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Problem Statement: I have multiple versions of Aspen HYSYS my machine. When I open an Aspen HYSYS file from simulation importer, it opens previous version. How can I make it to open the latest version? | Solution: Simulation Importer application will automatically detect the version of Aspen HYSYS that is registered with your computer. To open the latest version, you have to register it either using 'Restore file association option or you can manually unregister older version of Hysys and then register the latest version.
Restore File Association
To register latest version of Hysys, close all the applications first and then go to Start|Programs|AspenTech|Process Modeling v 7.1( or the version you have)|Restore file association. Wait unit you get the message OLE registration successful. After this, whenever you will open Hysys from Simulation importer, it will detect this version.
Keywords: Simulation Importer, Hysys, version.
References: None |
Problem Statement: Does MAXMOV depend on IPSKIP? | Solution: MAXMOV is the largest change (in engineering units) that a manipulated variable can be moved by the controller in any execution cycle. However the DMCPlus engine compares the calculated move to the MAXMOV before it does the move normalization. Thus the sequence is such that
CalculatedMoved <= MAXMOV
CMOV = CalcultedMoved/IPSKIP
If IPSKIP is 1 then CMOV is effectively clamped by MAXMOV. But if IPSKIP is greater than 1, CMOV is effectively clamped by MAXMOV/IPSKIP.
Remember IPSKIP is a ration between the model coefficients (IPXNCI) to controller coefficients (IPNCI).
Keywords: CMOV MAXMOV IPSKIP
References: None |
Problem Statement: The datasheet revisioning only shows the originator and first three revisions on the out of the box datasheets. | Solution: It is possible to reorder revisions so that the datasheet slots will always reflect the lastest revisions first. The addition of this feature will NOT require datasheet remapping. Please follow the steps below to initiate the change:
Add a new attribute to the document class called :complete-issue-history:
(define-slots document
(:issue-history :type issue-record
:documentation The displayed issue history for this document) (:complete-issue-history :type issue-record
:documentation The complete issue history for this document) )
IMPORTANT NOTE: The document class is defined in the core.lisp file; however, please do not change this file -- always place custom user modifications in a separate file. Then the name of that file should be added to the Install-Prototypes.lisp file near the end. This insures an easy transision to new versions if the core.lisp file is changed by AspenTech.
Replace you current mgmt.kb with the attached mgmt.kb.
Then re-compile your prototype store for the applicable projects.
As a result, the document revision history will then keep the first (originator) and last three issue-records displayed in a datasheets revision history. It''s similar to the existing mgmt.kb except for the addition of update-displayed-history and appropriate calls to this method.
PLEASE NOTE: On existing workgroups this will remove all current issue histories. To fix this you need to ensure that the issue-histories are referenced into the complete-issue-history slot before revising a document (i.e. you could use the following somewhere appropriate.):
[rule copy-issue-histories []
[pattern
[foreach $document
[class document]
[foreach $record in issue-history]]]
[action
[append $record to complete-issue-history of $document]]]
Keywords: Document
Revision
History
Datasheet
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do the APC Online Machine and the OPC Server communicate when Aspen CIM-IO for OPC is installed on the same machine where the OPC Server is running? | Solution: In this example the OPC Server machine name will be FP-DMCAPP42B and the online machine APCOnline.
The logical device is a channel to communicate two machines, that’s why you need to have the same TCP/IP port number and same logical device name in both machines.
In the case where you have Aspen CIM-IO for OPC installed on the same machine where the OPC Server is running, the next slide will explain the configuration:
If we analyze the cimio_logical_devices.def on your APP node, FP-DMCAPP42B, you need:
Logical device Name
Node Name
DLGPServiceName
APP42B
FP-DMCAPP42B
CIOHCITPNSERVER
CIMIOOPCMGR
FP-DMCAPP42B
CIMIOOPCMGR
The CIMIOOPCMGR is a logical device that serves as a link between CIM-IO and the OPC Server. The APP42B logical device that you created will communicate the CIM-IO Kernel on the APP node and the CIMIO Client (In this case the APC Online Server). Hint: If you created the APP24B logical device using CIM-IO for OPC Properties (found in Start / All Programs /Aspen Tech/ Aspen Manufacturing Suite / Aspen Cim-IO/Servers/CIM-IO for OPC) if you stop the Aspen CIM-IO for OPC Windows Service you will disrupt the communications between both machines.
For example, I have a machine running CIM-IO for OPC and if you look at the services file you will find something like this:
Please note that the port 7777 is internally used by CIM-IO Manager so you will see this entry in all the machines where you have installed the software.
Now, for the cimio_logical_devices.def of your APC Online server, APCOnline, the file would look like this:
Logical device Name
Node Name
DLGPServiceName
APP42B
FP-DMCAPP42B
CIOHCITPNSERVER
Please note that for the APP42B logical device the node name should be FP-DMCAPP42B since it was created in the other machine. In the Online server the communications between the CIM-IO Kernel and the CIM-IO Client is done by the CIM-IO Manager.
