensure that the simulation does not read from or write to the DCS.
The following code is for APC builder but similar code can be written for ccf calculations. The code shown below should be added as an Input Calculation in the application.
Feedback MVs
if (firstRun=1) then
 setpoint = measurement
end if
if (masterOn=1) then
 measurement = setpoint+0.0000001
else
 measurement = measurement
end if
Feedback CVs
if (firstRun<>1) then
 if (masterOn=1) then
   measurement=prednext+0.0000001
 else
   measurement=measurement+0.0000001
 end if
end if
Each MVs and CVs must have the code added for the simulation to work properly. Additional calculations can be developed for changing the FFWD variables.
3. Using a shadow controller and IP21- This is by far the most flexible and complex simulation that can be built. It requires extensive knowledge of IP.21 such as adding IP_AnalogDef points, SQL scripts, and scheduling IP.21 tasks.
The basic concept is similar to the off-line Simulate where there are two controllers running; one acts as a controller (CONTROL) and the other one acts as a plant (PREDICT). The IP.21 database is used as the repository of data. When the first controller (CONTROL) runs, the engine calculates a move plan and writes them out to IP.21. When the second controller (PREDICT) runs, it use the move plan from the first controller and predicts the open loop CV movement based on the model specified in the PREDICT controller. Please note that the second controller (PREDICT) must be forced to run in Open loop at all time. All the CVs in the PREDICT controller would be set as intermittent variables with an extremely long time out (1000000). As the CVs in the PREDICT controller have no feedback, these CV predictions are pure predictions. These predictions are then written out the corresponding IP.21 points and the first controller (CONTROL) reads the CV measurements as responses to the moves that it made in the past.Â
When using this technique for simulation, it is possible to introduce noises, model plant mismatch, or any other disturbances to make the simulation more "life-like." For example, it is possible to create PID loops simulations on IP.21 that can mimic the real PID loop behaviors. This technique can therefore be used to build a complex system and has a higher possibility to errors during configuration. It is therefore advisable to contact AspenTech for a billable consultant if this is the first time this type of simulation is being built.
Keywords: DMCPlus
APC Builder
Simulation
References: None |
Problem Statement: I have 2 models that both use the same working folder directory. If I use 'reload crudes data' on one model to bring in a new distillation table for testing, do I end up using the new distillation table information for both models? | Solution: As a best practice, we would recommend users to do the following to avoid the same crude data (new distillation table) being used in both models:
- Even if both models are using the same working folder, create different MODEL ID for each one. For instance, MODEL ID: MODEL1 for Model 1; MODEL ID: MODEL2 for Model 2 at Model Settings, as shown:
- Then, APS will create two folders : MODEL1 and MODEL2 in the same working folder, that contain their .crd files, respectively.
- After apply changes , for instance, in MODEL1 and you want to use same .crd files for both models, you can copy and paste the .crd files to MODEL2 or use the same MODEL ID name for both models , so only one folder contains .crd files and use same information.
Keywords: ASSAYS tables
Reload crude data
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the meaning of rows/columns in LPSOL table? | Solution: Aspen Refinery Multi-Blend Optimizer(MBO) writes matrix rows/columns in LPSOL table when the "Save Solution to Database", option is selected. In this event, MBO will to save the optimizer solution by row and column to the LPSOL table in the Aspen Refinery Multi-Blend Optimizer database.
The table has the following columns:
NAME, STATUS, ACT, DUAL, COST, MIN and MAX as shown:
If a row in the db table is for a matrix row, then these are the definitions for the table column data:
NAME
STATUS
ACT
DUAL
COST
MIN
MAX
Matrix row name
Always R indicating it is a matrix row
Is the slack for the row
The dual for the row
Always 0
Lower bound for the row
Upper bound for the row
If a row in the db table is for a matrix column, then these are the definitions for the table column data:
NAME
STATUS
ACT
DUAL
COST
MIN
MAX
Matrix column name
Always C indicating it is a matrix row
Is the value for the column
The shadow value (incr) for the column
Cost for the column in objective function
Lower bound for the column
Upper bound for the column
Use MBO demo model gasoline screen as example, here are explanation for matrix rows and columns
Name
Row or Column
Description
VBALBUT_001
R
Volume balance for material BUT at period 1 at the tank holding BUT
PBALBUT_SPG_001
R
Property balance for SPG of material BUT at period 1 at the tank holding BUT
VBALT87A_001
R
Volume balance for tank T87A at period 1
PBALT87A_SPG_001
R
Property balance for SPG of tank T87A at period 1
GIT91B_001
R
Tank min limit at period 1
LIT91B_001
R
Tank max limit at period 1
VBAL_B00
R
Blend Volume row for the first blend
WBAL_B00
R
Blend Weight row for the first blend
PBALSPG_B00
R
Blend property row for the first blend
GOLF_B00
R
Blend Min spec for OLF
LOLF_B00
R
Blend Max spec for OLF
PBALBUT_SPG_B00
R
Blend property row for the first blend and component BUT
VBALLNAP_B00_002
R
Blend volume row for the first blend at period2
IRFT_001
C
Inventory volume for component RFT at period 1
IRFT_SPG_001
C
Tank property value for SPG of component RFT at period 1
IT87A_001
C
Inventory volume for tank T87A at period 1
IT87A_SPG_001
C
T87A Tank property value for SPG at period 1
PALK_008
C
Daily rundown amount from period 7 to 8
V_B00
C
Blend volume
T_B00
C
Blend volume plus tank heel
W_B00
C
Blend weight
TSUL_B00
C
Sul property value for the blend including heel
XRFT_B00
C
Volume of RFT used in this blend
XALK_RON_B00
C
RON value of Alk used in this blend
XALK_OXY_B997
C
OXY value of Alk used in this final blend (big blend number indicates a final blend)
Keywords: -LPSOL table
-Matrix generation
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is there a way to prevent an application from starting when the RTE service starts? | Solution: For the Windows 2008 Server, edit the file: C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\RTE\V7.3\Config\AspenTech.ACP.RTE.config and remove the application from the list.
Note that you will need to start Notepad with ?Run as administrator? to save the file.
On Windows 2003 Server the file is located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\AspenTech\RTE\V7.3\Config folder.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I get the desired cost values into the AB_BLN_QUALITIES table in the GIVEAWAY_COST field? | Solution: Here are the steps (by Blend event) to populate the GIVEAWAY_COST field in AB_BLN_QUALITIES when you export a blend:
1.- Select from the “Advanced” tab “Property Giveaway Cost” option (Single Blend Optimization dialog box)
2.- Under “Property Specification” section (Optimization tab) put the numbers you want for the Giveaway cost, as shown, i.e ExcCost for RON = 5
3.- Then, click “Export” button and review AB_BLN_QUALITIES table for that blend:
There is another way to set the default values to use for the Exc Cost or Def Cost for properties instead of re-entering these values every time you make a new blend, assigning default values directly in PROP_GIVEAWAY_COST table. Defaults should apply for all products
PROP_GIVEAWAY_COST table:
Use this table to define which properties will be used in calculating the property giveaway and the giveaway cost. You may specify different giveaway costs for each product, or you may assign a default value to be used for all products.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I activate Aspen DMC3 functionality in V8.4 and V8.5? | Solution: The license file has to have the SLM_RN_APC_DMC3 key instead of the SLM_APC_AM key.
The DMCplus controller must have set "Enable SmartStep technology in the online controller" SMSTENB, "Enable Performance Monitoring in Aspen Watch" AWENB and "Enable Adaptive Modeling features" AMENB. Edited via DMCplus Build \ Tools menu \ Options \ General tab.
Make sure that SmartStep Test Groups and its entries are configured, as well as, the Adaptive Modeling settings.
The APC (RTE) controller has to be deployed with "Enable Aspen Watch monitoring" and "Enable adaptive modeling".
Make sure that SmartStep Test Groups and its entries are configured, as well as, the Adaptive Modeling settings.
If the controller doesn't consume properly the SLM_RN_APC_DMC3 key, please check the APCOnlineLicensing.log
DMCplus C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Online\sys\etc
APC C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\RTE\V8.x\Clouds\Online\sys
Keywords: DMC3, Licensing, DMCplus, APC, SmartStep, Test Group, Adaptive Modeling, APCOnlineLicensing.log, V8.4, V8.5
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the changes to the SmartStep engine in V7.3 CP3 and subsequent releases? | Solution: The SmartStep engine has been simplified to eliminate unnecessary and rarely used features, while at the same time includes new useful features. The various improvements to the SmartStep engine have been listed below.
· Reduction in number of required user-specified tuning parameters
Configure [CONFIG] section
STLABMAX
STLABMAXTGT
General [GENERAL] Section:
STLABXML
STLABCNCL
STLABREQ
STLABLOAD
STLABCOUNT
STCMFLAG
STCORRECT
STREPOMODE
STREPOMAX
STREPOMIN
STSTEPFRAC
STLIMLNK
Manipulated Variables [IND] Section:
STMVMAXU
STMVMAXD
STMVMINU
STMVMIND
STMVPULFR
STMVPULDUR
STMVSTEPS
Controlled Variables [DEP] Section:
STCVMAX
STCVMIN
STRAMPMVS
STRAMPACTMV
Test Group [TGR] Section:
STGITER
· New single test engine to include only 4 modes (SINGLE-TEST, MULTI-TEST, SUSPEND, and CONTROL). TEST-PULSE, REPOSITION, and LAB mode had been eliminated.
· CALIBRATE mode has been added. Thus the application now can be run in CONTROL, SMART-STEP, or CALIBRATE
· Feature to automatically pair MVs has been added. This allows the SmartStep engine to move two MVs together in case the process is at a constraint. The engine would do so only when the user enables this option.
· The engine automatically determines that best ramp handle based on current conditions and model gains.
Notes:Â The DMCPlus engine got the new SmartStep engine starting with V7.3 CP3 while APC Builder retains the old SmartStep engine until V8.0.
Keywords: SmartStep, Calibrate
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is mpf_manage applist? | Solution: 'mpf_manage applist' is a command prompt statement to find out what is loaded in the mpf_manage region. Most of the time it would only show DMCplus controller and IQ applications. Occasionally other applications defined by the 'mpf_manage appstart' command such as collect (if running) would also show up.
To remove any stopped applications from the list, restart ACO Utility Server service from the Administrative Tools>services panel. Please note that all DMCplus and IQ application will be stopped when the ACO Utility Server service is stopped.
Keywords: mpf_manage applist
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do AspenTech APC applications communicate with Foxboro I/A DCS? | Solution: Foxboro I/A allows two types of connections from an external application-
a. directly to DCS
b. to software objects (called Application Objects) which constitutes the FoxBridge interface
Cim-IO for FoxAOS is used to access the Application Objects (type-b) in FoxBridge; while Cim-IO for FoxAPI is used to access the points on the DCS (type-a).
In the latest Foxboro I/A releases (V8.8 and above), the FoxAPI interface has been substituted by AIM OPC interface, so instead of using Cim-IO for FoxAPI, the direct connection to the DCS (type-a) will be established using Cim-IO for OPC connecting via the AIM OPC. This requires that the customers will need to have the AIM API server on their machine and no longer will have/need the FoxAPI interface.
The INVENSYS product FoxBridge will therefore use Cim-IO for FoxAOS (supplied by INVENSYS), Cim-IO for OPC (supplied by AspenTech) and the AIM OPC server (supplied by INVENSYS).
Also please note that the Foxboro “internal” FoxAPI layer (now called AIS – Application Interface System) still exists in the newer versions of Foxboro I/A (V8.8 and above), as it is the one implementing the mapping between the Application Objects (type-b) and their DCS level counterparts, but this layer completely invisible to AspenTech applications.
Keywords: Foxboro I/A
AIM OPC
Cim-IO for OPC
References: None |
Problem Statement: The Aspen SQLplus help file contains an example of reading Microsoft Excel spreadsheet contents. When testing this it returns the data, but locks the spreadsheet file to other users. How can the lock on the spreadsheet be removed? | Solution: Here is the code example from SQLplus help:
local x, a;
local i int, j int;
x=getobject('c:\test\comtest.xlsx');
a=x.sheets(1).range('a1', 'b3').value;
for i = lbound(a) to ubound(a) do
 for j = lbound(a,2) to ubound(a,2) do
    write 'a(' || i || ',' || j || ')=' || a[i,j];
 end
end;
When running this it reads the contents of cells A1 to C3 from the Excel spreadsheet 'comtest.xlsx'. To do this it opens an Excel process that can be seen in Windows Task Manager. However, this process remains open and retains a lock on the spreadsheet after the program has finished. The process can be closed after running the program by adding an additional statement at the end of the program:
x."Close";
This will terminate the Excel process and remove the lock on the spreadsheet.
