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Problem Statement: How does the Field Fabrication setting for Equipment work in the Aspen Capital Cost Estimator? The equipment parameters I entered designed it to be field fabricated, but I am still getting setting hours and labor cost for the equipment items. Why?

Solution: Field Fabrication for equipment depends on what is specified in the Equipment specification form in the Design Basis [Design Basis | Equipment Specs). You set the maximum diameter, length, or weight or a combination of those to a certain number of feet (or Meters), and anything UNDER that maximum is done in the SHOP (where the labor hours are rolled up into the material cost), and additionally, you will see some Field labor hours (man-hours) for the erection or installation of that item. Anything OVER that maximum diameter, the item will be Field Fabricated. When your input parameters for the equipment item (let's say for example, a Heat Exchanger) there will be shop and field costs associated with the Heat Exchanger....even though in the Design Basis, the specification of FIELD fabricated is met. What you see in the Vendor Cost Data section of the Design Data sheet for the equipment item is that PART of the Heat Exchanger is produced in the SHOP and the rest of it is produced in the field. When looking at the vendor cost data, you will see that there are SHOP costs with the FIELD FABRICATED item.....those costs are subcontractor costs which are rolled up into the material cost, thus the FIELD FABRICATED material cost is higher. Additionally, you will see a difference in the Equipment setting man-hours between Shop Fabrication and Field Fabrication. Setting a remote fabricated vessel is just picking up, placing and hooking up the connection. However, setting a field fabricated vessel includes picking up, placing the partial parts of the vessel, then welding them together and then hooking them up. This is why you will see a much larger number in the equipment setting hours for field fabrication than for shop fabrication. Keywords: field, fabrication, fab, setting, equipment, vendor, manhours, labor, man-hour References: None

Problem Statement: How do I migrate AUP models larger than 50 MB but without the use of Command prompt?

Solution: To be able to migrate the models greater than 50 MB from the UI, you'll need to modify the Web.config file as follows: Change the <httpRuntime targetFramework=4.5 maxRequestLength=51200 maxUrlLength=500/> to <httpRuntime targetFramework=4.5 maxRequestLength=351200 maxUrlLength=500/> and <requestLimits maxAllowedContentLength=52428800/> to <requestLimits maxAllowedContentLength=352428800/> A modified copy of the file is also attached here, you can replace the original Web.config file with this one. This file will be located in the C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Unified\Web location. Note: Microsoft guidance on hardening IIS is to keep these values set to minimum necessary. Large values make the system more vulnerable to DOA attacks (the limit is global to the application). The safer reSolution is to provide an API to perform the file upload in chunks, which will be done in the V14 release. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How does MBO create Periods?

Solution: MBO enforces a rule that no interval between time periods should be less than 60 minutes, except if the interval involves the beginning or end of a blend event. In that case it allows for shorter intervals between time periods. The logic for implementing the min 60-minute rule is as follows: Create all time periods corresponding to all start and stop of events Starting at the end of the horizon, check one-by-one if time periods are generating intervals shorter than 60 minutes. If they do, delete the time period Continue until the beginning of the inventory Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How do I Use Location indexing in Aspen Capital Cost Estimator?

Solution: See the attached document on how to use the location indexing in Aspen Capital Cost Estimator. Location indexing applies to material costs developed by the system and only within the specified account code range; quoted costs are not affected by indexing. A defined location index will compound with a material index in the same account code range. Thus, a cost value developed for a defined country base can be brought to a company base using material index values and further brought to another location using location index values. If a material escalation value is used, this too will compound as will the 1. Country base cost x Material indexing => Company cost (calibration) 2. Company cost (calibration) x Base Location Index x Construction Location Index => Location cost at base time 3. Location cost at base time x Material Escalation index => Location cost at planned time For Example: 1. The Base index is supposed to be the base value for the Construction Location Index. 2. Normally you would put the Target location index value in the Construction Location Index, and the Base would either be 1.0 or the Base that you have already calibrated the project to with the other normal indexes. 3. The adjustment to material costs is calculated by: Output Cost = (Construction Location Index/ Base index) * System Cost. Basically this allows a user with an arbitrary set of index values. For example, say I have a project, and it is currently calibrated and adjusted to be for the ACME location. I know the index value for ACME is XXX. But now, I want to do the project in London. I know the index value for London is ZZZ. So, I put in the Base index as XXX (ACME location) and the Construction Index as ZZZ (London). The system will then multiply costs by the ratio of ZZZ to XXX (ZZZ/XXX). So, if ZZZ (London) is 2 times XXX (ACME) then the costs will double. Keywords: location indexing indexing location References: None

Problem Statement: How do I use the Case comparison wizard in PIMS V12?

Solution: The new Case comparison wizard has been added starting in PIMS V12, which allows you to quickly generate a comparison report in a variety of output formats. This wizard allows you to select cases from different data sources and models, extending the capability of the standard Case Comparison Report functionality. Please note that you can only compare case results from the same model types. For example, you cannot compare period model cases with standard model cases. To access the wizard: Click Run | Case Comparison Wizard The wizard covers the following steps: 1. Add Data sources: Select where the case data is coming from.By default, the data source associated with the current model is visible.If you have run the wizard previously, your previous selections are displayed.By default, the data location associated with the current model is visible. Data can come from SQL and/or Access database files. The wizard allows you to add multiple sources. Click + to add the desired data source(s) from which you would like to view data. 2. Select Models: All models available from the selected data sources are visible. Select the models to include. 3. Select Cases: Select the cases to compare. These cases are those included in the report. You can optionally filter to only show cases you have created or to show only the results from the most recently executed case, in the situation where you have run the same case multiple times. Note: If in a future session, the cases you have referenced in the wizard have been deleted, you will not see them in the display. For P-PIMS cases, Daily totals are displayed by default. Select Period totals to have daily rates multiplied by the period length to calculate and display the period totals. At this point, you can click Run Report or proceed to define specific Report Criteria. 4. Define Report Criteria: Select report output options and sections to include in the report. Below are additional details. Option Description Output file name Specify a report name and location. By default, the output file location is the location of the current model. Output formats Select the format of the generated report. Open after report is generated Select if you want the generated report to immediately display after the report is generated. For multi-period cases, calculate For period models only, select if you want totals to display as period totals or daily totals. Select report sections Select which sections to include in the generated report. 5. Review Summary: After basic information has been selected, click Run report to generate a report. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: V12 PIMS- New XSLP Solver option- Concurrent

Solution: In Aspen PIMS V12, the Concurrent option has been added. If you have more than one core available, this LP Solver option allows the system to run the Primal Simplex, Dual Simplex and Newton-Barrier algorithms side-by-side in separate threads. They are run in the order of Dual, Newton-Barrier and then Primal Simplex. This is useful when none of the LP Solver algorithms is the obvious choice. The solve will stop with the first algorithm that solves the problem. Note: Non-reproducible results may occur when using this option. When multiple algorithms are run concurrently, there is a slight potential for non-deterministic results even with the same number of available threads on machines with comparable speeds. This may be due to convergence tolerances, different startingSolutions, and/or available system resources. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: What do the different concurrency levels mean in the Parallel Processing settings?

Solution: The Processor Concurrency level selection will determine the number of cores used by the solver. This option is model dependent and can also be set from the Run dialog. Selection from the Run dialog affects the selection here and visa versa. If the required number of keys/tokens are not available, the system will only parallelize up to 48 concurrent processes. Options are as follows: Default (<= 48 processes) Default. No additional keys/tokens will be checked out. Execution of cases will be parallelized up to and including 48 concurrent processes, depending on of the number of cases included in the case stack. Level 1 (<=128 processes) Execution of cases will be parallelized up to and including a maximum of 128 concurrent processes. If the case stack contains more than 48 cases, the Level 1 number of keys/tokens will be checked out. Level 2 (<=700 processes) Execution of cases will be parallelized from 129 concurrent processes up to a maximum of 700 processes. For this option, the Level 2 number of keys/tokens will be checked out if a case stack has more than 128 cases. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How do I produce more accurate results for properties during Characterization using Assay Manager?

Solution: In past versions of Assay Manager, you could choose to Match Whole Crude Properties or Match Cut Properties when performing the characterization process. However, for some properties, matching the cut properties produces more accurate and relevant results, while for other properties, whole crude properties are the best choice. In V12, Aspen Assay Management allows you to specify which option to prioritize on a property-by-property basis when performing the characterization process. Both the Characterize Assay split button on the Input Assay form and the Characterize split button on the Home ribbon tab were transformed into regular buttons. Instead, the Options tab now contains a Property Match Setting table. This table allows you to select whether to match assay cuts, whole crudes, or match both for each individual property by clicking the Cut, Bulk, or Both radio button in the associated row. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: There are some items in CONTINGENCY AND MISC. PROJECT COSTS and INDIRECTS which the system allows us to input various cost figure or percent, but does not allow us to customize or modify the calculation formula. However, sometimes we need use different formula to calculate the cost. For example, we would like to calculate some of our indirect codes of account based on percent of Direct Field Labor (DFL), Direct Materials cost or percent of Direct Hours.

Solution: The indirects is an external customer file that is modified by the user outside the system, in the LIBRARIES Tab (Customer External Files - Indirects). You can create a new file, or duplicate an existing file to add your specifications: Once the new file or duplicated file is created, just highlight the specifications selection and this window will appear, allowing you to edit the fields and add more columns. Once you are finished adding your indirect items, exit out of your library file and open or create your project. Then, using your Project's Project Basis View tab, there is an option called Customer External Files - Indirects - Proratables. Select the external file you wish to use, and then Edit the file by right-clicking on Indirects - Proratables and selecting Edit. Keywords: proratables, indirects, external References: None

Problem Statement: How do I improve the table load time for models with large CASE tables?

Solution: Starting with PIMS V11, the Suppress CASE Table Generation Warnings (AO only) option has been added to the Miscellaneous tab of the Reporting dialog box. If selected, the system skips the processing required to generate the W500 warnings related to the CASE table when the CASE table is loaded. Generation of these warnings can take a long time if the CASE table is unusually large. This option allows you to omit the warning processing and thus can improve the table load time. This is only applicable to AO. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How to avoid password-related issues when setting up clustering using Microsoft HPC pack?

Solution: Before using the HPC feature, you'll need to register the password. To do so, you must perform the following steps: 1. Open either a command prompt or HPC PowerShell window with admin rights. 2. Enter following command: job submit /numnodes:2 /jobtemplate:<jobtemplate> /scheduler:<cluster headnode> hostname The arguments for jobtemplate and scheduler options depend on the HPC environment configuration 3. The command will prompt you for a password. 4. The next prompt will ask you to save the password which you should type “Y” for yes. Note: The password defined above is cached on the HPC head node which means if the HPC head node gets rebooted, then the cache is lost and the user will need to run the command again to register the password. The XSLP_Control.log will have output asking the user to register the password and that is when you know the password needs to be registered Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How do I configure the pre-requisites for the Clustering feature in PIMS if not using Microsoft HPC pack?

Solution: Prior to using clustering, please note the following: PIMS must be installed on all machines in the cluster. The installation path/directory must be exactly the SAME on all machines. The MPI component uses Microsoft's MSMPI. You will need to perform a manual configuration/setup step that is not automated by Microsoft. This configuration step registers your credentials for the MSMPI service. If not using Microsoft HPC Pack, you will need to manually execute the following command to register your current credentials on all clustering nodes. This should be done before using the clustering feature. Unless you change the clustering nodes that are being used, you will only need to execute this command once. Command to register (xxx.xx.xxx is an IP address or hostname.) mpiexec -hosts 1 xxx.xx.x.xxx 1 -pwd <ProvideAPassword> -savecreds hostname After the command is executed, the password is saved to the registry. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How do I enable the pipeline functionality in Aspen Capital Cost Estimator allowing the ability to add pipeline areas and segments?

Solution: To enable pipeline projects, the Allow pipeline areas option must be set when a new Aspen Capital Cost Estimator project is created. It is also possible to select the existing PIPELINE standard basis files into a project. Pipeline report groups... and areas may then be added in the Project View. The pipeline segment, itself, is added using the Above grade or buried pipeline segment component (under Plant bulks | Piping). NOTE: The following features are not supported in pipeline projects. ? Engineering drawing types and counts Location indexing Customer external indirects and proratables Scheduling adjustments Contractor scope definitions and exceptions Contractor features are not applicable to pipeline projects, only indirects are available Keywords: pipeline References: None

Problem Statement: How to easily incorporate hybrid models into PIMS- AO by using the Autogenerate feature?

Solution: To provide seamless integration of hybrid models with PIMS-AO, a feature is available to easily incorporate a hybrid model's structure into PIMS-AO. This feature allows you to take an existing PIMS Hybrid external model and autogenerate a submodel template. The model's structure is saved to an .xlsx file. This file contains the input and product ports, operating parameters and utilities, with default values, from the Hybrid model. Pre-requisite: A Hybrid model exists as an External Model in PIMS How to autogenerate and attach Hybrid Models: On the PIMS model tree, click the External Models tab | External Models | <name of external Hybrid model>. Right-click and click Create PIMS Container Submodel. The Open dialog box appears. Enter the name of the file and specify a location. By default, the File name will be the name of the Hybrid model. Click Save to save the file. This creates an .xlsx with a sheet called External Model Submodel Data. On the PIMS model tree, click the Tables tab | Tables | Submodels | Submodel Tables and expand the desired submodel table. Right-click on the desired main table name (e.g., SCCU -- Cat Cracking Unit) and click Add. On the Open dialog box, select the new hybrid submodel file and click Open. On the Select Sheets dialog box, select the appropriate sheet and click OK. The new submodel sheet appears in the model tree. Suppress the submodel sheets you will not be using. Make any changes to the .xlsx structure file as desired. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How can I view the Hybrid models Equations in the matrix?