We always ask for the services file from windows (found in C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc) since in the third row the DLGPServiceName is the one that defines the TCP/IP in use. If you go to the bottom of the file you will see the entries. The most common error is that the port in use in the two machines is different and thus we can’t establish a connection. Give it a try and see which ports are in use.
Once you are certain that you have the correct entries you can test to read/write to a tag using the Test API tool, for more information viewSolution 110241.
Keywords: CIM-IO for OPC
DMCplus Online
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I configure the server to shut down unattended sessions? | Solution: Freeing licenses consumed when a user leaves a session unattended
It's the end of the day, and an engineer leaves the office forgetting to exit their Aspen Basic Engineering session. The session will remain open all night, and continue to consume an Aspen Basic Engineering license. Engineers in an office in another time zone want to access Aspen Basic Engineering, but no licenses are available.
Now, with Aspen Basic Engineering V7.2, the server can be configured to shut down idle sessions after a pre-set length of time, and free the license that would otherwise be wasted.
There are two configuration parameters that control how frequently the server checks for idle sessions, and for how long a session may remain idle before it is automatically shut down.
ServerMonitor::IdleTimeout
The time (in minutes) that a session can be idle before it is closed by the Server Monitor. A value of zero means that sessions will not be disconnected. Default = 60 minutes.
ServerMonitor::Interval
The frequency (in minutes) that the server will execute monitoring activities, such as checking for idle sessions. Default = 10 minutes.
These parameters can be set in either the library configuration file (for example, StandardLibrarySet.cfg), which are found in the ....\WorkspaceLibraries folder of your installation, or in the workspace configuration file (always called WorkSpace.cfg), which is found in the ..\Workspaces\<Workspacename> folder. Setting them in the library configuration file applies the setting to all workspaces that use that library set; setting them in Workspace.cfg applies the settings only to this workspace.
Keywords: Server, session, license
References: None |
Problem Statement: There are two possible ways to capture the Controller and process information for offline simulation of the controller using Simulate.
A saved ccf file and model can be imported into Simulate and contain all of the controller information and current process information at the time the ccf file was saved. Ufortunately, the saved ccf file does not have the dependent predictions so a ccf based simulation must start with predictions initialized to the current CV values.
A .dbg file contains the same information as the ccf with respect to the controller parameters and it includes a snapshot of the predictions. This allows the offline simulation to deal with process problems.
It is not clear how to cause the DMCplus controller to generate a .dbg file. | Solution: The .dbg file is generated by setting the general parameter SIMSWC True. The controller will recognize the SIMSWC value, generate the .dbg file and clear the SIMSWC.
Keywords: dbg, simulation, offline
References: None |
Problem Statement: User is unable to display the PFD properties dialog in the Drawing Editor. User gets ther error message below:
Run Macro: The Macro failed to properly initialize the Command control | Solution: User needs to install the Graphic Definer component on the machine. This is because some of the controls used on the properties dialog are only installed with the Graphic Definer. Hence, those controls are missing if the machine does not have the Graphic Definer application.
Keywords: Drawing, Properties, Error
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to find documents which display a specific attribute or object. | Solution: The attached example use the function VisualAppearances defined in AZDBDatasheetSvcs.Main. This function will return all the dataviews which display the attribute specified as argument.
The procedure to use the example is:
- Launch the Zyqad Rules Editor
- Open the file DocumentAppearances.azkbs
- Compile and Install the KB (F7 and F8)
- Select the function Run=>Method.
- A dialog window will ask to select the class, the equipment object and the method name which is Show document object appears on.
- The Trace tab of the Rules Editor will display the list of documents where attributes of the selected object appears.
Keywords: Rules Editor
Script
KB
References: None |
Problem Statement: There is a V8.2 release for the Advanced Process Control family? | Solution: No, the “Supplemental DVD: Aspen Manufacturing and Supply Chain and Critical Installation Component V8.2” does not include full installation for the APC family. The “Aspen Manufacturing and Supply Chain DVD V8.0” is the media that includes the APC products.
Based on your license type you should use the DVD2 or the DVD2T (Token). The image below shows the Token DVD set.
Note: To install the latest version of the following Manufacturing and Supply Chain products please use the “Supplemental DVD: Aspen Manufacturing and Supply Chain and Critical Installation Component V8.2”.
· Aspen Fleet Optimizer
· Aspen Inventory Management and Operations Scheduling (Aspen IMOS)
· Aspen Olefins Scheduler
· Aspen PIMPS
· Aspen PIMPS Assay Management
· Aspen PIMPS Platinum
· Aspen Refinery Multi-Blend Optimizer
· Aspen Petroleum Scheduler
· Aspen Supply Chain Connect
Keywords: APC, Advanced Process Control, Manufacturing Suite, V8.0, V8.2
References: None |
Problem Statement: Cannot connect to a SQL workspace after changing a password on SQL server 2005. | Solution: You should change the password in Workspace.udl file for that particular workspace to match the latest SQL server password.