Keywords: COM object
Excel
getobject
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why does the Piecewise Linear Transform not use the Cartesian coordinates selected by the user? | Solution: The Piece Wise linear transform does not use the coordinates selected by the user by design. The transform is always on the y-axis variable. However, APC Builder plot the data so that it will scale nicely with the x-axis variable.
Consider this example, let’s say that the y-axis variable is a valve that varies from 0 to 100 and the x-axis is a flow that varies from 0 to 1. Also, assume that the piecewise linear transform varies from 0 to 100. We would not want to plot the actual transformed values from 0 to 100 because the flow would be a small blob on the left of the plot. We scale the transformed values so that a nice plot is provided.
Keywords: APC Builder, Piece-wise linear transform, cartesian coordinates
References: None |
Problem Statement: If the layout is saved using Save Layout option and I want to access it next time I open Aspen PIMS Platinum, the default layout will be loaded first and then I have to go to Layouts and open the saved one.
How can I access a saved layout immediately without having to open the default one first? | Solution: It is possible to access the saved customized layout immediately rather than having to open the default one every time first.
Once you have made some changes to the flowsheet you need to click on Save icon and select Link to Home:
Type the layout name and click Save:
The layout will be saved in the AspenONE Workspace (the first window that you get after opening PIMS Platinum) allowing you to access this layout immediately upon launching PIMS Platinum:
Please note that currently this functionality works correctly on Internet Explorer only as a recent update to Google Chrome prevents the layout from being saved permanently in the AspenONE Workspace and if you reopen Platinum the layout will be gone. This is currently being investigated by Development.
Keywords: PIMS Platinum
layout
flowsheet
References: None |
Problem Statement: aspenOne Process Explorer utilizes the Apache Tomcat container to access the Search engine.
Once the Apache Tomcat Service identity is changed, the search engine becomes inaccessible through aspenone Process explorer (A1PE).
The password needs to be modified in some of the Tomcat configuration files as well.
In V8.7, AspenTech has introduced a new utility called aspenONE credentials utility.
In V8.5, the files need to be modified manually.
This solution only explains the files that need to be changed manually. | Solution: Follow the steps mentioned below to modify the files:
After the Tomcat password is changed, the following configuration files must be changed to provide access to the Search Engine:
· AtWebPlotsConfig.xml in the IIS ProcessExplorer/WebControls folder
The Tomcat user name and password are encrypted together as a credential. The ServerCredentials XML tag located at the end of the oile must be updated.
e.g.,
To encrypt credentials,
a. Navigate with Command Prompt as an Administrator to the tomcat SOLR configuration folder, e.g., Program Files (x86)\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\Tomcat7.0.37\appdata\solr\conf
b. Run the password utility by typing the tomcat user name and password separated with a colon. For example, if the password is being changed to NewPwd for the default Tomcat admin account, the following would be typed:
c. Copy the encrypted output, UFasYWRtaW46TmV3UHdk9nEtb0, and remove the first 4 and last 6 characters, e.g., YWRtaW46TmV3UHdk, and enter this into the ServerCredentials XML tag above.
· aspenONE Search Service
The Tomcat username and password are encrypted separately in config.xml located under aspenONE\App_Data in IIS. The password utility above can be used to encode both the username and password. For example, to change the Tomcat password to NewPwd,
Copy the encrypted password, e.g., OHQWTmV3UHdkQcEMZy, remove the first 4 and last 6 characters, e.g., TmV3UHdk, and enter this into the SolrPassword tag.
Restart IIS after changing the above configuration files.
The encrypted password for the Solr Domain user defined in AspenSearchSolrSecurity.XML in Program Files (x86)\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\Tomcat7.0.37\appdata\solr\conf can also be defined using the password utility. The only difference is the first 4 and last 6 characters generated utility are not removed beforeocopying them into the password XML tag.
Keywords: A1PE
Tomcat
Password
References: None |
Problem Statement: A domain user does not have read access to Certain tags, but these secured tags continue to be visible in the search list | Solution: 1- The IP.21 data source must be scanned after IP.21 security is configured.
Not doing this will cause the secured tags to be visible in the Type Ahead. The ACLs defining users and group membership are part of the search metadata and become part of the search index. When a user makes a request to search via type ahead or full search, they must either be the user or a member of the group that gives them read access in order for a tag to be in the search result.
2- SOLR security must be enabled, i.e., enabled=true, in SolrConfig.xml located in the Tomcat appdata/solr/conf folder.(image_solr_security)
3- A domain user that has permission to retrieve the ACLs for a user must be registered in AspenSearchSolrSecurity.xml. These ACLs will be combined with the search request to filter out tags a user cannot see.
Below is an example on how to register domain user manually in AspenSearchSolrSecurity.xml
<configuration>
<lst name="domainInfo">
<str name="domain">corp</str>
<str name="ldapUrl">ldap://corp.aspentech.com:389</str>
<str name="ldapBase">DC=corp,DC=aspentech,DC=com</str>
<str name="username">corp\chengw</str>
<str name="password">lMGOWkFRITJ3c3hDREUjNHJmdg==rG1dJj</str>
<int name="connectTimeout">5000</int>
<int name="readTimeout">5000</int>
</lst>
</configuration>
a) The server will use the ldapUrl to login into the domain, corp in this example, using the specified username and password to obtain a user'group membership data. The user will need to belong to a group that has read access to a tag to see it in within the type ahead or search results.
b) password.bat must be used to set the password for the username. It is located in the same folder as AspenSearchSolrSecurity.xml. The password to be encoded is entered as a parameter to the bat procedure.
For example, if the username's password is MyPassword, the text following "MyPassword:" on the second line would be copied into the password field of AspenSearchSolrSecurity.xml:(see image_password)
Note: you need to configure java related Environment Variables to execute password.bat
4- Tomcat should be restarted after changing this configuration file.
Keywords: search
type ahead
aspenone
solr
security
References: None |
Problem Statement: A new section called Adjust Stop/Start dependent events, has been added to the Model Settings tab associated with the Setting dialog box | Solution: The associated options allow you to truncate seconds from time dependent event Start/Stop times and to select what to automatically adjust, rate or volume, in order to accommodate the time changes.
Adjust Stop/Start dependent events:
These options allow you to specify if seconds will be removed from the Start or Stop times associated with a particular time dependent event. The ability to input Start/Stop seconds through the event dialogs is not allowed and therefore you will not see seconds appear on the event dialog interface. However, the database supports the inclusion of seconds and if seconds are manually entered or imported as part of an event Start/Stop time, these seconds will be used in calculations. Note that inclusion of seconds in the database may also occur when the system makes adjustments to Start/Stop times to meet rate or volume requirements. Though it may not be apparent from the dialog interface, these seconds may exist and will therefore affect calculations unless the Trim seconds for Start/Stop option is selected.
Select Settings | Model Settings from the menu bar or Settings icon to see this option:
A. Trim seconds for Start/Stop
Select this option to truncate Start and Stop times to exclude seconds. When truncating seconds, Rate or Quantity amounts will be adjusted, if necessary, to accommodate for the difference in time. Selection of this option only applies to new or edited events moving forward. Your selection does not affect existing events. By default, this option is not selected.
B. Adjust Measure Type
Select what you wish the system to adjust to compensate for the truncation of seconds in your Start and Stop times. You can select Rate or Volume to be adjusted. The default is Quantity.
Scenario 1: Default un-check the Trim settings
1. Open with the Olefins demo model
2. Go to the model setting, check the default setting is uncheck for the Trim seconds for start and stop,
3, Add a new Product Recipe event as below
4. Go to the database and check the Stop time is with the seconds time, and the rate/Quantity is with the original value
Run below query on the .mdb
SELECT STOP , RATE , QTY ,X_SEQ FROM ATORIONEVENTS WHERE X_SEQ = 1503
Get below result
Scenario 2: With Trim Seconds, and Rate Type
1. Open the Olefins demo model
2. Go to the model setting, check the Trim seconds for start and stop option and set the type with Rate ,
3, Add a new Product Recipe event as below
4. Run below query on the database .mdb
SELECT STOP , RATE , QTY ,X_SEQ FROM ATORIONEVENTS WHERE X_SEQ = 1511
Get below result, The stop seconds time is trimmed and the Rate value is changed accordingly with the value of 150.0163
Scenario 3: With Trim Seconds, and Quantity Type
1. Open the Olefins demo model
2. Go to the model setting, check the Trim seconds for start and stop option and set the type with Quantity,
3, Add a new Product Recipe event as below
4. Run below query on the database .mdb
SELECT STOP , RATE , QTY ,X_SEQ FROM ATORIONEVENTS WHERE X_SEQ = 1526
Get below result, The stop seconds time is trimmed and the Quantity value is changed accordingly with the value of 191.9792
Keywords: Model Settings
References: None |
Problem Statement: IQconfig fails to run with the following error message regarding side-by-side configuration- | Solution: This issue typically occurs when VC++ 2008 Library is not installed on the machine running IQconfig. The error message for IQconfig in this case would typically be accompanied by an error message in the Event Viewer | Windows Logs | Application (log) that will provide a description of the problematic registry key (see screenshot below).
Installing the 32-bit Visual C++ 2008 Redistributables on the machine should fix the problem. The package can be downloaded from the Microsoft support website using the hyperlink provided above.
Keywords: IQconfig
Automation Error
Side-by-side configuration
References: None |
Problem Statement: What steps need to be performed after restarting an IQ application to ensure the prediction bias does not jump until the lab bias is updated with a new set of lab measurements? | Solution: There are three possible methods to ensure that the prediction bias does not change on restarting an inferential application.
1. Use Lab Bias Fraction (LBIASFRAC)- Lab Bias Fraction is used to filter the calculated raw lab bias value (LBIASRAW) into the previously calculated value of prediction bias (PREDBIAS) to obtain the new lab bias value (LBIASNEW). The final prediction bias (PREDBIAS) is then calculated as a filtered (second filter) value of the lab bias value (LBIASNEW). Setting the lab bias fraction to 0 will perform full filtering, i.e. will never allow the prediction bias to change based on the raw lab bias.
a. Set the Lab Bias Fraction (LBIASFRAC) = 0.
b. Reinitialize the lab bias update calculations by setting the initialize lab bias flag (LBUINIT) to YES. LBIASFRAC = 0, ensure that the calculated prediction bias is not affected by changes in the lab bias value and the LBUINIT = YES, ensures that the lab bias value (LBIASNEW) is set to zero and is kept at zero until a new lab bias is calculated when a new lab measurement is entered into the system. Thus, the PREDBIAS will stay constant at whatever its initial value was.
c. The user would need to manually reset LBIASFRAC back to its original value once a new, non-zero value has been calculated for lab bias (LBIASNEW). Unless this step is performed, the new LBIASNEW value will not be used to update the prediction bias.
2. Use Bias Update Source (UPDSRC)- The Bias Update Source parameter is used by the IQ engine to determine which value of raw bias (Lab / Analyzer / Manual) should be used to update the prediction bias (PREDBIAS). For example, when UPDSRC = Lab, the IQ engine will use the bias values calculated by the Lab Bias Update Module.
a. Set the Bias Update Source (UPDSRC) = Manual and enter the value of prediction bias you wish to use. The IQ engine will keep using this value entered for prediction bias (without updating) until the user changes the update source or the value itself.
b. Reinitialize the lab bias update calculations by setting the initialize lab bias flag (LBUINIT) to YES. This resets the calculated lab bias value to zero and keeps it at zero until a new lab bias is calculated using new lab measurements.
c. The user would need to manually reset UPDSRC back to Lab once a new, non-zero value has been calculated for lab bias (LBIASNEW). Unless this step is performed, the new LBIASNEW value will not be used to update the prediction bias.
**Note that both, Steps (1c) and (2c) require the user to manually set the respective parameters back to a certain value. It is possible to automate this particular step by configuring Input calculations in IQ.
3. Use Dummy Lab Measurement- This option involves manually entering a dummy lab measurement in the application in order to trick IQ to recalculate the prediction bias.
a. Reinitialize the lab bias update calculations by setting the initialize lab bias flag (LBUINIT) to YES. This resets the calculated lab bias value to zero and keeps it at zero until a new lab bias is calculated using new lab measurements.
b. Set LBUNUMVALS = 1. This will ensure that only the next lab sample is used to perform the bias update.
c. LBIASFRAC = 1. This will ensure that the lab bias calculated from the new lab measurement is fully used to update the filtered LBIASNEW.
d. At this point, it would also be recommended to set the prediction bias filters to zero. Thus ensuring that any new LBIASNEW calculated by the lab update module is immediately translated to PREDBIAS.
e. Wait for IQ to run one execution and then enter a dummy lab sample/measurement that would result in IQ to recalculate LBIASNEW and therefore PREDBIAS. This dummy lab measurement must be equal to the desired prediction bias (PREDBIAS) plus current average unbiased predictions (UPR).
f. Allow the IQ to run the next execution and perform a fresh calculation for LBIASNEW and PREDBIAS. Once PREDBIAS has been update, change LBUNUMVALS, LBIASFRAC and the prediction filters to their original numbers.
