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Problem Statement: In the tables the columns can be made wider or smaller, by just dragging the column border to the right or left. The column can be made so small that it is not visible anymore, even though the properties for the table shows that column as a selected attribute. How can the column be made visible again? | Solution: Go to the top of the table to the row with the headers of the columns. In the place where the collapsed column is, move the mouse over the border of the column till the mouse changes shape to a vertical line with two arrows, one in each direction. Now double click with the left mouse button and the column will re-appear.
As a last resort you can also applySolution ID 110833.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: When we have a mixture, how do we calculate the viscosity of the pure components? | Solution: TheSolution is to create a set of auxiliary composition arrays with single component composition.
Model Pure_Viscosity
//Variables declaration
T as temperature(value: 25.0, fixed);
P as pressure(value: 101325.0, fixed);
x(ComponentList, ComponentList) as molefraction;
visc(ComponentList) as visc_liq;
//Model equations
For i In ComponentList Do
For j In ComponentList Do
If (i==j) then
x(i, j) = 1.0;
Else
x(i, j) = 0.0;
Endif
Endfor
Call(visc(i)) = pVisc_Liq(T, P, x(i,Componentlist)) ;
Endfor
End
Please refer to the attached file for a working example using benzene, ethanol and water.
Keywords: viscosity, pVisc_liq, pVisc_vap
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is a governing case and how do I change it? | Solution: Governing case is the worst case or controlling case for which equipment, lines, valves etc. are designed for.
You can change governing case from Explorer from Case || Governing case option and change it to set global default or set object governing case.
Keywords: Governing case.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to access connected user information to a particular workspace? | Solution: To access connected user information, follow these steps:
1. Open Aspen Basic Engineering (ABE) Administration tool.
2. Select the workspace for which you want to check connected user information
3. Once you are connected to workspace it will show you five more option as shown in screen capture below.
4. Double click on Connected users option and it will show you all connected user for this particular workspace.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: The following equation does not calculate the value for x(10) because of way in which Operation of Sets works in Aspen Custom Modeler.
$x([2:10]) = -(x([2:10]) - x([1:9]) ) / 0.01 ; | Solution: Array equations in Aspen Custom Modeler are different to those in SPEEDUP.
When Aspen Custom Modeler generates individual equations from an array expression it intersects the index sets of the array variables starting from the left i.e.
[2:10] intersection [2:10] = [2:10]
[2:10] intersection [1:9] = [2:9]
There is no equation in the model which references x(10) so this element is inactive and does not appear in AllVariables. X(1) appears in another equation so it does appear in AllVariables.
What the user is trying to do is generate a set of equations of the form:
$x(i) = -(x(i) - (x(i-1)) / 0.01 for i = 2 to 10
In Aspen Custom Modeler, if the index sets are different, you have to use a FOR loop as follows:
FOR c in [2:10] DO
$x(c) = -(x(c) - x(c-1) ) / 0.01 ;
ENDFOR
This will generate the correct set of equations.
Keywords: array
slice
index
set
sets
operation
References: None |
Problem Statement: User defined Stream Types usually have defined variables, which can be easily accessed in scripts. On the other hand Connection Stream Type does not have any variables associated with it. It matches variables by name to pass on the information from one block to another.
It is still possible to open an AllVariables table for a stream in the flowsheet that uses Connection. All matched variables, as explained above, will be displayed, and their name is preceeded by a < or > sign, indicating that the variable belongs to the block connected by the stream, not to the stream itself. In order to use these variables in a script a different procedure must be implemented to access them, from what would be used by streams using user defined Stream Tpyes. | Solution: The following script created in the flowsheet will find both variables in user defined streams (where they exist) and variables associated with Connection type streams, that do not have variables themselves, rather use variables from the block ports they are connected to. The comments in the code explain each step.
To use the script go to the Flowsheet in the Simulation Explorer of your problem, double click Add Script icon in the Flowsheet Contents and type in a name for the script. Then you can copy and paste the code below as is to use in your problem.
Set StreamCollctn = Streams
FOR EACH i IN StreamCollctn
if i.TypeName <> Connection then
' Get a collection of all variables in flowsheet streams using User Defined Stream Types
set vars = i.FindMatchingVariables(~)
Application.Msg Stream & i.Name
application.msg Listing variables for stream...
for each v in vars
application.msg & v.name
next
else
' Get a collection of all variables in flowsheet streams using Connection Type
Application.Msg Stream & i.Name & uses Stream Model & i.TypeName
' Check where stream is connected too (starting with output)
If i.OutputConnected then
set p = i.OutputBlockPort
set b = p.Parent
application.msg Output is connected to & p.GetPath _ & of block & b.name
' Find variable sin the connected port
set vars = p.FindMatchingVariables(~)
for each v in vars
application.msg & v.name
next
else
' If Ouput port is not connected then use input port
set p = i.InputBlockPort
set b = p.Parent
application.msg Input is connected to & p.GetPath _ & of block & b.name
set vars = p.FindMatchingVariables(~)
for each v in vars
application.msg & v.name
next
End if
end if
next
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Does Aspen Custom Modeler (ACM) support inverse trigonometry functions? | Solution: ACM supports inverse trigonometry functions, and the value returned is always in radius unit. For example, ASIN will always return value in radius, not in degree.
Keywords: inverse trigonometry function
References: None |
Problem Statement: What could prevent the Aspen Datasheet tab from appearing in the Aspen Basic Engineering (ABE) V8.0 Excel datasheet editor? | Solution: In ABE V8.0, if everything is installed properly then you should see Datasheet tab when you will open Excel datasheet editor. If it doesn't appear, you can check a few things as below:
1. In Excel options | Add-ins, under COM Add-ins, the checkbox for AZDSExcelAddin is active. If not, check it.
2. In Excel options | Add-ins, go to disabled items.This will show Disabled Add-ins and you can enable if AZExcelDatasheeteditor Add-In is in this list.
After making these changes, exit excel completely. Restart Excel datasheet editor to see the effects.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why does using an expression such as:
PP = ACOS(x)
in the model equation cause an access violation and errors as follows?
ERROR :
Solver thread has been terminated, due to :
Server failed due to Access Violation | Solution: The reason for the access violation is that ACOS(x) is special when x=1.0 and we need the derivative wrt X
For example, the formula for the derivative of ACOS(x) is:
d(ACOS(x)) = -d(x) / SQRT(1.0 - (x^2))
When x=1.0, the denominator reduces to zero which causes the solver to crash.
The workaround is as follows:
PP = COS(PINV);
// PINV = ACOS(PP);
Keywords: access violations
crash
equations
divide by zero
References: None |
Problem Statement: When installing Aspen Custom Modeler (ACM) V7.1 into a box where earlier releases of ACM might have been installed, sometimes the dynamic link libraries decompserver.dll and integratorserver.dll are not registered correctly and consequently when a ACM model is run later on, ACM reports error message such as
Integrator server could not be started, registry entry AspenTech.UnifiedIntegrator not found
System error was Invalid class string | Solution: Manually registering the following dynamic link libraries solves the problem. Open up a DOS window and go to AOS bin folder such as
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Open Solvers V7.1\Bin
and then do
regsvr32 decompserver.dll
regsvr32 integratorserver.dll
Keywords: UnifiedIntegrator, invalid, server, registry
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does the Aspen Custom Modeler integrator work in Aspen HYSYS when running exported Aspen Custom Modeler dynamic models in Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: ACM model in HYSYS will not use the HYSYS integrator (which is an equivalent to Fixed-Step Explicit Euler). The exported ACM model still use ACM integrator when in dynamics. Currently we don't provide an option to select ACM integrator on HYSYS interface. This means the user has no choice but to use the settings that we hard-coded in HYSYS. The default ACM integrator is VSIE. Therefore the exported ACM model in HYSYS will use VSIE, but the basic settings will be altered proportionally based on HYSYS integrator setting, such as:
ACM.Integrator.InitVarSize = HYSYS.Integrator.Stepsize
ACM.Integrator.MinVarSize = HYSYS.Integrator.Stepsize * 0.1
ACM.Integrator.MaxVarSize = HYSYS.Integrator.Stepsize
Using these VSIE settings, the ACM model in HYSYS will be integrated by the OOMF command for pause/restart actions. Of course, the integration interval will follow the HYSYS's integration step size. Therefore the synchronization is good between two integrators, by doing like this:
<set dyn_run_to = 0.010000>
<set dyn_interval = 0.010000>
<solve>
This means the ACM user won't see any result difference in between ACM and HYSYS for their ACM model. The quality should be maintained as long as they use same VSIE settings in both products.
On our wish list for future releases beyond V7.2, some improvements are still required. For example, the ACM model user should be able to choose integrator type and the settings from HYSYS interface.
Keywords: Hysys, Dynamics, integrator, VSIE
References: None |
Problem Statement: Invoking scripts in tasks does not always work in the way you might expect.
For example if you have a task that makes the following step change:
Task example1 runs when time == 0.2
Tank1.Flowout.flow : 4;
End
this changes the value of the flow to 4. This is a simple assignment in a task.
You could then create a script called, for example, change_flow1 containing the text:
Tank1.Flowout.flow.value = 4
and modify the task:
Task example2 runs when time == 0.2
invoke change_flow1 ();
End
This again works as expected.
Now if you have another assignment on the same variable in the task, for example:
Task example3 runs when time == 0.2
Tank1.Flowout.flow : 1;
invoke change_flow1 ();
End
The value of Tank1.Flowout.flow will actually be 1, and not 4 (from the script). This is because the assignments in the task are accumulated and their execution is deferred until the last minute - in this case the last line of the task. Any direct assignments in the task take precedence over assignments made in scripts invoked from the task.
Assignments are also accumulated and executed before a WAIT, or RAMP or other commands that pause the task execution while the simulation run continues.
If you change the script change_flow1 to:
application.msg before & Cstr(Tank1.Flowout.flow.value)
Tank1.Flowout.flow.value = 4
you see that the value displayed is not 1, but whatever is the current value of the variable. This confirms that while the script is invoked the assignment has not been executed. | Solution: Use scripts in tasks with care.
Depending on what you intend to do within the script, there are two possibleSolutions:
avoid having conflicts in assignments (make all the changes in the script or all in the task, but not a combination of the two)
use inputs and outputs variables to force the assignments to be synchronized with the script
The second approach is explained in the on-line help.
For example
task:
Tank1.FlowOut.Flow : 1; // dummy value
Invoke (tank1.flowout.flow) : change_flow2 ( ); // overwrites the dummy value
script change_flow2:
'tank1.flowout.flow.value = 0.0 'line commented out
outputs(1) = 4
Note that you need to take care of the fact the assignments are deferred if you access the variables from the script.
For example:
task:
Tank1.FlowOut.Flow : 1;
Invoke (tank1.flowout.flow) : change_flow3 ( );
script change_flow3:
outputs(1) = tank1.flowout.flow.value/4
then the value of flowout will be 1/4 of the current value of flowout, and not the 1/4 (1 from the assignment) that you might expect.
The correctSolution is:
task:
Tank1.FlowOut.Flow : 1;
Invoke (tank1.flowout.flow) : change_flow4 (tank1.flowout.flow);
script change_flow4:
outputs(1) = inputs(1)/4
Fixed in Version:
No fix planned as this is a consequence of the way tasks and scripts work rather than an error
Keywords: task
script
invoke
References: None |
Problem Statement: Inheritance does not allow the user to change or overwrite an equation in Aspen Custom Modeler | Solution: In Aspen Custom Modeler you can use inheritance to add equations to a model, but you can't overwrite an equation or change it.
View the attached example for a tank. In Tank 1, the Area was fixed at some value. The level was defined by the following equation.
level = l/h;
If you were to try to create a new model, call it Tank2 that inherited all the traits of Tank1, but where the level was calculated by a new equation
level = 1/h*2;
The model will compile, but it will be overspecifed by one variable. The work around is to copy the original model (Tank1) within the Aspen Custom Modeler environment and then directly edit the model in Aspen Custom Modeler, and change the equation there.
Keywords: Inheritance
Custom Modeling
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I connect the Aspen Custom Modeler client to a remote OPC Server? | Solution: Aspen Custom Modeler (ACM) only officially supports connection to an OPC server running on the same machine. However, it is possible to get ACM to think that the remote OPC connection is local. Both computers (remote server and client PC) are running Windows XP SP2.
Install the OPC server on both PCs. The installation on the client PC was needed to set some registry entries for ACM to be able to find the server.
Run dcomcnfg, go to Component Services, My Computer, and DCOM Config and find the COM object for the OPC server.
For example, the Matrikon OPC Testing simulator server.
Edit its properties. On the location tab tick only the box for Run application on the following computer. Enter the name of the computer running the OPC server.
Ensure the DCOM security settings for the server computer allow connection from the client computer.
This link gives additional details:
http://www.opcfoundation.org/Archive/c9cf0fff-65fa-4362-bc93-aa7d0ab58016/Using%20OPC%20via%20DCOM%20with%20XP%20SP2%20v1.10.pdf
Keywords: DCOM, dcomcnfg, OPC Server, ACM Online Links, Remote OPC, Configuration, Component Services
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I store the history of an attribute in the database and view it? | Solution: You can store the history of attributes by enabling the audit parameter in the configuration file. The audit parameter can be specified either in the library set configuration file or workspace.cfg file. If you specify it under library set configuration file, audit will apply to all of the workspaces that are using that library set, but if you specify the parameter in the workspace.cfg file, audit will only apply to the specific workspace.