Default location of Workspace.udl file for AZ162 workspace is C:\AspenZyqadServer\Basic Engineering16.2\Workspaces\AZ162 on Basic Engineering server
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When working with Aspen Basic Engineering, the user can use the Microsoft tool Process Explorer in order to find which workspace a particular AZServer process is for. ( | Solution: ID: 126195).
However, it may occur that after downloading the latest version (16.04) for 64 bits servers, the properties of the AZServer process no longer reports the workspace folder.Solution
Process Explorer has to be “Run as administrator”. Having done this, the properties will be reported again. The way to proceed is the following:
1) Run the application procexp.exe as administrator. So right click on it and select this option.
2) Go to the corresponding AZxxx.Server, right click on it and select Properties | Image | Current directory and the workspace used will be displayed. Please see the screenshot below:
Keywords: Workspace, AZServer, Microsoft Tool Process Explorer
References: None |
Problem Statement: Where do I check for users login details in Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS)?
Are there any logs available to track the details of number of users logged in to Production Control Web Server or what are the changes made to controller parameters? | Solution: The functionality to track or having an audit trail about the users logged in at present or in past, to PCWS is available with DMCplus.
There are log files available, which describe the details about the number of users logged in to Production Control Web Server at any time, along with the changes which are made to the controllers.
For aspenONE V 7.2 onwards: DMCplusRepositoryErrors.log file
Location:
For Windows 2003 server- C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Online\sys\etc
For Windows 2008 server- C:\ProgramFilesAspenTech\APC\Online\sys\etc
DMCplusRepositoryErrors.log has following details in the file:
========================================================================
Host:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â DATTA2
Application: COL5X3
Timestamp:Â Â Monday, June 17, 2013 10:02:47 AM
Message:Â Â Â Â Executing RunManageCommand: (cmd: start app: COL5X3 args:Â user: dattanat).
========================================================================
Host:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â DATTA2
Application: COL5X3
Timestamp:Â Â Monday, June 17, 2013 10:02:47 AM
Message:Â Â Â Â Completed RunManageCommand: (cmd: start app: COL5X3 args:Â user: dattanat). Output is:
Control process started for controller COL5X3
For aspenONE V 7.1 and below: DMCP_Viewsrv.log file- This file has limited details logged in it. The user name and application name associated with changes is not shown, but all data entry actions are logged in the file.
Location:
For Windows 2003 server- C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Online\sys\etc
For Windows 2008 server- C:\ProgramFilesAspenTech\APC\Online\sys\etc
dmcp_viewsrv.log has following details in the file:
03/21/13 15:25:27: dmcpviewsrv: Program Starting.
03/21/13 15:37:27: dmcpviewsrv: Program Terminating.
03/21/13 15:37:27: Program terminated.
04/01/13 14:22:43: dmcpviewsrv: Program Starting.
04/01/13 14:27:43: dmcpviewsrv: Program Terminating.
04/01/13 14:27:43: Program terminated.
04/09/13 15:38:06: dmcpviewsrv: Program Starting.
Note: dmcp_viewsrv.log file is also available for aspenONE version V 7.2 onwards, but more details are available in DMCplusRepositoryErrors.log file
Keywords: Audit trail for PCWS
Production Control Web Server
PCWS
Users logged in to PCWS
dmcp_viewsrv.log
DMCplusRepositoryErrors.log
References: None |
Problem Statement: Where can I get information on Adoptive modeling & Calibration mode? | Solution: Download the attached PDF file.
Information regarding the licensing of Calibrate mode is based on MV's.
Calibrate is part of the Full Sustained Suite and requires that DMCplus, SmartStep, Adaptive Modeling and AspenWatch are running.
Calibrate consumes tokens as follows, for the required applications:
DMCplus 3 mvs per token
SmartStep 6 mvs per token
Adaptive Modeling 9 mvs per token
AspenWatch 9 mvs per token
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I resolve Post Script Install Failure when installing Yokagawa exaOPC on the APC online server? | Solution: Yokogawa exaOPC installation on the same machine as the APC suite is not recommended. Please see the attached document for additional details. The older versions of exaOPC do not support the OS on the server, it is recommended that virtual machines are used for the APC server (windows HyperV).
Keywords: incompatibility, conflict, configuration
References: None |
Problem Statement: What constraint is shown if a CV step limit is active in DMCplus? | Solution: Starting with v7.1 version of DMCplus, an option of specify a CV step size limit is available. If a CV step size is set for a CV and the DMCplus engine hit a limit of a CV step, it would show a low limit or high limit constraint depending which size of the limit is hit. In essence, the DMCplus engine calculates an effective high or low limit based on the CV step size before computing the LP targets . Thus any CV limits that are active based on the CV step size would be seen as just a high or low limit.