Keywords: Lab Bias Update
Aspen IQ
Application restart
Initialize Bias
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the file format in IQmodel for? | Solution: In IQmodel when the user import text files, the format of the text files can be stored away in a fmt file. The file format dialog is used to manage these formats for reading text files. The idea is that once the user has a format that reads a particular type of text file then the user can save this format for use in later imports of data.
Keywords: IQmodel, file format, txtFilex
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does the IQ algorithm detect and handle frozen analyzer signals? | Solution: When an analyzer signal has been frozen for longer than the specified limit (AVTIMFRZ > AVMAXTIMFRZ), IQ sets any new analyzer sample status to Bad and will therefore not use any changes in the analyzer until the reading exceeds the specified analyzer freeze deadband (AVFRZDB) entry. However in such an event, IQ does not necessarily set the bias calculated by the AZU module (ABIASPNTSTS) to Bad. IQ therefore continues to use the previously calculated analyzer bias (ABIASNEW), calculated at the time of last good analyzer update to estimate the prediction bias (PREDBIAS). The ABIASPNTSTS will only be set to Bad if the analyzer update time (AZUTMSTR) is older than AVMAXHOURS from current time.
AVMAXHOURS specifies how long an analyzer sample and analyzer bias value is considered valid. The analyzer freeze deadband check is done on the current analyzer sample and it will be marked as bad, when the signal stays frozen for longer than AVMAXTIMFRZ. However, since one of the previous sample was validated as good, the analyzer and analyzer bias status will remain good for up to AVMAXHOURS.
The analyzer freeze detection algorithm works slightly differently for the case of an IQ being configured to automatically detect changes in the analyzer signal (ANZNEWOPT = 2). ANZNEWOPT = 2 is a feature that allows IQ to avoid detecting frozen analyzer values and use them for bias update as opposed to ANZNEWOPT = 1, which detects a frozen analyzer reading and then marking it BAD (as frozen) and does not use it for bias update calculations. Here is how IQ handles analyzer readings when ANZNEWOPT = 2-
If changes in the analyzer are less than AVFRZDB, IQ will not detect any new analyzer value. IQ checks for the AVTIMFRZ > AVMAXTIMFRZ condition only when a new analyzer sample is detected and the change in the analyzer measurement is less than AVFRZDB. However, since the AVFRZDB is also being used for new analyzer detection with ANZOPT = 2, IQ never detects a new analyzer reading (smaller than AVFRZDB) that can be marked frozen. The analyzer bias status is only marked bad if there has been no bias update for longer than AVMAXHOURS. In essence, the ANZNEWOPT = 2 option focuses on preventing a bad/frozen analyzer signal to be read into IQ as opposed to reading a bad/frozen analyzer value and marking it Bad.
Note- The AZNEWITVLMAX parameter can be used to force an analyzer update. When the AZNEWOPT is set to 2 (No Flag), an update is forced, regardless of changes in the analyzer signal, if the previous update time occurred more than AZNEWITVLMAX minutes ago. This will allow the user to see IQ marking the analyzer status as frozen if successive analyzer reading from the forced update have not changed by more than the AVFRZDB entry.
Keywords: AspenIQ
Analyzer
Validation
Frozen Signal
References: None |
Problem Statement: What causes the "Error in file operation for appending valve analysis information to the PID Analysis results text file. PID Analysis results information is not loaded" message when trying to run a PID analysis offline using imported vector files? | Solution: PID Watch requires that any vector file being imported into the tool has a specific format. The vector file format that is exported from DMCplus can be directly imported into PID Watch. Any vector file generated with a slightly different format (Ex. vector files extracted from IP21) can cause errors when used with the PID Watch offline tool. DMCplus Model and PID Watch would be able to import such files and DMCplus Model can also work with these files. However, hitting the Analyze button (Play button) on the PID Watch tool can generate the “Error in file operation for appending valve analysis information to the PID Analysis results text file. PID Analysis results information is not loaded” message shown in the screenshot below.
The only way to fix the problem would be to reformat the vector files to comply with the standard vector file format (as exported from DMCplus Model). A quick fix workaround for this problem would be to follow the list of steps provided below-
1. Import the data into DMCplus Model and export a vector file for this vector.
2. Then import the new vector file back into PID Watch instead.
Keywords: Vector file format
PID Watch
Appending valve information
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the different grading criterions that can be used to identify the quality of a response curve during model ID? | Solution: The Bode Plot is defined as the amplitude of the sine wave observed in a specific dependent for a constant frequency sine wave with peak amplitude for a particular independent.
The model uncertainty analysis in DMCPlus Model and APC Builder uses the Bode Plot to display the response curve and the model error bound (uncertainty) at all frequency. The green band indicates a 1 sigma uncertainty range (68%) and the yellow band indicates 2-sigma uncertainty range (95%). So we can state that real process response curve has 2.5% chance (100-95/2) of being outside the yellow band. So the smaller the uncertainty bands are, the ‘better’ our response curves would be.
The analysis utilizes the magnitude of the uncertainty band compared to the gain to assign both Steady-State gain and Dynamic grades for a response curve
Here is how the grades are being assigned for both parts:
- A: Gain (@ point of interest) > 3 * 2-sigma uncertainty (Delta)
- B: 2 * Delta < Gain(@ point of interest) < 3 * Delta
- C: Delta < Gain(@ point of interest) < 2 * Delta
- D: Delta > Gain(@ point of interest)
The steady state gain grade is determine by comparing the steady state gain (gain @ frequency of zero) vs uncertainty band at Steady State
The dynamic grade frequency is calculated by differencing the time domain model coefficients, and estimating a dynamic TTSS where the constructed FIR model value crosses the |2%| boundary, representing approximate completion of the step response. The calculation of the dynamic X-axis coordinate is then done by
The dynamic grade is determine by comparing the dynamic gain (gain @ frequency of calculated above) vs uncertainty band at that point. By examining the grades of a response curve, we can determine what steps need to be taken during the plant test to improve the model quality.
Keywords: Model uncertainty
Bode Plot
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to quickly extract DCS tag information from and existing .iqf or .ccf file? | Solution: Since .iqf and .ccf files are text files, it is fairly simple to extract the DCS tags from them.
- Open a command prompt window and navigate to the folder where the .iqf or .ccf files are located,
- Issue the command "findstr DBVL xxx.iqf > tags.txt" where xxx.iqf is the file name and tags.txt is where DCS tags will be saved.
This creates a test file named tags.txt in the same folder as the iqf or ccf files.
- Open the tags.txt in Excel and extract the tag name information from it.
Keywords: DCS tags
iqf
ccf
findstr
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to export simulation history data from Aspen DMCplus Simulate to a .clc file? If so, how? | Solution: Yes, it is possible to export simulation history files in form of CLC datasets to be imported into DMCplus Model for further analysis. The procedure to export such information from DMCplus Simulate can be found in the Help files by navigating to Help | Help Topics | Aspen DMCplus Simulate | Reports and History Files | Exporting history data to a file or the clipboard. The procedure has also been listed below for your reference.
History data can be exported to either of the following formats -
A) File formatted to use with Aspen Advanced Control Collect (.CLC)
B) To the Windows Clipboard, in tab delimited format, so that it can be pasted in spreadsheets, notepad or word processors
History data from DMCplus Simulate can be exported using the following steps -
1) Click on the CONTROLLER tab on DMCplus Simulate
2) Select EXPORT HISTORY TO. This will give following two options -
a) Click on the option FILE - this would prompt a file location dialog box for the .clc file.
b) Click on option CLIPBOARD - this would copy all the history data on a clipboard and it can be directly pasted on a notepad\excel\word document file.
Keywords: DMCplus Simulate
Simulation History
CLC file
References: None |
Problem Statement: When attempting to import a DMCplus ccf file to APC Builder; Builder throws a warning saying @interp could not be translated. This article provides a workaround for this inconvenience. | Solution: APC Builder has a major change when it comes to calculations, as this software uses Calcscript. @interp is missing in the calcscript, so it is indeed impossible to be translated from “dmcplus” calc to calcscript.
However, it is possible to create a custom calc within APC Builder. The attached pdf provides instructions on how to add interp function with 7 points to APC Builder.
Keywords: interp, piece wise linear interpolation, APC Builder
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to interpret MV/MV auto-correlation plots displayed by the cross-correlation analysis in DMCplus Model? | Solution: One of the results from the correlation analysis ran by DMCPlus or APC Builder is the MV/MV auto-correlation plots. By definition, the auto correlation is the degree to which the moves in a particular MV are correlated to a shifted value of the same MV. A high MV/MV auto-correlation means that the large amount of moves of one MV are in a periodic series. High auto-correlation in the moves for a particular MV would present a problem in model ID with that MV.
A normal MV/MV auto correlation plot would show a peak of 1.0 at time zero and rapidly decay to zero and stay close to zero for most of the period in 1 TTSS.
A problem MV/MV auto-correlation would show the same peak of 1.0 at zero and some additional secondary peaks at certain offset interval(s).
To eliminate the MV/MV auto correlation, either put the tester in Multi-Step or vary the step duration frequency in Single-Step mode.
Keywords: Auto-correlation
DMCplus
APC Builder
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to compare prediction from different cases and to the measured variable? | Solution: In order to compare prediction from different cases or models along with the measured variables, a vector list should be created to contain all the prediction vectors along with the raw data vector. After the vector list is created, one can plot various predictions and see how they are compared to the raw data vector. A similar procedure can also be used to view the manipulated variables along with the predictions and for comparing the prediction errors from different case runs.
Keywords: DMCPlus Model
Prediction
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I reset the TDC3000 watchdog timer for APC controllers? | Solution: The watchdog timer is designed to make sure communication exists between the APC controller and the DCS. For the TDC3000 DCS, the watchdog timer is built on the DCS as a timer point. The CNTDWN parameter on the timer point is a setpoint and it should be set at 2.5 * <execution time> of the controller application, i.e. an APC controller running once every 60 seconds should have the CNTDWN at 150.
The DCS timer point will start from 0 and count up to the CNTDWN. The PV parameter of the point shows the counter. If the counter reaches the CNTDWN, the DCS will turn the APC controller OFF and shed all loops. To allow the APC controller to stay ON, it has to reset the timer point every time it runs by writing out a 0 to the RESETCMD and the STRTSTOP parameters of the timer point.
To implement this feature, add two User-defined variables in the General Section of the controller via Edit Calculations. Then set the properties of those variables to IsConstant, IsPublish, IsIORequired and set the default value to 0.
Next, configured the connection to map the two User-defined variables to RESETCMD.internal and STRTSTOP.internal, The IO Datatype should be Ordinal (ORD).
Once the controller is deployed, it would write out a zero to the appropriate parameters and reset the timer every time it runs. If the communication is broken, the timer would not get reset and after it times out, the controller is turned OFF and all the loops are shed to DCS control.
Keywords: TDC3000
Watchdog timer
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the significance of the "Include Direct Term (D-Matrix)" option in the Subspace expert parameter? | Solution: During SubSpace ID, the expert parameter "Include Direct Term (D-Matrix)" specifies whether there should be an immediate response of the outputs (dep) to one of more inputs (Ind). In most cases, this option would help improve the model's gains. However in case data with low S/N ratios, this may lead to 'unrealistic' initial kick in the response curve.
The response curves in blue are result of inclusion of the Direct Term while the red curves do not include the Direct Term. In such cases, un-checking the Direct Term option would smooth out the response curve.
Keywords: Direct Term
Subspace
D-Matrix
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why PCWS (or APC Manage Messages) shows "License configuration error. Application will stop" for a DMCplus or APC controller? | Solution: The message is caused by an improper licensing acquisition; the application stops because it cannot validate the proper license keys.
If your licensing agreement is Perpetual and using Aspen Process Controller controllers please refer to solution 140117
If your license agreement is Token without the SLM_RN_APC_DMC3 key please refer to solution 137155
If your license agreement is Token with the SLM_RN_APC_DMC3 key and using APC V8.4 / V8.5 please refer to solution 140169
If your license agreement is Token with the SLM_RN_APC_DMC3 key and using APC V8.7 or later please refer to solution 140866
For the Token cases, it’s suggested to verify that enough license keys and their respective Tokens are available. For non DMC3 environments, check the required for the Online part (SLM_APC_MV) and the other features –Watch, SmartStep, Adaptive Modeling a.k.a. Calibrate- (SLM_APC_AW, SLM_APC_SS, SLM_APC_AM). For DMC3 environments check SLM_RN_APC_DMC3 (who bundles in a single key the Online, Watch, SmartStep and Adaptive Modeling parts).