To enable the audit parameter:
1. Open the Workspace.cfg file under the Workspacename folder under ..AspenZyqadServer\Basic Engineering16.2\Workspaces using text editor.
2. Add the following line
Audit::AuditClasses = CentrifugalPump
This parameter will store the history of all the objects and sub-objects under centrifugal pump class. If you want to include other classes, you can include them in the list separated by commas.
3. Save the file and reload the workspace.
When Audit::AuditClasses is set, the history of changes for an attribute can then be viewed in the Workspace Explorer by opening the properties dialog of the attribute from the Attribute Browser as below.
1. Start Aspen Basic Engineering explorer and login to the workspace.
2. Double click on any pump to open its attribute editor and change the value of the attribute.
3. Right click the attribute and select Properties from right-click menu.
4. The window will show information about last modification of the attribute and if you will click on the History button, it will display detailed history.
Keywords: parameters, audit, configuration
References: None |
Problem Statement: When sharing ACM models with endusers sometimes you may want protect proprietary information contained within the model. How do you prevent the enduser from accessing the model contents but still be able to use the model in a flowsheet? | Solution: To prevent access to the model contents, create the model using the keyword PRIVATE. For example...
PRIVATE MODEL ModelName USES InheritedModel
ModelStatements
END
After building the model, create a library that includes the model from the File | Create Library... menu to share with endusers. After the enduser opens the library in ACM, the user of the library cannot:
? See the model in the Simulation Explorer view
Export the model with a Save
See the model equations and variable names in a Diagnostic view
Attached is an example of using the PRIVATE keyword to prevent access to the model contents. The ACM file contains two models... tank, which is a simple tank model that was created using the PRIVATE keyword, and a model mytank which uses the tank model as a submodel within the mytank model. The model mytank is simply a shell that contains the submodel tank. In this case, the actual equations for the model are in the submodel which will be hidden from the enduser. After creating a library and then opening the library in a new ACM run, you will only see the model mytank, which can be used normally to build a flowsheet.
The PRIVATE keyword can also be used to create other ACM types such as Streams and Structures.
Keywords: PRIVATE, hidden model
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why can't I change the format of a datasheet field when exporting to Excel from Excel datasheet editor? | Solution: When you export datasheet from excel datasheet editor to excel, the exported excel files are password protected, so that is the reason you can not change the format (format option is grayed out).
To change the format follow the below mentioned steps.
For Excel 2003
1. Click on Tools | Protection | Unprotect sheet.
2. Specify the password AspenTech and click on OK.
For Excel 2007
1. On Ribbon bar click on Review and select Unprotect sheet
2. Specify the password AspenTech and click on OK
Once you Unprotect the sheet, you should be able to change the field value.
Keywords: password, format, field format, grayed out option,
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I remove the border around all text in a workspace? | Solution: To remove border for all dumb text in an entire workspace, the easiest way is to write a Query and run it using query editor. Below is the step by step instruction on how to use Query editor to do this task,
NOTE: This query will remove border for all dumb text and this procedure is not reversible.
1. Open Workspace Explorer and connect to the workspace for which you are trying to remove border for dumb texts.
2. From Explorer application, open Query Editor by going to View menu.
3. Once Query Editor is opened, write query as shown below and click on Submit button.
<%
set labels = ClassStore.FindClass(Text).Members
for each lbl in labels
lbl.BorderLineStyle = NONE
next
%>
4. Go to Drawing editor and notice that border around dumb text are gone.
Keywords: remove border for text
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I retrieve Henry's law coefficients using procedure pParamBinT? | Solution: Procedure pParamBinT is a physical property procedure that returns the values of temperature dependent binary component property parameters.
For Henry's law coefficients, the syntax is given below:
HPARAM(componentlist, componentlist, [1:7]) as realvariable;
call (HPARAM) = pParamBinT(HENRY,1);
Attached is a .acmf file that contains a sample model showing how to retrieve the parameters. The .acmf file contains an embedded .aprbkp file with the Aspen Properties setup. Note that the values retrieved are in SI units, consistent with a temperature in K and a pressure in N/m2.
Keywords: Henry, pParamBinT, procedure
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I do a sensitivity analysis, i.e. to vary some fixed variables within a range and repeat steady state or initialization runs for these values? | Solution: You can use the automation methods to do this, from a macro in Excel or another program supporting Visual Basic.
The attached file shows how to do this with a flowsheet script. You need to create two flowsheet tables:
VaryVariables
ResultsVariables
On the VaryVariables table, you need to put all the (fixed) variables you want to vary. Change the upper and lower bounds of the selected variables to specify the range.
On the ResultsVariables, select the variables you want to sample.
When you invoke the script repeat_run, it will repeat the simulation for values from the lower bounds to the upper bounds in 10 steps. The results will be written in a comma separated file (csv) which can then be opened with Excel.
Please note that the script repeat_run does not generate a valid csv file if the decimal delimiter is a , (e.g. regional settings as in Germany). Use the script repeat_run_german instead of repeat_run.
The script can be modified to change the location of the file, the number of steps, etc.
Keywords: Forms
VariablesPaths
Simulation
Run
References: None |
Problem Statement: Need to use the Costing Interface to transfer data between Zyqad 11.1 and KBase 2004 | Solution: Replace the ITSServer10.dll delivered with Zyqad 11.1 with the attached.
Close all Zyqad and KBase applications
Download the ITSServer10.zip and extract the ITSServer10.dll to the C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Zyqad 11.1\client\bin folder
Go to Start -> Run -> type regsvr32 C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Zyqad 11.1\client\bin\itsserver10.dll. Click OK
You will get message that dll is successfully registered
Load Zyqad 11.1 and KBase 2004 to use the Costing Interface as desired
Keywords: Costing Interface
References: None |
Problem Statement: You have both a Vessel and an Agitator datasheet, but each has its own NormalContents. You want these contents to be the same, since the Agitator is in the Vessel. | Solution: You need a knowledge base (KB) item that does the below:
- Use the Clone capability to keep the contents synchronized
- Write a Demon that executes when the Agitator is assigned a Parent object
- Use a Clone as the NormalContents for the Agitator
The demon described above is attached. Download the .azkbs file, compile to create .azkbx file and load into workspace for use.
Keywords: KB, share, vessel, agitator
References: None |
Problem Statement: Where are the bitmap files saved on the server to be available for datasheets? | Solution: The bitmap file(*.bmp) files are always saved under Template folder under AspenZyqadServer which by default is located under C:\AspenZyqadServer\Basic Engineering**.x\WorkspaceLibraries\Templates directory. When you create a bitmap field in datasheet, it look under this directory to populate the list of all *.bmp files.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: What name appears for the datasheets in end-user applications?
or
I have created a datasheet but it doesn't display in list of datasheets in end-user applications. Why? | Solution: When you define a datasheet using Datasheet Definer,Title for the Datasheet is entered under Datasheet properties. The Datasheets always appear with this Title under end-user applications. You should not search for the name of datasheet specified for *.xls or *.ztf file.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the elements reported in the Heat Transfer Resistance Diagram for Aspen Plate Exchanger? | Solution: The resistance diagram can be found at Results | Thermal / Hydraulic Summary | Performance
It shows the thermal resistance between the hot side and cold side streams broken down into five components along the length of a horizontal bar.
The five resistances are:
· Hot Side stream
· Hot Side fouling
· Plate wall
· Cold Side fouling
· Cold Side stream
By default, the stream resistances are yellow, the fouling resistances red, and the wall resistance black. Resistances are derived from mean heat transfer coefficients. Thermal resistances are the inverse of heat transfer coefficients. In the Overall Performance tab the users can see the graphic representation of the heat transfer resistance and in the Resistance distribution tab the users can review the actual values of the resistances.
The Diagram provides an immediate indication of the largest resistance in the system, and the design engineers can use this information to improve the design of the unit.
Keywords: Plate exchanger, heat transfer resistance, fouling resistance, stream resistance
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen Plate exchanger contains Aspen HTFS proprietary single-phase correlations for plate heat transfer and pressure drop behaviour. These have been developed from research on a wide range of fluids and plate configurations for cross corrugated plate combinations. The methods do include asymmetric pairs of plates with different chevron angles.
Condensing and boiling modelling uses these methods as a basis but calls upon Aspen HTFS two phase research to expand upon single phase methods to address pure-component and multi-component calculations.
The program covers design, check-rating and simulation calculations for plate packs in single and multiple pass combinations. User specified heat transfer and pressure drop methods can be used in Check/Rating and Simulation modes.
Typical plate arrangement for cross-corrugated plate and frame exchangers is shown below:
Where plate surface characteristics differ significantly from the cross-corrugated type above, the user can directly specify the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics to over-ride internal heat transfer and pressure drop correlations. | Solution: Defining Plate Geometry and Conductivity
The program allows the user to specify the basic plate geometry:
Here in addition to other key dimensions, the user can specify directly the reference heat transfer area.
Where plates are constructed from a non-standard material, the user can specify directly the material thermal conductivity
Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Characteristic
For special plate surface geometries (not cross-corrugated) the user will specify heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics derived from appropriate testing.
These are entered into the program as Colburn j factor and Fanning friction factor tabulated over a range of Reynolds number
The user will first specify that both Colburn j factor and Fanning friction factor will be provided:
Then a table of values can be directly entered or can be Copy/Pasted from Excel.
Keywords: Reynolds number, Colburn j factor, Friction factor, user correlations
References: to Help provides the definitions of the quantities used including f-factor, Colburn j factor and Reynolds number. By searching on text definitions, such as “Colburn j Factor” or looking in Help under Input | Program Options | Methods/Correlations |
Problem Statement: What is the basis of selecting 'Fraction of Feed S Processed' in FCC Reactor Feed properties? | Solution: The fraction of feed sulfur processed defines the propensity of the sulfur to crack to H2S or remain as compounds in heavy liquid products.
The value ranges from zero to one. Zero will maximize cracking to H2S. One will minimize cracking to H2S and force the sulfur to appear in the heavier liquid products. For example, virgin gas oil will have a value of zero since most of its sulfur will crack to H2S. On the other hand, a hydrotreated gas oil will have a value of one, since most of the easily-crackable sulfur has been removed by the hydrotreater and the remaining refractory sulfur will pass through the FCC and appear in cycle oil cuts. The intent is to provide a factor that shows the difference between alkyl sulfides and thiophenes in the feed. Sulfides tend to crack to H2S while thiophenes remain in high molecular weight structures that concentrate in the cycle oils.
Keywords: FCC Reactor sulfur, fraction of feed to S processed etc;
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does one delete a nozzle in Aspen Zyqad? | Solution: In order to delete a nozzle from a list, one must write a method. The following example demonstrates the syntax required to delete the fifth nozzle from the list:
[?Class=PressureVessel,
Interactive=True,
Secure=False?]
AZMethod RemoveNozzle ()
Set Nozl=self.Nozzles(5)
Nozl.DetachFromParent
End AZMethod
Keywords: method, nozzle delete, delete object, delete method
References: None |
Problem Statement: Message Que Full / Message Que Information | Solution: The file ctlr.eng in the controller directory gets the ENG que information. It should have the messages marked for that que in message.dat since midnight. Yesterdays messages are in the ctlr.bck file in the same directory. DMCplus View should also show all eng que messages within its que size limit.
The TYP que is another configurable que that is not configured in DMCplus. It was originally intended to go to a system typer.
The OPR que is available in DMCplus View and has been configured to be displayed on the TDC message display.
Messages can be retrieved from the message memory file and scrolled across the screen via:
$ mpf_manage msglist -r
(the -r flips the time sequence
to show last msgs first)
DMCplus v1.10
Manage now has an option to view messages.
Message Que Full
Both DMC 502 and DMCplus use 65 as the max number of messages for a single cycle. To see the unshown messages, fix those that do show. Alternatively, run the control process interactively with MSGACT set to either 1 or 3.
C
Parameter Declarations
C
INTEGER*4 DMMAXQ
PARAMETER (DMMAXQ = 65)
C
Maximum number of messages in the current
C
C
C
message queue
C Initialize MSGINC COMMON variables
D:\FROMPE~1\incoming\502calc\ie>grep msginc *.for
File BLDMSG.FOR:
C Must be the same as DMMAXF in msginc.inc.
File DMCGET.FOR:
INCLUDE 'msginc.inc'
File DMCINI.FOR:
INCLUDE 'msginc.inc'
File FNDMSG.FOR:
INCLUDE 'msginc.inc' File INIQUE.FOR:
INCLUDE 'msginc.inc' File MSGINI.FOR:
INCLUDE 'msginc.inc' File MSGQUE.FOR:
INCLUDE 'msginc.inc' File PRTMSG.FOR:
INCLUDE 'msginc.inc' File PUTMSG.FOR:
INCLUDE 'msginc.inc' File SETWHY.FOR:
INCLUDE 'msginc.inc'
D:\FROMPE~1\incoming\502calc\ie>
Keywords: Message, Que, Full, Queue
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does DMC engine handle license check-out for offline tools v/s online tools? | Solution: Aspen DMCplus consists of two types of tools-
· Desktop tools i.e. DMCplus Builder, DMCplus Model and DMCplus Simulate
· Online tools i.e. APC Manage and APC Online/Controller
In the event of licenses being lost, any DMCplus desktop tools that are open will detect the unavailability of the license key(s) and display a message saying Unable to acquire license. When this happens, most of the software features become unavailable. However, the current work can still be saved.
Note- DMCplus Builder and APC Manager do not check out any license key.