Keywords: DMCPlus, CV step
References: None |
Problem Statement: Results of Oracle and SQL Server relative performance with Aspen Zyqad 12.1 | Solution: Our QE team did a set of tests including various operations with the
Datasheet Editor (workbench)
Drawing Editor
Zyqad Explorer
Data transfer using Simulator Interface and Object Mapper
This was done for Oracle 9i with drivers 9.0.1.0.1 and 9.0.1.7.1, and also SQL Server 2000 SP3. Tests were repeated 3-4 times to eliminate rogue measurements due to network traffic.
In general the resulting figures show that the performance is much closer between the Oracle and SQL server than it was with previous Zyqad versions 10.3 and 11.1
Firstly, Oracle driver 9.0.1.7.1 is noticeably faster than the out of the box driver 9.0.1.0.1 but only for the operations below:
Drawing Editor
There is little difference (<5%) in performance except when exporting a large package with graphics (40% faster).
Loading times for drawings were very similar.
Datasheet Editor
Opening a large datasheet - 10% faster
Zyqad Explorer
Exporting a package - 100% faster
Importing a package - very similar between the two drivers (<5%)
Note: We found mixed results for Zyqad Application Interfaces
Simulator Interface
It is significantly slower using the later driver - 20% slower using the later driver
Object Mapper
Transferring stream data to ports with the object mapper - 20% slower
Transferring UO to equipment - very similar between the two drivers
Comparison Between Oracle 9i And SQL Server 2000 SP3 Performance Results:
Drawing Editor
Overall performance is similar
Exporting a large package - SQL Server is 20% faster
Datasheet Editor
Overalll performance is similar - variation is at the 5% level between different tasks
Opening a datasheet - SQL Server may be up to 6% slower than Oracle (with driver version 9.0.1.7.1)
Zyqad Explorer
Overalll performance is similar
Simulator Interface
SQL Server is 20% faster than Oracle with 9.0.1.0.1 and 45% faster than Oracle with 9.0.1.7.1.
Object Mapper
SQL Server is 20% faster than Oracle with 9.0.1.0.1 and 45% faster than Oracle with 9.0.1.7.1.
From the observation of the results, SQL Server takes the chequered flag although the margins are much closer on key operations like opening documents etc.
What it does say is that it is worth seeing if a different Oracle driver can improve some key data transfers/exports. If however you find some positive improvements in some key elements of your workflow, then beware that the driver does notslow down some other key operation. Our recommendation is to check all the critical steps in normal operation to see if there are any pitfalls.
Keywords: SQL
Oracle
Performance
driver
References: None |
Problem Statement: The symbol’s labels are showing wrong units in the Drawing Editor. This happens even when the user can view these correctly in the data Explorer.
The image below is the incorrect way this is displayed in terms of units: | Solution: In the Class Library Editor, under Quantity Types, go to Pressure | Pressure (bar). Then change ‘Unit Set Defaults’ under the ‘Default UOM’ to bar (marked by the arrow in the attached screenshot below):
Having changed that, the units are now shown properly:
Keywords: Symbol, Label, Units, Class Library Editor
References: None |
Problem Statement: Do DMCplus and AspenIQ handle daylight savings time changes correctly? | Solution: There should be no problem with the controllers, daylight saving time will not affect them, since they are designed to run with UTC (a.k.a. GMT). However, it is necessary to check the operating system is already set-up to handle this change – i.e. check in the Time and date settings in the control panel that time is set in the right time zone, and check the Automatically adjust clock for Daylight Saving time option – DMCplus/IQ will do the “switch� automatically.
Keywords: Daylight saving time, DMCplus, IQ, controller
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can an incorrect tag name format in a controller ccf result in a crash of the cimio read process? | Solution: Note- TheSolution provided below is specifically for Foxboro DCS systems, where the client was experiencing problems reloading an updated version of the controller. TheSolution description is therefore only know/tested to apply for Foxboro systems. However, theSolution might also be applicable to other cases.
**Solution based on comments provided by client.
Controller reload failure is observed for cases where the tag names of certain variables in the ccf do not follow the Compound:Block.Parameter (C:B.P) Foxboro tag name structure. Trying to reload a ccf file with the above errors would result in the FOXDIOP READ process to die/crash and no error messages related to the problem tag names appear in the valid.err file. On the other hand, an error is reported in the valid.err file when the controller tag names follow the correct C:B.P format but an error exists in either the Compound, or the Block, or the Parameter name section.
Correcting the tag name format (using correct tag names) and reloading the controller does not result in the FOXDIOP process to be killed and the controller loads as expected.
Keywords: FOX DIOP, FoxBridge, Cim-IO, Solaris
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why does the text size in the border changes when I export the drawing to the AutoCad/Microstation? | Solution: By default, Aspen Basic Engineering Font Size Type is Ascender. AutoCAD does not support this Font size type.