Notes:
- Adaptive Modeling a.k.a Calibrate is only available for Token licensing.
- DMC3 is only available for Token licensing.
- If the Scheme is Olefins verify that is properly set in the APC License Scheme Selector.
If additional information is required please contact AspenTech Technical Support.
Keywords: DMCplus, APC, Adaptive Modelling, Calibrate, License, Tokens
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I prevent the intermittent loss of the Adaptive Modeling license?
Symptom: Modeling page in PCWS shows "{application} does not support Adaptive Modeling" even though the configuration file has it enabled.
Cause: When collecting DMCplus controllers in Aspen Watch, if the scan interval occurs in the middle of the control cycle, this license issue can occur. | Solution: Manually adjust the data collection offset by editing the CxxT SCHEDULE_TIME value and change the seconds portion of the timestamp to be farther away from the actual run time offset for the controller. The steps listed below indicate the procedure to accomplish this-
1. Find the controller ID for your application from AWMaker (ID column).
2. Then use InfoPlus.21 Administrator and find the QueryDef record for that ID (format is "C{ID}T", where {ID} is the two digit ID for your application).
Keywords: Adaptive Modeling
DMCplus
Aspen Watch
License
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to know the bad data in a vector plot view diagram of Aspen DMC+ model? | Solution: In a process unit, a period of bad data can be determined from range of collected data, using Aspen DMC plus model.
To understand the bad data for a range of data for any vector, understanding of the process is very important. There could be many situations which can be responsible for bad data in a vector curve.
Like if there is a missing data for specific time, in the whole range of data. Or there is a sudden peak in upward or downward direction which is not normal in a regular process, these kind of data are considered to be bad data.
a. These peaks could be due to for example, any process upset or any instrument failure etc.
b. Missing data in the plot could be due to for example, power failure for certain duration.
There could be many other reasons due to which a set of data can be bad:
• Bad Values Detected (-9999)- This could result due to instrument failure
• Bad Status Detected- If the process parameter value is not good at DCS (Distributed control system) itself
• PID Output Has Saturated- If the valve output is saturated and becomes fully open
• PID Manual Mode- This also could be a reason for bad data
• Disturbance in PID Loop- It could be identified by a very un-smoothed curve
• Signal Is Frozen For Too Long- This could be identified by a straight line for a very long period
• Set-Point in Closed-loop mode- Another reason for data being bad
• Excessive Deviation From Set point- A good process knowledge helps understanding this point
• Spikes in Process Value (PV) Detected- Again, a good process knowledge helps to identify that data is bad due to sudden unwanted spikes in between continuous data.
After identifying the data as bad, this span of data can be marked bad in Aspen DMC plus model. The benefit of marking the data bad is that Aspen DMCplus Modle will not consider these spans of undesired data for model identification.
Keywords: DMC plus model
Bad data analysis
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I increase the percentage of MSMQ quota used by Aspen InfoPlus.21 replication? | Solution: To increase the percentage of the MSMQ quota used by InfoPlus.21 replication, add the following parameter to the TSK_PUBR IP.21 task on each publishing computer.
Here are the steps:
1. Log onto each publishing computer, then:
2. Launch the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Manager.
3. Locate the replication publishing task in the Defined Tasks list. Typically it will be named TSK_PUBR, but this is by convention only. If you have trouble locating it, find the task with the executable name of ReplicationPublisherNG.exe.
4. Double-click this task to display its configuration information.
5. Be sure to stop the task if it is running. Locate the task by name in the lower 'Running Tasks' pane, select it, then click the STOP TASK button.
6. In the 'Command line parameters' text box, specify -s:20 to give 20% of the total MSMQ space to the publishing task. Do not give 100% because there are other Aspen processes that use MSMQ such as the Integration Framework (EIF).
7. Click the UPDATE button to save the changes.
8. Re-select the task in the Defined Tasks list, then click the RUN TASK button to start the task.
9. Close the InfoPlus.21 Manager.
These steps will provide additional space in MSMQ for cases where there are multiple subscribers.
Keywords: MSMQ
Subscriber
Publisher
Replication
InfoPlus.21
References: None |
Problem Statement: This article lists the license keys needed to use the Aspen Production Record Manager 64-bit and Aspen Production Record Manager 64-bit Cluster products.
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 install Aspen Production Record Manager 64-bit and Aspen Production Record Manager 64-bit Cluster.
RN_PMR_APRM64PRDSRV for Production Record Manager 64-bit and
RN_PME_APRM64CLSSSRV for the Aspen Production Record Manager 64 bit Cluster product (This license key is needed only when implementing Aspen Production Record Manager in a cluster environment.)
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: Production Record Manager, 64 bit, license
References: None |
Problem Statement: On-Demand Calculations is a feature that allows you to create and execute "on the fly" Calculations on current or history data from multiple data sources for multiple client applications. The calculations are only executed when an application needs the results.
Stored Calculations are Aspen Calc Calculations that are saved to files and can be shared among different applications. Stored Calculations, a type of On-Demand Calculations, are created and edited in the Aspen Calc user interface. They provide a similar feature to the "derived tags" in CIM/21. Derived tags are named tags calculated from other tags.
When trying to trend a Shared On-Demand calculation in Aspen Process Explorer the user saw "error number -4999" in the Value column: | Solution: This type of error may occur when the AtSharedOnDemandCalc.exe process is not running or the program was not registered correctly during installation.
Check that the AtSharedOnDemandCalc.process is running in Windows Task Manager:
If it isn't try stopping and restarting Aspen InfoPlus.21 database and trend your Shared On-Demand calculation in Aspen Process Explorer again.
If after stopping and restarting Aspen InfoPlus.21 database the AtSharedOnDemandCalc.exeprocess is still not running then try registering the program.
Open a CMD window and go to the C:\Program Files\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\code folder, C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\code for 32 bit systems, and execute the following command:
AtSharedOnDemandCalc.exe /regserver
You should not get a confirmation screen or errors, if you do, note these and contact AspenTech Support for assistance.
If you still have problems plotting Shared On-Demand calculations in Aspen Process Explorer then use the instructions in AspenTech KB 140140 on how to activate logging for further analysis by AspenTech.
Keywords: shared ondemand, calculation AtSharedOnDemandCalc
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why am I unable to upgrade my database to V8.5 using the Aspen Database Wizard?
When upgrading from any version to V8.5 of Tank And Operations Manager, Audit and Compliance, Batch Extractor, Production Execution Manager, and Production Record Manager products in the Aspen Database wizard you will encounter an error that a script will be missing. | Solution: To resolve this error check the folder to ensure that the file in the error is missing.
Typically located in C:\Program Files\AspenTech\DatabaseWizard\Configuration\
If the file is present make sure you are logged in as administrator and have rights to folder
If the file is missing download the zip file and copy the files for each product you want to upgrade.
There are two files for Sql Server and two files for Oracle in each folder location for each product except Batch Extractor.
For example if you want to upgrade Aspen Production Record Manager follow these steps.
1. Download and extract the files in the zip file.
2. Located in the extracted files is a folder for each product containing four files. Copy these files over to
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\DatabaseWizard\Configuration\ProductionRecordManager. NOTE: You only
need to copy over the 2 files that have sql or oracle in name depending on which Database you use.
3. Then restart the Database upgrade wizard.
Keywords: SCHEMA
Upgrade Wizard
Database
Tank And Operations Manager
Audit and Compliance
Batch Extractor
Production Execution Manager
Production Record Mananger
ATOM
APEM
APRM
AACM
References: None |
Problem Statement: On-Demand Calculations is a feature that allows you to create and execute "on the fly" Calculations on current or history data from multiple data sources for multiple client applications. The calculations are only executed when an application needs the results.
Stored Calculations are Aspen Calc Calculations that are saved to files and can be shared among different applications. Stored Calculations, a type of On-Demand Calculations, are created and edited in the Aspen Calc user interface. They provide a similar feature to the "derived tags" in CIM/21. Derived tags are named tags calculated from other tags. | Solution: See if you can't resolve the issue by following AspenTech's KB 140139; then you can activate further logging to troubleshoot the problem.
On the Aspen Calc system where you're experiencing the problem open the Windows Registry Editor and navigate to the \\HKLM\SOFTWARE\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\12.5\group200 key:
and create a new DWORD (32 bit) Value key, IP21ONDEMANDCALC_DEBUG_LEVEL with a value of 10:
Save the change and stop and restart the following Aspen InfoPlus.21 tasks in the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Manager program:
TSK_ADMIN_SERVER,
TSK_APEX_SERVER,
TSK_BATCH_SERVER.
TSK_DEFAULT_SERVER,
TSK_EXCEL_SERVER,
TSK_ORIG_SERVER,
In lieu of stopping and restarting the tasks you can instead stop the Aspen InfoPlus.21 database and restart it.
Open Aspen Process Explorer and try trending the On-Demand Shared calculation, and check the log file created under the C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\IP21DiagnosticLogs\IP21ONDEMANDCALC folder.
Capture the log file and attach this file to a incident in AspenTech support indicating that the file was generated using the instructions in this KB, 140140.
Remember to change the value of the IP21ONDEMANDCALC_DEBUG_LEVEL key tp 0 and restart the Aspen InfoPlus.21 tasks or stop and restart the Aspen InfoPlus.21 database to disable the debug logging.
Keywords: shared ondemand, calculation AtSharedOnDemandCalc
References: None |
Problem Statement: After a fresh Aspen Production Control Web Server (PWCS) install, trying to open an APC Web Interface page, the internet browser shows the following error:
"Service Unavailable
HTTP Error 503: The service is unavailable"
When opening AFW Manager, it returns the following error: | Solution: 1. Open Server Manager and move on to IIS Manager.
2. On the left-side tree, expand the server name and go to Application pools
3. Look for Aspen Security Pool item on the right-side list.
4. Right click on Aspen Security Pool and go to Advanced Settings...
5. By default, Aspen Security Pool identity is ApplicationPoolIdentity.
6. Change it to LocalSystem identity by clicking on the right side  button.
7. Click OK and close IIS Manager.
8. Restart IIS service.
The default identity is ApplicationPool; however in this particular issue, this identity may not have all the necessary permissions.
Keywords: HTTP error 503, Service is unavailable, IIS, PCWS, Production Control Web Server, APC Web Interface
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I resolve 'Licensing is Properly Configured Using SLM Configuration Wizard' Search features of the High Performance Trends.
The DDMMYYYY log on C:\inetpub\wwwroot\AspenTech\DispatchService\Metadata\log shows:
10:34:41:219 ScanLocalDataSources invoked from fe80::2c3a:c1b6:c2be:b78b%15 (Domain\User)
10:34:41:976 FlushCache: Type: Null | Solution: It’s assumed that the ADSA Datasources are correctly configured and IP.21 was Running successfully when the failed Update was requested.
· Stop the IP.21 database and the Apache Tomcat 7 service. It’s also recommended that any PCWS requesting info of HPT is closed too.
· Open the :\inetpub\wwwroot\AspenTech\DispatchService\Metadata\web.config file, look for the following sections and make sure the server names are correct and the search port is the same as the Tomcat port.
<add key="LocalMetaDataService" value="<ServerName, IP Address or localhost>/Web21/ProcessData/AtProcessDataRest.dll"/>
<add key="LocalSearchServer" value="<ServerName, IP Address or localhost>"/>
<add key="LocalSearchPort" value="8080"/>
· Rename the DDMMYYYY log file, if it’s of the same day, on :\inetpub\wwwroot\AspenTech\DispatchService\Metadata\log.
· Start the IP.21 database and the Apache Tomcat 7 service.
· Open Internet Explorer as Administrator, go to PCWS \ Configuration tab \ Click the following link to access HPT Search Configuration. On Manage Data Source the options should be available.
· Run the Update process one more time.