The license check is different for Aspen DMCplus online tools. Control applications that have successfully checked out a license within the last 10 days will be able to start and will continue running until the 10-day grace period has ended. This should prevent occasional network problems from limiting controller up time.
This means that any running DMCplus controller(s) always gets a grace period of 10-days before the controller goes offline. The DMCplus engine checks the license server for the necessary keys once every hour and it will print the “timeout countdown message� on the Web Viewer, in case it does not find the licenses. On finding a license key(s), the DMCplus engine stops the countdown and resets the counter back to 10 days.
For temporary license keys, the 10-days grace period for online running Aspen DMCplus controller is applicable when using DMCplus online tools with temporary licenses.
Keywords: DMCplus License
Temporary License
DMCplus Online
References: None |
Problem Statement: *.sym file association is lost after uninstalling coexistent version of Aspen Basic Engineering or Aspen Economic Evaluation
OR
Uninstalling coexistent versions of Aspen Basic Engineering or Aspen Economic Evaluation removes the .sym file association resulting in symbols not displayed correctly in symbol library. | Solution: After uninstalling coexistent versions of Aspen Basic Engineering or Aspen Economic Evaluation Restore file, if *.sym file association is lost, it can be restored using the windows explorer
1. Select a graphical symbol *.sym file.
2. Right-mouse click/Properties.
3. Click Change button next to Opens with and select AZGraphicDefiner.
If you don't see AZGraphicDefiner in the list, you can click Browse button and find AZGraphicDefiner.exe from the Userservices directory. By default it is at C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Basic Engineering V7.1\UserServices\bin
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When using a given plate and increasing the length (vertical port centers distance), the pressure drop may be noted to reduce. This is opposite to what would normally be imagined, where you would expect an increase in the plate frictional pressure drop. | Solution: It is possible that the Area of plates(s) has been specified, which allows for the corrugations (and sometimes known as the developed area) and is not the projected area. The mean hydraulic diameter, De, can be defined as
Volume of flow channel 4 x b Aproj
De = 4 x
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: As Zyqad Administrator, you have a new feature but not prepared to role out to your users just yet, but cannot prevent it using Privileges. | Solution: You need to do the below:
1. Identify key classes that are created by the feature
2. Write a Create Event rule for those classes
3. Have the object delete itself
The Event described above is attached. Download the .azkbs file, edit the kb so that it is applicable to the relevant classes, compile to create .azkbx file and load into workspace for use.
Keywords: prevent, use , feature, privileges, event
References: None |
Problem Statement: A simulation is converged, then a variable is changed by a small amount, and the simulation is run again. However, it is now failing to converge after exceeding the maximum number of iterations. Surprisingly, after hitting the run button again, the simulation is now converging.
This is very strange behavior. Why does one have to hit the run button twice to get the problem to solve. Why is the behavior worse when the system is so close to the | Solution: ?Solution
After the change to the variable, the nonilinear group starts off with a small equation norm (typically, the size of the step change of the variable). The next iteration, the equation norm jumps up and only very slowly starts coming down in subsequent iterations. However, it does not reduce fast enough within 10 iterations, and so the non-linear solver no norm reduction in 10 iterations heuristic kicks in, and returns to the best point - the initial one - and halves the first step. Again, the equation norm is small, jumps up and does not come down fast enough in the next 10 iterations...This pattern continues until it runs out of iterations.
When you hit run for the second time, the norm is now the high value because it leaves the unconverged variables to their value at the last iteration, and this is set to the best norm. Subsquent iterations reduce this norm slowly, and the no norm reduction in 10 iterations heuristic doesn't kick in and hence the problem converges fine!
So, the heuristic for returning to the best point defeats the problem due to the jump in norm at the first iteration.
If you suspect this behaviour, set the maximum number of norm reductions to 0. This switches the heuristic off and the problem will converge without needing to hit run a second time.
Change in Run, Solver Options, Non-Linear tab as follows:
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I customize the Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR) Main toolbar/Program toolbar to re-organize the icons? | Solution: To re-organize the Aspen EDR Main toolbar/Program toolbar icons you have to double click on the Main/Program toolbar by using the left mouse button. When you double click with mouse the program will bring up a new Customize Toolbar window as shown below.
In the Customize Toolbar window you can move the toolbar buttons Up/Down and Add/Remove depending on your need. After customizing the Main toolbar when the file is saved the Main customized toolbars are also saved.If you want to go back to the original format click on the Reset button.
Keywords: customize, toolbar, main, program, remove
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is there a way to globally make TCP/IP the default setting? | Solution: The only way to set this option is through the software.
TCP/IP or DCOM is configured at the client and workspace level. For example, the user would select this option the first time a workspace is opened. The chosen transport option will be reused by default each subsequent time the workspace is opened. If a user opens a new workspace on the same client, the connection will default to DCOM the first time the workspace is opened.
Keywords: TCP/IP, default, setting
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I export a drawing from one workspace to another? | Solution: User can export a drawing from one workspace and import to another using one of 2 ways:
Export and import of whole diagram
1. Load AZExplorer, log onto workspace, create a new folder and add desired diagram into Folder
2. Folder ->Export package and save the .zpkg format file
3. Close current workspace and log onto second workspace
4. Folder -> Import package and select the previously exported diagram
Export and import part of a diagram
1. Load AZ Drawing, log onto workspace, open desired diagram and make a selection of (part of) diagram to export
2. File ->Export Package to export selection from current workspace to .zsec format
3. Close current workspace and log onto new workspace
4. Open a new (or current) diagram on which you intend to import the selected diagram to.
5. File -> Import Package, select desired drawing package and place on new diagram.
Note that .zsec format pakcages can only be imported and exported from the Drawing Editor tool.
When you exported a diagram, you are exporting
1. Diagram and all items shown on the datasheet
2. All data for those items (but no datasheets)
3. All connectivity
Keywords: Import, Export, drawing, diagram, package
References: None |
Problem Statement: When I tried to read the previous version(2006.5) simulation file, Simulation application results in the Unexpected file format error message or leads to application crash. | Solution: To open an existing process simulation file (with a .psm extension):
1. From the main menu, click File | Open, or from the toolbar, click the Open button. The Open dialog box displays.
2. Select the drive and directory where the .psm file is located. The dialog is set to display files with a .psm file name extension only.
3. Double-click the name of the .psm you want to open, or click it once and then click OK.
The Open dialog closes and after a few moments, Aspen DMCplus Simulate loads the selected .psm. You are now ready to work with this .psm.
Note: If you see an error message about unexpected file format, this means that the .psm you are trying to open was built with an earlier version of Aspen DMCplus Simulate. Changes have been made to the .psm file format between that version and your current version; you will need to create a new .psm file using the appropriate CCF.
Keywords: Unexpected file format
psm
ccf
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen Zyqad v2006 does not work any longer after installing Aspen Zyqad Cumulative Patch 3 from the Patches page on AspenTech Support Center.
The Aspen Zyqad Admin tool successfully launches and allows workspace creation. However other applications like Aspen Zyqad Explorer bring up a splash screen and then hangs. The splash screen area becomes a black box and the user is unable to continue. | Solution: The problem is due to the monitor setting (250). Changing the monitor setting to 32 bit color resolves this issue.
Keywords: Zyqad, CP3, SplashScreen, Screen
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen DMC plus controllers show Sync_write errors in the Production Control Web Server messages. | Solution: Sync writes/ Synchronous write means the data is written in the order it is updated, and the operating system doesn't do any reordering or optimizations.
At times, after turning on Aspen DMC plus online controller, the controller shows multiple instances of Sync_Write error messages and further the controller are turned off automatically.
There could be multiple reasons for Sync_write error to appear for the DMC plus online controllers like the controller is configured to perform synchronous write but it is not able to do the same successfully, will lead to a break in the CIMIO communication with the DCS. At these time, PCSPUT errors also appear for the controllers.
One of the methods to avoid appearance of the Sync_write error is to disable the option Perform Synchronous write? from OPC properties. OPC properties will be available at
C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\CIM-IO\io\cio_opc_api for 64- bit system and
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\CIM-IO\io\cio_opc_api for 32- bit system
Once this option is unchecked, there will not be any further messages of the Sync_write errors. Further the reason for PCSPUT error has to be identified on the DCS side.
One of the reasons could be virus scanning enabled. If this feature is enabled, then we have to take out all the AspenTech folders out from Virus scanning.
Checking Valid.err file is a recommended option to look for the exact error code behind the PUT errors. These error codes are hexadecimal numbers which can be changed to binary numbers. These binary numbers have some significance/ meaning with respect to the DCS. These error code meanings are available in the DCS manual.
For example, some binary codes say that a DMC plus online controller cannot write to DCS due to some permission restrictions which stops write from an external point (DMC plus controller) to DCS. In this case, providing the relevant permission will resolve PCSPUT error for online controller.
There are some binary codes which mean that write is not successful as the write value range is not correct, i.e. the correct range of number of decimal places for the value to be written in DCS is not set correctly. In this case, setting the correct range of the data to be written to DCS will resolve the PCSPUT error and DMC plus controller will be able to write to DCS successfully.
Keywords: Sync_write error,
PCWS,
DMC plus controller
Synchronous write error
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I calculate bubble/dew point pressure of a mixture? | Solution: Bubble/dew point pressures can be calculated using property sub models. The key point is to specify vfr=0 when determining bubble point, and vfr=1 for dew point, or any value specified in between for splits in between. See sample code below -
Model Calculate_Bubble_Dew_points
T as temperature(fixed);
p as pressure;
rhol as dens_mol;
rhov as dens_mol;
hl as enth_mol;
hv as enth_mol;
x(componentlist) as molefraction;
y(componentlist) as molefraction;
z(componentlist) as molefraction(fixed);
vf as vapfraction;
vfr as vapfraction(fixed);
lf as liqfraction;
pfl2 as props_flash2 (T=T, p=p, hl=hl, hv=hv, x=x, y=y, z=z, vf=vf, vfr=vfr, lf=lf, rhol=rhol, rhov=rhov);
End
User may simply copy paste the code into a new model in ACM. After configuring the component list with Aspen Properties, create a block with the model and run the simulation.
Keywords: Liquid vapor pressure, Antoine, bubble, dew
References: None |
Problem Statement: Initial values of array variables can sometimes appear arbitrary. Also they are different depending on whether eliminate equivalence variables is selected. Why? | Solution: If you have some variables that get eliminated due to equivalencing to create a single equivalence variable, the default value of the equivalence variable is the arithmetic mean of those for the original variables. To see this run this model at maximum print level:
Model test
x as notype(1);
y as notype(2);
z as notype(3, FIXED);
X=Y;
X = z^2;
End
You will see this message:
Variable in this group is: EQ_0001_B1.x
B1.x
B1.y
current value = 1.500000e+000; residual = -7.500000e+000; derivative = 1.000000e+000
The initial value for the equivalence is 1.5, the mean of the two initial values 1 and 2.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: What flags are saved as SNAPSHOTS in ACM V 7.0 or later? What is the purpose of these Bit mask? | Solution: The flags saved in snapshots are used to restore the state of variables and parameters in the simulation engine. The major reason for this is to prevent default values from being flagged as user entered when a snapshot is loaded.
The flags saved are:
DAES_SELECT_FIXED 0x00000080 fixed variable
DAES_SELECT_PARAM 0x00000100 parameter
DAES_SELECT_REALVAR 0x00001000 used internally to set precendence for equivalency
DAES_SELECT_CONTROLVAR 0x00002000 used internally to set precendence for equivalency
DAES_SELECT_SLACK 0x00020000 used internally to set precendence for equivalency
DAES_SELECT_PRESET 0x00080000 set by user or script
DAES_SELECT_SERVER_ASSIGN 0x02000000 set by server calculation
However,the snapshot writes these in a decimal format. Here is the screen shots of the bit basks( Open an .ACMF file ( V7.0 or later) with saved snapshots using text editor):
Some of the common flag combinations saved are:
128 -> 0x00000080 -> fixed at default
384 -> 0x00000180 -> parameter at default
4224 -> 0x00001080 -> fixed at default (might be used in an equivalence)
524416 -> 0x00080080 -> fixed that has been user set
33554432 -> 0x02000000 -> free or initial, was at default before was set by server
33558528 -> 0x02001000 -> free or initial, was at default before was set by server (might be used in an equivalence)
34078720 -> 0x02080000 -> free or initial, not at default and set by server
34082816 -> 0x02081000 -> free or initial, not at default and set by server (might be used in an equivalence)
Keywords: Equivalence, Snapshots, REAL_VAR and Decimal
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can Aspen Basic Engineering V7.3 and V8.0 be installed on the same local PC without affecting the functionalities of these products? | Solution: Aspen Basic Engineering V8 is co-existent with earlier releases including V7.3 since they use their own workspaces and workspace libraries, there are no interactions between each other, and they can operate in the same local PC without any trouble.
Note: There is only one known issue and it happens when the customer opened the help file from V7.3, instead of help file of V7.3 the help from V8.0 displays. But this problem was fixed with latest patch of V8.0.
Keywords: Coexist, V8.0, V7.3, co-existent
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why is Aspen Basic Engineering (ABE) Administration Tool (AZAdminTool) using multiple license keys? | Solution: If multiple ABE workspaces are opened under console tree through AZAdminTool then each workspace will use a separate ABE license.
To release the license key refresh the AZAdminTool by clicking on the refresh button.