AutoCAD only supports Font Size type Cap. If the font size is changed to CAP in Aspen Basic Engineering, then the appearance of the text will be same in AutoCAD also.
To change the Font Size Type please refer toSolution id 127098
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to retrieve data from multiple cases using Visual Basic? I am unable to use the Aspen Zyqad Rule Language to access data from more than one case at a time. | Solution: Use Visual Basic to accomplish this task. Below are the necessary steps and sample code for accessing attributes from different cases:
The Zyqad DLL incorporates a type library, which contains information about the OLE types in the DLL, and their methods and properties. You can view this information using an object browser. An application can use the type library to check the argument types, and return values of methods and properties before executing them. To use the type library in Microsoft® Visual Basic® 6: From the Project menu, click
Keywords: VB
Visual
Basic
Multiple
Cases
References: s and then navigate to Zyqad OLE Automation. With the type library referenced, you can declare variables as a specific class, rather than a generic object.
The Value method returns the value for the slot.
Value(SlotName, Unit, CaseName)
SlotName ::= String
Unit ::= String [optional]
CaseName ::= String [optional]
Returns: String
Use this method to access only numeric, symbolic and string slots. The value is always returned as a string. You cannot use this method to retrieve the values from a sub-object slot.
Sample VB Code for accessing attribute values for different cases:
Option Explicit
Public Zyqad As CZyqadApp
Public Workgroup As CWorkgroup
Public WorkgroupName
Dim pump, MaterialPort, MyFlow, MyMatlPort, MyBulkFlow As CFrame Dim pumps, Groupname, PumpItemNos, PumpName, PumpPower, VolFlow, NumMatlPorts, VolFlow1, VolFlow2 As Variant Dim MaterialPortsObj, FlowObj, BulkFlowObj As CFrames
Dim Msg As String
Dim Msg1, Style, Title, Help, Response, MyString
Private Sub CmdCalculate_Click()
Set Zyqad = CreateObject(Zyqad.App)
'' Login to Zyqad and open workgroup
Zyqad.Login
Set Workgroup = Zyqad.OpenWorkgroup
WorkgroupName = Workgroup.name
Set pumps = Workgroup.FramesByClass(pump, True)
''PumpItemNos = pumps.Value(item-number)
For Each pump In pumps
PumpName = pump.Value(item-number)
Set MaterialPortsObj = pump.SubFrames(material-ports) ''Check for number of material-ports
NumMatlPorts = MaterialPortsObj.Count
Set MyMatlPort = MaterialPortsObj.Item(1)
MsgBox NumMatlPorts = & NumMatlPorts & vbCrLf, , Workgroup Closed Set FlowObj = MyMatlPort.SubFrames(Flow)
Set MyFlow = FlowObj.Item(1)
Set BulkFlowObj = MyFlow.SubFrames(Bulk-Flow)
''numBulkFlow = BulkFlowObj.Count
Set MyBulkFlow = BulkFlowObj.Item(1)
VolFlow1 = MyBulkFlow.Value(Volumetric-Flow-Rate, , Base)
'' Note that this is the value of the volumetric flow for the Base case.
VolFlow2 = MyBulkFlow.Value(Volumetric-Flow-Rate, , Design)
PumpPower = 1234 * (VolFlow2 / VolFlow1)
'' Note that this is the value of the volumetric flow for the Design case.
Call pump.SetValue(Rated-Power, PumpPower, , Design) Msg1 = Pump & PumpName & ''s Rated-Power was updated to & PumpPower & W '' Define message. Style = vbOKOnly + vbCritical
Title = Updated Zyqad Database '' Define title.
'' Display message.
Response = MsgBox(Msg1, Style, Title)
If Response = vbYes Then '' User chose Yes.
MyString = Yes '' Perform some action.
End If
Next
Workgroup.Close
Zyqad.Logout
MsgBox Workgroup & WorkgroupName & closed & vbCrLf & Bye !!!, , Workgroup Closed
End Sub
For more information please refer to the Aspen Zyqad OLE Automation Reference Manual. |
Problem Statement: How do I fix the Error 1720: Problem with Windows Installer Package, Unable to find the APCLIC key in the registry that appears when uninstalling V7.1?
Uninstalling Aspen DMCPlus Controller V7.1 comes up with an error message Error 1720: Problem with Windows Installer Package, Unable to find the APCLIC key in the registry. | Solution: **Important Note/Disclaimer: TheSolution requires changing the registry settings on the machine. Any incorrect modifications might lead to further problems.
Make sure to back up your registry before attempting theSolution.
1. Navigate to Start|Run and enter regedit to open up the Registry window.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\AspenTech\Setup and make sure Setup is selected.
3. On the right hand side panel, you should see all the registry entries for Setup. You will notice that entry APCLIC is missing from the list. You will need to add this entry manually.