Keywords: PCWS, HPT, High Performance Trend
References: Exception - Description: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
10:34:41:978 RefreshLogFlags: Type: NullReferenceException - Description: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
10:34:42:065 ScanLocalDataSources: MetdataServer:<ServerName>/Web21/ProcessData/AtProcessDataRest.dll Job:ItemReceiver1 Publish URL:http://ServerName:8080/AspenCoreSearch/publish invoked from fe80::2c3a:c1b6:c2be:b78b%15 (Domain\User)
10:34:42:067 ADSA: Type: NullReferenceException - Description: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
10:34:42:068 No DataSources Found. Please Ensure the Following:
1) Datasources are Configured using the ADSA Client Config Tool
2) IP.21 is Running
3) Licensing is Properly Configured Using SLM Configuration Wizard
10:34:42:080 Failed to obtain UID list for: NullReferenceException - Type: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. - Description: TagList
10:34:42:083 Failed to obtain UID list for: NullReferenceException - Type: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. - Description: Graphic
10:34:42:085 Failed to obtain UID list for: NullReferenceException - Type: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. - Description: Plot
10:34:42:088 Failed to obtain UID list for: NullReferenceException - Type: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. - Description: PKPI
10:34:42:088
Total Tag Count Sent: 0
10:34:42:089 Total TagList Count Sent: 0
10:34:42:089 Total Graphic Count Sent: 0
10:34:42:089 Total Plot Count Sent: 0
10:34:42:089 Total OEE Count Sent: 0
10:52:39:557 ScanLocalDataSources invoked from fe80::2c3a:c1b6:c2be:b78b%15 (Domain\User) |
Problem Statement: The Production Control Web Server (PCWS) does not display a deployed and running APC Builder Controller recently developed by converting a DMCplus controller. | Solution: PCWS will not display multiple applications that carry the same name even if the two applications are of different types. The online portion of the Aspen APC products will show that the application has been deployed and is running successfully, but the application will not show up on PCWS because another controller with the same name already exists on the web page.
This issue commonly occurs when test converting a DMCplus controller to the new APC Builder platform and deploying it as an APC application. In such cases, if the user does not delete the original DMCplus controller from PCWS, the APC application will not show up on the web page. The problem in such cases will be logged in the Node Repository Errors log (Online server) or the Repository Errors log (Web server) file. In such cases, just stopping and unloading the DMCplus controller from the web will not suffice. One of the two options provided below need to be used to avoid this problem-
1. the APC application should deployed under a different name OR
2. the DMCplus controller should be stopped, unloaded and deleted from the web before deploying the APC application using the same name as the original DMCplus controller.
Keywords: DMCplus
APC Builder
PCWS Display
Convert
References: None |
Problem Statement: Invisible xml files are created when saving history plots from the Production Control Web Server (PCWS). How can this issue be resolved? | Solution: This issue is generally caused because of the security settings in Internet Explorer (IE). The Security tab in the IE options window has a feature "Enable protected mode (requires restarting Internet Explorer)." This feature when enabled does not allow users to save xml files with the proper settings. When a user tries to save a history trend from PCWS as an xml file (with "protected mode" enabled), IE would show that the file has been saved in the specified directory. However, the file would not be found when you navigate to the directory using Windows Explorer. Trying to resave these files using IE would show that the file already exists in the specified directory.
It is recommended to uncheck the "Enable protected mode" option in IE for both the Internet and the Local Intranet security zones when configuring IE to be used for Aspen Production Control Homepage. Disabling this option and restarting IE would allow users to successfully save the history plot xml files.
Keywords: PCWS
History Plots
XML file
Protected mode
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to suppress "For the best experience..." message or Internet Explorer version checkpoint when logging into the APC Web Interface. | Solution: The following procedure will disable all browser version checkpoints at the beginning of your session.
1. Add acceptVisitWithWrongExplorer=true to the PCWS page. E.g. http://myservername/atcontrol/online.asp?acceptVisitWithWrongExplorer=true
2. Edit the global.asa file (:\inetpub\wwwroot\AspenTech\ACOView) and comment out (adding a single quote mark ‘) the "If" and "End If" statements as shown in the attached screenshot. This effectively forces the acceptVisitsWithWrongExplorer URL argument to be defined at all times.
‘If Request.QueryString("acceptVisitWithWrongExplorer").Item = "true" Then
Session("acceptVisitWithWrongExplorer")=true
‘End If
Important note: This procedure only applies to Web Server V8.4 CP1.
Keywords: Supress IE version check, Supress "For the best experience..." message, Production Control Web Server, PCWS, Web Server, V8.4, CP1
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I add a custom KPI to library to AspenWatch? | Solution: Move the KPI.cfg file to the template directory for AspenWatch.
On a Windows 2008 server that would be ProgramData/AspenTech/APC/PerformanceMonitor/template
On a Windows 2003 server that would be Documents and Settins/All Users/ApplicationData/Aspentech/APC/PerformanceMonitor/template
Once moved, when the application is Added to AspenWatch Maker, the KPI calc will be available for selection.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the possible techniques to extract data from Aspen Watch Performance Monitor? | Solution: There are three ways of extracting data from the Aspen Watch Performance Monitor data:
1. Use SQLplus to extract data from IP.21 database
Solution 122675
2. Build a plot list in PCWS | History (tab) and export the data from there
Solution 135516
3. Use the Excel plug-in to get data from IP.21
· select historical values from Aspen Process Data tab in the menu ribbon
· specify the tag name location. The blank mapping will give the measurement/value for the tag. If other parameters are needed, fill in the map field
· specify the starting and ending time
· specify the output location and click on Apply
Keywords: AspenWatch
Extract data
clc file
vec file
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the recommended software requirements for Aspen PIMS V8.5? | Solution:
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to fix 'Error 1304 Error writing to file Interopt.SECSERVEROBJECTLib.dll'. | Solution: The file Interopt.SECSERVEROBJECTLib.dll interfaces with Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 and for SLM Server 8.4 installation Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 is a prerequisite. Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 installation can be located in the 3rd Party Redistributables folder of V8.4 installation media. A reboot of the computer is required after the installation of Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0.
Keywords: Interopt.SECSERVEROBJECTLib.dll
Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0
1304
References: None |
Problem Statement: When I open an IP.21 Process Browser page by clicking on a saved favorite link or button, the navigation panel on the left hand side is not displayed properly. Instead of the expected links I see the following warning message:
Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage
This is accompanied by "What you can try" and "Most likely causes" suggestions, none of which seem to help resolve the problem.
Depending on the address of the IP.21 Process Browser website you have chosen to save as a favorite you may also see the page freeze with the status bar updating with an escalating counter: Eg.
Exception Checking Objects in frames(xxx)... Access is denied.
Curiously, if you refresh the page, the navigation panel displays correctly making you think that there is a temporary permissions problem. | Solution: The problem is in fact caused by the attributes of the favorite button/link itself. These attributes are saved in an Internet Shortcut (text) file. First, view the properties of the button/link in order to determine the location of the file:
You should then open the file using a text editor.
You will likely find references to an obsolete server name.
Eg: Below in an example Internet Shortcut file, BASEURL is a mismatch to the shortcut URL:
[DEFAULT]
BASEURL=http://OLDSERVERNAME/web21/
[DOC_lIFrame1]
BASEURL=http://OLDSERVERNAME/AspenCUI/local/DefaultLangIFrame.htm
[InternetShortcut]
URL=http://cjp2008-25/Web21/
The inconsistent URLs may have been introduced if you had imported the link from another machine or perhaps had changed the server's name since creating the favorite link. Not all the attributes are shown in the properties dialog box and so you would not have readily noticed the cause of any problems.
Simply correct the URLs in the file and save it. The next time you use the link you will not have the problems described above.
Keywords: Web21
Navigation
Left hand side
Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage
BASEURL
Access is denied
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to setup license server priority for license check out in case of multiple license servers.
or
How to configure client systems to look for license server in specific priority when there are more than 1 license servers. | Solution: Many sites have multiple number of license servers and at times it is required to configure the client system in such a way that client system must check for license on a specific server 1st and then search for the 2nd license server to acquire license.
This knowledge base article describes about the procedure to configure multiple client systems to check for license from 2 license servers in sequence.
The procedure to perform this is to configure the license servers using SLM configuration wizard on the client systems.
Please find the detailed steps below:
Assuming there are 2 license servers available- ATHQSLMSRV & ATUKLIC1. And our requirement is to configure clients in such a way that for the licenses, it should look for ATUKLIC1 first and then ATHQSLMSRV.
1. In client system, open SLM configuration wizard and select "Yes" on welcome page.
2. On "server" page, add both the license servers. Select server name ATUKLIC1 and move up, as shown in figure below.
3. Select "Next" until finish. This will register the client to first look for license from the ATUKLIC1 server and then from ATHQSLMSRV.
Now, if this configuration has to be performed on multiple client systems, it will be a very cumbersome task. Hence, there is a procedure to configure only one client (example system) and then export and run the registry to all other clients will save lots of effort and time.
Registry key to be exported is the SLM registry key:
For V8.0 and above- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\AspenTech\SLM
For V7.3 and below- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\HyproTech\SLM
Note: Path for 32 bit system will be HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\AspenTech or HyproTech\SLM.
Export this registry key and transfer it to the client systems. Run this registry in all the client systems and it will configure all the systems to acquire license on the priority as set for the example system.
Keywords: License server priority
License configuration
SLM configuration
References: None |
Problem Statement: Before sending the SLM logs to AspenTech you may need to mask confidential data, such as user names or IP addresses from those files to meet privacy regulations. This knowledge base article explains how to mask user information when sending the logs automatically via the Auto Upload Tool or manually via e-mail. | Solution: ? The information that you can mask inside SLM log files is:
User name
Machine name
IP address
When the sensitive information is masked, the log file transmitted will display user1, user2, etc. instead of the actual user names; it will display machine1, machine2, etc. instead of the actual machine names and it will display e.g. IP1.IP2.IP3.IP4 instead of an actual IP address.
? What to do when automatically uploading log files (Auto Upload Tool)
In this case you just have to go to the Schedule tab of the configuration utility of the Auto Upload Tool and check the "Scramble User Names" checkbox, then select what data you want to mask.
You can see all the details in the Auto Upload Tool installation guide.
? What to do when manually uploading log files
In this case you will use the SLMScrambler.exe tool that you can find attached to this solution.
USAGE:
SLMScrambler -i [SLM log file name] -o [Output file name] [/u] [/ip] [/m]
/u scramble user name
/ip scramble IP address
/m scramble machine name
Examples:
SLMScrambler -i srv1.log -o result.log /u
SLMScrambler -i srv1.log -o result.log /u /ip /m
The file SLMScramblerMap.txt, that you can also find attached, must be copied to the folder together with SLMScrambler.exe. It is used to store the mapping of user, machine, IP address and it is not sent to AspenTech.
Please note that there is no need to manually edit this file SLMScramblerMap.txt. The tool automatically adds the mapping for any new user or machine into the file. Just make sure to keep this file in the same directory as the executable.
Keywords: Scramble
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why does Pipeline Shipment event not show a weight based option ? | Solution: Pipelines are volumetric by nature.It does not make sense to allow pipeline events be generated on WGT basis which can get into an infinite loop calculating the specific gravity (SPG).
For that reason, Aspen Petroleum Scheduler (APS) and Aspen Olefins Scheduler (AOS) ,WGT basis as unit of measure was removed from v2006.5 and later in Pipeline Shipment events dialog box.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: A new section called Adjust Stop/Start dependent events, has been added to the Model Settings tab associated with the Setting dialog box | Solution: The associated options allow you to truncate seconds from time dependent event Start/Stop times and to select what to automatically adjust, rate or volume, in order to accommodate the time changes.
Adjust Stop/Start dependent events:
These options allow you to specify if seconds will be removed from the Start or Stop times associated with a particular time dependent event. The ability to input Start/Stop seconds through the event dialogs is not allowed and therefore you will not see seconds appear on the event dialog interface. However, the database supports the inclusion of seconds and if seconds are manually entered or imported as part of an event Start/Stop time, these seconds will be used in calculations. Note that inclusion of seconds in the database may also occur when the system makes adjustments to Start/Stop times to meet rate or volume requirements. Though it may not be apparent from the dialog interface, these seconds may exist and will therefore affect calculations unless the Trim seconds for Start/Stop option is selected.
Select Settings | Model Settings from the menu bar or Settings icon to see this option:
A.- Trim seconds for Start/Stop
Select this option to truncate Start and Stop times to exclude seconds. When truncating seconds, Rate or Quantity amounts will be adjusted, if necessary, to accommodate for the difference in time. Selection of this option only applies to new or edited events moving forward. Your selection does not affect existing events. By default, this option is not selected.
B.- Adjust Measure Type
Select what you wish the system to adjust to compensate for the truncation of seconds in your Start and Stop times. You can select Rate or Volume to be adjusted. The default is Quantity.