Keywords: Administration, Admin, license, AZAdminTool
References: None |
Problem Statement: If you review the calculation details under Results, you will see that a tab showing an Interval Analysis is displaying. What does it refer to? How is this being calculated? | Solution: Interval analysis only available in Rating and Simulation modes. Checking (Rating) or Simulation calculations are performed on a step by step basis along each pass of the exchanger. 25 calculation steps are used and detailed allowance can be made for non-linear heat load curves and fluid properties which vary significantly within the exchanger.
On the interval analysis section you shuold be able to see:
Section number: We model one representative unit cell (plate/channel) for each pass even when there are more than one plate/channel for one stream. Each representative unit cell would also factor in heat transfer occurring in first/last channel and channels at the end of passes. For this example, if we had 1 hot side pass and 2 cold side passes, each plate on the hot side may expose to either counter-current or co-current two-passes cold stream flow. Thus, we need two representative unit cells for the hot side and the cold side in the model, respectively. As a result, we can see two sections here (see screenshot above).
Point: The order of 26 points (25 intervals) along each plate being modeled from the top of the plate.
Fractional distance from top: the ratio of the distance from the top of the plate for each Point to the plate length.
Pressure: The local hot stream pressure at the given Point.
Hot stream temperature: The local hot stream temperature at the given Point.
Wall temperature: Local plate wall temperature at the given Point.
Vapor quality: The local hot stream vapor quality at the given Point.
Heat load: The local hot stream heat load at the given Point.
Hot stream HTC: The local hot stream heat transfer coefficient at the given Point.
Wall HTC: The local heat transfer coefficient lumping from the thermal resistance of plate wall and hot side/cold side fouling layers.
Keywords: Interval analysis
Plate
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why is Aspen Plate Exchanger is over-sizing the exchanger in design mode? | Solution: Try changing the Calculation Mode under Input | Problem Definition | Application Options from Design (given plate) mode to Design mode. The Design (given plate) mode selects the most appropriate design from a pre-defined set of plate designs. The Design mode selects a geometry that is not linked to products of any particular manufacturer.
Keywords: Heat exchanger area, Oversize, Heat Duty
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I open Aspen Basic Engineering applications directly from explorer? | Solution: To open an application from Aspen Basic Engineering (Zyqad), you can pull down Tools menu in explorer. By default, Tools menu has four applications listed in: Simulation importer, Thermal design, Cost estimation, Drawing editor, those you can open by clicking on it. If you want to add another application e.g. Datasheet editor to Tools menu, then you can use customize option. Here is the way to do it:
Click on Tools | customize.
In customize tools window, click add button.
Browse for the exe file for the application. By default, they are under location C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Basic Engineering 7.1\User services\bin. e.g. for datasheet edior, pick AZDatasheetViewer.exe file.
Hit OK. You will find application listed in Tools menu that you can open directly from explorer.
Keywords: explorer,datasheet editor, tools, customize
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the different areas reported in Aspen Plate? | Solution: From the Results > Mechanical Summary > Exchanger geometry > Plates tab, the program will show the plate area. This can be either calculated by the program, or if it is available to you entered from Input > Exchanger Geometry > Plate Details > Plate Details tab, which is the best option as this takes into account the area for heat transfer based on the corrugations.
From the Exchanger diagram drawing, an actual surface area is shown.
In the above screen shot, there are 39 channels for each stream, so the total number of plates (n) for the exchanger will be 2*39+1=79. In the exchanger diagram the actual surface area is n * plate area.
The area for heat transfer will be (79-2) times the plate area as we assume the two end plates do not loose energy to the atmosphere and we only transfer heat between the hot/cold plates. Thus the Effective Surface in the performance page will be (n-2) * plate area, where n is the total number of plates.
Keywords: Effective area, actual area
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can you provide an example of a procedure implemented in C, which handles arrays? | Solution: The template that is generated by ACM is essentially mapping the function arguments pInputs and pOutputs, which are the arrays collected by ACM in the simulation variables, to the arguments of the procedure as declared. Let's look at the input arguments: they are collected in the array pInputs. pInOffs are the offsets to each input arguments in the pInputs array. pInSizes are the sizes of the arrays. The same applies for the outputs.
Essentially the user should not modify the arguments pInputs, pInSizes, etc directly. Once you have generated the template, then edit it to give meaningful names to the variables.
For example, this procedure:
Procedure pArrayC
library: arrayc.dll;
call : array;
implementation: subroutine array.c;
language: C;
inputs:
real,
real(*),
real(*,*),
stringparameter,
integerparameter,
realvariable;
outputs:
realvariable,
realvariable(*),
realvariable(*,*);
End
will generate this template:
#include array.h
EXT_C_AS_C(void) ACM_Print(int status, char *_Zform, ...);
EXT_C_AS_C(int) ACM_Rqst(int *option, int *iinfo, double *xinfo, char **sinfo );
DLL_C_AS_F(void) ARRAY_C(
double *pInputs,int *pInSizes,
double *pOutputs,int *pOutSizes,
int *pInOffs,int *pOutOffs,int *pIflag,
int *pPropsId,double *pWork,int *pWSize,
double *pDeriv,int *pNOut,int *pNIn,
int *pICall)
{
/* Iflag status flag in *pIflag */
/* Procedure input/output arguments access */
double IArg1 = pInputs[pInOffs[0]];
double *pIArg2 = (double *)(&pInputs[pInOffs[1]]);
int IArg2Dims = 1;
int IArg2DimsSizes[1] = {pInSizes[0]};
double *pIArg3 = (double *)(&pInputs[pInOffs[2]]);
int IArg3Dims = 2;
int IArg3DimsSizes[2] = {pInSizes[1], pInSizes[2]};
char *pIArg4 = (char *)(&pInputs[pInOffs[3]]);
int IArg5 = *(int*)(&pInputs[pInOffs[4]]);
double IArg6 = pInputs[pInOffs[5]];
double *pOArg1 = (double *)(&pOutputs[pOutOffs[0]]);
double *pOArg2 = (double *)(&pOutputs[pOutOffs[1]]);
int OArg2Dims = 1;
int OArg2DimsSizes[1] = {pOutSizes[0]};
double *pOArg3 = (double *)(&pOutputs[pOutOffs[2]]);
int OArg3Dims = 2;
int OArg3DimsSizes[2] = {pOutSizes[1], pOutSizes[2]};
/************** Put your C code here **************/
/* Put your code to calculate output value(s) here */
*pIflag=4;
/*************** End of User C Code ***************/
}
If the model is calling this procedure like this:
call (y0, y1, y2) = pArrayC(x0, x1, x2, msg, N, v);
Then the template would be modified:
/* Procedure input/output arguments access */
double x0 = pInputs[pInOffs[0]];
double *px1 = (double *)(&pInputs[pInOffs[1]]);
int nx1 = pInSizes[0];
double *px2 = (double *)(&pInputs[pInOffs[2]]);
int nx2a = pInSizes[1];
int nx2b = pInSizes[2];
char *pmsg = (char *)(&pInputs[pInOffs[3]]);
int N = *(int*)(&pInputs[pInOffs[4]]);
double v = pInputs[pInOffs[5]];
double *py0 = (double *)(&pOutputs[pOutOffs[0]]);
double *py1 = (double *)(&pOutputs[pOutOffs[1]]);
int ny1 = pOutSizes[0];
double *py2 = (double *)(&pOutputs[pOutOffs[2]]);
int ny2a = pOutSizes[1];
int ny2b = pOutSizes[2];
See the attached files for the complete example. We have added equations in the model to do the same calculations as in the procedure to illustrate and cross-check.
Note that for 2-D arrays, you need to calculate the element position yourself in the C code, and that arrays are 0-based in the C code. See the example. To avoid any confusion, the arrays in this ACM model have been declared to be 0-based.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: My reboiler/condenser heat curves are not getting transferred to my heat exchanger object in Aspen Zyqad | Solution: The column- reboiler/column-condenser are treated as a UODistillationStage. In the Simulator Interface, the attributes imported for the UODistillationStage are just the tray attributes. To get the heat curves data from Reboiler/Condenser within a column into Zyqad, you would need to use a pseudo stream.
In Aspen Plus, this can be done by adding a Heater block to the distillation column using a pseudo stream. The heater block is specified using the results from the Reboiler in the column and the simulation ran. If you import the simulation and import and map the heater block to a heat exchanger, you will now be able to get the heat curve in Zyqad.
Attached is an example. In the file, a Heater block B7 was added to column C6 using a pseudo stream. B7 is specified using the results from the Reboiler in C6.
Keywords: condenser, reboiler, column, distillation stage, heat curve
References: None |
Problem Statement: I need some way of terminating leftover, stray AZ131server.exe processes that did not close correctly when the client connection was terminated. | Solution: Download the attached application file to a folder on the Zyqad server machine, and run accordingly.
****************************************README.TXT******************************************
The AZCleanup utility serves to clean up inactive sessions which have been registered on the Zyqad Server and not used during the specified timeout. Such situations can occur when a client establish a session on the server and the connection breaks. Cleanup of inactive sessions will make more efficient use of server resources and application licenses.
Usage:
AZCleanup.exe <Broker> <Workspace> <Timeout>
- Broker: the Zyqad Broker Host Name
- Workspace: the name of Workspace to check ($ALL for all workspaces on the server)
- Timeout: the time in minutes since last activity
The AZCleanup utility will check all connections in the provided workspace and will disconnect connections, which last activity time is less then provided Timeout value.
All updates will be saved to process log AZCLEANUP.LOG, located in the same directory.
****************************************************************************************************
Keywords: terminate, stray, AZ131Server.exe
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to return derivatives from a procedure. | Solution: During the non-linear equations reSolution, the Newton solver needs to evaluate the value of the residuals and the jacobian matrix. This is done analytically for equations implemented using Aspen Custom Modeler language. For the external code implemented in procedures, the user has the option to return derivatives. Returning correct derivatives from a procedure may help the solver; otherwise, those are evaluated using numerical perturbations.
Coding derivatives is tedious. For simple procedures, numerical perturbation work fine and better than a procedure returning incorrect derivatives. However there are some cases where numerical derivatives will be poor. This is the case of input variables with extreme order of magnitudes or special non-linear effects (e.g. when increasing the value above or below some value is non-physical, or if you want to use higher order approximation for the derivatives). In this case, you can specify that the procedure returns derivatives and code yourself some ad-hoc perturbation method inside the subroutine itself. Finally you can evaluate analytical derivatives or use third party code to generate such derivatives.
To specify that a procedure is returning derivatives, you need to add the keyword DERIVATIVES in the OPTIONS specification of the procedure. The style of procedure may be traditional or new (using the option COMPATIBILITY: ACM2004;). For the traditional style, the derivatives will be returned in a matrix DERIVS. For the ACM2004 style, the derivatives are returned in an 1-dimensional array. The order of the derivatives is specified by ACM. The argument ICALL specifies what the procedure is supposed to do: it may request the value of the output variables (ICALL=0), or the value of the derivatives (ICALL=3), or both (ICALL=4).
The attached example shows three implementations of the same calculation: pProc1 returns the area and perimeter of a rectangle of specified length and height. The pProc2 procedure does the same but also return derivatives. The pProc3 procedure does the same but using the ACM2004 style.
The example was created in Aspen Custom Modeler v9, but it can be opened without any problem in older versions such as v8, v8.4 and v8.8.
You can experiment with the simulation and create a new block using test2. This model sets the area and perimeter. This will require the back-calculation of length and height. This will trigger the calculation of derivatives.
You can see that with Mixed Newton or Newton as the solver, the procedure is called with ICALL=0 and ICALL=3 for each iterations. If you select the Fast Newton method, the procedure is called with ICALL=0, and with ICALL=3 only when the solver detects a slow rate of convergence. Note that the Fast Newton actually requires more iterations to converge (12 instead of 6) as not updating the jacobian matrix for each iteration breaks the quadratic rate of convergence of the Newton method. Note that Mixed Newton simply means that the full Newton method is used for steady state and initialization runs, and fast newton for dynamic runs.
Finally, it is important to point that such a simple example is used only for illustration and the best implementation would be to simply write the equations directly in Aspen Custom Modeler language (model test3).
Keywords: procedure, derivatives, derivs
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to create a database from Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express and workspace from ABE Administration Tool? | Solution: In order to create a database from Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express and workspace from ABE Administration Tool, follow the step-by-step procedure detailed below:
1) Go to Start | Microsoft SQL Server 2XXX | (Right-click and Run as Administrator) SQL Server Management Studio Express:
2) Go to Security | Logins:
3) Right click on Security folder and select ‘New Login…’:
4) Under ‘General’, assign any name of user under ‘Login name’ (It would suggest without space, so using ‘_’ is also suitable). Click on SQL Server authentication and assign a memorable password which will be requested later on when creating a new Workspace from the Administration Tool. Un-toggle all the boxes for ‘Enforcement password policy’:
5) Go to ‘Server Roles’ and toggle all the options available as ‘Server roles’ as the screenshot below shows, and then click on ‘OK’:
6) The new login with its security has been set:
7) Having created the user with login security, now a new database has to be set. Right click on ‘Databases’ folder:
8) Under ‘General’, assign any name to the database:
9) The new database has been set and can be found now under the database list:
10) Go to Start | AspenTech | Aspen Basic Engineering VX.X | Configuration | (Right-click and Run as Administrator) Administration Tool VX.X:
11) Create a Workspace right-clicking on the list root ‘Aspen Basic Engineering XX.X Workspaces (Server name) and selecting ‘New Workspace…’:
12) The ‘Create Workspace’ window will be shown. Enter the name of the workspace. Select a ‘Data Server’ by default. Then, select a library set and finally a ‘Database Type’ (It is strongly suggested using ‘SQL Server’, since the user security as well as the database have been created under this program). Click on ‘Next >’:
13) Click on ‘Create Manual Workspace’ option. Under ‘SQL Server Host Name’ type: .\SQLEXPRESS. Type the database name previously set using SQL Server Management Studio Express and provide with the user security login information: username and password. Click on ‘Next >’:
14) Confirmation of the creation of this workspace can be done clicking on ‘Finish’:
15) The new workspace has been created and can be found now under the workspaces list:
Keywords: Database, Workspace, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express, ABE Administration Tool.