4. Right click on blank space on the right hand side panel and select New>String Value.
5. Name the new registry key APCLIC and set its value to SLM_APC_Inst
6. Close registry and try uninstalling again.
Keywords: Error 1720
APCLIC
Aspen DMCplus Controller
Uninstall
References: None |
Problem Statement: When connecting to the Aspen OTS Framework the cimio_msg.log shows:
DD-MMM-YYYY HH:MM:SS, Logged by <Service> on node <NodeName>:
------- CIMIO/OPC READY ----------
DD-MMM-YYYY HH:MM:SS, Logged by <Service> on node <NodeName>:
Server has died or is unoperating, OPC server AspenTech.OTS_OPCServer.30 at node <NodeName>
DD-MMM-YYYY HH:MM:SS, Logged by <Service> on node <NodeName>:
AsyncDlgp (PID ####) - Disable accepting requests from other processes to server AspenTech.OTS_OPCServer.30 on node <NodeName> | Solution: The first troubleshooting step is to apply the latest HYSYS patches and any other patch available for the AspenTech applications installed in the related server(s).
After that register the Aspen OTS Framework OPC server (AspenTech.OTS_OPCServer) as a Windows service, but how to register it?
The executable responsible for this is AspenOPCSimServer.exe found in
C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\Aspen OTS Framework Vx.x
and starting V8.8 in
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\AspenTech Shared.
Note: The paths above are for 64-bits OS, it changes depending of the OS in use.
To install it as a Windows service open a command prompt window as administrator, navigate to the folder path and type: AspenOPCSimServer.exe /service
Go to the Windows service panel and confirm that the AspenOPCSimServer service is listed.
Start the service and restart the Cim-IO Logical Device. Check again the cimio_msg.log to confirm a successful connection.
Keywords: Aspen OTS Framework, OPC Server, CIMIO for OPC, AspenOPCSimServer
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I specify to use APC versus APC (Olefins) license scheme? | Solution: On the application online server, to select the type of APC license scheme, from the Start Menu,
go to Start \ Programs \ AspenTech \ Common Utilities \ APC License Scheme Selector.
Make / confirm the appropriate selection and then click OK.
A change in this configuration will require stopping and restarting the application.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: If you have a service pack installed on your machine and you then un-install Zyqad 10.3, the next time you install Zyqad 10.3, you may receive the error message: Wrong Code version 10.3 to load prototype store version 5 | Solution: TheSolution to this problem is to either re-apply the more recent Service pack or to rebuild the prototype store with the current development application. This problem occurs because of the changes made to the Development application in a recent Service Pack.
Keywords: Installation
Service Pack
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to configure the Symbol Library Path. | Solution: The workgroup configuration (.cfg) file allows the defining of a SYMBOLPATH value that specify the location of the symbol library folder for all clients using the workgroup.
The syntax is:
[client]
?
SYMBOLPATH =<Path>
?
The value of path does not need to be included in double quotes Note if the path is included in double quotes then the backslash is treated as the escape character and to add a single backslash to the value you need to put \\. i.e. string values are in LISP syntax.
The symbol library path must refer to the same directory for all client machines using the workgroup hence it is essential that a UNC path is used to identify the directory if the workgroup is to be accessed from more than one client machine.
A UNC path (Universal Naming Convention) describes a path to a directory that is the same for all clients on the network. The format of the UNC path is -
\\machine name\share name\directory path
Where machine is the network name/address of the machine holding the directory, <share name> is the name of the share on the machine and directory path identifies the directory.
Defining a Network Share
Use the Window NT Explorer, select the folder that you want to share (for the standard installation that would be C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Working Folders\Aspen Zyqad 11.1\projects\libraries). From the File menu choose Properties? and select the Sharing tab, check the Shared As radio button, enter a share name and set the User limit and Permissions. Share names
Share name over 8 characters long or containing spaces will not be accessible by Windows 98 clients. Share Permissions
All the users of the client machines must have at least read access to the share and to the symbol library. The PFD client will gain access the share using the permissions of the users current login account on the client machine (not the login account on the Zyqad server). Hence when defining permissions the share the login accounts of the users must be considered.
Troubleshooting SymbolLibrary Path
Path name is incorrect in the Server configuration file. Check the symbolpath name in the server configuration file matches the machine name, share name and path on the server.
Name Translation Problems Without a correctly configured WINS server then short server machine names in the UNC path would not be translated to IP addresses by the client e.g. \\ServerMachine\Library would not work because there is no translation for ServerMachine in the client domain.
Simplest way to test for the problem is using Windows Explorer, Map Network Drive command you will get Network Path Not found error Alternatively you can test name translation by using the ping command.
Trying to configure WINS on a mixed NT/W2K environment is difficult.
Getarounds:
Substitute the long (fully qualified domain) name of the server machine in the symbolpath e.g. \\ServerMachine.subnet.domain.com\Library\Symbols this will use the DNS lookup
Alternatively substitute the IP address of the server machine in the symbolpath e.g. \\00.00.00.00\Library\Symbols. This may be required if the DNS server has no translation for the long name.