Possibles Scenarios:
Scenario 1: Default un-check the Trim settings
1. Open with the APS demo model
2. Go to the model setting, check the default setting is un-check for the Trim seconds for start and stop,
3.- Add a new Crude Recipe event as shown
4.Go to the database(ATOrionEvent table) and check the Stop time is with the seconds time, and the Rate/Quantity is with the original value
Scenario 2: With Trim Seconds, and Rate Type
1. Open the demo model on APS
2. Go to the model setting, check the Trim seconds for start and stop option and set the type with Rate ,
3, Add a new Crude Recipe event with same Rate/quantity as above
4. Open access database and get below result (ATOrionEvent table), The stop seconds time is trimmed and the Rate value is changed accordingly with the value of 150.0163
Scenario 3: With Trim Seconds, and Quantity Type
1. Open the demo model on APS
2. Go to the model setting, check the Trim seconds for start and stop option and set the type with Quantity,
3, Add a new Crude Recipe event as below
4. Open access database and get below result (ATOrionEvent table), the stop seconds time is trimmed and the Quantity value is changed accordingly with the value of 191.9792
Note: Selection of this option only applies to new or edited events moving forward. Your selection does not affect existing events. By default, this option is not selected.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do Material pool limits work in Aspen Petroleum Scheduler? | Solution: As of V8.5, Simulator Reloading overwrites the default trend limits by the pool limits when all four of the default trend limits (e.g., Min, Max, MinW, MaxW) are empty/blank.
Here is the way APS /MBO will handle different situations related to Material Pool trend limits:
1. Reloading the simulator with non-empty default trend limits. The trend limits should not be overwritten by the pool limits.
2. Erase existing trend limits via the trend limit dialog (erase all four of them), and reload the simulator again. The trend limits should be overwritten.
3. Default Trend limits are saved into Trend_Screen Table and trend limits for other times are saved in the TREND_LIMIT table
Keywords: Material Pooling, Trend Limits, TREND_LIMIT
References: None |
Problem Statement: What changes need to be made in order for Order Management pages to allow the user to automatically login? | Solution: In the web.config for Order Management, find the following entry. The highlighted flag below needs to be changed to true to allow the user to automatically login, while false will continue to prompt the user to login.
<!--
Set AutoLogin="true" to login the new web site automatically
by using the logged windows account.
Set AutoLogin="false" will bring you to login page
for an account & password access to new web.
-->
<add key="AutoLogin" value="true"/>
Keywords: APEM
eBRS
OrderMng
References: None |
Problem Statement: If you are using lower version Aspen Petroleum Scheduler such as V8.5 and trying to migrate database from Oracle to SQL for APS V8.5, and then upgrade APS to V11 based on SQL server. You may encounter the following error 'Unsupported Data Type in GetNextRows [0]' if the migration process was done improperly.
What is the step by step procedure regarding this migrate and update APS database from Oracle Database V8.5 to SQL Server model , compatible for APS v11 ? | Solution:
Assumptions :
1. You have access to ORACLE Database Schema and SQL Server Enterprise Manager
2. Administrator access and rights required in both ORACLE and SQL Server for Schema changes
3. The Procedure is demonstrated tested and demonstrated through 3rd Party tools like Oracle and MS SQL Server.
This procedure consists of 2 major steps:
1.Convert from Oracle to SQL Server:
2.Update SQL Server V8.5 model to V11
Note:
-The names of Oracle ORION13A and and SQL Server Qatar13A in this procedure are just examples. Replace them by your own names
-Only APS tables are migrated in this procedure. The final model contains APS V11 database structure
The whole procedure to migrate Qatar model Oracle V8.5 to SQL Server V11 is shown as follows.
Step 1. Convert from Oracle to SQL Server:
-Restore Oracle model from dump ExpFull_ORION_13_20200229.dmp as ORION13A
-Create empty SQL Server model QatarV13A on Microsoft Management Studio
-Run V8.5 SQL Server SQLServer_Create_Tables.sql to create empty tables for model Qatar13A
-Start SQL Server Agent if not yet started
-Launch SQL Server Migration Assistant for Oracle 64-bit V8.8
- File, New Project
-Click Connect to Oracle, select Provider, Mode, enter database credentials as shown below:
-Uncheck Load All user objects and check only source schema (ex: ORION13A)
-Expand ORION13A schema and check Tables box:
-Click Connect to SQL Server
-After successful connection this panel shows available SQL Server schemas:
-Unfold and click on Oracle schema
-On left panel source and dest schemas are shown, click Modify
-Select target schema to Qatar13A.dbo
-The left panel now shows Qata13A.dbo, click migrate data
-Program asks to reconnect Oracle and SQL Server schemas:
-Click Continue, ignore messages.
Step 2: Update SQL Server V8.5 model to V11:
-Launch V11 DbUpdate
Apply script generated by DbUpdate to update to Qatar13A to V11:
-Click Migrate PIPELINE tables on Update and follow PSS configuration wizard to complete V11 update
-Run Validation, it should not show any error
-Open modelQatar13A using APS and perform Simulation All to test:
Now, you have finished database migration and update from V8.5 Oracle to v11 SQL Server.
Key Words:
Aspen Petroleum Scheduler, Oracle database, SQL Server database, Database migrate and update.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to configure a calculation to automatically switch the Cim-IO server which the controller is communicating with in case this Cim-IO server goes down and there is redundant server?
Can a controller take advantage of redundant Cim-IO servers? | Solution: It is not possible to modify automatically the IO Source, not even by using calculations. Calculations per se only modify variables attributes such as setpoints, limits, etc. In case the Cim-IO server fails, the only way to switch the IO source is to to manually modify IO source in the ccf and then reload the controller. This will provoke missed cycles and the controller may turn off.
Another idea one may have in mind is to use CCF switcher. Yet, there is a major drawback. CCFSwitcher uses Cim-IO to read the switch point that determines when the switch is going to take place. This is likely the same Cim-IO server that is being replaced by the redundant server.
A third scenario would be to have two controllers running at a time with different names but they would be the same controller. One would get read errors while the other one could be running. There would be side effects of this in that the Cim-IO message log would fill up with bad read error message for the controller that was connected to the redundant server that was not running.
Long story short: There is no such elegant solution for taking advantage of redundant Cim-IO servers.
Keywords: redundancy, Cim-IO server, OPC server, DMCplus, controller
References: None |
Problem Statement: This article lists the license keys needed to use the Aspen InfoPlus.21 64-bit and Aspen InfoPlus.21 64-bit Cluster products.
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 install Aspen InfoPlus.21 64-bit and Aspen InfoPlus.21 64-bit Cluster:
RN_PME_IP64_PRDSRV for Aspen InfoPlus.21 64-bit
RN_PME_IP64_CLSSSRV for Aspen InfoPlus.21 64 bit Cluster product
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: InfoPlus.21, 64 bit, license
References: None |
Problem Statement: Sour water stripper has been used in industry for the purpose of treating sour-water-effluent. Some of sour water strippers rectify top section with liquid pump-around cooling instead of using conventional reflux and condenser-cooling system.
Pump-around stripper is less corrosive, shown good performance for preventing solid salt precipitation. Pump-around Stripper is preferred when processing FCC sour water which includes trace amount of HCN (Cyanide). | Solution: The column 'Stripper' consists feed pump and exchanger, pump-around section is configured with separate pump, cooler and recycle block.
The column is comprised with 30 trays and 33% efficiency.
Key features of process (Treated water spec. and steam to feed ratio) are marked in the custom table.
The column 'Stripper-Int' consists column internal pump-around system which shows similar result with above configuration.
Open Column > Parameter > Solver, please choose 'Modified HYSIM inside-out' solving method which is good application for column with side draw and feed.
Keywords: Sour Water Stripper, Pump Around, Side Draw
References: None |
Problem Statement: This solution frames how to extract information from the AspenWatch Database (IP21) from any current DMCplus application that is currently using. | Solution: There are two basic ways to extract information from AW, the first one involves using the Process Data Excel add-in. This Add-in allow us to extract information to an Excel spreadsheet and save the file as a csv.
The second way is by using Aspen SQL plus, the retrieve information can be saved in .txt file and stored in any path specified within the system.
This solution specifies the steps to retrieve this information using Aspen SQL plus query. To use this solution, please find three documents attached to this solution which are:
The CTLINFO.sql file
The CTLINFO.txt file
A PDF file which contains notes on how to use the CTLINFO.sql or .txt files
Keywords: AspenWatch, AspenSQL plus, IP21
References: None |
Problem Statement: AWMakeVec is a SQL function that can be used to extract Vector files. This Function can be used in the demo Query CreateVectores.sql located in:
C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Performance Monitor\etc\sql\Demo.
However, The AWMakeVec file has a limitation of 60000 Datapoints. | Solution: This 60000 Datapoints was frame due to memory consumption. In most of the cases this limitation should not represent a problem for creating the Vec. Files.
However, If it is required to extract more Datapoints an update of the existing record has to be done. Please find attached to this solution two files: an RLD.file with an update for this record to extract a limit of 3 Millons Datapoint, and PDF file with a few notes on how to mount this RLD. file on the IP21 Database.
Keywords: AspenWatch,IP21
References: None |
Problem Statement: Stream Higher and Lower Heating Value and Wobbe Index User Variable | Solution: The enclosed HYSYS 2.2 case features a user variable that calculates HHV and LHV values for a stream based on data from the GPSA Databook (Volume II - Section 23, Revised Tenth Edition, 1994). It also calculates a Wobbe index based on the ISO 6976 definition.
Note: The HYSYS 2.2 case file has been updated for other later versions (V10.0, V11.0, V12.0). These files are also attached.
The user variable demonstrates how data for the individual components can be combined, and weighted on a mole fraction basis, to calculate an overall stream property. It also illustrates how one user variable (in this case the HHV user variable) can set the values in other user variables.
Also attached is an huv file that will allow this user variable to be imported into any other case. (See Solution #109210 for details on how to import the huv file)
From HYSYS 3.1 onwards these heating values and the Wobbe Index have been calculated as part of the core HYSYS code. See the Simulation Tools \ Correlation Manager \ Gas Properties Correlation section of the HYSYS Help menu (press F1 on the keyboard) for more details. The Gasprops extension (Solution #110060) also calculates these values.
Note
The Knowledge Base examples are provided for academic purposes only and as such are not subject to the quality and support procedures of officially released heritage-Hyprotech products. Users are strongly encouraged to check performance and results carefully and, by downloading, agree to assume all risk related to the use of these examples. We invite any feedback through the normal support channel at [email protected].
KeyWords
Lower Heating Value, LHV, Higher Heating Value, HHV, Wobbe, User Variable
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to setup a Citrix server without Aspen Property Database and connect to a remote SQL Server. | Solution: When setting up aspenONE Engineering application on a Citrix server, it’s not recommended to install Database on Citrix server. Therefore you might need to setup Citrix Server without Aspen Property Database and connect to a Central SQL database server.
Setup Aspen Properties Database on Central SQL Server:
Please follow KB Solution: 145154 to setup Central SQL Server
Setup Citrix machine with registry key to disallow local APED database:
a. A registry entry needs to be created before installing any Aspen Products on the Citrix machine to allow remote Aspen Properties Database only.
b. Download attached Registry and run on the client machine.
The following registry entries needs to be created on user machine
64- Bit Machine:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\AspenTech\APED\xx.0]
"ASPENDB"=dword:00000002
Note: xx means the build number for Aspen Products. Example: 34.0 is a build number for V8.8
32-bit Machine:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AspenTech\APED\xx.0]
"ASPENDB"=dword:00000002
Note: xx means the build number for Aspen Products. Example: 34.0 is a build number for V8.8
Configure Citrix machine to connect Aspen Properties Database on Central SQL Server
Go to Start | All Programs | AspenTech | Process Modeling V8.x | Aspen Properties | Aspen Properties Database Manager. Click OK on the warning message and the Aspen Properties Database Manager will open.
a. In the Aspen Properties Database Manager, on the left side, right-click on Aspen Physical Properties Databases and select Register Database
b. At the Register Properties Database Wizard, fill in the following information:
Uncheck Use LocalDB
<SQL Server Service Path>Server Name: (Note: The default is .\SQLEXPRESS. The “.\” means “this computer”. If connecting to another computer, put the computer’s name first, followed by the SQL Server Service name. Example: Server1\SQLEXPRESS)
Authentication Mode: Select SQL Authentication. (Note: login credentials should be used which has SYSADMIN rights on Central SQL Server. The below login credentials are the default for APED database which would need to be created on Central SQL Server if not available after restoring the Database)
Login Name: apeduser (v7.0-7.3) or apeduser2 (v8.x)
Password: Aprop100 (v7.0-7.3) or Aproperty88# (v8.x)
Database: Select the Database listed in the list of Database Example: APEOSv8.x, APV8x, NISTV8x and FACTV8x.
Click Ok
Repeat step 1 – 7 for all APEOSv8.x, APV8x, NISTV8x and FACTV8x databases.
Exit Aspen Properties Database Manager.