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why are READ parameters not updated in the DCS if there is a calculation in the ccf? | Solution: Every time a DMCplus controller runs, it performs a READ on all the parameters that have CIMIO tag connections and stores them into the DMCplus Context. Then INPUT calculations are performed on these parameters in the Context before they go into the DMCPlus engine. The output from the DMCplus engine updates the parameters in the Context before OUTPUT calculations are performed. After the OUTPUT calculation, various WRITE and RDWRT parameters are send to CIMIO layer to be written out to the DCS. So as far as the DMCPlus controller is concerned, READ parameters are never written back out to the DCS, they are only READ in.
However, because the PCWS is designed to be an operator interface, all parameters changed from there will be written back to the DCS regardless whether it is a READ, RDWRT or WRITE parameters. If a parameters is tied to any ccf calculation, it can not be changed in the PCWS.
So if there is any calculation in the ccf that changes a READ parameter, an additional calculation is needed to write it back to the DCS. Notice that most READ parameters can't be changed to RDWRT. A user-defined parameters is needed to write it back out to the same point on the DCS.
Below is an illustration on how to write back a READ parameter that involves in an input calculation.
Keywords: READ
CCF Calculations
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I delete 'Project' from workspace? | Solution: Lets say if you have a workspace Test1 and project Project1 in this workspace.
To delete this Project1,
Connect to the workspace Test1 through explorer (Start ll Program Files ll Aspen Tech ll Aspen Basic Engineering ll Explorer).
Select Project Management option from Edit option in toolbar
Select the project you want to delete and click on Delete button
Keywords: Project management, delete project
References: None |
Problem Statement: Some customers use a Mass Balance label which, unlike the default label, doesn''t cover the whole width of the drawing. | Solution: ThisSolution includes new files which allows the user to create a Mass-balance grid where the number of columns depends on the number of streams displayed in the grid.
The procedure to install this new Mass balance label is:
1- Copy the file Stream MB First.sym in the directory \Program Files\AspenTech\Working Folders\Aspen Zyqad 11.1\projects\libraries\symbols\Labels\Mass Balance.
2- Copy the file Stream MB Single.sym in the directory \Program Files\AspenTech\Working Folders\Aspen Zyqad 11.1\projects\libraries\symbols\Labels\Connections.
3- Copy the two tpl files to the template directory of the workgroup (e.g. \Program Files\AspenTech\Working Folders\Aspen Zyqad 11.1\projects\libraries\templates).
4- Copy the file masbal-new.fsl to the kbs directory of the project (e.g. \Program Files\AspenTech\Working Folders\Aspen Zyqad 11.1\projects\libraries\Kbs).
5- In the kbs section of the configuration file (*.cfg) for the workgroup, replace masbal by masbal-new.
The suggested procedure for using the new Mass-balance label is:
1- Insert the Symbol Stream MB First on the drawing. The symbol has been designed to be inserted on the lower left corner of the drawing. 2- Select the symbol Stream MB First with a right mouse click. 3- Select the function Labels=>Mass Balance Populate.
4- The function will ask you to choose the Piping System that you want to display in the mass balance and then the Sort order. 5- Finally the system will populate the grid on the rigth hand side of the symbol Stream MB First.
The stream labels (Stream MB Single) can also be placed manually beside the label Stream MB First and linked to a connection:
1- Insert the Symbol Stream MB First on the drawing. The symbol has been designed to be inserted on the lower left corner of the drawing. 2- Insert the Symbol Stream MB Single beside the symbol Stream MB First. The grid can be displayed (Tools=>Options=>view tab) in order to help you to adjust the two labels. 3- After the step 2, the cursor will change for an Hand and the system will wait that you select a Piping-System. The Stream label will then be linked to this Piping-System.
Keywords: Mass Balance
Label
Drawing Application
References: None |
Problem Statement: What port numbers are used by AZ2004 for client-server communications? | Solution: Zyqad 2004 uses DCOM and it will allocate the port number internally.
DCOM ports required ?
Port 135 ? used by the DCOM Service Control Manager to communicate to the clients the ports allocate to objects.
Ports range 1024-65535. Default range used by DCOM. Dynamically allocated by the SCM (DCOM Service Control Manager) to allow objects on the server to be accesses by clients.
You will need one DCOM port for each simultaneously connected user.
For example if you wanted 5 users to connect to the Zyqad workspace at the same time you would enable ports 1024 - 1028 and configure DCOM to use just ports 1024 - 1028 on the server. You would get an error if a 6th user tried to connect to the Zyqad server.
It is possible to configure DCOM to specify a restricted range of ports and configure a firewall to allow connections to those ports. However, the network connection between the client and the server is very important in allowing this to work. There must be no Network Address Translation (NAT) between the client and server. The client and server machines must be able to reach each other by their actual IP addresses. NAT is typically performed by gateways and routers, by some firewalls and internet connection servers.
Microsoft have written a technical article on configuring DCOM -
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dndcom/html/msdn_dcomfirewall.asp
For a background in DCOM then see -
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dndcom/html/msdn_dcomtec.asp
For additional security you can restrict the port range used by DCOM,
Our network specialist here recommends ?
Dynamic and private port range 49152 -65535.
Alternatively
unassigned range 47001-47556
See http://www.iana.org/assignments/port-numbers for more information on part ranges
You would need to run the Microsoft DCOMConfig utility on the Zyqad server to configure the port range.
Keywords: port number, communication, DCOM
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to apply a filter on a drawing. | Solution: The function View=>Filter By Category of the Drawing Editor can be used to hide some symbol/label on a drawing based on a category. The category must be set in the properties (File=>Document properties or question mark icon) of the symbol/label when defined with the Graphic Definer tool. There are different categories used in out-of-the-box symbol/label like Label, Equipment, Connection... Company can create their own category by entering a different value in the Default Category setting of the symbol/label.
Keywords: Drawing
Symbol
Label
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to use the AdHoc report functionality from the Datasheet Editor and Excel Datasheet editor? | Solution: There is a new functionality starting from V2006.5 which allow user to quickly create report from the datasheet editor. You first need to select the fields that you want to have on the report and then click on the function AdHocReport=>Add Field(s). Multiple selection of fields is allowed by the application. After having selected the fields, the user can select Generate Report to create a text file. This file will include the attribute selected for all object of the same class or subclass.
If you are using Excel datasheet editor then you can find this option from Datasheet | Report menu under Add-In ribbon bar for Excel 2007 and 2010.
The file can be opened in excel.
Keywords: Report, AdHoc, Datasheet Editor, text report
References: None |
Problem Statement: CVs that have XFORMs (such as PWLN and LOG) and the DEPW values for those are coming out very different from the DEP values. This can make controller tuning difficult. | Solution: DEPW is just a copy of DEP just after Input Calcs are finished and prior to performing transforms or control calculations.
Keywords: DEP
DEPW
XFORM
Input Calc
References: None |
Problem Statement: A CCF calculation is changing a value for standard entries but it is not written out to the DCS | Solution: Standard entries with READ or RDWRT key word in the CCF are first read in from the DCS in the beginning of a control cycle. After the read, the entries can be manipulated by the CCF input calculations and then transformed (if specified) before it is used by the DMCplus engine.
The outputs from the engine are then being anti-transformed and then manipulated by the CCF output calculations. The end results are then being written out to the DCS selectively based on the controller validation logic.
For examples, VINDSPs (WRITE key word) are being calculated every cycle but those only get written out if the controller validation logic allows it (controller is ON, LOOPST is ON, last check is good,...). An user-defined variables that's needed to be written out every cycle has be set a AWRITE because the controller validation logic would not allow them to be written out otherwise.
For standard entries with RDWRT key word, there has to be some thing to trigger the write logic. An output calculation that changes a RDWRT entry would not have trigger the logic because this is done after the engine runs. For examples, an ONREQ with a RDWRT would turn from 1 to 0 if the engine wants to shed the controller (ramp imbalance for example). An output calculation that change the ONREQ from 1 to 0 would not get written out thus not shed the controller.
The correct procedure to write an entry out based on output calculation is as follows:
1. Define the entry as READ and connect to the corresponding DCS tag.
2. Define an user-defined variable as AWRITE and connect to the same tag as above.
3. Have an output calculation that set the user-defined variable equal to the standard entry above.
When the entry is changed on the PCWS, it bypasses the controller validation logic and forces a write of the entry to the DCS. Thus a RDWRT can be changed from the PCWS and not from a CCF calculation without define an AWRITE user-defined variable.
Keywords: AWRITE RDWRT
References: None |
Problem Statement: Once we register the workspace with smart plant after that how can we find that the workspace is registered to which SPF plant? | Solution: With the explorer tool add the <F-1 GlobalClass> object into a folder. Double-click on the object to see the attribute. You should see a Plant subobject which has the SPF plant name specified under the name attribute.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: This article explains ICL Ltd.'s DAIS Trader and how it is utilized within AspenTech's software. | Solution: DAIS Trader is a third-party commercial implementation of the Object Management Group's (OMG) Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) open standard for distributed applications. It allows programs to share objects across processes and machines. DAIS Trader supplies a trading service that provides a directory structure in which CORBA objects can be published and located. It handles the communication details between differing computers, operating systems, and protocols.
The DAIS Trader is usually run in Windows, but can also run under UNIX or VMS. The DAIS Trader may run on any computer, provided it is connected by a TCP/IP network to the computers running the client and server applications.
In DAIS Trader, each computer is a trader that can exchange data with any other trader it finds on the network. One and only one of the trader computers is designated as the Master Trader for the system and all of the trader computers must point to the same Master Trader. When the Master Trader is down, the entire DAIS communication system is down, unless a Secondary Master is configured All of the trader computers in the system must point to the same Secondary Master (if one is configured).
Each individual application on a computer that can exchange data through DAIS is a trading Offer. In order to organize and identify the different types of data communications, each trading Offer is assigned a Context and Type.
The Master Trader organizes and coordinates the communications between all of the trading Offers that have the same Context and Type. In other words, all of the processes that have an Offer in DAIS and have the same Context and Type can communicate with each other, regardless of being on the same computer, different computers, or different operating systems.
The communication of objects between programs works as follows:
1. A server program creates an object, and publishes it, telling the DAIS Trader that the object is available.
2. A client program in search of an object contacts the DAIS Trader to locate it.
3. The DAIS Trader tells the client where the object can be found (on the server).
4. The client contacts the server to access the object.
In AspenTech's Engineering suite, the following programs (among others) utilize DAIS Trader in a one-to-one configuration to share information about CAPE-OPEN unit operations between its client and server components. Although it can work correctly with other configurations, it is recommended to make the Server computer the Master Trader:
Aspen Plus, 10.2 and earlier
Aspen Plus CatCracker (formerly named Aspen FCC), 10.2 and earlier
In AspenTech's Manufacturing suite, the following programs (among others) utilize DAIS Trader in a star configuration with Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS) in the center (PCWS communicates with individual products, and individual products communicate through DAIS with only PCWS). Although it can work correctly with other configurations, it is recommended to install PCWS on a separate computer and designate it as the Master Trader. This allows restarting any of the individual traders without losing all connections for the entire system.
Aspen DMCplus
Aspen SmartStep
Aspen Nonlinear Controller (formerly named Aspen Apollo)
Aspen Inferential Quality (formerly named Aspen IQ)
Aspen Watch
Aspen RTO Watch
ACO Base
ACO Message Viewer
Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS)
Due to the specifics of AspenTech's utilization of DAIS Trader (even when both sides of the trade are on the same computer), the Master Trader configuration is always duplicated into the Local Trader, and the Secondary Master is not configured because it is irrelevant. AspenTech's products are all under the /Aspen context, and each connection has a different Type (such as ACOMsg for message viewing, AtAcoViewNode for connections to PCWS, IQlink for IQ information, etc.).
There are a few modules used to configure DAIS Trader and to check it's communications. They are usually found in C:\Program Files\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\Dais\Bin:
DAIS Configuration Editor (ntconf.exe)
This program creates and edits the configuration parameters stored in a text file called DAIS.INI in the main Windows directory (usually C:\Windows or C:\WinNT). It allows configuring the local computer (Local Trader), how to connect to the Master Trader, whether there is a Secondary Master and how to connect to it, and other general items. It also has a Help file that explains the different configuration dialog boxes.
DAIS Trader Manager (trman.exe)
This program provides a real time view of the Contexts, Types, and Offers currently present in the Trader. It can be used to confirm all computers are connecting and communicating correctly and seeing each other. It also has a Help file that explains the program.
The left side lists the number of active trading Offers for each of the available Context's. Double-click a Context to see a list of Types that is contains. AspenTech Types are listed under the /Aspen context.