Alternatively update the lmhost table on the client machine, this is the only getaround for Windows 98 clients as long names and IP addresses are not valid in UNC paths for Windows 98.
Domain Security: There are potentially issues related to security policy on the domains, the permissions granted to the client login account and the nature of the permissions applied to the share.
The simplest way to investigate problems with security is via the Windows Explorer from the client account that is experiencing the difficulty,
When investigating you will also want to know what domain/account the client is using (press ctrl-alt-del, the security dialog will show the domain and user account)
From the Windows Explorer use the Map Network Drive command to map to the share name on the UNC path. This should give error dialogs which describe the security issue. N.B. When using Map Network drive don''t specify an account in the Connect As: field, leave blank in order to use the current login account as this is what our software will use.
A brief summary of the security requirements between the domains would be -
Server domain must trust client domain\username
Server must allow network logins by client domain\username
Share must allow appropriate write/read access by everyone or by client domain\username
Keywords: Symbol Library
Installation
Configuration
References: None |
Problem Statement: When I opened a downloaded DMCplus help file, a Navigation to the web page was canceled message was shown and any help topic was not displayed. | Solution: Right-Click the downloaded help file, and then click Properties. Click Unblock. Double-click the help file to open the file and the help topic will be shown.
Keywords: Navigation to the web page was canceled, Unblock, Properties
References: None |
Problem Statement: Unable to access Datasheet by Type in the Datasheet Editor. Getting error message:
Error in XML <templates>. Template Names and Ids mismatch. | Solution: This is caused by a template (.ztf) file
This is caused by a template (.ztf) file not being generated correctly, and is missing Datasheet Type or TemplateID. When either field is missing, the user creating the template file would get a warning in the Datasheet Definer when he generated the template, and had ignored the warning.
To find the problem template, the easiest way is to go through the ztf files. Open the ztf file in a text editor and it will typically look like the below:
<?xml version=1.0?>
<AZTemplate Version=1 Title=AZ Centrifugal Compressor Type=DataSheet TemplateID=AZ Centrifugal Compressor ClassView=API617 SourceFile=AZ Centrifugal Compressor.xls Checknum=6385862>
<Page PageWidth=2159 PageHeight=2794 PageId=0 Title=%d Cent. Compa> ?
Check that the Type and TemplateID fields are not empty. If they are populated as above then it is not the problem datasheet. If either is missing values, then this is your problem ztf file.
To correct the problem, you can either delete the problem ztf fil,e or recompile it (after ensuring all necessary data is entered).
Keywords: Datasheet by Type, load, access, error
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I correct the error 'logical device not found', even though the CIMIO device entry looks right? | Solution: The CIMIO devices have to match the logical devices names in the cimio_logical_devices.def file. Any trailing spaces after the name in the configuration files (.ccf, .xml,...) would generate the error,
CIMIO_USR_VUEDEV_NOREC, Logical device not found, because it is looking for the name + space in the cimio_logical_devices.def and not finding it. Thus, in DMCplus Build, make sure the CIMIO device is configured to be forced to upper case, and trim leading/trailing spaces. In Apollo config, make sure there are no spaces in the connect_device field. This same check should also be made for AspenIQ in the IQF file.
Keywords: CIMIO logical devices.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How are audit parameters defined in the configuration file and how they work? | Solution: The auditing options are enabled by configuration variables. These variables can be specified in either the library set configuration file (e.g. StandardLibrarySet.cfg) or for an individual workspace in the configuration file Workspace.cfg. An example of Workspace.cfg is attached with thisSolution.
The configuration variables are:
1- Audit::AuditClasses
The value for these parameters needs to be a comma separated list of the classes to be audited. Any changes to attributes of object in this list (including sub-objects) will be recorded in the Audit tables of the database.
e.g. Audit::AuditClasses = CentrifugalPump, ProcessVessel
If 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. To see how it works, referSolution 135385
2- Audit::AuditConnections
The value for this parameter can be all in order to log all connections made to the workspace or to ErrorsOnly to log failed connections.
e.g. Audit::AuditConnections = All
The Audit information will be displayed in the Administration tool by selecting the Audit folder of a specific Workspace.
3- Audit::PrivilegeEdits
The value for this parameter can be all to log all changes to the privileges or to ErrorsOnly to only failed operations.
The Audit information will be displayed in the Administration tool by selecting the Audit folder of a specific Workspace.
e.g. Audit::PrivilegeEdits = All
Keywords: administration, audit, history, configuration
References: None |
Problem Statement: This article describes how to pick between Full Use (RTO) and Limited Use (IRV) type when enabling External Targets. | Solution: ?Full Use (RTO) and Limited Use (IRV)? External Targets (ET?s) have only one significant difference: ?Full Use? ET?s allow configuring communication monitoring between the external program (usually RTO) and DMCplus. So if you enable ?Full Use? ET?s for the controller, simply don?t configure the timeout, shedding, and other communications monitoring parameters and you will have an IRV-style ET.