Config.aem file will get updated with registered database.
Keywords: Centralize
APED
Share
Remote Connection
Citrix
Database
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to declare polymers under melting points as solid components | Solution: Please follow the steps to make a model ready to treat polymer under melting points as solids:
1. Enable the calculation option in Properties > Components > Polymer> Characterization > Option
2. Assign a PSD Mesh ID to polymer containing Substream (Usually Mixed).
This can be done Simulations > Setup > Solids> Substreams
Aspen has default input for PSD (particle size distribution). You could also manually edit the PSD.
Key Words
Polymer, Solids, PSD, Melting Points
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it Possible to Control Heating/Cooling Medium Level in Shell Side of Heatx Block? | Solution: A slight workaround is needed. The attached zip is a 2004.1 example with boiling propane cooling down hot oil. In this model, dynamics for the heat exchanger with nominal inlet and outlet volumes of 1m3, and sent to pressure driven AD. AD models the dynamic heatx as a volume followed by an instantaneous heat exchanger followed by another dynamic volume. In the attached dynf, on the heatx configure form user needs to changed everything to Instantaneous except the ColdOut (this is optional - you could keep all the other volumes and this would still work). The ColdOutVol is vapor-liquid. It's total volume is specified above as 1m3, and it's liquid volume is a function of heat transfer. Therefore it is necessary to added a flowsheet equation relating the area of the exchanger (which is usually fixed) to the level of the refrigerant:
K as pos_large(Fixed,0.219479);
BLOCKS("B1").A_exch = K * BLOCKS("B1").ColdInVol(1).Vl;
And then changed A_exch spec from "fixed" to "free". Now the heat transfer area of the exchanger is a function of the refrigerant level. To control this level we need to expose Vl as a control variable in HeatX. To do this you need to copy the library HeatX model to Custom Modeling and write 1 declaration and 1 equality:
Vl as output volume;
Vl = ColdOutVol(1).Vl;
Declaring as "output" means an output control signal can be connected. Attached is the complete example. User need to be careful to specify the OP minimum on the PID to >0 (e.g. 1%) otherwise if the refrigerant flow hits zero, the model calculates Q=0 and the refrigerant level does not change. Specifying 1% calculates a low but non-zero Q allowing the level to go all the way to zero (i.e. almost all refrigerant vaporized). Obviously there is an upper limit - you can specify level = heat exchanger volume because you would need a very high U, A and refrigerant flow.
There is a plan to implement this as enhancement in future release.
Keywords: Heatx
Level
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do you model a water absorber for a Hydrogen Chloride process? | Solution: Aspen Plus backup (.bkp) file used to model this process are attached:
Filename
Description
HCL1.bkp
Water Absorber for Hydrogen Chloride with sensitivity analysis
HCL.bkp
Water Absorber for Hydrogen Chloride with design specification
HCL1-rate.bkp
Water Absorber for Hydrogen Chloride using RateSep with sensitivity analysis
HCL-rate.bkp
Water Absorber for Hydrogen Chloride using RateSep with design specification
HCL.tff
Customized stream format file
Process Description
Water is used to absorb hydrogen chloride from a gas effluent so that the waste gas meets emissions specifications. This example illustrates the modeling of the absorber with dilute water solution chemistry using the electrolytes capabilities in Aspen Plus.
An air stream containing steam, hydrogen chloride, and carbon dioxide is fed into an absorber. Water is added to the column to absorb the hydrogen chloride. The process objective is to add a sufficient amount of water to that the absorber off-gas contains no more than 100 ppm of hydrogen chloride.
Water Absorber Flowsheet
Physical Properties
The components defined in the simulation model are H2O, HCl, H3O+, Cl-, N2, O2, and CO2. The physical property constants for the molecular species are obtained from the Aspen Plus pure component data banks. The property parameters of the ionic species are obtained from the Aqueous data bank. The supercritical components, HCl, N2, O2, and CO2 are specified as Henry's components.
Electrolyte thermodynamics is an integral part of the physical properties. In solution, hydrogen chloride dissociates into hydronium ion and chloride ion. To describe the dilute water chemistry of the system, the following reaction is considered:
HCl <--> H3O+ + Cl-
The Electrolyte Non-Random Two Liquid (NRTL) activity coefficient model, ELECNRTL, is used for liquid phase physical property calculations. The Electrolyte NRTL model is well-suited to represent aqueous electrolyte systems over the entire range of electrolyte concentrations. Electrolyte-molecule binary parameters GMELCC, GMELCD, and GMELCE for the H2O-(H3O+CL-) and HCl-(H3O+Cl-) pairs were retrieved from the built-in ENRTL-RK binary databank.
The Redlich-Kwong-Soave equation-of-state is used for the vapor phase calculations.
Transport property parameters are needed when using the rate-based model, RateSep.
Process Operations
Unit Operation
Aspen Plus Block
Absorber
RadFrac with Equilibrium or Rate-Based modeling
This process is actually rate based, RateFrac or RateSep should be used if available. The RateSep rate-based option in RadFrac is only available in version 2004.1 and higher.
Simulation Model
In modeling electrolyte systems, either the apparent or true component approach can be applied. In this example, the molecular species are the solvent H2O, and the molecular solutes HCl, N2, and CO2. The true species include all the molecular species and the ions, H3O+ and Cl-.
The apparent component approach is used in this simulation model. It is generally preferred for weak electrolyte systems, such as this one. For these systems, the apparent components are easy to identify and their compositions are of main interest.
To examine the operating range of the absorber, sensitivity studies on the effect of varying amounts of water feed were performed. The backup file attached is called HCL1.bkp.
To meet the HCl specification of 100 ppm HCl in the absorber off-gas, a design specification is used to manipulate the water flowrate. The backup file attached is called HCL.bkp.
In the file HCL1-RATE.bkp, a corresponding rate-based column is also simulated with a similar sensitivity study. In general electrolyte scrubbers are often heat- and mass-transfer limited. So equilibrium calculations give you a much better separation for each theoretical stage then can be achieved in reality. The rate-based model needs transport properties and hold-up information; however, if this data is available, the model should be more reliable. Any model should be validated against actual plat data to determine the best approach.
Simulation Results
The plot below shows the sensitivity of the absorber off-gas hydrogen chloride content with varying amounts of water. The off-gas becomes cleaner as the water flowrate is increased.
Off-Gas HCl Concentration vs. Water Flowrate
The rate-based column needed both more stages and a much higher water flowrate to obtain similar HCl concentrations in the effluent. The data in the following plot was obtained with a column of 10 stages whereas the Equilbrium RadFrac model data shown in the plot above had only 2 stages.
Off-Gas HCl Concentration vs. Water Flowrate for a Rate-Based Model
The stream summary results below are for the equilibrium case where enough water is added so that the off-gas emissions specification of 100 ppm hydrogen chloride is met. The stream report format is customized by using a Table Format File (TFF). The Table Format File is attached as HCL.tff.
For the absorber bottoms outlet, the true species molar flowrates and mole fractions are also reported. This gives the extent of dissociation of HCl to its ionic species.
Stream ID
To
From
Phase
WATER
ABS
LIQUID
GAS
ABS
VAPOR
TOP
ABS
VAPOR
BOT
ABS
LIQUID
Substream: MIXED
Temp C
38
90
38.53
42.25
Pres bar
1
1
1
1
VapFrac
0
1
1
0
Comp Flows kg/hr
H2O
HCL
H3O+
CL-
N2
O2
CO2
1905.21
0
0
0
0
0
0
700
100
0
0
50000
15000
3000
2274.35
7.03
0
0
50000
15000
3000
330.86
92.97
0
0
0
0
0
Mass Flow kg/hr
1905.21
68800
70281.38 423.83
Mass Frac
H2O
HCL
H3O+
CL-
N2
O2
CO2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.01
0
0
0
0.73
0.22
0.04
0.03
0
0
0
0.71
0.21
0.04
0.78
0.22
0
0
0
0
0
Avg MW
18.02
29.11
28.71
20.26
*** LIQUID PHASE ***
True Species Mole Fl kmol/hr
H2O
HCL
H3O+
CL-
N2
O2
CO2
105.76
0
0
0
0
0
0
15.82
0
2.55
2.55
0
0
0
True Species Mole Fr
H2O
HCL
H3O+
CL-
N2
O2
CO2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.76
0
0.12
0.12
0
0
0
For the Rate-Based case almost 10 times the amount of water is needed.
KeyWords
environmental applications column tower absorption eletrolytic chemistry
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: I am trying to model the separation of an azeotropic mixture. Is there an example simulation of separating such mixtures with extractive distillation? | Solution: Attached is a 12.1 example bkp file of an extractive distillation system. In the example benzene is added to a water - isopropanol (IPA) mixture to break the azeotrope and produce pure water and IPA in two towers. Benzene is fully recovered and reused in the process.
KeyWords
extractant, benzene, azeotrope
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do you start using Excel with an Aspen Properties model? | Solution: This example demonstrates how you can use the Aspen Properties Excel add-in to predict and understand nitric acid pressure calculations.
These instructions only cover how to create the Excel example, not how to interact with the Aspen Properties GUI. To create a different system, choose the appropriate components and physical property methods within the Aspen Properties GUI, use the blue triangular "next" button to step through some data verification steps, then save the file as an ".aprbkp" file, which can later be imported into the Excel environment.
An Aspen Properties license is needed to run this example.
Before Starting
Make sure that the Excel add-in for Aspen Properties has been installed. Consult the installation instructions in the Aspen Properties Help (Help Topics/Using Aspen Properties/Aspen Properties Excel Calculator/ Configuring the Excel Add-in) for more information on how to install the add-in.
How To Use It
Building the example:
Open a new blank Excel worksheet.
Select cell A1. From the Aspen Properties menu at the top of the Excel worksheet, select Properties Package/Aspen Properties. Browse to the location of the "FromScratch.aprbkp" file, which contains the relevant physical property information. This allows you to use the physical property method and component information within that Aspen Properties file for calculations in Excel.
Select cell A3. From the Aspen Properties menu, choose Select Global Units, then Metric. Notice that you could change some of the individual units of measure if you wanted to from this screen.
Select cell A5. Type "Temp C" in a cell, and type "50" in the cell next to it (B5).
Select cell A7. From the Aspen Properties menu, Select Components, then Select All. Place in Vertical range.
Select cell B6. From the Aspen Properties menu, choose Select Properties, scroll down, and choose Molecular Weight. This portion of the spreadsheet should look like this:
molecularWeight
H2O
.
ETHANOL
.
HNO3
.
H3O+
.
NO3-
.
Select the five cells to the right of the component list (B7 to B11). Choose the Excel function button (fx), and scroll down to Aspen Properties. Choose PureComponentConstant. Select all five components (A7 to A11) for the ComponentList. Select molecularWeight (cell B6) as the PropertyName. Press Shift-Ctrl-Enter to return the results for the formula in the five cells selected. Note that rather than using Shift-Ctrl-Enter you could alternatively put in a single component's molecular weight, then use the "copy down" capability in XL, assuming you had the correct cell references (i.e. put the molecular weight function for water in cell B7, with the reference to cell B6 typed in as "B$6".)
Type "Feed Mole Fraction" in cell A13.
Copy H2O and HNO3 from cells A7 and A9 into cells A14 and B14.
Fill in the table as specified below:
Feed
Mole Fraction
Pressure at
vapor fraction =
H2O
HNO3
0
0.5
1
0
1
.
.
.
0.05
0.95
.
.
.
0.1
0.9
.
.
.
0.15
0.85
.
.
.
0.2
0.8
.
.
.
0.25
0.75
.
.
.
0.3
0.7
.
.
.
0.35
0.65
.
.
.
0.4
0.6
.
.
.
0.45
0.55
.
.
.
0.5
0.5
.
.
.
0.55
0.45
.
.
.
0.6
0.4
.
.
.
0.65
0.35
.
.
.
0.7
0.3
.
.
.
0.75
0.25
.
.
.
0.8
0.2
.
.
.
0.85
0.15
.
.
.
0.9
0.1
.
.
.
0.95
0.05
.
.
.
1
0
.
.
.
Select the first blank cell in the table above (cell C15). Choose the Excel function button (fx) and scroll down to Aspen Properties. Scroll down and choose TVFlash. Select A14 and B14 for the components. Select A15 and B15 for mole fractions. Select B5 for the temperature. Select C14 for the first vapor fraction. Type the appropriate dollar signs in the function arguments as follows: $A$14:$B$14, $A15:$B15, $B$5, C$14. The dollar signs will ensure that certain row or column references stay constant, so that you can fill over and fill down without having the wrong cells referenced. Fill down in the first column of calculations. You should see the calculations done for each composition. Then fill across for the three different vapor fractions.