The right side lists the number of active trading Offers for each of the available Type's. AspenTech Types include ACOMsg, AtAcoViewNode, IQlink, etc. Double-click a Type to see a list of Offers for that Type. Within that dialog, double click a specific Offer to see details such as the machine from which the offer is coming and an Application Type field.
It is very possible that any particular Type could have 2 or more Offers from the same machine. For instance, the AtAcoViewNode type could have 2 offers from the same machine, one for Aspen DMCplus and one for Aspen Nonlinear Controller.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Trader.exe fatal error while shutting down windows XP SP3 with DMCplus desktop. | Solution: Run gpedit.msc from Start -> Run.
In group policy, Under User configuration -> Windows Settings -> Scripts (Logon/Logoff), double click logoff and Click Add. Input NET to script name and stop DAIS_TRADER to scripts parameters. Please see below for detail.
Keywords: Trader.exe
XP SP3
Fatal error
Winntfy_init failed
References: None |
Problem Statement: DMCplus Manage V7.1 will not start on Windows Server 2008 SP1 | Solution: Run manage as administrator.
You can do this by right clicking on the shortcut icon and selecting run as administrator. He can also select the properties of the shortcut and select the checkbox that will always run as administrator. As long as the user account has administrator privileges then this should work. We are finding a betterSolution for V7.2 to this problem with windows security.
Keywords: DMC, manage, start, run, windows, server
References: None |
Problem Statement: Which code is used for the Document Management in V7 | Solution: In Aspen Basic Engineering v7, the standard library set (StandardLibrarySet.cfg) doesn't use the KB script file DocumentManagement.azkbs. The code is implemented in a compiled data service module called DocumentManagement161.DataServiceImpl.
For customization, user can either modify the data service module using the Visual Basic 6 project located in C:\AspenZyqadServer\Basic Engineering16.1\WorkspaceLibraries\KBs\DocumentManagement. Or the file DocumentManagement.azkbs can be used by adding the name DocumentManagement in the KBScript setting of the library set file and then remove the DataServiceModules entry for DocumentManagement161.DataServiceImpl.
Keywords: DocumentManagement
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to view/modify Global data in Zyqad | Solution: Please follow the instructions below to view/modify global data in Zyqad:
1/ To modify the global (project level) data, you can go to Explorer and open the workspace.
2/ You can then create an object by right-clicking on an existing folder (or create a new folder first) and select Add Object.
3/ From the list of object available, select <F-1 GlobalsClass>.
4/ Once the new object is created, you can open the attribute view of the GlobalsClass object by double-clicking it.
5/ You should then be able to view and modify the global class data in Explorer.
(If there are attributes you do not see in the default attribute list, you can go to Options menu and select Show All Attributes).
Keywords: Global data, modify
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to find stray drawing components that exist outside the drawing sheet? | Solution: To find the stray component,
1. Load the drawing in Drawing Editor
2. Click on the r-click on the toolbar -> Customize. Select Edit category and drag and drop the Binoculars icon to the Toolbar. This tool is used to find items outside the drawing area.
3. Click the Binoculars to display list of items outside the sheet. Select stray drawing components and click Delete.
Keywords: stray, drawing components, delete
References: None |
Problem Statement: Error message ORA-12638: Credential retrieval failed received when creating workspace or during backup of workspace using the AZBackup tool. | Solution: This is a known oracle problem and theSolution is to change the setting SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICE located in the file sqlnet.ora (e.g. C:\oracle\ora90\network\admin\sqlnet.ora).
Change the line:
from SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICES = (NTS)
to SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICES = (NONE)
Keywords: Server
Oracle
Workspace
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to create a new dimension set? | Solution: 1) Open Class library editor.
2) In the Quantity Type page, select the 'Unit Sets' folder.
3) Right-click and select 'Insert Unit Set'.
4) In the dialog, Name the unit set, its description and set the default UOMs for each quantity by double clicking on it/or highlight quantity and press 'change UOM' button.
5) Alternatively an existing Unit Set can be copied by clicking on button 'Copy Unit Set' and then modified if this is easier.
6) Compile the library and reload the workspace.
Keywords: Dimension, set, unit etc.
References: None |
Problem Statement: The Honeywell CM50 software uses LAT protocol. The default LATCP circuit timer is 80 milliseconds. A 100% increase in throughput can result from changing this value to 20. | Solution: Set interactive
Changing this value interactively requires that DMCplus controllers and other Cim-IO clients be stopped before implementing the change. Use the commands below to make the change. Then restart the DMCplus controllers and other Cim-IO clients.
$ mcr latcp
> show node
> set node/state=off
> set node/circuit_timer=20
> set node/state=on
> exit
Make effective at reboot
To set the LATCP circuit timer to 20 on system reboot, edit
the sys$manager:lat$systartup.com file and add
lcp set node/circuit_timer=20
before the section Modify Service Characteristics....It should be after
lcp set node/connections=both
and must be before
lcp set node/state=on
Obviously if the line exists with a value of 80 (default) then simply change the existing line)....
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the meaning and purpose of the CVCST entry in the dependent variable section? Is this CV cost really used in the LP calculation? If so, how and in what form does it show up in the objective function equation? | Solution: CVCST refers to the cost of a dependent variable. The DMCplus optimization algorithm uses the CVCST parameter in the objective function in addition to the MV costs (CST). The cost objective function ignoring movement variables and CV violations is:
Objective function = Sum over all i (MV_i * MV Cost_i) + Sum over all i (delta_MV_i * MV Cost_i) + Sum over all j (delta_CV_j * CV Cost_j)
One must be careful about using both MV and CV costs since it might result in some double-accounting. The Equal Concerns on the other hand is used for the dynamic move calculations and steady state CV violations and is not included as part of the cost optimization routine.
Keywords: CVCST
Objective Function
CV Cost
References: None |
Problem Statement: Some useful information about MPF_Manage and IDB_test_CIMIO, for Aspen DMC plus controller
or
What is MPF, and its relationship with Aspen DMC plus controller?
or
What is the difference between IDB_TEST_CIMIO and Test_API? | Solution: Below are some of the information regarding MPF Manage and IDB_test_CIMIO.
1. Can MPF_Manage be used for Aspen Process Control- Finite Impulse Response controller? As it is well known that Aspen Process Control- Finite Impulse Response controller is based on Aspen Process Control platform, the folder structure differs from the traditional Aspen DMC plus controller or Aspen IQ applications, etc.
[Answer]: No, in the Aspen Process Control platform, APC applications from the APC Builder environment, do not use the MPF structure, they use the AspenTech Production Control RTE service. They maintain a battery of files in the APP folder (C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Online).
2. MPF looks like an abbreviation of something. What is its full name?
[Answer]: Basically, it is the Memory mapping file system.
3. What is the main function of MPF?
[Answer]: MPF provides an environment for the working files for the control system. When a controller is created, a directory is mapped in the sys/mpf directory. This is also where the MPF Message Queue is maintained. Unfortunately, when an application is created, whether it be Aspen DMC plus applications or Aspen IQ, the directory does not use a naming convention that incorporates the application name. For this reason, it is not possible to manually manage the files. Also, the system uses a method of maintaining an internal directory that knows which applications are using which directories. The SYS/MPF directory has file names such as the DMC_DIRECT_00, IQP_DIRECT_00, DMC00001_00, IMSGFILE_00, MPF_DIR and IDB_00001_00. We recommend deleting all files under the MPF directory, and recreating the entire system when this gets corrupted.
4. What is the relationship between online DMC plus controller and MPF?
[Answer]: The MPF regions are the working areas for the control system. When a controller is created or deleted from APC Manage, it is also removed from the MPF area.
This is true for DMC plus controller and for Aspen IQ.
5. What is the difference between IDB_TEST_CIMIO and Test_API?
[Answer]: Test_API is the test tool, used to confirm the connectivity between the client application, say DMC plus controller and the DCS or Historian. The IDB_TEST_CIMIO is used to look at the internal CIMIO lists maintained in memory on the client machine. You will see references in the CIMIO message log that mentions a list 3 or list 4. IDB_TEST facility can be used to manage the IDB files. In command prompt, typing IDB_TEST brings up options, that will ask for a list id.
To access IDB_TEST_CIMIO, navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\APC\Online\bin and run IDB_TEST_CIMIO.exe with run as administrator.
Keywords: MPF_Manage
IDB_test_CIMIO
Test API
DMC plus controller
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can an APC online server run a mix of perpetual and token applications? | Solution: An APC online server can only run either perpetual or token applications but not both. During the installation, the user has to use different DVD to install either perpetual APC software or token APC software. We also provide an utility to convert perpetual to token software after the installation, 134558.
The only exception to this is the SmartStep feature on DMCplus controllers. A controller with SmartStep feature enabled will always look for a token key first regardless which APC software is running. If it fails to obtain a token for SmartStep, then it would look for a perpetual license.
This feature allows a perpetual-licensed APC server to add SmartStep as a token feature.
Keywords: SmartStep, license, perpetual, token
References: None |
Problem Statement: When loading the controller, a warning message appear
Warning validating tag: DBVL XXXX.XXX.XX :
CIMIO_OPC_VARIANTCHANGETYPEFAILED, The call to VariantChangeType failed
What does it mean and how to fix it? | Solution: The message CIMIO_OPC_VARIANTCHANGETYPEFAILED indicates that CIMIO for OPC can not convert the original OPC message to a specified type. In this case, it is DBVL (DATABASE VALUE), a 32-bit real number. This error happens when there is a mismatch type between the DCS value and what CIMIO expects. For example, reading an ASCII field on the DCS but the requested type in CIMIO is real.
The controller would load with this error but the read value would be -9999 which may or may not be a problem (it depends where the parameter is used). To fix this problem, make sure the DCS field is of the same type as what is requested. Moreover, it is possible that there is bad value in that field such as NaN or Null placed there by an error in the DCS calculations. Making sure the field contains a valid value could fix the error.
Keywords: CIMIO_OPC_VARIANTCHANGETYPEFAILED
References: None |
Problem Statement: From V 7.1 DMCplus started to support token license. And, its software license agreement says token consumption is based on the number of MV(Manipulated Variable). DV(Disturbance variable) is another independent variable. License agreement does not say if DV consumes token or not. | Solution: DV does not consume Tokens.
Keywords: Token
DV
Disturbacne Variable
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I setup a broker file to create default SQL workspace? | Solution: 1. Check which account is used for the Zyqad Broker service (AZ151Broker) on the Zyqad server.
2. Make sure that both SQL Server and Windows authentication is enabled on your SQL Server instance.
3. Add the account used by the broker in the security=>Logins of the SQL Server instance. In the server Roles, select System Administrators.
4. In the Security=>Logins, create a new account (e.g. zyqad) which use SQL authentication. In the server Roles, select all the option.
5. Open the file broker.ini located in the folder C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Zyqad 2006.5\DataServices\bin of the Zyqad server.
6. You need to enter information for the following parameter
SQLServerName= abc.corp.aspentech.com
SQLServerAdminUserName= zyqad
SQLServerAdminPassword= 12345
SQLServerDatabaseUserName= zyqad
SQLServerDatabasePassword= 12345
SQLServerName is the SQL Server instance. It could be the PC name where SQL Server 2000 is installed. Or in SQL Server 2005, you can create multiple instances. In this case it will be something like ?ServerName\InstanceName. For the AdminUserName and DatabaseUserName, use the new account that you created at the step 4.
7. Restart the AZ151Broker service
8. Launch the Zyqad Administration tool. Select Action=>New Workspace and click Next.
9. Enter Workspace Name (e.g. Test1), STDLibrary in LibrarySet and SQL Server in Database Type
10. Click Next and select Create Default Access Workspace
11. Click Next and Finish.
Keywords: SQL, SQL workspace, create workspace, workspace, workspace setup, default workspace, SQL Server, SQL server 2005, SQL 2005, SQL 2000, SQL server 2000
References: None |
Problem Statement: I want to be able to set the Governing Case for my equipment from the Datasheet Editor. | Solution: The ability to set the Governing Case in this application in not available as a menu item, as it is in the AZ Explorer However, user can use the method attached.
1. Save the .azkbs and .azkbz files to the \KBS folder
2. Edit the relevant StandardModelLibrary.cfg file such that the KBS list include the attached file name.
3. Reload the workspace in Datasheet Editor. Run -> Global Methods -> SetGoverningCase.
Keywords: set, governing, case, datasheet editor, method, kb
References: None |
Problem Statement: Getting message RPC Server is unavailable when trying to log onto a workspace | Solution: The error above can be caused by either of the below:
1. Congested network
- check with your network administrator if there is a network problem
2. Unable to check out licenses
- if some users are able to log onto workspaces and essentially check out licenses, you should check that you are not out of licenses
- if all users are unable to log onto any workspace and check out licenses, check that you have the SLM license configuration set up correctly. If unable to troubleshoot SLM issues, please contact the AspenTech hotline for System Support
Keywords: RPC, error, license
References: None |
Problem Statement: When trying to extract data from a bin file, and when it asked Use the default filename <.......> for .clc file? [Y] and answer is Yes, it gives the error TST: Cannot open (.......cle) for reading. | Solution: If the name of the .CLE is different from the .BIN file or the .CLE is not located in the folder where the .BIN file is located, then you get the above mentioned error.The .CLE file must be in the folder together with the .BIN file, otherwise extract cannot associate the DCS tags to the tag names we will see in DMCplus Model
Keywords: DMCplus
Collect
Extract
References: None |
Problem Statement: Understanding the structure of a SmartAudit CFG file | Solution: The initial parts of the structure of a group configuration file obtained from SmartAudit are self-explanatory. The following information are provided in the initial portion in the order they have been defined below-
1. Number of CVs and MVs
2. List/Name of all MVs
3. List/Name of all CVs
4. SmartAudit Setting used to evaluate squares and non-squares
5. Gains and Confidence Factor - The next section in SmartAudit provides the model gain for each of the step response curve in the model file along with a confidence factor. The information is listed in the following manner-
a. Each line in this section represents the gain and confidence factor for one CV-MV pair.
b. Gains and confidence factor for the model between CV1 and all the MVs (in the order they have been specified) in the model file. Then for CV2 with all the MVs, then CV3 with all the MVs and so on until the last CV in the model with all the MVs.
c. The CV-MV pairs with missing models are represented with a zero gain.
d. The total number of lines in this section can be computed as #CV X #MV.