Solution: Coefficients, exponents and the functional form of all equations associated with Hybrid models are considered AspenTech intellectual property. As such, equations associated with the Hybrid Model XLP matrix are not viewable. The impact of this is as follows: Matrix Analyzer will display Hybrid model variables and equation names, but the equation syntax will not appear. Matrix Comparison of .XLP files that contain Hybrid Model Data is not supported. PIMS generated Hybrid Model files will not include equations. This includes XSLP_Control.log and applicable .mps files. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How do I add a Reduced order XLP model to PIMS-AO?

Solution: Starting with V12, you can use the Aspen Hybrid Models utility from the Aspen Engineering Suite, to produce a reduced order XLP submodel file that can be consumed by PIMS. The Hybrid Models tool provides automatic mapping based on an SMC file that is exported from PIMS, thus allowing for minimal required mapping when the new, reduced order model is brought back into PIMS. Attach this new type of file using the Add External Model dialog box. Prerequisites: A PIMS model has exported an SMC file for a specific submodel The Aspen Hybrid Models web application has used the SMC file to build a reduced order XLP model and exported this model to a .xlp file. To add a reduced order XLP model to PIMS: From the PIMS model tree, click External Models. Right click on the External Models node and select Add External Model from the shortcut menu. The Add External Model dialog box apepars. Select XLP Model as the Model Type. Click Browse to navigate to the location of the .xlp file and click Open. Name the model as desired. Click OK. The new model is attached to the External Models branch. Perform any necessary mappings to the new XLP external model. Disable the old submodel from the SUBMODS table, if applicable and/or replace it with the new submodel. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: What are the types of Project Schedule Data Sheets?

Solution: The Project Schedule Data Sheet lists the fabrication and ship times for equipment items by class and provides barcharts of the following: General Schedule: Balanced display of Basic and Detail Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC). Engineering Schedule: Details for Basic and Detail Engineering and Procurement; summary for Construction. Construction Schedule: Details for Construction- others summarized. Contracts Schedule: Schedule for contractor(s). When a single contractor is performing all work, this schedule shows no new information. Keywords: Schedule, Project Schedule, Data Sheet References: None

Problem Statement: Is there a way to develop schedule in ACCE without connecting to Primavera Project Planner?

Solution: The answer is yes, Aspen Capital Cost Estimator generates a CPM barchart planning schedule based on the scope of work defined for the project. The project schedule includes dates and durations for the following: Design engineering Procurement Delivery of materials and equipment Site development Construction Start-up and commissioning The construction schedule is integrated with the cost estimate to provide a basis for the schedule-dependent costs such as equipment rental requirements, field supervision, and construction management. This type of automatically generated timetable is done in a basic way if you want to develop a more detailed and specialized schedule connection to Primavera Project Planner. To find more information on where this schedule can be viewed, please open the following link: https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000097402 Keywords: Project Schedule, CPM Barchart, Construction Schedule, Primavera Project Planner References: None

Problem Statement: What are the options to suppress the default volumetric model and how to select them in ACCE?

Solution: Aspen Capital Cost Estimator offers two options to suppress the default volumetric model: M Option: Suppresses equipment volumetric model bulks and most of the system developed area and project bulks. This will ignore Engineering and Construction Workforce, Power Distribution, Process control, Panel Board, Contracts, Project Execution Schedule, and all area design basis option to develop estimate and reports. No standard ACCE estimates and reports will be developed. N Option: Suppresses equipment volumetric model bulks and most of the system developed area bulks. Multiple contractors and CONSETS are allowed and standard ACCE estimates and reports will be generated for this option. How to select one of the two options? In the Project Basis View tab we will find the Project Basis, to be able to configure the above, we need to click on “General Project Data” The following window will open, and here we will be able to select the option of our interest. Keywords: M Option, N Option, Volumetric Model, Suppress Volumetric Model, Default Volumetric Model References: None

Problem Statement: I see in a component input form for ACCE, there are fields for Equipment Safety Dimension X, Y & Z. What are these fields for? Is there a

Solution: document for safety fields? Solution Equipment Safety Dimensions are dimensions beyond the footprint based on rules of thumb from Industry. These are governed by insurance rules. It prevents from having one equipment within the safety dimension of another equipment. Used only for Automatic area sizing. It was initially used as rules for plot plan on another AspenTech product, Aspen Basic Engineering (ABE) but are no longer used. Keywords: Equipment Safety Dimension, Equipment Location Level. References: None

Problem Statement: Can I have a list with all Abbreviations that are possible in Installation Bulks? Not only the ones shown in the example below but all of them.

Solution: Those symbols are referring to the dropdown menu 'Options' for the component. They will appear based on data entry under those forms (* indicates data has been modified by user on that form). All those symbols appearing on the 'Installation Bulks' form under List view -They stand for according to the Options menu descriptions - % = Mat'l / Man-hours % Adj. + = Mat'l / Man-hours Additions P = Pipe - Item Details Ps = Pipe - General Specs D = Duct C = Civil S = Steel I = Instrumentation E = Electrical In = Insulation Pt = Paint Keywords: Installation Bulks, Installation Bulk Symbols. References: None

Problem Statement: I would like to add additional weight from packing to the weight of the equipment. How do I adjust the weight of the vessel in Aspen Capital Cost Estimator?

Solution: User can add the extra weight from 'Mat'/Man-hour additions' form under 'Options'. Please see below - As a minimum, user will to need provide the item description, Code of Account, and Material Cost. Keywords: Adjusting Weight, Packing Material Weight, Mat'l Man-hour Additions. References: None

Problem Statement: We do project cost estimates for a client who classifies Foremen and Operators as Indirect Labor, as opposed to direct field labor. Is there a way to have the software exclude those hours from Direct Labor when compiling the estimate?

Solution: The operators and foreman labor hours cannot be made zero. There are no settings available to implement this. User can exclude the labor costs by using a 0 or nearly 0 wage rates for these crafts. Keywords: Foreman Hours, Foreman Labor, Wage Rates. References: None

Problem Statement: HTP plots can be saved into the following directory C:\inetpub\wwwroot\AspenTech\Web21\Plots when launching IE with “Run As Administrator”, otherwise, the following error shows up. “Permission denied – No account was found: Launch browser using ‘Run as Administrator’ or contact your administrator” ‘Web.21 HPT’ selected for History Plot option as shown below, no issue saving plots when ‘aspenONE Process Explorer’ is selected or using Chrome:

Solution: 1. First try to allow everyone to access ‘Plots’ folder per the KB below. https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000099411 If the aboveSolution does not work, then try to allow IE to save files on this computer: Run IE as administrator →Internet options→ Advanced→ check ‘Allow active content to run in files on My Computer’→ apply and restart IE Go back to PCWS and try to save the plot again. If the above steps do not work. Please contact Aspentech Support. Keywords: Production Control Web Server, Permission, Plot. References: None

Problem Statement: How to Export a JSON File from Aspen Hysys for Use in Aspen Multi-Case?

Solution: You can also export a .json file from Aspen HYSYS that stores the configuration of your Case Study. To do so: On the Export Configuration view, select the Save to Multi-Case Json File radio button. Click File location. On the Export a JSON file for Aspen Multi-Case Application dialog box, navigate to the desired location and specify a File name. Click Save. Click Export. A .json file is created in the specified location. If you import this file into an Aspen Multi-Case Case Study project, all independent and dependent variables from the Case Study are imported, and the new scenario is ready to run. Keywords: JSON File, Aspen HYSYS Case Study, Aspen Multi-Case. References: None

Problem Statement: How to export an Aspen HYSYS Case Study to Aspen Multi-Case as a Scenario?

Solution: You can export an Aspen HYSYS Case Study directly to Aspen Multi-Case. To do so: On the Export Configuration view, in the Create Multi-Case Scenario group, select one of the following radio buttons: Case Study: This is the default selection. Case Study scenarios let you perform a what if analysis in order to monitor the steady state response of key variables to changes in your process. Reduced Order Model - Planning: Reduced Order Model projects generate the data to create reduced order models in AI Model builder, facilitating the creation of surrogate models for rigorous HYSYS or Aspen Plus models. For Planning models, you select the applicable independent and dependent variables. Reduced Order Model - Unified: Aspen Unified scenarios facilitate integration between Aspen Multi-Case and Aspen Unified. Aspen Unified integrates planning and scheduling activities into a single dynamic environment. It brings together planning, scheduling, dynamic optimization and operations accounting into a common unified environment where assets and data can be shared where needed to build fit-for-purpose models to produce consistent decisions. Click Export. Aspen Multi-Case opens in your web browser. The Creating Case Study Scenario dialog box appears, displaying the progress of scenario creation. When the scenario has been created, the following message appears on the dialog box: Scenario Created Successfully. All independent and dependent variables from the Case Study are imported, and the new scenario is ready to run. Click Finish to close the dialog box. Keywords: Aspen HYSYS Case Study, Aspen Multi-Case. References: None

Problem Statement: Where is the documentation for the USER3 EO models?

Solution: The latest version of the DMO.HLP file seems to be from 2002. I have attached this file, along with the two Word documents (and .PDF versions) which document the EOTRAYDP and EOPACKDP models, and example .CFG files for those models (one PACKDP .CFG file and three TRAYDP .CFG files --- one each for bubble cap, sieve, and valve trays). I hope this helps satisfy the need. Keywords: Equation-oriented References: None

Problem Statement: I observed duplicate entries in the archives i.e. some file sets are present in shifted as well as changed with different time stamps. This causes increase in backup size. What is the reason for the duplication? How can we avoid it? Which one to be considered for restoration in case of system crash?

Solution: By default the Aspen InfoPlus.21 automated backup program, TSK_HBAK, saves shifted and changed file set backups to separate locations: - Shifted file sets are saved in a folder named \Shifted - Changed file sets are saved in a folder named \Changed Q : What is the reason for the duplication There are various reasons for this. Changed Closed Archive Files – On some systems, data may be written to the database with timestamps that are in the past. When this occurs, the archive program will attempt to find the correct archive for the timestamp written. If the timestamp falls into the time range of the current active archive, then it is written to the active archive. But, if the timestamp is older than the beginning of the current active archive, the archive program will attempt to find an archive that is currently mounted with write access in which to place the data. This modified archive now needs to be saved once again by the History backup program. If file sets shifted and then later changed then it will go to shifted as well as changed. Q: Is there any way we can avoid this and have only required archive files. TSK_HBAK will overwrite the file set if you back up changed or shifted file sets. If the folder name for both shifted and changed backups is the same then the shifted backups will be overwritten by changed backups. Therefore, the best way to keep the most recent file set whether it has been shifted or changed is to save both the shifted and changed file sets to the same folder. This can be done by simply setting the same values for the fields SHIFTED_LOCATION and CHANGED_LOCATION from the history backup record. Q : Which one to be considered for restoration in case of system crash If you want to restore the file sets, then you will consider most recent one (with the most recent timestamp) Keywords: Duplicate archive files Shifted and changed References: None

Problem Statement: I have installed and configured AURA (Aspen Unified Reconciliation and Accounting). The AURA data acquisition window is not able to fetch the data. I am able to get the data successfully using AspenOne Process Explorer on AURA server. However, IP21 data is not getting fetched in AURA model.

Solution: 1. Make sure that in your relational database, db_Owner permission is granted for Database Role membership as shown in following screenshot. 2. Go to Internet Information Service (IIS) Manager, expand the datasource and make sure that Read/write permission is granted in Authentication Anonymous, Basic, forms and Windows. 3. Make sure that in the Internet Information Service (IIS) Manager, Aspen Unified Pool is running under the account the same account as that of AspenOne Process Explorer services are running. 4. Make sure that Aspen Unified Agent Supervisor Service is running under the same account as that of AspenOne Process Explorer services are running. 5. Make sure that domain security on A1PE is disabled. 6. Make sure that you have performed scanned all the tags using A1PE admin. Keywords: Tag Name is invalid AURA References: None

Problem Statement: If you had used Cim-IO Interface Manager in the Cim-IO server to add the interface, Cim-IO Store and Forward would have been enabled. You can verify by performing as following. This article explains the steps to verify if the store and forward is configured correctly.

Solution: 1) Launch Cim-IO Interface Manager. 2) Expand OPC Interface assuming you are using 3) Select the configured interface. 4) Check and ensure that the checkbox beside Enable Store&Forward is ticked. If the checkbox is not ticked, you will need to 1. Tick the checkbox beside Enable Store&Forward. 2. Click on Save Configuration button. 3. Right-click on the configured interface. 4. Select Stop from the context menu. 5. Right-click on the configured interface. 6. Select Start from the context menu. You can verify by 1) Launch Windows Task Manager. 2) Click on Details tab. You will be able to see the following processes running. - AsyncDlgp.exe - cimio_sf_scanner.exe - cimio_sf_store.exe - cimio_sf_forward.exe You need to ensure in IP.21 that the configured logical device is using store and forward. 1) Launch IP.21 Administrator. 2) Expand InfoPlus.21 | <IP.21 data source name below Neighbourhoold>. 2) Expand CIM-IO. 4) Select the configured logical device. 5) Check and ensure that IO_STORE_ENABLE? field is set to YES. If it is set to NO, you will need to 1) Set IO_DEVICE_PROCESSING field to OFF. 2) Set IO_STORE_ENABLE? field to YES. 3) Activate the IoGetDef records. Keywords: Store and forward Enable Store&Forward IO_STORE_ENABLE IO_ASYNC References: None

Problem Statement: Shortcut distillation - Updating the MICROCUT data by utilizing Assay Management

Solution: Starting with V12, you can update MICROCUT data using the Aspen Assay Management system. Prerequisites to using this feature: MICROCUT data is available AO is enabled Shortcut distillation is enabled To launch this feature to update microcut data: Click the Model Tree Tables tab. Click Shortcut Distillation. Right-click MICROCUT and select Manage Microcut Data from the shortcut menu. The Assay Management system launches. You will see the microcut data and you can change the data and select to Update PIMS tables. The updated microcut data is sent back to PIMS. The new data is written to the existing MICROCUT table and another file is created with the file name OLD### appended to save the existing microcut data. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: After either Workbook or any Spreadsheet Report is exported to Excel, the Excel application doesn’t open automatically.