Highlight the values in the H2O column (A15-A35), then hold down the Ctrl key as you select the columns for the vapor pressure at different vapor fractions (C15-35 through E15-35). Choose Insert/Chart. Choose an XY scatter plot with data points connected by lines. Click Finish. In the chart, there are higher vapor pressures with either pure H2O or pure HNO3 than with a mixture, since the HNO3 dissociates in H2O. In addition, the vapor pressure is higher at lower vapor fractions.
Now change the temperature from 50 C to 20 C. Note the change in the graph's scale.
Now copy the component Ethanol from cell A8 and paste it over the HNO3 cell in the vapor pressure table (cell B14). Note the change in shape and scale of the graph.
A finished example file is included with this script for your reference. Note that in order for this finished example to work correctly, you may need to re-reference the aprbkp file in cell A1 (by going to the Aspen Properties menu and choosing Properties Package/Aspen Properties, then browsing to the location of the .aprbkp file.)
KeyWords
Aspen Properties Excel example
Aspen Properties Excel template
XL
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: A typical redundant Cim-IO configuration consists of two separate Cim-IO servers. TSK_DETECT runs on the InfoPlus.21 server (which is also the Cim-IO client), and when it detects that the primary Cim-IO server is no longer communicating successfully it immediately changes over to the redundant Cim-IO server with minimal interruption of data flow.
However, even with only one Cim-IO server, a configuration could be envisioned where that Cim-IO server is the primary node, and the redundant Cim-IO is installed on InfoPlus.21 itself. If the external Cim-IO goes down for some reason, then data would flow directly to the InfoPlus.21 server, using its own Cim-IO interface.
Is that a supported configuration? | Solution: Yes, that is a supported configuration, and it provides a way to take advantage of Cim-IO redundancy even when you have the "standard" minimum configuration of an InfoPlus.21 server and one external Cim-IO box. Keep in mind that for Cim-IO Redundancy it is recommended that both Cim-IO servers be the same (recent) version, and that to install Cim-IO on InfoPlus.21 would require that it be the same version as InfoPlus.21 itself, since AspenTech does not support mixing versions on the same box. Therefore a configuration like this would require that both InfoPlus.21 and the external Cim-IO run the same version.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I write multiple tags with the Aspen Cim-IO test client (cimio_t_api.exe)? | Solution: The Cim-IO Test API has the ability to write multiple tags by using a simple text file.
- Create a text file using the following format:
TagName Cim-IO Data Type Value Status Device Data Type
01AI0011.PV REAL 7.0 GOOD REAL
01AI0012.PV REAL 10.3 GOOD REAL
Other data types include: double, short, long, ASCII, and etc can be found in the CIM-IO Users guide. If the tag name contains a space then it needs to be enclosed in a double quotes; i.e. "01AI0011 PV"
- Start Test_t_api and choose option a (CIM-IO GET).
- The number tags would dictate how many tags are written out.
- Select 2 under tagname entry options to obtain tag information for a file.
- Specify the full path of the text file contains the tag and value information.
- Here is the typical result.
Keywords: cimio, test api
References: None |
Problem Statement: Does the Aspen Cim-IO client configuration require individual client tasks for each logical device? | Solution: YES. There must be individual Aspen Cim-IO client tasks for the Main, Asynchronous, and Unsolicited processes created for each logical device.
Keywords: tasks, devices, configuration
References: None |
Problem Statement: What to do if I use Dynamic Viscosity data to characterize an assay and the results are inaccurate? | Solution: It is expected to receive inaccurate results when you include Dynamic Viscosity at different temperatures as characterization inputs for your assay. Unfortunately, Aspen Assay Management (AAM) in Aspen HYSYS Petroleum Refining does not support direct fitting of Dynamic Viscosity.
The recommendation is to use Kinematic Viscosity instead, which will provide you more accurate results. For example, given the following experimental data:
With the previous information, we can calculate the following values for Kinematic Viscosity:
The expected results in AAM are shown below:
The following expressions explain the relationship between Kinematic Viscosity and Dynamic viscosity to make the proper conversion and characterize the assay using Kinematic Viscosity.
To understand the metric units involved in this relationship it will be necessary to use an example:
If you still want to report the Dynamic Viscosity in the Assay Results, you need to create a user property as explained in Article ID 000046458.
Keywords: Characterization, Dynamic, Kinematic, Viscosity, Properties, Bulk.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to model a divided wall column using Aspen HYSYS | Solution: There are several ways to model Divided Wall Columns (DWCs) using Aspen HYSYS. Attached is a sample simulation case with 2 conventional columns and the equivalent DWC.
If you see the file there is a column named T-100, which separates the C2, C3 and C4+ in one column. The top columns (DC2 and DC3) represent the original configuration. We have also included a spreadsheets showing the energy savings by modeling the DWC.
Note: There is also a good article in the January 2001 edition of Chemical Engineering entitled "Partitioned Distillation Columns - Why, When & How" that gives a good overview of possible configurations.
Keywords: DWC, divided, wall, column, tower, model, modeling
References: None |
Problem Statement: Two coefficients in the Gulf Coast sample model have the wrong sign convention and should be updated. | Solution: It was found that the coefficients for the feed rate FDR effect on both the Burning Air and Regen Temperature have the wrong signs in the SCCU submodel of the Gulf Coast sample model.
Attached is a model with the corrected coefficients. This model is compatible with PIMS versions 8.1 and higher. If you are user an earlier version, you can easily correct your model by going to the SCCU table and correcting the coefficients in Cells D112-D113. See below.
*TABLE
SCCU
*
TEXT
BAS
FDR
*
Base Case Yields
Feed Rate Effects
*
ZLIMAIR
Burning Air, MMSCFD
373.5
-2088
ZLIMRGT
Regen Temperature °F
1,314
384
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: I have both fixed utilities which always remain the same and variable utilities which change with feed rate. How can I model fixed utility consumption in a submodel? | Solution: KB #129184 describes how to model fixed utility consumption using Fixed column activity approach. In this case if there is a need to shut down the unit user cannot fix the unit capacity to 0 as that will not shut down the fixed utility consumption. The only way to properly shut down the unit is to use DISABLE in T.SUBMODS and to remove all submodel structure from the matrix.
This KB article describes a different approach to model fixed utility consumption in a submodel, that allows shutting down unit with T.CAPS. Please refer to the example below:
There is a new user defined column MUC added to the submodel with entries in CCAPMUC row and relevant UBAL rows:
T.CAPS is used to fix the MUC column activity to 1:
Please note that for CMUC row is a simple IF formula that sets MIN and MAX to 0 if CIS4 MAX is set to 0 and to 1 if CIS4 MAX is set any non-zero value. The same structure needs to be used in T.CASE if changes are made via cases.
Keywords: fixed
utility
capacity
References: None |
Problem Statement: I would like to create an Excel report of all the scenarios in my simulation but whenever I export the pressure flow summary to excel, it only shows one scenario
Applicable Version(s)
V7.3, V8.0, V8.2, V8.4 | Solution: You can select any number of results and any number of scenarios that you like and create an Excel report from it. While you are in your simulation case go to File|Print, the Print dialog box will open. Next select the items from Data, Results and/or Database that you would like to report.
Please note that if you don't select 'All Scenarios' only the scenario which is currently displayed will be reported. Once the selection is done, then select to print in 'Text' form. You will get a message saying 'text file generated'.This will create a .prn or text that you can then save in your folders and open in Excel and format.
Figure 1
Next open Excel, navigate to the location of your saved .prn output file and open it, in order to make the file available ensure you have All Files option selected in your windows explorer, open, dialog box.
The next step is to format the text file so as to organize the results in the Excel spreadsheet. Do this in the 'Text Import Wizard' inside Excel, select the 'Fixed Width' option, then 'Next' until you get to 'Finish' and the report file is then generated as an Excel spreadsheet. You may need to do further formatting after this, but you now have all your simulation results in one place.
Figure 2
An example file is attached to this solution
Keywords: Reporting in excel, All scenarios reporting, print text file.
References: None |
Problem Statement: When I copy and paste a process flowsheet with several streams and unit operations it results in different energy values for the output streams. This occurs for a stream where an assay is attached with the input stream. | Solution: To understand the solutions to this discrepancy in HYSYS Refsys let us consider two streams. Consider a case where streams 1 and 2 both use the Peng-Robinson fluid package and have the same components, but stream 2 has a petroleum assay attached to it. Under identical flash conditions the results would be different for the two streams. This is because each stream has a different property slate.
For arguments sake, now let us copy stream 2 to create stream 2A. HYSYS Refsys will copy information such as components, fluid package, operating conditions but not the assay attached in the original stream 2. Therefore, the copied stream (stream 2A) will have different flash results compared with stream 2.
As a workaround, the user can use the ‘define from stream’ feature to copy from stream 2. In the attached simulation, stream 3 is created by defining from stream 2. In this case all the properties including the property slate has been transferred from stream 2 to stream 3. Under identical flash conditions streams 2 and 3 will now generate equivalent property results.
Fixed in Version
A fix will duplicate the property slate when using the copy and paste feature. If the user wants to restore the copied stream to those defined in the basis environment they will have to detach the assay from that stream.
CQ00517357: The fix is targeted for a future release
Keywords: HYSYS Refsys, Copy and Paste, Define from stream
References: None |
Problem Statement: When logging onto to aspenONE on the iPad, after submitting correct credentials, the user authentication page is displayed again. User has to resubmit credentials, sometime 5 or more times. | Solution: You will notice that the browser progress bar advances only part way when the authentication page is displayed again. Make sure you entered the correct credentials, and click on the Login button again. Repeat until the page has loaded completely and aspenONE home workspace is displayed.
Keywords: aspenONE, iPad, login
References: None |
Problem Statement: Stopping the simulation service rapidly after starting does not unbind the model. This ties up one of the allocated adapters and keep the simulator license checked out consuming tokens. The stalled adapter is not listed as bound or dead in the Admin app System Resources table.
In addition to purposefully closing the simulation services panel shortly after activating Simulation services, this can also occur by dragging the panel to the top of the window, as this action “recycles” or closes the adapter. | Solution: / Workaround
Users should not stop the simulation service rapidly after starting it. The problem does not occur if the service is given enough time to complete binding the adapter to the model.
If the problem occurs, there will be an Aspen Plus or Aspen HYSYS process running on the simulation services machine. This process will have to be manually stopped using the task manager on the service machine.
Keywords: aspenONE, adapter simulation service, license, tokens, system resources, admin, orphan
References: : CQ00524034 |
Problem Statement: Usageログレポートの参照の為のアカウント申請方法 | Solution: Usageログレポートの参照には以下の２つのユーザアカウントが必要となります。
1. AspenTech support website用のユーザアカウント
2. Usageログレポート閲覧用のユーザアカウント
AspenTech Support website用のユーザアカウント申請方法
1. http://support.aspentech.com/にアクセスしてください。
2. 左側のペインの“Register Now”をクリックしてください。
3. Emailアドレスを入力し、submitボタンを押してください。
4. 必要情報を記入してsubmitしてください。
通常2日ほどでIDが使用できるようになります。
Usageログレポート閲覧用アカウント申請方法
[email protected]にメールにて申請をお願い致します。
タイトルは「request the ALC permission to access to the Token Usage」にして頂き、会社名、お名前、メールアドレスを記述して申請してください。
Usageログレポートの閲覧方法ですが、上記のユーザアカウント２つの申請が終了すると以下の手順で
閲覧が可能となります。
1. http://support.aspentech.com/にアクセスしてください。
2. 左側のペインの“Report Token Usage”をクリックしてください。
KeyWords
Token Usage Report
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is total character string length allowed for the Aspen Batch Process Developer path and file name added together? | Solution: Theoretically, the limit should be 256 due to the windows environment. However, testing shows that it is about 246 including spaces.
Keywords: path
length
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I specify the number of shell cans? or How to control the rolling capacity? | Solution: If the shell is long, it will usually be made up of several rolled steel shell cans. Customer standard lengths are determined by the rolling capacity, so anything longer than this standard needs to be made up of 2, 3 or sometimes 4 shell cans.
The rolling capacity varies across manufacturers
There is an entry under Exchanger Geometry|Shell|Shell Cylinder
To modify the rolling capacity you need to access the costing database ( from the main menu go to Tools|Data Maintenance|Costing Database).
The following entries control maximum shop rolling capacity
So if for example you want two sections for a 240” long shell that falls within the shop rolling capacity, the entries below (maximum length of cylinder that can be rolled = 120”) will give you 2 sections (i.e. 2 shell cans (240/120).
Keyword(s) shell, cans, cylinder, control
Keywords: None
References: None |
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