6. Non-Square Group Information – This section consists of a list of all the non-square groups/ parallel groups that were defined when working through the model in SmartAudit. The data in this section can be categorized into two types, which are presented in the order in which they appear in the cfg file-
a. Total number of parallel groups defined.
b. Groups information listed in the order they were defined including information for Group Description, CVs in the group (referred to by their index) and MVs in the group (referred to by their index).
c. Table with details of the operation performed including information for whether the models were colinearized or not, the CV or MV used to pivot the table/group and the pivot ratio.
All types of index in SmartAudit start with the first item being given an index value of zero. For example if you have a model file with 7 MVs and 23 CVs, the MV index will range from 0 – 6 and the CV index will range from 0 – 22. Similarly, if you created three groups in SmartAudit, the Group index will range from 0 – 2.
The non-square group information (specifically 6c) is the most difficult to decipher. Listed below are some points to explain how the information is listed in the group table-
1. Each row of information in the table corresponds to the CV-MV pair that were listed in Gain and Confidence Factor section in the same order of its occurrence.
2. The GroupFlag column can have values of 0, 1 or 2.
a. 0 indicates that the particular CV-MV model is not part of any group.
b. 1 indicates that the particular CV-MV pair is part of a NS group, and is a non-pivot type of model pair.
c. 2 indicates that the particular CV-MV pair is a part of a NS group, and is a pivot-type of model pair.
3. The GroupIndex column indicates what group a particular CV-MV pair belongs to. A value of 0 could either indicate that it belongs to the first group (refer to Group index nomenclature above) or does not belong to any particular group, in which case the rest of the columns on that particular group would also have zeros.
4. The PivotRow column indicates either the MV the particular model belongs to (when using CV pivot) or the MV that was used as a pivot in the group (when using MV pivot).
5. The PivotColumn column indicates either the CV the particular model belongs to (when using MV pivot) or the CV that was used as a pivot in the group (when using CV pivot).
6. The PivotRatio column lists the ratio (wrt the gain on the pivot model) used to edit the gain of the particular CV-MV model pair.
7. The total number of rows in this table will be equal to the number of rows in the Gain and Confidence Factor section of the CFG file and therefore equal to #CV X #MV.
Keywords: Parallel Groups
Configuration File
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the latest version of SQL server supported with Aspen Basic Engineering V7.1? | Solution: SQL Server 2005 SP2 is supported for Aspen Basic Engineering V7.1
Keywords: SQL server, SQL, installation, install, ABE, zyqad, server, database
References: None |
Problem Statement: I have a class store from someone, how do I set it up so I can use it? | Solution: It all depends on what you are trying to do. You can use either of 2 ways:
If you want to use the class store, azcs file, (as-is) in a new workspace, you need to
1. Create a new folder in the ..\AspenZyqadServer\AspenZyqad13.1\WorkspaceLibraries\DataModel folder and save your datamodel files in the folder.
2. Create a new corresponding NewStandardLibrarySet.cfg in the ..\AspenZyqadServer\AspenZyqad13.1\WorkspaceLibraries ensuring that the datamodel entry is now pointing to your azcs. You can make a copy of the delivered StandardLibrarySet.cfg, rename it accordingly and make changes to the relevant paths in the file.
3. Add the relevant entry for the NewStandardLibrarySet.cfg in the LibrarySets.lst file
4. Create a new workspace using your azcs in the AZAdmin Tool
If you want to add your azcs to your standardmodel.azcl, you can
1. Save your azcs in the relevant datamodel folder - same folder as your standardmodel.azcl
2. Load your standardlibrary.azcl in the Class Library Editor, go to IncludedLibraries and r-click to include your azcs.
3. Compile accordingly
4. Create a new workspace using the newly compiles azcs in the AZAdmin Tool
Keywords: class store, add, extend
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is DLSTCHK?
User entry DLSTCHKis defined in the current CCF.A But, what is it? Do we have to migrate this entry into upgraded CCF? | Solution: DLSTCHK is an entry to work around a bug of LSTCHK function which is at Ver. 6.0.1 ER4.
DLSTCHK disables the LSTCHK functionality.
The LSTCHK bug was fixed at Ver. 2006.5 and this entry does not have to be migrated to ver. 2006.5 or later
Also referenceSolution 118857 - CQ00244045 DMCplus Onlines MV tracking many not function properly, for more information about both LSTCHK and DLSTCHK.
Keywords: DLSTCHK, MAXMOV
References: None |
Problem Statement: The attribute :fittings doesn''t exist in the Aspen Zyqad 10.3 prototype store | Solution: In versions of Aspen Zyqad prior to 10.3, 9 base classes were defined in the source code. These included basic-frame, object, connection, document, etc For these classes, a few attributes were also defined in the source code. One of these attributes was on the object class and was called :fittings, which could contain frames of class object.
In Aspen Zyqad 10.3, only 1 class, basic-frame, is defined in the source code. All of the other classes that Zyqad needs to operate correctly are in a file called system.lisp. This file also contains attribute definitions for all attributes that these classes require to work. Additionally, a file called core.lisp defines some additional attributes for these base classes. These additional attributes are not essential to the working of the software but are required for our example prototype store.
The :fittings is no longer included in the distribution as the number of classes that inherit from object has increased, and it is no longer true that all objects could have fittings. Instead individual classes can include their fittings as attributes.
This leads to 2 points that need to be made:
When rebuilding a prototype store to be used with Aspen Zyqad 10.3, all customers must included the distributed file system.lisp in their install-prototypes.lisp in order for Aspen Zyqad to function correctly.
If a user gets an error message Could not find an appropriate slot for this object then it is possible that they previously relied on the object being placed into the :fittings slot.
If a user wishes to add the :fittings slot back into their prototype store they should add the following definition to their prototype store:
(define-slots object
(:fittings :type object
:disciplines ()
:documentation A generic place for any fittings that cannot be explicitly located elsewhere)
)
If they do not supply the :disciplines definition then the slot will get whatever default slot discipline they have defined (defined normally at the top of the file etc.lisp. If the user use the above definition, no discipline will be set by default which is the same as in previous versions.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to rename a workspace? | Solution: The procedure to change the name of workspace is:
Make sure that no user is connected to the Zyqad server.
Rename the directory with workspace data with the new Workspace name, usually it is at C:\AspenZyqadServer\AspenZyqad **.*(version specific)\Workspaces
Open the file D:\AspenZyqadServer\AspenZyqad\Workspaces**.*(version specific)\Workspaces.lst and change the workspace name and folder name.
Restart the AZ131Broker service.
Keywords: workspace, rename.
References: None |
Problem Statement: When a terminator object is inserted on top of a PipingSystem, the Zyqad server will create a new PipingSystem after the object. This document explains how to specify that a class of object is a Piping System terminator. | Solution: The PipingSystem terminator status is determined by a method named IsPipingSystemTerminator. If this method returns True as value, the class will be a PipingSystem terminator. If the method returns False, the class will not be a PipingSystem terminator. The principle of Class inheritance apply to this method. This means that if the method doesn't exist for the class of object, the Zyqad server will use the closest upper class in the Class inheritance tree.
Find below an example for the class ControlValve.
[?Class=ControlValve?]
AZMethod IsPipingSystemTerminator(oPSClass)
IsPipingSystemTerminator=True
End AZMethod
Find attached a KB file which contains this example.
Keywords: Piping System
Terminator
Drawing
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does one move a Zyqad server to a different location? | Solution: 1. Manually cut or copy the AspenZyqadServer folder and paste it at the location you want.
2. Open the 'Broker.ini' file, which by default is located in the folder indicated below:
...Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Zyqad 200X.X\DataServices\bin
3. Modify the WorkspaceFolder and LibrariesFolder location in Broker .ini file.
Keywords: move, Zyqad, server, change, location
References: None |
Problem Statement: TCP/IP MultiNet Service | Solution: A Cim-IO service is created by executing the following steps:
Get in the MULTINET configuration utility:
$MULTINET CONFIGURE / SERVERS
Add the new service:
SERVER-CONFIG>ADD servicename
Disable the new service:
SERVER-CONFIG> DISABLE servicename
Exit from the utility:
SERVER-CONFIG> EXIT
Add the new service also in the local host table by editing the file HOSTS.LOCAL located in the MULTINET: directory and adding a line with the following syntax:
SERVICE: TCP : portnumber : servicename :
Recompile the table:
$MULTINET HOST_TABLE COMPILE
Reinstall the table:
$@MULTINET:INSTALL_DATABASE
NOTE: If the Cim-IO client resides on an other computer than the Cim-IO server, then the service for the DLGP should be added on the client computer. The port number for the DLGP service on the client computer must match the port number of the DLGP service on the server computer.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Low re | Solution: in the DCS can cause MV moves to be lost. Control may be extremely sluggish.
Solution
MVTOL sets a tolerance beyond the MV hi and lo limits (ULINDM & LLINDM). Suppose that the MV hi oper limit is 5.00 and the controller has moved the setpoint to that limit. Numerical round-off due to PCS reSolution may cause the value to be read back to DMCplus as a value slightly larger than what was sent, say 5.003, this will cause a problem and take that MV to a feedforward. To avoid this problem, MVTOL is added to the high limit so that the value is compared to (ULINDM + MVTOL). Even if it is read in as 5.003, the setpoint that is output will not exceed 5.00 (ULINDM) and the MV will remain an MV.
MVTOL represents the engineering units value for one bit of reSolution in the PCS. It might be acceptable to supply the value derived by dividing the range of the variable in engineering units by 2 raised to the power of the number of bits in the analog to digital converter of the PCS. Refer to the PCS documentation for additional details on numerical reSolution. Based on DMCplus usage, MVTOL should be > or = to PCS reSolution.
When INTSUM is set to 1, the controller sums the changes to the MV setpoints and maintains an internal copy of the setpoint that has been output. This prevents the loss of the small moves that aren't read back from the PCS system. The controller actually writes out each move and the PCS loses the small moves ( < PCS reSolution). DMCplus keeps up with what was written and adds the new move to that value each time so that the small moves aren't lost permanently.
For example, the controller is trying to add 0.05 to an MV but the PCS reSolution is 0.20. It will read a value like 10.40 each time and increment it internally to 10.45, next time it will read 10.40 and increment the 10.45 to 10.50 until the additional move causes it to increment to 10.60 and then the PCS value will actually change from 10.40 to 10.60.
Predictions continue to be based on the actual VIND value read from the PCS. VIND will change when the change in VINDSP is big enough to show up in the reSolution at the PCS.
Keywords: MVTOL, INTSUM, internal move summation , re
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why the user created equipment Labels are not getting copied to MS word or other office products? | Solution: If the custom Label is associated with any equipment then Glue to Target option must be checked (in graphic definer) to enable the copy command to copy them with the equipment to any MS office products.
Keywords: Copy Label, Glue to Target.
References: None |
Problem Statement: If multiple instances of Aspen DMCplus are installed on a machine does he also need multiple dongles? | Solution: The dongles are tied to the license keys. If the license key is good for a variety of versions, then the key and the associated dongle will work for multiple versions. If you are mixing versions from different keys, and the keys have dongles associated with them, then the dongles will need to stay with the keys and will be required. Keep in mind that version 6.0.1 and older use ALM and superpro dongles that attach to the printer connections. Multiple superpro dongles can be piggybacked to one machine. Version 2004 and newer, use SLM and the dongles connect by the usb port. Multiple usb dongles can only be used if you are running version 8.0.1 of the dongle drivers for the slm software.
Keywords: dongles, license, keys, multiple
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to compare the model curves/matrices present in separate DMCplus controller model (.mdl) files, dynamically? If yes, how might one accomplish this? | Solution: Yes, it is possible to compare the model matrices present in separate model (.mdl) files. This can be done using the DMCplus Model software interface. If you only want to compare two model matrices, you can create a new dpp project file using DMCplus Model and import the mdl files for both of the old and new model into this project. Once you have the models imported, browse to the Models section from the left hand side navigation panel. You should see the two models listed on the right hand side screen. Select the two models while holding down the Shift key, then right click on the selected models and choose the View Models option. This will bring up a new sub-window with the model matrices. On this sub-window, you will see three tabs- All Models, Old Model, New Model. Select the All Models tab to look at the superimposed view of the two models you have selected. You can switch to the Old Model or the New Model tab if you want to look at just the old or the new model. Please note that this procedure can also be used to compare more than two models at the same time.
If the order of the variables (CVs or MVs) is not the same, DMCplus Model will use the order from the first model in the list. If there are variables that are not present in all the models being compared, such variables are placed towards the end of the respective variable lists.