Solution: If Excel application doesn’t open automatically, it is possible that the excel.exe Path needs to be added in the Environment Variable. First, the excel.exe path can be found through File Explorer. Depending on what MS-Office version is installed, commonly the excel.exe file is found in the following paths: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office If the previous path doesn’t exist, then perform the following: Open the File Explorer, and open the following folder: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office Use the Search tool to find the excel.exe file. Once the excel.exe file is found, copy only its path (excel.exe should not be included in the path) and paste it in some editor, e.g., Notepad. Adding the excel.exe path to the Environment variable. Click on the Windows button and type Environment Variable. Click on Edit the system environment variables. The System Properties dialog is opened. Click on the Advanced tab and click on the Environment Variables… button. The Environment Variables window is open. From the System variables box, select the Path variable and click on Edit… button. The Edit environment variable dialog is opened. Click on New button, copy the excel.exe path from Notepad, and paste it in the new path field. Click on Ok button. Then from Environment Variables window click on Ok button. Finally, from the System Properties window click on the Apply button, and then the Ok button. Keywords: Workbook, Hysys report, excel.exe path References: None

Problem Statement: I want to move tags from IP_PVDef to IP_AnalogDef with minimum data loss. How can I approach this activity?

Solution: There are different options available to do this activity. Option 1 : Delete the tags from old record and recreate them using new Definition. The history data collected so far will be lost. If you need them, please export the history data first before deleting the tags then import them back after creating the analog tags. Option 2 : There is a utility called as Redefine Wizard. Please refer https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000076418 This procedure moves all the records defined against the old definition record to the new one. If you are creating a new record from scratch, then there are high chances of data loss. If you are duplicating the record. i.e. duplicating CustomDef and call it CustomNewDef and adding the new fields to CustomNewDef , Then there won't be much data loss. Keywords: IP_PVDef to IP_AnalogDef Definition change References: None

Problem Statement: I want to move the get and put records from one CIMIO interface to other CIMIO interface. The new interface is already in the production and receiving data from OPC side and has its own get and put records configured and receiving data of its existing tags. For example, we want to move Get and Put Records from RTODEV1 to RTODEV2.

Solution: 1. Go to IP21 > Your database > CIMIO > Old Interface (RTODEV1) 2. Expand Old Interface (RTODEV1) and go to one of your your get transfer record which you want to move to New Interface (RTODEV2) 3. Make the record unusable 4. Change the IO_Main_Task pointing to your new OPC server 5. Make the record usable again 6. Verify that your tags status is good. Keywords: Move records from one CIMIO to other References: None

Problem Statement: When we are creating an IoPutDef record and we need to access the archived values that are being stored on a record’s repeat areas (IP_#_OF_TREND_VALUES, IP_#_OF_BF_VALUES, IP_#_OF_ALARM_VALUES), a specific syntax is needed to access these values.

Solution: Let’s set up an example where we have 3 IP_AnalogDef tags “03FC101.PV”, “03AX101.PV”, “03BX101.PV”, and we want to write archived IP_VALUEs from 03FC101 to 03AX101 & 03BX101. One of the easiest ways to do this would be using an IoPutDef record. On a regular IoPutDef configuration where you are simply retrieving the latest value you would configure the IO_#TAGS -> IO_VALUE_RECORD&FLD field as “record name” space “field” (for example, “03FC101.PV IP_VALUE”). To access the archived IP_VALUEs of 03FC101 (stored under the repeat area IP_#_OF_TREND_VALUES as IP_TREND_VALUE), we need to write the IO_VALUE_RECORD&FLD as “record name” space “##” space “field”, where “##” represents the number of sequence that we want to retrieve, starting from the latest sequence number and moving backwards. For example, if 03FC101.PV IP_#_OF_TREND_VALUES has 10 values, writing “03FC101.PV 2 IP_TREND_VALUE” would retrieve the value with the sequence number of 9, “03FC101.PV 3 IP_TREND_VALUE” would retrieve the value with the sequence of 8, etc. This syntax is better exemplified on the following image: Therefore, if we configure our IoPutDef IO_#TAGS like this: Once we activate this record, it would write the 2nd value from newest to oldest of 03FC101.PV to 03AX101.PV and the 3rd to 03BX101.PV: Note that for this to work, the source tag (in our case, 03FC101.PV) must have configured its IP_#_OF_TREND_VALUES field with a number larger or equal than the “##” that you are using on IO_VALUE_RECORD&FLD. Keywords: InfoPlus.21, IoPutDef, IP_VALUE, IP_#_OF_TREND_VALUES, repeat area, archived References: None

Problem Statement: Summary File Toolkit may help speed data transfer rate between Aspen Plus and Visual Basic

Solution: For cases where large amounts of data will be transferred from Aspen Plus to Visual Basic Applications, the Summary File Toolkit (SFT) approach may be much faster than the ActiveX approach. Using the SFT, large amounts of data can be transferred into other applications such as Excel very quickly by a single Toolkit call. This technique relies on linking with Toolkit routines residing in zetoolkit.dll. These routines are documented in the Aspen Plus Summary File Toolkit Keywords: Summary File Toolkit SFT VBA ActiveX Active-X References: Manual. For 32-bit Aspen Plus V10 and lower, the file SFT example.zip file containing an Excel/VBA example that was developed. The example reads the Aspen Plus Summary File that is also included. The bkp file is not needed but it can be used to regenerate the SUM file if desired. For your convenience, the zip file also contains the zetoolkit.dll and two definition files that are part of the Aspen Plus SFT installation. The example will work as is if everything is placed in C:\Aspen. For 64-bit Aspen Plus V11 and higher, certain changes had to be made to his code to make it 64bit compatible: Update Excel to 64-bit Add PtrSafe to Declare statements Update variables defined as Long to LongLong Move character-length arguments to after the last “real” argument (instead of having each character-length argument right after the corresponding string) The file SFT Example - 64bit.zip which includes the files with these changes is attached.

Problem Statement: Is it possible to configure Aspen Unified PIMS to use HTTPS?

Solution: Below are the steps to configure Aspen Unified PIMS to use HTTPS instead of HTTP: Note: It is required that the customer has already a Server Certificate to use on IIS. If the customer does not have it, he/she must request it. (This is not issued by AspenTech) Once the Server Certificate has been provided, go to IIS -> Server Name and go to Server Certificates. Confirm that you have installed the Server Certificate. Go to Default Web Site and click on Bindings, Click on Add. After this under Type select https and under SSL certificate select your Server Certificate obtained in the previous step: Now you should be able to access the site using HTTPS. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: This articles describes how create a Hot Link to a URL using Aspen Process Graphic Editor and how to visualize it in AspenONE Process Explorer.

Solution: Open Aspen Process Graphic Editor. On the left side menu, click the Hot Link button (it is a white square with a blue arrow inside). Stretch a box in the drawing area to fix the location and size of the button. Right-click the button and select Properties from the drop-down menu. Next, open the web browser of your choice. In this case, we will be using Google Chrome. Open the Task Manager, Right-click Google Chrome and select Open File Location from the drop-down menu. Once you know Google Chrome´s executable path, go back to Aspen Process Graphic Editor and check the Program button under the Type options on the General Tab. Now, click on the Search button. Look for Google Chrome´s executable path and click on open. Place the path between double quotation marks and add a space after. Next, copy the URL you would like to access once you click on the button. In this example we are using www.outlook.com Go to the Text tab and write the legend you would like to see on the button. Click on Apply, and then Ok. Go to File, Save as…, and save the file. Next, go to File, Publish to AspenONE Process Explorer, and click Ok once the successfully published message appears. Go to AspenONE Process Explorer and open the published file. Click on the button you created. You can now open the URL! Key Words Aspen Process Graphic Editor Hot Link URL AspenONE Process Explorer Button Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: This article describes how create a Hot Link to an Excel file using Aspen Process Graphic Editor and how to visualize it in AspenONE Process Explorer.

Solution: Open Aspen Process Graphic Editor. On the left side menu, click the Hot Link button (it is a white square with a blue arrow inside). Stretch a box in the drawing area to fix the location and size of the button. Right-click the button and select Properties from the drop-down menu. Next, open a new Excel File. Open the Task Manager, Right-click Excel and select Open File Location from the drop-down menu. Once you know Excel´s executable path, go back to Aspen Process Graphic Editor and check the Program button under the Type options on the General Tab. Now, click on the Search button. Look for Excel´s executable path and click on open. Place the path between double quotation marks and add a space after. Next, copy the path of the Excel file you´d like to open (in this example we are going to be creating a new one). Preferably, it should be on A1PE´s Public folder. Go to the Text tab and write the legend you would like to see on the button. Click on Apply, and then Ok. Go to File, Save as…, and save the file. Next, go to File, Publish to AspenONE Process Explorer, and click Ok once the successfully published message appears. Go to AspenONE Process Explorer and open the published file. Click on the button you created. You can now open the Excel file! Note: Using the same principles, you may also open other executables or files (other than Excel). You will need to modify steps 5 to 10, but all other steps remain the same. Key Words Aspen Process Graphic Editor Hot Link Excel AspenONE Process Explorer Button Executable Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How to calculate the overall value of the Z factor of multiphase components stream in Aspen HYSYS?

Solution: Sometimes the overall Zc value (which is Compressibility Factor) for the entire stream is not calculated. This happens when you have a two-phase stream. As work around you can use Critical Properties in your stream. Please note that these two values might be calculated with different correlations. Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, Z Factor, Stream References: None

Problem Statement: How to get the Over-Flash in CDU in Aspen HYSYS Column?

Solution: 1. On the Column Design tab, move to the Specs page. 2. In the Column Specifications area, click the Add button. The Column Specifications view appears. 3. Select Column Liquid Flow as the Column Specification Type. 4. Click the Add Spec(s)... button, and add the “Column Liquid Flow” Spec. 5. Change the Name from its default to Overflash. A typical range for the Overflash rate is 3-5% of the total feed to the column. Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, Over-Flash, Column References: None

Problem Statement: This knowledge base article illustrates how to troubleshoot AspenOne Process Explorer (A1PE) by verifying running services.

Solution: AspenOne Process Explorer is a powerful tool used by many organizations to monitor and analyse their industrial process data. However, like any software, it can encounter issues that require troubleshooting. One common problem that users may face is verifying the running services required for A1PE to function properly. Here are the steps to troubleshoot issues with verifying the running services in A1PE: Verify the running services: The following services should be started in addition to any necessary Windows Service. Some items will require valid user credentials to function: AFW Security Client Service – Needs Valid User Credentials Apache Tomcat – Needs Valid User Credentials Aspen InfoPlus.21 Access Service Aspen InfoPlus.21 Task Service – Needs Valid User Credentials IIS Admin Service World Wide Web Publishing Service Check for errors: If any of the above services are not running or causing errors, it may indicate issues with the installation or configuration of A1PE. Change Password: If the user password was changed recently, the password for several of the services will need to be changed. A list of these services can be found above. Repair Installation: If changing the user password is not successful, it may be possible that files have been corrupted. To repair, follow these steps: Uninstall A1PE from the system. Reboot the system. Reinstall A1PE If you continue to experience issues or require further assistance, please contact the AspenTech support team for additional troubleshooting and support. Overall, verifying the running services is an important step in ensuring the proper functioning of A1PE and should be regularly monitored and maintained. Keywords: A1PE, Services, password, repair installation References: None

Problem Statement: This knowledge base article illustrates How to Install the IIS Features for AspenOne Process Explorer and its importance.

Solution: AspenOne Process Explorer is a powerful tool for monitoring and analysing industrial processes. To ensure that it functions properly, it is important to have the required Internet Information Services (IIS) features installed on your server. In this article, we will discuss the importance of the installed IIS features for AspenOne Process Explorer. The following features are required for AspenOne Process Explorer: .Net Framework 3.5 (All Items) .Net Framework 4.5 (All Items) Windows Identity Foundation 3.5 Windows Process Activation Service (all items) Without these features, AspenOne Process Explorer may not function properly or may experience performance issues. The .Net Framework is required to run the application, and the Windows Identity Foundation and Windows Process Activation Service are required for authentication and activation of the application. In addition to these required features, it is also important to have the following IIS roles installed: can be found in the following article: How to Install IIS Roles for AspenOne Process Explorer https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000101045 These roles/features are important for ensuring the security, performance, and functionality of the application. In summary, having the required IIS features installed, along with the recommended roles/features, is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of AspenOne Process Explorer. It is important to regularly check that these features and roles are installed and up to date to avoid any potential issues. Keywords: IIS, AspenOne process Explorer, features References: None

Problem Statement: Users may encounter issues with custom definition tag browsing in Aspen IP21, where the custom tags are not appearing in the Tag Browser. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including missing map records, incorrect map record settings, incorrect custom definition configuration, or other common issues.