Keywords: MDL Comparison
Model Overlap
References: None |
Problem Statement: When I enter data in a data sheet defined to include data from multiple cases, I get error message as below:
Why? | Solution: The reason for this error message is that the case of the field is not specified.
When a data sheet is defined to show data from more than one database case (called a multiple case data sheet), you must specify the case of the field before you can enter any data into a field.
On multiple case data sheets, groups of fields are defined that all show information from one particular case.
To specify the case of these groups of fields:
1. On the data sheet, select any field in the group.
2. From the Field menu, point to Case and then click Show.
3. In the Select Case dialog box, select the required case and then click OK.
Keywords: case, multiple, value, datasheet
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I change the reporting date format in a PFD? | Solution: This workaround allows you to change the date the PFD as you want:
1. Open the ‘Explorer’ and add the PFD to a folder.
2. Then, right-click on the PFD object and select attributes.
3. Select from the upper menu Options | Show Associations.
4. Expand the attribute Data Views.
5. Under the label objects, find the label which is the border label by looking at the Template ID.
6. Once you do that, expand the Fields attribute and you now cam see the format of the date field. Change the format to one that you want.
7. You then see the change in the PFD and this will stay the same in the check, as well as in the issue version.
Keywords: Date format, PFD, Explorer.
References: None |
Problem Statement: New functionality available with Zyqad 11.1 Service Pack 1 allows the user to interactively add labels to PFD diagrams via the knowledge base rules. | Solution: This is enabled using three different lisp functions; one for each of the three different types of labels(object, connection and diagram).
Connection labels are a special case. If you define a label with the ''glue to target'' parameter set, the label requires the attach-index and attach-parameter attributes to be passed to the function. Otherwise they can be passed as NIL.
If you are unsure, add the label that you are interested in to a PFD drawing and then study the properties of the label through the trace window in the workbench application. This will show you what information the label requires to display itself. (This is also a good method of working out the insertion coordinates.)
An example of their usage is given below:
NOTE:
The diagram argument is the frame number of the diagram we want to add the label to.
The labelled-graphic argument is the frame number of the graphic frame we want to attach our label to.
Coordinate values are always in meters.
[rule add-object-label []
[visible t]
[action
[lisp
(let ((diagram (get-frame 3))
(label-name Labels\\Vessel\\Dimensions.sym)
(labelled-graphic (get-frame 18))
(x 0.047)
(y 0.038)
(scale 1)
(rotation 0)
(reflection False)
(category object label)
(attach-x 0.065)
(attach-y 0.176754))
(create-object-label diagram label-name x y scale rotation reflection category
attach-x attach-y labelled-graphic))
]]
]
[rule add-connection-label []
[visible t]
[action
[lisp
(let ((diagram (get-frame 3))
(label-name Labels\\Connection\\Name (Diamond).sym) (labelled-graphic (get-frame 5))
(x 0.07)
(y 0.245)
(scale 1)
(rotation 0)
(reflection False)
(category connection label)
(attach-x 0.07)
(attach-y 0.245)
(index 1)
(parameter 0.024))
(create-connection-label diagram label-name x y scale rotation reflection category
attach-x attach-y index parameter labelled-graphic))
]]
]
[rule add-diagram-label []
[visible t]
[action
[lisp
(let ((diagram (get-frame 3))
(label-name Labels\\Borders\\A3 Title.sym)
(x 0.004)
(y 0.003)
(scale 1)
(rotation 0)
(reflection False)
(category diagram label))
(create-diagram-label diagram label-name x y scale rotation reflection category))
]]
]
Keywords: rule
label
Drawing Application
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does one use CopyField and PasteField to speed up Datasheet Definition? When Copy and Paste field is used between two data sheets, it gives an error message Unspecified Error with no detail information. | Solution: Copy and Paste field works within the same data sheet, but not between two data sheets. There are two work arounds, however:Solution 1
If you have two data sheets, first one named 'CustomPumpDatasheet' and another 'AZPumpDatasheet'. You want to copy some of the attribute from 'AZPumpDatasheet-->Page1' to 'CustomPumpDatasheet'
i. Copy AZPumpDatasheet>page1 sheet into the CustomPumpDatasheet.xls workbook as a new sheet
ii. Now you can use the Copy Paste field within the CustomPumpData sheet.xls
Note: Do not use this for the UOM /revision field links. Use it only for the attribute values.
iii. After you are done copying all the attribute, delete the inserted AZPumpData sheet>page1 sheet from the CustomPumpData sheet.xls.Solution 2
For situations where you have a few fields (1 or 2) that you want to copy/paste.
For this case, select Field Properties for both the source and target fields in the definer instances, and copy the route from the source field of the properties dialog and paste it into the route field on the target.
Keywords: Paste field, Copy, attribute, data sheet etc.
References: None |
Problem Statement: When I try to create project in explorer, I get the error message cannot create project while clones exists. clones are not currently supported in project Why? How do I get rid of this error message? | Solution: This is a limitation when creating a project. If you have cloned objects in the database, then you cannot create project in Explorer | project management window. If you want to create a project, then you have to remove these cloned objects from the work space.
To get rid of this error message:
-remove all of the cloned objects from database.
-create the project.
Keywords: clones, project, create, error.
References: None |
Problem Statement: CM50S CIM-IO 3.2.x: What to do if the slaves won't start. | Solution: SYMPTOM:
A show sys/proc=ci* shows that the CIOCM50DLGP, CIOCM50RSLV, CIOCM50READn, and CIOCM50WRITn processes are running, but the slave processes (e.g. CIOCM50READnS01) are not running.
Here is an example of a working system:
$ sho sys/proc=ci*
OpenVMS V6.2 on node NEPTUN
11-MAR
1998 15:46:44.50 Uptime
7
21:14:27
Pid Process Name
State Pri
I/O
CPU
Page flts Pages
00000284 CIOCM50RSLV LEF
6
383913
0 00:03:21.44
1434
1795
00000294 CIOCM50RSLVS01 LEF
4
31
0 00:00:00.14
619
666 S
00000295 CIMIO_ACP1 HIB
6
20
0 00:00:03.45
641
809
00000296 CIOCM50READ1 LEF
6
411152
0 00:00:19.40
2028
1694
00000198 CIOCM50WRIT1 LEF
6
388407
0 00:00:12.65
1562
1835
00000199 CIOCM50READ1S01 LEF
5
31
0 00:00:03.17
766
819 S
0000019A CIOCM50READ1S02 LEF
5
30
0 00:00:01.01
776
782 S
0000029B CIOCM50READ1S03 LEF
5
29
0 00:00:00.25
743
1142 S
0000029C CIOCM50WRIT1W HIB
6
19
0 00:00:00.13
598
815 S
0000011D CIOCM50READ1S04 LEF
5
29
0 00:00:00.13
751
959 S
0000019E CIOCM50WRIT1S01 LEF
5
31
0 00:00:01.83
795
890 S
0000019F CIOCM50READ1S05 LEF
4
29
0 00:00:00.10
628
816 S
00000120 CIOCM50WRIT1S02 LEF
5
30
0 00:00:00.31
807
516 S
00000121 CIOCM50WRIT1S03 LEF
4
29
0 00:00:00.13
655
966 S
000001A2 CIOCM50WRIT1S04 LEF
4
29
0 00:00:00.08
613
769 S
000001A3 CIOCM50WRIT1S05 LEF
4
29
0 00:00:00.14
613
769 S
000001AA CIOCM50DLGP LEF
6
3776535
0 00:00:20.07
2162
1675
Here is an example of a system with the slaves missing:
$ sho sys/proc=ci*
OpenVMS V6.2 on node
NEPTUN
11-MAR-1998 15:46:44.50 Uptime 7
21:14:27
Pid Process Name
State Pri
I/O
CPU
Page flts Pages
00000284 CIOCM50RSLV
LEF
6 383913
0 00:03:21.44
1434
1795
00000296 CIOCM50READ1
LEF
6 411152
0 00:00:19.40
2028
1694
00000198 CIOCM50WRIT1
LEF
6 388407
0 00:00:12.65
1562
1835
000001AA CIOCM50DLGP
LEF
6 3776535
0 00:00:20.07
2162
1675
TROUBLESHOOTING:
This is a permissions problem of some kind. Either the slaves can't write their log file to the CIMIOROOT:[IO.CM50S] directory, or they can't access CM50$EXE:CM50_SHARE.EXE.
First, make sure that CIMIOROOT:[IO]CM50S.DIR;1 is owned by the account used to start the CM50S CIM-IO Server ... and make sure every file in that directory is owned by that same user.
If they have a different owner, then you'll need to change the ownership using the commands:
$ set file /own cimioroot:[io]cm50s.dir;1 $ set file /own cimioroot:[io.cm50s]*.*;*
Note: you must have SYSPRV and be logged into the account used to start the server in order for those specific commands to work.
If that was not the problem, or did not fix the problem, then try setting the file protections on the CM50_SHARE.EXE to W:RE, using this command:
$set file/prot=w:re cm50$exe:cm50_share.exe;
If that still isn't the problem, then you need to identify what object is not being accessed by the slaves. The way to do that is:
$ @cimiocom:cimio_cm50s_stop
$ @cimiocom:cimio_cm50s_start
$ spawn /proc=ciocm50read1s01
$ set proc/priv=noall
$ set proc/priv=(group,grpprv,netmbx,oper,prmgbl,syslck,tmpmbx,world) $ run cimiocode:cimio_cm50s_slave_read
The process should die with a message telling you what isn't being accessed.
Make sure to log out of the spawned process!
Because the CM50S CIM-IO processes are only assigned the minimum privileges they require (which was requested by various customers and is also the Right Thing To Do), they don't have the privileges needed to get around the system security and so use the CM50S_SYS rights identifier to gain access to the CM50S software (the method designed by Honeywell for access to the CM50S software.)
The cause is that the access rights on the files in the CM50$EXE directory are not defined.
Here is a directory listing of the ACLs from the node CIMSTG (which has a working server):
CIMSTG:INFOPLUS>dir cm50$exe /acl
Directory CM50$:[R050.EXE]
ACPOPER.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
BUILD_HDLC_STARTUP.EXE;1
CGDSP.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
CM50_COMM1.SHR;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
CM50_CONFIGURE_CGS.EXE;1
CM50_CONFIG_FTF_ASCII.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
CM50_FTF_SHARE.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
CM50_SCHED.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
CM50_SHARE.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
CM50_USS.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
DDTOPER.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
DELETE.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
FTFXFER.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
IASDMENU.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
INITCOM.EXE;1
LAT_LLCM_SHARE.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
LAT_PKT.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
LAT_RESTART.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
LAT_STARTUP.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
LLCM_SHARE.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
MAKEINC.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
PKT.EXE;1
RESTART.EXE;1
SHUTDOWN.EXE;1
SPATCH.EXE;1
STARTUP.EXE;1
TEST_LINK.EXE;1
(IDENTIFIER=CM50S_SYS,ACCESS=READ+WRITE+EXECUTE)
Total of 27 files.
CIMSTG:INFOPLUS>log
Here is the same directory listing on the failing node CIM12. Note the mising ACLs:
CIM12:INFOPLUS>dir cm50$exe/acl
Directory CM50$:[R050.EXE]
ACPOPER.EXE;1
BUILD_HDLC_STARTUP.EXE;1
CGDSP.EXE;1
CM50_COMM1.SHR;1
CM50_CONFIGURE_CGS.EXE;1
CM50_CONFIG_FTF_ASCII.EXE;1
CM50_FTF_SHARE.EXE;1
CM50_SCHED.EXE;1
CM50_SHARE.EXE;1
CM50_USS.EXE;1
DDTOPER.EXE;1
DELETE.EXE;1
FTFXFER.EXE;1
IASDMENU.EXE;1
INITCOM.EXE;1
LAT_LLCM_SHARE.EXE;1
LAT_PKT.EXE;1
LAT_RESTART.EXE;1
LAT_STARTUP.EXE;1
LLCM_SHARE.EXE;1
MAKEINC.EXE;1
PKT.EXE;1
RESTART.EXE;1
SHUTDOWN.EXE;1
SPATCH.EXE;1
STARTUP.EXE;1
TEST_LINK.EXE;1
Total of 27 files.
CIM12:INFOPLUS>
To apply the ACLs, Steve should log on to the CM50S_MGR account and execute these commands:
$ set def cm50$support
$ @cm50_set_access
This will set the access rights on the CM50 files and allow the slave processes to start.
NOTE: You have to stop CM50S to successfully run the command procedure CM50_SET_ACCESS.
Also, if the procedure asks if you want CM50S_MGR to own all DDTs and ACPs, say NO.
Setcim / IP-X
The problem was that the slave processes of the CM50S CIM-IO were not staying up.
The log file CIOCM50READ1.OUT (or .ERR -- I forget which) showed the slaves terminating with status 97980. This VMS return code indicates insufficient privilege or file protection violation.
The problem was that the root directory of the volume in which SETCIM and CIM-IO were installed has the protection (RWE,RWE,,) which allows the System and the Owner to access it's contents but doesn't allow Group or World access.
The root directory was DRA0:[000000]000000.dir;1
I changed it to have protection (RWE,RWE,RE,RE) using the command
set file /prot=(g:re,w:re) dra0:[000000]000000.dir;1
and the slave process started and stayed active.
FYI, the system was an Alpha running VMS 7.1. The Honeywell software was CM50S 5.0 with patches 1, 2, 3, and 4 applied. The IPX system was based on SETCIM 4.7 and the CIM-IO Kernel was 4.7.1. The CM50S CIM-IO was 3.2.
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