Solution: If you are experiencing issues with custom definition tag browsing in Aspen IP21, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Here are the steps to follow: Step 1: Check Map Records: Every definition record with history repeat area(s) will need one or more map records, and one of these map records will usually be set as the default map record. Within the definition record, the MAP_RECORD field should be set to the default map record. Follow these steps to ensure that the necessary map records have been created and associated with the custom definition record: Open Aspen IP21 and navigate to the custom definition record the Map Records section. Locate the map record associated with the custom definition record and ensure that it has been set as the default map record. Within the definition record, check the Fields object and ensure that the MAP_RECORD field is set to the default map record and the field MAP_IsDefault being set to TRUE. As can be seen in highlighted screenshot below as an example, showing Fields object of IP_AnalogDef, you can see that the field MAP_RECORD is being set to IP_AnalogMap. Step 2: Advanced Search in Tag Browser: If the necessary map records have been created and associated with the custom definition record, but the tags still cannot be found in the Tag Browser, try performing an advanced search using the Find function. For more detailed instructions on how to perform an advanced search in the Tag Browser, please refer to the knowledge base article How to do an advanced search in Aspen Tag Browser at the following link: AspenTech: Knowledge Base Step 3: Troubleshoot Other Common Issues: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, check for other common issues that can cause the Tag Browser to not return the correct list of tags, such as incorrect system configuration or settings. Refer to the knowledge base article The Aspen Tag Browser may not return correct list of tags (typically seen with custom tags) for troubleshooting steps at the following link: AspenTech: Knowledge Base By following these steps and referring to the additional Knowledge Base articles, users can effectively troubleshoot and resolve custom definition tag browsing issues in Aspen IP21. If the issue persists, users can contact AspenTech support for further assistance. Keywords: Aspen IP21, custom definition, Tag Browser, map records, default map record, MAP_IsDefault, MAP_RECORD References: None

Problem Statement: After a fresh install or upgrade a lot of questions about the connection between APC servers can come up. A simple guide would help educate users on how the connections work and which ports are required for the communication to be successful.

Solution: For a more in-depth guide about the post-install configuration, on all APC servers you can find the “APC Configuration Guide” under C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\APCConfigurationGuide\default.htm , this knowledge base article is meant to be used only as a quick guide for reference. There are 3 main types or servers that exist on a regular Advanced Process Control configuration: Online server, Web server, and Watch server; all three of these servers need to interact with each other to exchange information for full operation of APC applications. Here is a diagram with the three servers and the connections that exists between them: Let’s go more into detail into each of these connections: Web Server <-> Online Server To set up this connection, you configure the ports on the Configuration section of the Aspen APC Web Interface: You click on Add, type in the name of the APC Online server (hostname), and select the type of application that you want to add (the port section will get filled in automatically). After the required App Types are added you click Apply and the DMC3/DMCplus/IQs should show up on the Online tab of PCWS. Watch Server <-> Online Server The configuration is done on the Watch Maker desktop tool, under Actions -> Online Host Connection… where similarly to the Web Interface, you type the Host name (Online server name) and select the type of application, the port will be filled out automatically. If the connection between both servers is successful then the circle will show up as green, if something is causing the connection to fail it will show as yellow. Web Server <-> Watch Server The configuration between these two servers requires more steps, luckily there is a Knowledge Base article that can be used as a guide which details all the steps required: Configuration guide to view Aspen Watch data from the PCWS https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000100880 Web Server <-> User Station The Web Server and a client that connects to it by default communicate through HTTP, the default port for HTTP on the Internet Information Services (IIS) is set as 80: If the default binding needs to be changed to something different than 80, then the new port needs to be specified right after the server name when typing the APC Web Interface URL. Let’s say that if we change the port from 80 to 90, then the URL to access PCWS needs to be typed like this: http://webserver:90/atcontrol/online.asp NOTE: This change also needs to be applied on AFW Tools, otherwise PCWS will fail to retrieve the user authentication permissions and the login will fail. DMC3 Builder <-> Online Server To be able to see the running applications, take snapshots, and deploy new contsrollers, the connection to the Online Server from DMC3 Builder is done on the section Online-> Servers -> Server Configuration: To connect to a new server you click on Add, the Server field could be any name that the user wants to set for identification, what is important is to set the Host name of the Online Server correctly, and the port gets set as 12346 by default: License Server Lastly, to be able to connect to the License server and retrieve the required license keys, the port that is set by default is 5093, this port is set automatically so no extra configuration needs to be done. Finally, here are some general recommendations to make sure the server connection is successful: If there is a firewall between different servers (Windows firewall or a different type) the ports need to be open bidirectionally, to allow inbound and outbound connections. A simple way to test if there is a network between the servers and that they can communicate is by using the ping command. To test a specific port you could use the telnet command with the following syntax, where the number between “ ” represents the port number you want to test: netstat -aon | find “12347” Both servers must have the same clock time and must be on the same time zone, if there is a difference close to or larger than 5 minutes, the connection will fail (even if the ping continues working). Keywords: APC, DMC3, online, watch, web, server, port, connection, configuration References: None

Problem Statement: I have upgraded PIMS to V12 and applied CP1. When I run the model and go to Case Comparison Wizard, nothing happens and the Wizard does not open.

Solution: The issue here is that the Newtonsoft.Json.dll is missing. This file can be missing when upgrading to V12.1 from a previous version of PIMS but doing a clean installation of V12 should have this file present by default. Please copy the attached Newtonsoft.Json.dll into the PIMS folder at C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\Aspen PIMS Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: After either upgrading the Aspen Watch server to a new version or applying a patch, the user might see that the Last Monitor Status for the controller data collection in Watch Maker is stuck on Initial. In one instance of an upgrade from APC V11 to V12.1, the RepositoryErrors.log file (under ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Performance Monitor) showed the following error: Failed to update application history records. ... AspenTech.SQLplus.SQLplusException: Column or Variable AW_CVTGRNG not found. This CVTGRNG entry it is referring to is a new parameter that was added in V12 called StepTargetRange and the controller is trying to collect data for it, but the definition record does not exist in the IP.21 database.

Solution: Solution 1: Install Database Configuration This issue can occur if the IP.21 database is not updated in accordance with the Aspen Watch records after a version or patch upgrade. To resolve the issue, open Watch Maker, click on File and select Install Database Configuration. This will open a command window and request to continue, hit Y and Enter to proceed. Depending on how large the database is, it can take several minutes to finish this procedure. It will say press any key to continue once complete. It is essential to run this utility any time the Watch Server has had an upgrade or patch installed. This should be done after any reboot that is required by the upgrade or install procedure. Solution 2: Redeploy RTE Controller or Update ACO Controller If the initial status still persists for the RTE controller, try redeploying it on the APC Online server to update the Aspen Watch records for the online controller. If the issue remains for an ACO controller, try Watch Maker > Actions > Update and follow the steps to re-initialize the data collection. Solution 3: Timestamp Mismatch This issue has also been observed when the timestamp of the IP.21 records have a mismatch with one another causing a conflict. In one instance this was seen when the Aspen Watch server virtual machine was reverted to an older time and then back again to current time. To resolve this issue: 1. Open Infoplus.21 Administrator and under the Server Name > Definition Records > AW_AVAILAPPSDEF > AW_AVAILABLE_APPS > AW_NUM_CHILDREN, you should see your list of running controllers on the right side. 2. Scroll to the right and you should see a column for AW_LAST_LOAD_TIME. Manually edit this value to be earlier than the actual load time of the controller on the Online server. For example, if controller was loaded at 12 PM, then set the AW_LAST_LOAD_TIME to be 11 AM and hit Enter. This should force update the times. If you're not sure of the actual controller's load time, you can check this by opening the PCWS web page > Online tab > Manage menu > Time Loaded. Keywords: watch, maker, status, stuck, initial, fail, not, collecting, data, history References: None

Problem Statement: What is the flowsheet object color scheme in Aspen HYSYS?

Solution: Below is the flowsheet object color scheme: For streams: Light Blue: Not Solved Dark Blue: Solved For unit operations: Red: Required stream connection(s) missing—unable to begin solving Yellow: Unable to solve or solved with warnings Black: Solved Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, Color, Flowsheet References: None

Problem Statement: How to get rid of Error 1904 during Aspen Engineering installation?

Solution: Regarding the following error message “Error 1904.Module C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ssdatb32.ocx failed to register. HRESULT. Contact your support personnel”: Usually, you can ignore the above error and continue with the installation until completion and reboot the computer. Upon rebooting, some of the dll files that failed to register during the installation will now be registered. If the program does not work, re-install it and when you get the Error 1904 again, make a note of the listed dll files that were not registered. After the installation, manually register the dll files and the application should now run. Keywords: Aspen One, Installation, Error 1904 References: None

Problem Statement: How to get rid of the following property parameter error message “ERRORS ENCOUNTERED IN CALCULATION OF VAPOR-LIQUID K-VALUES USING OPTION SET UNIFAC FOR KVL.” in Aspen Plus?

Solution: In order to get rid of the property parameter error message “ERRORS ENCOUNTERED IN CALCULATION OF VAPOR-LIQUID K-VALUES USING OPTION SET UNIFAC FOR KVL.”, the Antoine's vapor pressure constants (abbreviated PLXANT) are defined for single, pure components (e.g. X component). You will notice the parameter input forms show up under the Properties Environment/'Pure Components' folder/T-dependent correlation/Liquid Vapor Pressure/PLXANT-1. They do not represent mixtures orSolutions. You will need to insert the value for the required component data set, and it is either experimental data or from literature. Keywords: Aspen Plus, K-VALUES, PLXANT References: None

Problem Statement: What is the benefit of using Recycle Advisor in Aspen HYSYS?

Solution: Recycle Advisor helps to ensure a flowsheet contains the minimum number of Recycle blocks at their optimal locations Suggestions can be implemented automatically from the Advisor: Existing Recycles are disconnected New Recycles are created and attached Advisor also displays options and settings for any Recycle block in the flowsheet Sensitivities, convergence parameters, etc. Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, Recycle Advisor, Benefit References: None

Problem Statement: Is OLI Interface (fluid package) available in Aspen HYSYS?

Solution: OLI fluid package is available under Aspen Properties fluid package selection. Note that you will also need to add your component list from Aspen Properties. Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, OLI, Fluid Package References: None

Problem Statement: How to resolve the error: “Aspen Unified Health Check” – “Primary Services will not run until master database is configured” in AUP?

Solution: The error “Aspen Unified Health Check” – “Primary Services will not run until master database is configured” is faced in the AUP server when the databases are not configured. This can be resolved by configuring all the databases through Aspen Unified Configuration Manager: Launch Aspen Unified Configuration Manager. If there is no master DB created before, there will be an error dialog displayed, you can click “OK” and continue. Click on the “+” button and create a Master DB first. Enter the SQL Server name and Master DB name and for connection string, please refer to connection string example below the text field, user ID and Password are the SQL Server user ID / Password. Once all these details are entered, click the “Add” button. Once the Master DB is added, you need to create Input DB, AUS/AUP Results DB and Catalog DB through the same “+” button. After all the DBs are ready, go to services page and start the “Aspen Unified Agent Supervisor Service”. The error message should be resolved now and the Aspen Unified Homepage should appear. To find more information along with the screenshots, kindly download the pdf file attached below. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How to resolve Output Error in OpenOutputDatabase for Field Provider in Aspen PIMS V14?

Solution: This error Output Error in OpenOutputDatabase for Field Provider is faced in PIMS after upgradation to V14 as PIMS is a 64-bit application in V14. Kindly follow the below step to troubleshoot this error: Please check if you have ACE OLEDB 64-bit driver. If you have Office 64-bit version, then the ACE database driver should be part of that. If not, you may need to update your MS Office through excel or word (File->Account ->Updates). IF THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS: This means that ACE OLE-DB 64-bit Access driver is not installed on your system, then kindly refer the following points: If you are using Office 64-bit, then this ACE OLE-DB 64-bit driver should already be installed. If not, then you can run UPDATE on Office 64-bit and get the latest Office 64-bit build and this should resolve the issue. If you are using Office 32-bit version, then you either need to use Office 64-bit by uninstalling Office 32-bit and installing Office 64-bit OR you need to install Access Database Engine 2010 64-bit to get the ACE OLE-DB 64-bit Access database driver. Below is a summary of options to address this issue: If Microsoft 365 64-bit or Office 2021/2019/2016 64-bit version is installed, then verify that you are running the latest version. The Office can be updated through the Update button in one of the Office applications. If running the latest version, then there is no additional Access driver installation. The ACE OLE-DB 64-bit driver needed for Access is part of the latest Office 64-bit versions. If you have Office 32-bit, then you need to either: Upgrade to Office 64-bit OR Use Access Database Engine 2010 64-bit Download the 64-bit driver from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=13255 [microsoft.com] [secure-web.cisco.com] [secure-web.cisco.com]. Be sure to select AccessDatabaseEngine_X64.exe file. Execute the installation from a command prompt (with “use admin privileges”) Open a command prompt with use admin privs Change directory to the folder where the AccessDatabaseEngine_X64.exe file is In the command prompt, enter: AccessDatabaseEngine_X64 /passive This will silently install the ODBC 64-bit driver without giving an error; Installing the ODBC 64-bit driver interactively could give the error that the 64-bit version of Office is not installed. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: What are the different options to add stream analysis for a material stream in Aspen HYSYS simulation case?

Solution: In Aspen HYSYS, stream analysis option provides further calculation options for a given material stream. Once defined, it is continuously linked to the attached stream. Any number of analyses may be attached to a given stream. There are various methods to use the stream analysis option inside Aspen HYSYS as below: From Hysys Ribbon Under the Home tab > Click on stream analysis > Add analysis > Select Stream > Click OK From Navigation Pane Click on Stream Analysis > Add Analysis > Select the Stream > Click OK From Flowsheet Right click on your material stream > Create Stream Analysis From Material Stream Window Double click on the material stream > Go to Attachments tab > Select Analysis > Click on Create > Choose the stream analysis > Click Add Key words Analysis, Property trends, Material Stream, Calculation Keywords: None References: https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000094520

Problem Statement: How can we integrate Aspen Exchanger Rating and Design inside Aspen HYSYS heat exchanger unit operation?

Solution: The Rating models in Aspen HYSYS use generalized correlations for heat transfer coefficients and pressure drop. These correlations are suitable for approximate results in many cases but may not be valid for every exchanger and do not go into detail. For more accuracy, a rigorous model (e.g. Aspen Exchanger Design & Rating) is recommended. We can conveniently link between Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Exchanger Design & Rating (EDR) and size an actual heat exchanger based on known process conditions and physical properties. Aspen Shell & Tube Exchanger focuses on the thermal design and performance of shell & tube-style heat exchangers. For integration, Aspen EDR software must be installed and licensed to enable functionality within HYSYS. The user can Initiate integration with Shell & Tube Exchanger using the updated EDR Sizing Console. Please follow the below steps for successfully integrating Aspen EDR in HYSYS: Click on Size Exchanger option under the Design tab of a Heat exchanger unit operation inside HYSYS. Select Size Interactively and then click on Convert. After selecting the Interactive Sizing approach for Aspen Shell&Tube Exchanger, EDR Sizing Console opens inside HYSYS interface. The EDR Sizing Console allows you to adjust and modify various heat exchanger design options prior to running the EDR heat exchanger design calculation. The system transfers process conditions and physical properties from HYSYS to EDR during the integration. User can define certain geometry and configuration preferences, allow for fouling factors, and maximum allowable pressure drops in the EDR console via the geometry tab and process tab. Once the EDR Sizing Console has enough input to execute a heat exchanger design calculation. Click the Size Exchanger button to calculate. After the calculations complete, select the Geometry tab of the EDR Sizing Console to check the design results. After reviewing the geometry results, user can send it back into the Gas-Gas heat exchanger by clicking the Accept Design button. Click Yes to the message asking if you wish to override existing outlet stream specifications to avoid over-specification. Key words Rating, Sizing, Geometry, Process Input, Fouling, Heat Exchanger, Design Keywords: None References: https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000100612 https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000055900

Problem Statement: What are the new and improved rules for piping in structures on Aspen OptiPlant 3D layout?

Solution: Aspen OptiPlant 3D layout enables user to model 3D equipment & structures and automatically route 3D interference free pipe. In V14, Aspen OptiPlant 3D layout can import and export both 2D and 3D drawings using the format DWG, which is faster and more compatible with 3rd party drawing tools than the previously used formats. The exported 2D and 3D drawings can be opened in free applications. Users can import and reuse 2D or 3D drawings and leverage them as blueprints to create new layouts for future projects. A DWG file is created by clicking DWG Export. 3D DWG files are smaller, perform better, and are a more universal format for importing 3D data. This new addition supports 3D/2D DWG files as in previous versions for DXF files. Importing DXF files is still supported. Drawings are not imported as native OptiPlant objects and cannot be edited nor modified, just used as blueprints to build a layout. V14 also adds the capability to create piping isometrics, which previously required to use 3rd party applications. Isometrics are key deliverables for piping engineers and eliminating the need to export the layout in order to generate them can bring significant time savings. In V14, OptiPlant has improved auto-routing of pipes within pipe racks. The product will automatically assign pipe racks to force the pipe through. The major benefits of Improved Auto-Routing Capabilities include: Greater accuracy of auto-routed pipes within pipe racks Faster time to completion as users does not need to manage which pipes to force Less routing failures as this new rule improves the success rate Improved results for site plan activities with very long pipe racks Key words Piping, AutoRoute, Pipe Racks, Conceptual Layout, Isometrics Keywords: None References: https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000100756 https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000100615

Problem Statement: What to do when you encounter the following error: <AZError Desc=Could not copy database template file from 'C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Basic Engineering Vxx.0\DataServices\x64Bin\ABE.mdf' to 'C:\AspenZyqadServer\Basic Engineeringxx.0\Workspaces\xx\ABE.mdf'. HR=0x80070050 /> ?

Solution: To resolve this issue, the user should check the Log On tab information for AZXXXBroker (XXX is your version) under Services and Identity tab for Aspen Zyqad XXX Server under Component Services/Computers/My Computer/DCOM Config. Both should use the same log-in credentials for the account. Reset the AZXXXBroker under Services once the login credentials are the same in both places. Keywords: Aspen Basic Engineering References: None

Problem Statement: How many options to add material stream to the process flowsheet in Aspen HYSYS?

Solution: There are Three principal options to add a material stream to the process flowsheet: Object Palette Double-click the stream icon on the object palette or click and place stream onto the flowsheet Function Key Press <F11> Ribbon In the Flowsheet/Modify tab of the ribbon, click the Additional Flowsheet Commands box and select Add Stream Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, Material Stream, Flowsheet References: None

Problem Statement: When trying to open Aspen Schedule Explorer (ASE), you may come across the following message: HTTP Error 400. The size of the request headers is too long Suggested steps for re

Solution: The following article from Microsoft contains useful information to use as a reference: HTTP 400 error responses to HTTP requests - Internet Information Services | Microsoft Learn Following the recommendations in the article mentioned above, you may try performing the following changes on the ASE server: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\HTTP\Parameters\MaxFieldLength - create and define value HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\HTTP\Parameters\MaxRequestBytes - create and define value HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Las\Kerberos\Parameters\MaxTokenSize - create and define value As an example, the following values were useful for solving one instance of this issue: Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: In your test environment, you need to generate random values for IP.21 tags based on a specified range, like from 0 to 100. You just need some relevant tag data to work with in another application or can be used to demonstrate a trend in Process Explorer, for example. You need an easy

Solution: that can quickly generate tag data with minimal effort. Solution You can use the SimDef definition record in IP.21 to accomplish this. If you do not have the SimDef definition record, you can load it by following the steps in this KB article: How do I load a Recload file (.RLD) into an Aspen InfoPlus.21 database? https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000077937 , to load the sim.rld file located here: C:\Program Files\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\etc. When you load the RLD file, make sure you choose Available in this system for the Load to IDs. Once loaded, follow the steps below to create a simulation record, create the simulation task, and then activate the simulation record manually, on a schedule, or on change of state. Create a Simulation Record Open the InfoPlus.21 Administrator tool, create a new tag record to store the values from the simulation record. Navigate to the Definition Record SimDef. If you do not see this definition, make sure you loaded the sim.rld file properly and then go to View > Refresh All to view the new definition record. Right-click on SimDef and select New Record defined by SimDef. In the fixed area of your new SimDef record, change the size of the repeat area sizing field, #VALUES, to 1. Go to the #VALUES repeat area by double-clicking the #VALUES field. In the RECORD_& _FIELD_NAME field, put the name of your tag followed by a space and then IP_INPUT VALUE. For example, if your tag name is SimVals, you'll put this for RECORD_& _FIELD_NAME: SimVals IP_INPUT_VALUE Select a type for Simulation Type. Random is Ok. Enter values for Base and Gain. Base is the starting value and Gain determines how much the generated values can vary from the Base value. For example, if you want to generate values between 0 and 100, put 0 for Base and 100 for Gain. If you want to generate values between 30 and 75, put 30 for Base and 45 for Gain (i.e. 75 minus 30). Essentially, take the difference between the highest and lowest values you want and use that value for Gain. Create a Simulation Task Open the InfoPlus.21 Manager. In the Defined Tasks window, double-click on TSK_IQ1. On the right-hand side, change the task name to TSK_SIM. Click the button with the folder on it to the right of the Executable box. Browse for sim.exe, click on it and click Open. The executable line should now read \Program Files\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\code\sim.exe Click the Add button. The new task should appear at the bottom of the list of external tasks. Double-click on the new task and click the Run Task button. The task should start and remain in the Running Tasks list. You are now ready to activate the simulation record. Activate the Simulation Record (Manually, on a Schedule, or on Change of State) Manual Activation Open the InfoPlus.21 Administrator tool, navigate to the SimDef record you created earlier. Right-click on the record name on the left side and select Activate. Go to your tag record associated with this SimDef record and look at the IP_INPUT_VALUE field. You should see a new value based on what you entered for Base and Gain on the SimDef record. Scheduled Activation Navigate to your SimDef record. In the fixed area you will see a field called SCHEDULE_TIME. Enter a time a few minutes into the future in the form hh:mm. The date will be filled in automatically. In the RESCHEDULE_INTERVAL field, enter a frequency for the SimDef record to update your tag. If you want it to activate every 10 seconds, you should enter +0:00:10.0 in this field. Go to your tag record associated with this SimDef record and check that new values are coming in at your specified frequency. If you have history configured for this tag you can view the history values in the repeat area or the trend in Process Explorer. Change of State Activation Navigate to your SimDef record. In the fixed area you will see a field called WAIT_FOR_COS_FIELD. This field has a data type of field pointer and requires a record name, a space, and then a field name. This record will cause the simulation record to be activated. If you put a value of 'ATCAI IP_INPUT_VALUE' in this field, then the simulation record will activate each time the IP_INPUT_VALUE for ATCAI changes. To see the correct effect, make sure RESCHEDULE_INTERVAL is set to +0:00:00.0, otherwise you'll have two different activation types. Go to your tag record associated with this SimDef record and check that new values are coming in based on the expected change from the record you entered for WAIT_FOR_COS_FIELD. Keywords: Simulated tag Sim.exe Simdef IP.21 References: None

Problem Statement: How many options to connect unit operations to a stream in Aspen HYSYS?

Solution: In to connect unit operations to a stream, there are two available options: From the Design | Connections page of the unit operation Using the Attach mode button in the Flowsheet/Modify Ribbon tab Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, Unit Operations, Stream References: None

Problem Statement: How to create a Workspace using SQL Database to use in Aspen Basic Engineering?

Solution: To create a Workspace using SQL or Oracle database, it is needed to first create a database in one of those applications, to then use ABE and select it when creating a new Workspace. Using SQL Databases - Manual Creation Open Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio and login with the appropriate credentials. Take note of the server’s name, will be used in ABE (e.g. ABE-S19-V140). Expand the Server node and right click on Databases. Then select New Database. Type a name for the Database and click OK. Open the AdminTool of ABE and select New Workspace from the Action Menu. (Be sure to be selecting the server, the first row with a key image). Click Next on the first window. In the second window add a name for the Workspace and select SQL Server as the Database Type. Click Next and add the details for the manual creation of a Workspace: SQL Server Host Name: SQL Server name (displayed in the SQL Server Management Studio). Database Name: Name of the recent created DB. Username: Used to access SQL Server (should have read, write, create access in SQL database). Password: Used to access SQL Server. Click Next, in the next window review the information and click Finish. The Workspace will be now available in the AdminTool. Using SQL Databases - Automatic Creation ABE can be configured to automatically create databases in SQL Server without having to manually create them. Go to C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Basic Engineering Vxx.x\DataServices\x64bin, edit the Broker.ini file in Notepad and add the information to access the SQL Database and save it. Restart the Broker Service and launch the ABE Admin Tool. Invoke create Workspace functionality, enter the workspace name and select SQL Server as the Database Type. Select the Create Default SQL Server Workspace radio button and click next. Click Next, in the next window review the information and click Finish. The new Workspace will be listed in the Admin Tool without having to create a DB in SQL Server. Key Words: ABE, SQL Database, Workspace, etc Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How to resolve “Unable to recognize one of dlls that is not digitally signed by AspenTech” during the installation of Aspen HYSYS V14?

Solution: Please download the pdf file attached below to refer theSolution to this problem statement. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How to resolve the errors “Import Model Failed” / “Copy Planning Model Failed” in AUP?

Solution: This issue is occurring because of the size limit from the database. Either max size was set manually, or the edition of SQL Server has a limit. You can check the database size in SQL Server Management Studio. In case the size is limited, change it to unlimited as shown below: If Max Size is unlimited, you can use Aspen Unified Configuration Manager to create another input Database. And when creating new model, please choose the new input database. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How to resolve “Error in XLP Matrix Generation” in Aspen PIMS AO?

Solution: This error is faced in Aspen PIMS AO because of the “Regional Settings”. The reason that this happens in AO and not DR is because when AO creates the map and files, which is the excel input data, it checks what the regional settings are to do a conversion for the descriptions from the excel tables. The error is from that code so that is why the regional settings need to be checked. DR and XNLP’s matrices are generated in the fortran code so that is why this doesn’t happen for those modes of solving. We can rectify this error by following the below mentioned steps: Go to Control Panel Click the Clock and Region à Region In the Region dialog, go to the Administrative tab and click the Copy Settings button In the Welcome screen and new user account settings dialog, check the Welcome screen and system accounts under the Copy your current settings to Heading Click OK Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: What is the maximum number of simultaneous connections that the InfoPlus.21 API Server tasks can handle?

Solution: The InfoPlus.21 API Server tasks can accept a maximum of 1023 connections each. TSK_APEX_SERVER handles communication from Aspen Process Explorer, so a maximum of 1023 simultaneous connections are allowed. Any more than that will be rejected. Additional information: Defect 722204 (The infoplus21_api_server process might exit or hang if the number of existing connections exceeds the maximum allowed connections) is fixed in V14 (see release notes here) and in a patch for v12 ( v12.2.0.1 ECR_00751659 ). With the fixes applied any connections beyond 1023 will be rejected (as opposed to the API Server process hanging). Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: Does it make a difference if 'Create dump file' is used compared to running the procdump program? When would it be more desirable to run one versus the other? Explanation Below is a comparison of the benefits of each: Choose 'Create dump file' If procdump is not already downloaded and a dump needs to be gathered If the process is still running but without any CPU activity If the process is in high CPU and not responding when trying to use it (Note that the default information found in the dump generated this way may not be specific enough for a developer to completely understand and diagnose the problem (though it may have some useful information). Choose running procdump with various switches (usually requested by Support or Development) If the process is crashing (since it won't be present in Windows Task Manager). Procdump can be run with specific switches (before starting the process which needs troubleshooting) to guide it to catch what's happening when the process does crash. If a series of dumps need to be gathered (usually at a specific time interval) If Aspen Support or Development requests specific diagnostic information that requires using procdump If it is unknown when the process which needs troubleshooting will crash (this

Solution: has an interesting application of procdump for this situation - How do I capture a crash dump of an Aspen InfoPlus.21 process that crashes infrequently? ) A procdump can also be gathered when a process has no CPU activity as well as when it is unresponsive and in high CPU Additional Information: This article has a slightly more technical explanation about dumps: What is a dump file ? How and where is it used? https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000061821 Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How to configure Aspen Mtell Alert Manager (MAM) links in Aspen Mtell and show MAM links in email alerts.

Solution: The feature to configure MAM links is now available in Mtell V14 CP2. In Aspen Mtell System Manager, go to Configuration --> Settings --> Alert Visualization and you will find a box to fill in the Aspen Mtell Alert Manager section. Fill <YourMtellServerHostname> in the box and click 'Test'. If the connection is successful, you should receive a response as shown below. Go to Configuration --> Settings --> Reporting and make sure the box for Include Mtell Alert Manager Alert URL in Alert Email is checked. You can now access MAM by click the top left Mtell System Manager icon and select Mtell Alert Manager from the dropdown. This will bring you to the MAM web page. After configuring the MAM link, you can have the link to also be available in your email alert. From Aspen System Manager, navigate to Settings --> Email --> Email Templates --> Choose email template --> Select Alert URL (Mtell Alert Manager) from the Macros --> Insert macro in email template. The MAM link will now show at the bottom of your email alerts. Keywords: MAM link template Alert Visualization References: None

Problem Statement: How to get rid of the following message “Transport Properties are either not available or have failed with the chosen property package” in Aspen HYSYS?

Solution: The following error message “Transport Properties are either not available or have failed with the chosen property package” is arising due to presence of two liquid phases in the column. Even though the second liquid phase is trace amount, it was enough to make complicacy in calculation of properties like surface tension. As a result the tray sizing utility failed. As a workaround, you will need to disable two liquid phase calculation for Glycol Package. To do that, go to Properties Environment || Fluid Pkgs || Select the Property Package || StabTest || make Maximum Phases Allowed = 2. Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, Transport, Message References: None

Problem Statement: How to get rid of the following error message “RATESEP CALCULATIONS FAILED TO CONVERGE ITERATION LIMIT REACHED” in Aspen Plus?

Solution: In order to get rid of the following error message “RATESEP CALCULATIONS FAILED TO CONVERGE ITERATION LIMIT REACHED”, you may try to change the default value from Standard to Logarithmic in Absorber/Rate-Based Distillation/Advanced Convergence/Equilibrium reaction formulation. Note that this is recommended option for equilibrium reactions. Keywords: Aspen Plus, RateSep, Converge References: None

Problem Statement: How do you compare NIST or other experimental data to the predictions from the selected Property Method?

Solution: It is possible in Properties to use the Evaluation Calculation Type in Regression Model to compare the calculated properties results from a Property Method to Experimental data. The steps are outlines below. 1. Enter the Component on the Component | Specification | Selection form and the Property Method on the Methods | Specifications | Global sheet. Methyl Amine and NRTL will be used for this example. To make sure that the NIST parameters are used first, move the NIST-TRC databank to the top of the list on the Components | Specifications | Enterprise Database sheet. 2. Click on the NIST button in the Data Source section of the Home ribbon, select the component, and click on the Evaluate now button. Parameters and Data will be retrieved. Citations for the data are shown in the bottom when you select the citation cell in the table. Results and predicted values using the NIST parameters can be plotted. Data can be saved using the Save Data button on the Experimental Data sheet. Parameters can be saved using the Save Parameters on the Parameters sheet as USER parameters if desired. In this example, the parameters are not saved, and the databank parameters are used for the calculations. The data sets will be saved to the Data folder. 3. Click on Regression on the Run Mode section of the Home ribbon. Then. create a new Regression case. Select a Calculation Type of Evaluation and select the Data sets downloaded. Select the Property Method to be used for the calculations. 4. Run. In V11, there was an incorrect warning in the Control Panel that can be igored. * WARNING WHILE EXECUTING DRS CASE: EVAL-1 ONE PARAMETER IS AT ITS LOWER/UPPER BOUND. A table of experimental data and estimated values from the Property Method are reported on the Regression Results | Profiles sheet. The results can be plotted using the Prop. vs T button in the Plot section of the Home ribbon. Other Evaluation runs for other Property Methods can be created and run. In this case, a new Property Method that uses a liquid reference state is also tested. Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: What is the token consumption of Aspen Unified on Regular and Express Mode? Please provide more details.

Solution: Aspen Unified PIMS with regular type will consume the following tokens & licenses: Baseload (50)+ EXP (20) + T1(40) = 110 T Aspen Unified PIMS with express type will consume the following tokens & licenses: Baseload (50)+ EXP (20) = 70 T Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: How can a time ten (10) minutes ago be expressed in Aspen Calc?

Solution: Please follow these steps: 1. Make a new calculation: 2. Choose a CalcScript formula: 3. Type this formula (you may use different names in place of RightThisMoment and TenMinutesAgo if you wish): RightThisMoment = Now() TenMinutesAgo = Now() - 0.0069444444444444 4. On the next screen click the 'Execute' button in the upper right and look for the results in the Value column: So the syntax is: Now() - 0.0069444444444444 Explanation You might ask Where does 0.0069444444444444 come from?. Here's the answer: 1 day has 1,440 minutes (60 minutes per hour X 24 hours) We want 10 of those 1,440 minutes = 10 over 1,440 10 over 1,440 = 10 divided by 1,440 = 0.0069444444444444 Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: Why does Aspen HYSYS predicts inaccurate speed of sound value using Mach number calculator?

Solution: The speed of sound varies greatly depending upon the medium it is traveling through. The speed of sound in a medium is determined by a combination of the medium's rigidity (or compressibility in gases) and its density. The more rigid (or less compressible) the medium, the faster the speed of sound. The speed of sounds is important in piping systems for the calculation of choked flow for gases and pressure transient analysis of liquid filled systems. The Mach number unit is an external model available inside Aspen HYSYS model palette. The maximum Mach number for a selected stream over a number of different pipe sizes can be calculated using this extension. The speed of sound in the stream fluid also appears under the profile tab for the selected pipe. The fluid velocity calculated for each pipe size is the average fluid velocity; no attempt is made to estimate the maximum velocity. Even though the extension calculates Mach numbers for a given pipe or stream, the results might be inconsistent for certain cases. Aspen Tech has provided this application strictly for academic purposes only and is not subject to the quality and support procedures of officially released AspenTech products. If there is liquid in the fluid, then the corresponding Warning message displays the message Gas fluid required will be implemented in our future release in the Mach unit extension. Key words Acoustic velocity, Speed of sound, Pipe Segment, Streams Keywords: None References: https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000089849

Problem Statement: What is the difference between SET, ADJUST and BALANCE unit operations in Aspen HYSYS?

Solution: SET, ADJUST and BALANCE are logical operations used for mathematical calculation rather than a physical unit operation in Aspen HYSYS. The purpose of an Adjust is to vary the value of one process variable (the independent variable) to meet a target value or specification (the dependent variable) elsewhere in the simulation. It helps in manipulating the value of one variable (independent variable or adjusted variable) to meet a required value in another variable (dependent variable or target variable). Adjust unit operation conducts “trial and error” procedure automatically in the system. The target value can be fixed or based on another simulation variable please see attached picture, this is the key specification for Adjust. If the user requires to set the Adjust variable and Target variable, where the adjusted variable must be a user-specified value, then give target variable a value. Then go to the parameter page - setting related calculation parameter. So, if you want to adjust one variable by another one, then you can use this tool. Balance operation is a stream balancing facility. The Balance operation provides a general-purpose heat and material balance facility. There are several different Balance calculation options available in Aspen HYSYS, as described below: Component Mole Flow: component molar flows are conserved Mass: overall mass flow is conserved Heat: heat flow is conserved Mole and Heat: heat and component molar flows are conserved Mass and Heat: heat and overall mass flows are conserved General: applied to larger-scope problems for multiple variables For instance, if you want to calculate stream properties at different physical conditions, then you can use balance operation from the HYSYS model palette under the manipulators tab and select the first type, then the outlet stream of the Balance can be gave a new condition(T,P,VF). The only information required by the Balance is the names of the streams entering and leaving the operation. Since HYSYS permits streams to enter or leave more than one operation, the Balance can be used in parallel with other units for overall material and energy balances. The Set is an operation used to set the value of a specific Process Variable (PV) in relation to another PV. The relationship is between the same PV in two like objects; for instance, the temperature of two streams or the UA of two exchangers. Unlike the Adjust block, the Set unit operation can be used in both Dynamic and Steady State mode. The dependent, or target, variable is defined in terms of the independent, or source, variable according to the following linear relation: Y = MX + C where, Y = dependent (target) variable, X = independent (source) variable, M = multiplier (slope), B = offset (intercept). HYSYS solves for either the Source or Target variable, depending on which is known first (bi-directionalSolution capabilities). For running a Set operation, user must select the source and target object of the same type. For instance, both the objects must be a separator. Key words Manipulator, Model, Unit operations, Target, Process Variable, Specification, Stream Keywords: None References: https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000089990 https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000099006

Problem Statement: What are the solving methods used in columns in HYSYS?

Solution: The methods described below allow and facilitate theSolution of columns. a) HYSIM Inside-Out: General purpose method, which is good for most problems. b) Modified HYSIM Inside-Out: General purpose method, which allows mixer, tee, and heat exchangers inside the column subflowsheet. Only a simple Heat Exchanger Model (Calculated from Column) is available in the Column subflowsheet. The Simple Rating, End-Point, and Weighted models are not available. c) Newton Raphson Inside-Out: General purpose method, which allows liquid-phase kinetic reactions inside the Column subflowsheet. d) Sparse Continuation Solver: An equation-based solver. It supports two liquid phases on the trays, and its main use is for solving highly non-ideal chemical systems and reactive distillation. e) Simultaneous Correction: Simultaneous method using dogleg methods. Good for chemical systems. This method also supports reactive distillation. f) OLI Solver: Only used to calculate the column unit operation in an electrolyte system Many times, changing theSolution method helps the convergence of the column. Keywords: Column Re References: None

Problem Statement: When the A1PE Graphics display incorrect values related to Aspen Watch KPI tags there are some considerations to map them properly.

Solution: Graphics and Trends work and why they are different when in real-time. How the linkage between fields happens in the AW KPI records. There was some confusion when looking at the daily history fields (suffix ..._Day_H) and the fixed area fields (suffix __HR). Description: Graphics use the MAP_CurrentValue field from the map record when in Real Time (attribute VAL). Graphics will use the MAP_HistoryValue field from the map record when in the past (not in real-time). Trends will use the MAP_HistoryValue field always. Normally the trend gets the history data and the current value associated with the history field (see IP_AnalaogDef). However, the field associated with the history field for the Aspen Watch record does not have an associated timestamp field (in the fixed area) and therefore the trend is ONLY getting data from the history area. Therefore, the graphics and the last value from the trend do not match in real-time. However, when showing past data, they match (because the MAP_HistoryValue is used in the graphic). Aspen Watch KPI Map information: When displaying Aspen Watch KPI data in a graphic or trend plot, it will use one of 4 AtMapDef records depending on the history aggregate you are interested in: AW_CKPI_M - Raw calculated values (current value field: AW_KPI_VALUE_CUR) AW_CKPI_HR_M - Hourly averages (current value field: AW_KPI_VALUE) AW_CKPI_DAY_M - Daily averages (current value field: AW_KPI_VALUE_HR) AW_CKPI_MON_M - Monthly averages (current value field: AW_KPI_VALUE_DAY) The MAP_CurrentValue field for each of these map records uses the current running average of the values that comprise the hour, day, or monthly value. For example, the current, in-progress, Daily average is comprised of the running average of the hourly values since the start of the current day which is stored in AW_KPI_VALUE_HR. Also, Aspen Watch KPIs only update the Raw History repeat area when the calculated KPI differs from the previous value, so the raw history data may not be evenly spaced and therefore a Stepped option for plotting may be more useful when trending these values. Keywords: Aspen Watch KPI Map MAP_CurrentValue MAP_HistoryValue AtMapDef AW_CKPI_M AW_CKPI_HR_M AW_CKPI_DAY_M Aspen Process Graphic Studio A1PE Graphics Trends References: None

Problem Statement: How can we integrate Aspen process simulation and plant layout?

Solution: In V14, a new connection between the process simulators such as Aspen HYSYS & Aspen Plus with Aspen OptiPlant 3D layout has been created. This functionality provides simulator connection to Aspen OptiPlant 3D layout. The equipment list, stream list, sizing and connectivity information are generated in the Economics tab and sent to OptiPlant directly as well as to Aspen Capital Cost Estimator. The workflow generates an IZP for ACCE and spreadsheets for OptiPlant. It is important to know that the Economics tab is used during the data transference process from simulation to 3D layout, and the sizing capabilities from Aspen Process Economic Analyzer are used before the equipment data is transferred to OptiPlant. This new workflow helps keep consistency going from simulation, to layout, to estimation. The workflow for the integration between process simulator and OptiPlant is as below: Open the simulation in HYSYS V14 or Aspen Plus V14. Click on Economics Active in the Economic Tab of the simulator Click the Map button Toggle Size equipment Toggle Evaluate Cost Once the Sizing and Economic Evaluation has been performed, click on the Send to OptiPlant 3D Button Save the Equipment list and stream connectivity data e.g. SimulationExport.xlsx Launch a new project in OptiPlant. Go to the deliverables tab and click on the ACCE button. In the ACCE Interface click on the three dots to select the Simulation data to import. Select the generated equipment list from the simulation and click Open Click the import Button at the bottom of the ACCE Interface Window. You can close the all prompted window once the process is completed. Notice the Imported pieces of equipment, they should contain sizing information, ID Tags as well as Descriptions matching the simulation. Complete pipe routing Go to the Auto Route tab and click on the Line List button Click Open and accept all the subsequent windows to create an empty line list. Go to the Select Tab and click on Select All Go to the Auto Route tab once more and click on Schematic Creator Button In the Schematic Creator click on Pipe and select the generated stream connectivity list. This will have a name with a suffix –STREAMS.xlxs Once opened you will get an imported streams report and this report will detail all the streams found in the simulation and all the streams ignored. Note: Streams such as Energy streams will be ignored by default, and this is the expected behavior. Key words Integration, Conceptual layout, Economics, Route, Deliverables Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: Where to find tar.gz files to load container images in a host machine with no internet connection available as stated in phase 3 step 2 of Aspen Mtell Maestro quick deployment guide (without internet connection / offline).

Solution: TheSolution here assumes that the user already installed Docker in a machine with internet access. Steps to install Docker is also available in this KB Docker Engine Enterprise and Docker Compose quick installation and upgrade guide (without internet connection / offline). 1. Download Maestro Container Images In Machine with Internet Connection Download Maestro files from the AspenTech Download Center and place the V14 Aspen Mtell Maestro Credentials in the same folder. V14 Aspen Mtell Maestro Credentials is necessary to login into AspenTech’s Azure Container Registry (ACR) and download the corresponding container images. Move all downloaded files to C:/ProgramData/AspenTech/Aspen Mtell Maestro/ folder. Create this path if it does not already exist. To pull Maestro containers from the AspenTech Azure Container Registry (ACR), run maestro_driver.exe as administrator Select option Download container images from AspenTech Azure Container Registry by typing 1 and then pressing the Enter key. It will take around 15 minutes for the downloads to complete. 2. Verify Maestro Container Images Downloaded In Machine with Internet Connection After container images are downloaded, open command prompt as administrator and execute the following command: docker image ls This shows a list of container images from AspenTech ACR. There should have 6 container images as shown above. Open the docker-compose.yml file in C:/ProgramData/AspenTech/Aspen Mtell Maestro/ folder in a text editor. Identify all the containers and their image name as highlighted in the example below. Make sure the image name matches the image list opened earlier. 3. Create tar.gz Files Now that the container images are identified, the tar.gz files are now ready to be created. Open another command prompt window as administrator and execute the following command to store the tar.gz files in the Maestro files folder: cd C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\Aspen Mtell Maestro For each container image name, execute the following command docker save --output <ith tar.gz file name> <ith container image name> Where <ith tar.gz file name> must be replaced by the tar.gz file name (include the tar.gz extension) of the ith container image, and <ith container image name> must be replaced by the name of the ith container image. (for cache image example, enter docker save --output cache_v14.tar.gz azacrprod.azurecr.io/aspentech/redis:1809-v14.0 in command prompt) Repeat this for each container image and you should have 6 tar.gz files in the Maestro files folder. The tar.gz files are now created and ready to load in the Maestro host machine. Keywords: ACR download Maestro containers acrcreds.key repo proxy crypto builder online cache References: None

Problem Statement: It is possible to include different tube type configurations for the same Air Cooled Exchanger in Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR).

Solution: Go to Input| Exchanger Geometry| Tubes and select the number of tube types. Note: It is only possible to select up to four different tube types. After the Number of Tube Types field has been selected, the columns 1 to 4 below will be enabled depending on the selection made. Enter the configuration of each tube type and the region they will be applied to. This is selected in the Last Row of Tubes field. This indicates the number of rows that the tube type will be applied to, counting from row one to the number entered in the first column. For other columns, the tube type will be applied from the next row number that was entered in the previous column, up to the row number entered in the current column. It is not possible to enter a number for the last tube type column as it counts to the last row of tubes by default. Consider the previous picture as an example. There are three tube types. The first type is applied from row 1 to row 5, the second tube type for rows 6 and 7 and the third tube type is applied from row 8 to the last row number. Keywords: Air Cooler, Configuration, Geometry, Tube Types, Tubes Number References: None

Problem Statement: After evaluating a project, a window appears that may display some warning messages. But when presented with a message like the one shown below, what is the meaning of U0-7?

Solution: Aspen Icarus systems contain a standard 3-digit account code to which costs and labor hours are assigned to develop the project budget, they are assigned when developing the project estimate. A classification exists and is listed below: Equipment (100) Fittings (200) Piping (300) Civil works (400) Steel (500) Instrumentation (600) Electrical (700) Insulation (800) Painting (900) So, in the example image, it can be deduced that U0-7 is related to a warning related to the electrical part of the project, considering the initial digit of the above mentioned classification. Keywords: Code of account, U0-7, Warning Message, Project Budget References: None

Problem Statement: The Total Project Capital Cost reported in the APEA Executive Summary does not match with the Project Total Costs reported within the Interactive Excel report (Excel Reports>Full Import>Capital Cost Reports>Total Project>Account Basis). Both results must be the same, nevertheless, there is a default Project Capital Escalation parameter configurated by default when a different start date for the Executive Project is entered. For the below capture, the project is 1-JAN-2013 which is in the past. So, the Total Project Capital Cost is being de-escalated which is why it doesn’t match.

Solution: If users look for the exact same Project Total Cost then specify 0% escalation per period for Project Capital in the investment parameters. This is an input for escalation/de-escalation of various costs in the investment analysis calculations. Keywords: Total Cost, Executive Summary, Investment Parameters, Escalation References: None

Problem Statement: How to calculate the Escalation Index in ACCE?

Solution: Sometimes it is necessary to escalate material or labor costs for the following purposes: Adjust system-developed costs to user's time (Present) Adjust all costs to project's (Future) time The cost basis used by ACCE is elaborated through supplier surveys, market data and user data mainly. The equation used by ACCE to do the escalation is as follows: Note: The percentages change according to the time to be scaled. Now, how to access the ACCE cost basis? Whit the above information, the following definitions are important: – SBI = System-Based Index in ACCE – UBI = User-Based Index Calculated by User – EI = Escalation Index Forecasted & Calculated by User The above, because the user must calculate UBI and EI by multiplying the SBI times an escalation factor. For example: And finally, the way this escalation is reported comes in these ways: - Diffused = Included in all reported costs. - Integrated in each cost element - Accumulated = Separated from costs and accumulated. Keywords: Escalation, Escalation Factor, SBI, UBI, Cost Basis, Escalation Index References: None

Problem Statement: What are the installation bulks I can find in ACCE?

Solution: Installation bulks are items directly associated with the component being defined and are used to complete the installation of the item, e.g., a foundation for a vessel. It is possible to define installation bulks when entering or modifying equipment or plant bulk specifications. This is possible by displaying the Components and Specifications form via the options button: There are different types of installation packages, for example: Piping: Process and service lines; vents and drains, electrical or fluid tracing. Civil: Excavation and backfilling of trenches and foundations. Steel: Stairs, ladders, stairways, soffits, support steel. Instrumentation: Sensors, transmitter, wiring, trays, regulators. Electrical: Cables, conduits and trays for motors and local lighting, switchboards. Insulation: Insulation and fireproofing for equipment and steel installation packages. Painting: Painting for metallic installation equipment and packages. Keywords: Installation Bulks, Installation Packages, Plant Bulk Specifications References: None

Problem Statement: How to avoid the message: Please close reporter before closing the Project when you are using any Aspen Economic Evaluation software (Aspen Capital Cost Estimator, Aspen In Plant Cost Estimator, Aspen Process Economic Analyzer) in V14. Root Cause: When a project is evaluated, we have the option to select the type of report we want to know its evaluation, so when the evaluation is finished, a window is automatically generated that allows us to access the different types of reports we have. If after choosing the report type of interest, we want to close the project without closing this window the error message will appear.

Solution: After choosing the report of interest, we proceed to close this window before closing the project and determining whether we want to save the changes. Keywords: Close Reporter, Error Message References: None

Problem Statement: In the dense phase or supercritical fluid, there is no distinct phase, the vapor and liquid phases are merged as a supercritical phase. Aspen HYSYS uses the compressibility factor to determine the phase for flash calculations, then the calculated flash represents the phase as either liquid or vapor.

Solution: If you would like to have more control over the predicted phase in the supercritical region, you can adjust the Dense Phase Tuning Factor. to control or alter the predicted liquid and vapor phase boundaries. 1) Go to the Properties Environment 2) Fluid Packages > Phase Identification field on the right. In general, we recommend using a cubic equation of state-based property package such as Peng-Robinson, CPA, SRK, BWRS, MBWR. That is why some equations of states (EOS) such as GCEOS, PRSV, Kabadi-Danner, Lee-Kesler-Plocker and Zudkevitch-Joffee do not have this dense phase tuning parameter. For pure CO2 at supercritical conditions, Peng-Robinson usually responds well. Keywords: CO2, Supercritical conditions, Dense Phase, Tuning factor, Flash, Peng-Robinson References: None

Problem Statement: There are missing transport properties that are required to perform column internals calculations. Then users should provide them to avoid this error message.

Solution: 1. Go to the Properties Environment/Component List/Double click on each component. 2. Look for those components with missing properties coefficients/Parameters. 3. Click on Edit Properties and specify them. Now, the error message should stop to appear. Keywords: Viscosity, Surface Tension, Column Internals, Sub-flowsheet References: None

Problem Statement: After training an agent, a warning message appears in the job queue saying Warning: At least one sensor is missing more than 25% of training range data.

Solution: When this warning message appears, it says that it detects one or more sensors have at least 25% of training data defined in the selected date range with no sensor data. The first response is to use the Sensor Audit Report tool to figure out which sensors have large data gaps or missing data. Any one sensor with large data gaps used to train the machine learning agent will receive this warning message. When the sensor audit report shows no issues with any of the tags used, it is a good idea to look back at your sensor roles if any floor or ceiling values are defined. Notice in the example below, a floor value of 0 was defined for each tag. In this case, PDI131.PV_Oil removal DP is a differential pressure sensor that has sensor data value below 0 for more than 25% of the time. After reviewing this sensor tag with quick SPC and remove the floor value, the warning message does not appear any more. Keywords: Equipment set Sensor Roles masked data References: None

Problem Statement: By default, Mtell uses the default history repeat area for each tag in IP21 when configuring IP21 data source. After setting up IP21 data source, you can find tag data as shown. When other History repeat area fields in IP21 as shown below need to be used, the Include Repeat Area Fields option needs to be selected.

Solution: First, create an Aspen InfoPlus.21 data source. Select Configuration --> Settings --> Sensor Data Sources --> select Aspen InfoPlus.21 historian The IP.21 adapter has a Include Repeat Area Fields checkbox and a Separator box. If Include Repeat Area Fields is checked, then Aspen Mtell supports including repeat area fields in the list of tags. Each repeat area for each tag is represented as a separate tag in Aspen Mtell. If it is not checked, only the default history repeat area for each tag is supported. The Separator box allows you to specify a separator for use with Include Repeat Area Fields. When this option is checked, the repeat areas appear as separate tags in Aspen Mtell, each with a name that consists of the tag name, the separator, and the repeat field name. It is recommended you use a character that does not appear in any of the tag names in IP.21. The default value is a single space character; leaving this empty (without the space) is not allowed. Note: If you map some tags with a repeat field, and then uncheck the Include Repeat Area Fields option or change the Separator, those tags will fail to resolve. If you import an equipment set which include tags with repeat fields, Include Repeat Area Fields must be checked and the Separator must match the one used when the equipment set was exported in order for tag validation to pass. Keywords: Data source History MAP Record References: None

Problem Statement: After entering the details in the Database Configuration step and clicking the 'Test' button, an error message appears saying One or more errors occurred. (An exception has been raised that is likely due to a transient failure. Consider enabling transient error resiliency by adding 'EnableRetryOnFailure' to the 'UseSqlServer' call.)

Solution: This step of the MAM configuration app is to configure connection to an existing MAM database. The default MAM databases are APMDb and APMdb_STARCatch. If these databases are not found, the configuration app will attempt to create a new MAM database with the name entered in the Database box. When creating a new database, the SQL user provided in this step needs to have sufficient permission otherwise this error message will appear. To provide the necessary SQL user permission, open Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio. Log into MSSQL, expand the Security folder --> Logins folder --> right click on MtelligenceUser --> Properties. Go to Server Roles, select sysadmin and click OK. If sysadmin permission could not be granted, the minimum permission to have is dbcreator. Go back to MAM configuration app and click 'Test' again. Select 'Yes' to create a database with these settings and you should see Database creation successful.. Keywords: Mtell Alert Manager EnableRetryOnFailure UseSqlServer References: None

Problem Statement: DMCplus users may encounter PCSPUT failures and need to change the WFAILM value in their project to avoid these issues. However, simply changing the value in the DMCplus Build Configure menu may not be enough, and additional steps may be required to ensure that the new value is activated in the controller.

Solution: Connect Put Error Recovery Mode (WFAILM): The WFAILM parameter allows the response of the controller on a process control system (PCS) write failure to be configured. The default value is 0, which means the controller process will be killed if a write failure occurs. Setting the value to 1 will turn off the controller, but it will not exit after a write failure occurs. A value greater than 1 will turn off the controller after (WFAILM - 1) consecutive write failures. However, it is recommended to set this option to a number greater than four only after verifying that the Process Control System (PCS) point list is stable (no points being added/deleted) and the controller has been well exercised and proven. Additionally, the watchdog timer logic at the PCS level must be in place to fail the controller and shed regulatory loops to normal mode when the timer expires due to a communications link failure. To change the WFAILM value in DMCplus, follow these steps: Open your project in DMCplus Build. Under Configure, scroll down to find the WFAILM parameter. The default value is 0. Change the WFAILM value to the desired value. Stop the controller. Unload the controller. Load the controller. Start the controller. It is important to note that simply reloading the controller will not activate the new WFAILM value. The user must stop, unload, load, and start the controller to ensure that the new value is activated. If the user has made any recent tuning changes in the online controller, they should do a manage save before stopping and unloading the controller to ensure that these changes are saved. Keywords: WFAILM, PCSPUT failures, DMCplus Build Configure References: None

Problem Statement: Many users want to customize their aspenONE home page by removing or adding certain default action links, such as adding new link. They are seeking guidance on how to achieve this customization.

Solution: To customize the aspenONE home page and remove or adding default action links, follow these steps: Locate the WorkspaceDefault.json file: The default content of the aspenONE home page is controlled by a text file called WorkspaceDefault.json. The file path is: \inetpub\wwwroot\AspenTech\ProcessExplorer\WorkspaceDefault.json. Edit the WorkspaceDefault.json file: Open the WorkspaceDefault.json file in a text editor, such as Notepad. Identify the section where you want to add the new action link. Add a new entry for the desired action link following the specified format. Example: Let's say you want to add a new action link called External Link that opens an external URL. Here's how you can modify the WorkspaceDefault.json file: Open the WorkspaceDefault.json file in a text editor, such as Notepad. Locate the appropriate section to add the new action link. For instance, if you want to add it after the existing action links, find the closing ] that represents the end of the action links. Add a new entry in the following format: { title:Show Everything, search: , isItem:true }] So just add something similar to below. Only those in bold are added. It will always end with ]. { title:Show Everything, search: , isItem:true }, { name: Some name, title: Some title, content: <div id='SDKApp'></div>, version: 9.1, sdkURL: URL to the page, IconPath: aspenONECore/images/Process_Explorer_App.svg, hiddenApp : false, handleUbar : true }] nt, Save the changes to the WorkspaceDefault.json file. Clear the browser cache and restart: In order to see the changes made to the home page, you need to clear your browser cache. After clearing the cache, restart your web browser. Keywords: aspenONE home page, customization, action links, References: None

Problem Statement: aspenONE Process Explorer contains a feature to add comments for trend plots. When adding comments to a trend you may receive the error Failed to Write Comment Rows to Data Source. This

Solution: explains how to troubleshoot this error.Solution The comments that are added to the aspenONE Process Explorer trend plots get recorded in the default Comments record defined under the IP_CommentDef in the IP.21 Administrator. If you are unable to add the comments using A1PE, check the following: 1. Check the repository past time parameter for the history repository configured for the “Comments” record in the IP.21 Administrator. By default, the Comments record is set to archive into the “TSK_DHIS” repository. To check the Past time parameter for the TSK_DHIS repository, Right click on TSK_DHIS à Repository à Time. If the Past Time parameter is set to 1 00:00:00, the Start Time for the comment cannot be older than 1 day. 2. Check the FIELD_FORMAT_RECORD for the IP_PLANT_AREA field in the “Comments” record in the IP.21 Administrator. By default, the Comments” record is configured to use “PLANT_AREAS” as the FIELD_FORMAT_RECORD. Most organizations use a custom record that contain selections for plant areas for Analog, Discrete tags. Similar to Analog tags, the Comments record also needs to be configured to use the custom record. To make this change, Expand IP_CommentDef à Fields à #_OF_FIELDS_IN_REC à Locate IP_PLANT_AREA à Locate the corresponding column “FIELD_FORMAT_RECORD”. Change the value to the custom Selector record name for Plant Areas. 3. Check if the ADSA Public Data Source configuration for the data source being used contains the “aspenONE Process Explorer Comments” service. Keywords: Comments A1PE References: None

Problem Statement: This KB article provides troubleshooting steps for the following issues: Unable to connect (browser window hangs, stays in loading state, or fails to connect to the Aspen APC Web Provider Data Service) when first accessing the PCWS after a period of non-use PCWS hangs or fails to connect intermittently, where restarting IIS, the APC Web Provider Data Service, or the web server will temporarily resolve the issue

Solution: There can be several causes for this problem. Below are some troubleshooting steps to try to resolve the issue. Solution 1 - DCOM Config Permissions Cause: In 2018 (February and July), Microsoft issued patches that caused security failures in many types of COM components. One such component is used by PCWS to discover ADSA Data Sources that allow Aspen Watch information to be displayed in the History and Optimizer tabs of PCWS. When used in a web application, the COM component cannot be reliably activated when the IIS worker process (w3wp.exe) is first starting up. Once the worker process is active, subsequent connections will succeed. Microsoft has provided several follow up patches in August and October 2018 that resolve these issues on Windows 2012 and Windows 2016. However, we have noted some 2008 R2 servers (and even some later operating systems) still cannot make the initial connection when launching PCWS for the first time after not being used for 20 minutes or more. Solution First ensure that the latest Windows patches have been applied. If that does not work, please do the following on the PCWS (web) server to work around this problem: 1) Run dcomcnfg (from a run command). Expand down to the “DCOM Config” node and right-click on Aspen Data Source Directory and choose Properties. Change this object's DCOM permissions to add the Everyone built-in account as follows: - Launch (Everyone full permissions) - Access (Everyone full permissions) 2) Change the ADSA Configuration to use the DCOM protocol in the ADSA Client Config Tool. You may also need to set the PCWS server be the Directory Server (so that all ADSA lookups are local to the web server – be sure to add your Aspen Watch data sources in the Public Data Sources under the Configuration Tab if needed). Then restart the Aspen Data Source Directory service from the services window. Solution 2 - Increase Application Idle Timeout 1) Open Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager, select Application Pools, right-click on the AspenAPCAppPool and select Adanced Settings. 2) Change the Idle Timeout from its default 20 minutes to 4320 minutes (3 days). This allows the w3wp.exe worker process to stay active for much longer periods to prevent the initial w3wp.exe condition mentioned above. Solution 3 - Change IIS Application Recycle Interval 1) Open Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager, select Application Pools, select Aspen Security Pool, and click on Recycling on the right side under Edit Application Pool. 2) Uncheck the “Regular time intervals” and check the box for “Virtual memory usage” and set it to 2048000 KB (2GB). This says for the recycle to only occur if the w3wp.exe process (the process used for web service) grows beyond 2GB in size. Click Next and Finish. Solution 4 - Disable AFW Logging Another cause can be that the Aspen Framework (AFW) logs are taking up too much memory on the web server so they can be disabled: 1) Open Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager, open the dropdown for Sites, open the dropdown for Default Web Site, open the dropdown for AspenTech folder, and select AFW. 2) In the menu options in the center, double-click on Logging: 3) Select Disable on the right-side Actions menu: Solution 5 - Virus Scanning Software Exclusions There have been many cases where Windows Defender or other Anti-Virus Scanning software are shutting down the web server application. The reSolution for this is to exclude the following files on the web server from the virus scanners (ask your IT department for help to do if you are restricted on permissions): C:\Windows\SysWOW64\inetsrv\w3wp.exe C:\Windows\System32\inetsrv\w3wp.exe For a full list of files that should be excluded from virus scanning for APC servers, please see the following article: KB 000049932: Which folders should be excluded from virus scanning on a machine running Aspen Advanced Process Control Software Suite? Solution 6 - Issues with AFW (Aspen Framework) Security 1) Another cause of the web page hanging can be corrupted AFW Cache files. Use the following KB to check whether the cache files may be corrupted and how to resolve this issue: KB 000099141: How to Delete and Recreate AFW Cache for APC Web Server PCWS 2) It has also been seen that this issue occurs if the PCWS is not getting user verification properly from AFW. If this is the case, please use the following KB to refresh the AFW Cache using AFW Security Tools: KB 000020593: How do I resolve access denied errors to Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS) with domain-based user groups? 3) Also verify that the AFW Security Server version is the same version as the PCWS web server. If there is a mismatch in the server name, the web server will not be able to load properly. This would be relevant if the AFW server is installed on a different / remote machine than the web server. You can check which AFW server the PCWS server is connected to by opening AFW Tools on the PCWS, and look at the URL data for server name: Solution 8 - Web Server is Overloaded Another cause of this issue is that the PCWS web server is overloaded with the number of applications that are connected to it. 1) Open Task Manager on the PCWS and verify that there is plenty of overall memory available for use. 2) Go to the Details tab, sort by Memory Usage (high to low) and observe any process that seems to be larger in size than usual. 3) Take note especially of the task WebDataProviderSvc.exe - if the memory consumption is reaching close to or exceeding 2 GB, it is indicating that the application is reaching its limitation. The web service is a 32-bit application so it is limited to about 2.6 GB of memory allocation, but as it approaches this limit, the performance begins to degrade. This limitation is mentioned in the APC Installation Guide. 4) If this is the case on your web server, the long-termSolution would be to install another web server and distribute the applications between them, so the load is divided and memory consumption can be reduced. As a short termSolution though, you can try the Best Practices mentioned in this KB article: KB 000096792: Best Practices to Reduce Load on the Production Control Web Server Solution 9 - Contact AspenTech Support If the aboveSolutions do not resolve this issue, please submit a Support ticket for further investigation. It would help to provide the following information: 1) Open the program called Event Viewer on the web server and check for any error messages logged at the time of the crash/hang that could point to a root cause. Highlight the relevant events and click Save Selected Events on the right-side menu to export the logs and attach them to the support case. --> 2) Include the background of the issue: Has this behavior always happened since installation or recently? If it is only recently, can you please share anything that has been changed on the web server that could have resulted in this? For example, a new application added, new users or groups added, patches applied, product upgrade, etc. How frequently does this issue occur? What actions do you take to resolve it temporarily? Share a screenshot of the errors observed. Keywords: PCWS, web, server, apc, hang, failed, connect, load, intermittent, crash References: None

Problem Statement: If you are experiencing issues with permissions or functionality of the APC web server (PCWS), it is possible that the root cause is corrupted AFW cache files that store the roles and permissions information. This can be resolved by deleting the AFW cache and recreating so that APC Web can read from the cache without issues and grant permissions. One way to first check whether the AFW cache is corrupted is to open the file explorer directory where the cache files are stored (path mentioned below in

Solution: ) and check their file size. If the file size is 0, it is likely that the files are corrupted. Solution 1. Close all the web browsers 2. Stop the AFW Security Client Service (this should also stop the Aspen APC Web Provider Data Service but verify that it has stopped) 3. Delete the 4 AWF cache files By default, these are found in C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\AFW If not found here, you can open the program AFW Tools and look at the “CachePath” Data row to see where the cache is stored on your AFW server: 4. Restart IIS by opening command prompt as an Administrator (right-click on program and click Run as Administrator) and issue the command: iisreset 5. Start the AFW Security Client Service and the Aspen APC Web Data Provider Service if not already started. This should automatically recreate the AFW cache files, verify that they are in the directory mentioned above. Keywords: afw, cache, corrupt, pcws References: None

Problem Statement: When trying to import data in Aspen PID Watch Performance Monitor desktop tool, the following message appears: Error in AutoRun File Load or processing of file information for the PID Watch program. Confirm correct AutoRun file structure and content before re-running this program function.

Solution: First verify that the structure of the AutoRun file contains the following requirements: 1. ODBC SQLplus Server Name 2. Start Date Time 3. End Date Time 4. Listing of Aspen Watch PID loops (AW_PIDDEF records), corresponding loop Steady-State Time, and Variable Type (non-Ramp or Ramp). Example of AutoRun file contents: SQLplus on localhost 17-JUN-05 00:00:00 17-JUN-05 08:00:00 FC801 10 1 FC802 10 1 FC803 10 1 LC831 20 2 TC901 30 1 Please see the PID Watch help file for more details on configuring the AutoRun file. If the above has been verified, please try the following: 1. Close the PID Watch Program and open it again. 2. Go to File > ODBC Connect and change the connection to a different server than it is currently. 2. Then change the connection back to the original and try to import again. Keywords: pid, watch, autorun, error, file, load, content, structure References: None

Problem Statement: Is it safe to uninstall EOL/Obsolete Microsoft Visual C++ Redist and .NetCore from V11 to 14?

Solution: MES Products: APEM, APRM, IP.21 (excl. mMDM), Aspen Calc, CIM-IO, Local Security, Audit and Compliance, Process Data, Excel Add-In, A1PE, SLM, SQLplus, Process Explorer, AFW We confirmed it is SAFE to remove VS Redist 2008/2010 from V11 based on the above product list. So we believe it is also safe to remove it from V12/V14. Aspen Release VC Redist 2008/2010 VC Redist 2013 VC Redist 2015-2022 .NetCore 3.0 V14.0 Not required Required only for Graphic Studio Required Required for mMDM Web V12.x Not required Required only for Graphic Studio Required Required for mMDM Web V11.x Not required Required only for Graphic Studio Required Required for mMDM Web Keywords: None References: None

Problem Statement: When trying to import data into Aspen PID Watch Performance Monitor, user gets this error message: Error opening AutoRun file located in the 'ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\<version>\Builder\Templates' folder. Confirm this file is not read-only or opened by another application or user before running this program function.

Solution: The root cause is a file permissions issue where the user account (or user group, whether local or domain, that the user account is in) needs to have read and write access to the templates folder mentioned in the error message. 1. Navigate to the directory: ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\<version>\Builder\Templates 2. Right-click on the AutoRun file and select Properties > Security tab and check whether the user account or group is added here. 3. If the account is listed, edit their permissions to include read and write permissions. If the account is not listed, click Edit and then click Add to add the user account with read and write permissions. 4. Close PID Watch, re-open it and try the import data step again. Keywords: pid, watch, error, autorun, file, import, data, upgrade References: None

Problem Statement: Step by Step procedure for generating license key using Aspen License Deployment Assistant (ALDA)

Solution: Provide your esupport login credentials Validate the license server name and System Name with the existing license file Install the new license key that will be generated by this ALDA wizard Note: ALDA wizard can only be used for generating new or upgrading the existing license keys to an existing network license file. This wizard will not help for upgrading a standalone license key. For upgrading standalone license file, kindly request for new license keys from esupport webpage Keywords: ALDA, esupport webpage, license request References: None