If you only enable the ?IRV? style ET?s for the controller, all of the communications monitoring parameters ?disappear? from Aspen DMCplus Build and you will only see the parameters that apply to IRV ET?s. (These same parameters also apply to ?Full Use? ET?s by the way).
It is strongly advised to only use IRV style ET?s. Although the concept sounds great to have DMCplus have ?Full Use? ET?s so that it can monitor the communications, the problem is that when it detects communications are broken, it reverts to internal economics. This drives the process to a less-economic condition than just holding the process in the last ?good? position that was communicated. You won?t be happy when DMCplus does this.
Even if you are using RTO to drive DMCplus, it is recommended to set the ET?s as IRV. That way, when RTO stops communicating, DMCplus will continue to hold the process at the best economics it knows about. Then use some other method for detecting that communications have failed (RTO didn?t converge, network down, etc.).
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does one connect to other user workspaces on a network? | Solution: 1. On the other user's computer, load the Zyqad administration application, open the workspace that you want to connect to and add your user name under the users option.
2. Next, when you open the application on your computer, change the Zyqad server path so that it points to other users computer when it asks you to connect to the workspace.
3. Lastly, click on the browse button and locate the workspace. Click OK and then click the Open button.
Keywords: Workspace, network connection, workspace connection, work space, connect workspace,
References: None |
Problem Statement: Information regarding the integration of Aspen DMCplus and Aspen Smartstep | Solution: The 2006.5 release of Aspen DMCplus and Aspen SmartStep show a greater level of integration than in previous releases. This document is intended to highlight the advantages of this integration with a focus on upgrading from previous versions. The integration removes the need for SmartStep Config, SmartStep Simulate, SmartStep Manage and other online SmartStep programs. Since there is now one set of programs for both DMCplus and SmartStep we differentiate the two states of the program by using the term ?mode?. An application can be in DMCplus mode or it can be in SmartStep mode. The user can select which mode to use by changing the application mode request entry (APPREQ) to zero for DMCplus mode or one for SmartStep mode. The application mode status entry (APPSTS) shows the actual running mode of the application. If, for example, you request SmartStep mode but there are no available SmartStep licenses then the APPSTS entry will show DMCplus as the current mode.
Enable Aspen SmartStep technology
To run a control application in SmartStep mode you must first select the ?enable SmartStep technology? option on the options dialog in DMCplus Build. This option is very similar to the External Targets option or the Composite option. If any of these options are checked then relevant parameters in the ccf are visible and the user can then further configure the application. Even if you start with an old ccf that has SmartStep parameters you must open the ccf in DMCplus Build and then save it if you wish to run it in SmartStep mode in 2006.5.
In an effort to simplify SmartStep, several entries were removed or combined to aid in configuration. The following entries were removed (STMVALPHA, STMVTAU, STMVAVGDUR, STMVRAMPRTFR) since they are no longer deemed necessary. The following entries related to high and medium frequency pulses (STMVMAXMF, STMVMINMV, STMVMAXHF, STMVMINHF, STMVAMPMF, STMVAMPHF) were replaced with STMVPULDUR and STMVPULFR. Opening an old ccf in the 2006.5 version of DMCplus Build will remove these obsolete entries and populate the new entries with appropriate value based on the old parameters. Lastly, STLIMLNK was added to allow connections between operating limits and test limits.
Simulate in Aspen SmartStep mode
As long as you have enabled SmartStep technology and set up your test groups then you can invoke SmartStep mode in DMCplus Simulate. You do not need a SmartStep license to do this. Simulate has several visual cues to show the mode of the application. The title bar declares the mode by displaying either ?[DMCplus Mode]? or ?[SmartStep Mode]?. Variable columns that are only relevant for SmartStep mode can be hidden in DMCplus mode by setting a preference on the Edit/Options menu. Columns that are not relevant in the current application mode use a light gray font to show they are not in use. For example, in DMCplus mode the MV entry ?Test Switch? shows the light gray font since the DMCplus engine does not make use of that entry. There is a toolbar button and a menu item to switch the application mode.
Aspen DMCplus and Aspen SmartStep online
In order to run SmartStep online you must have an online SmartStep license. When an application is started, a DMCplus online license will be checked out and this license will be held the entire time the application is running. When requesting SmartStep mode the application will stay in DMCplus mode for one cycle while it attains a SmartStep license and then the application status (APPSTS) will change to ?SmartStep?.
2006.5 applications will show up in the Process Control Web Server navigation bar as type ?DMCplus?. This is true even if the application is in SmartStep mode. The navigation bar will continue to display older SmartStep applications as type ?SmartStep?.
There are visual cues to show the operators the application mode. The navigation bar uses colored icons to denote application mode (yellow is stopped, green is DMCplus mode, blue is SmartStep mode). The general header on the operations and engineering views show the application mode request and status next to the master on/off switch if the application is configured for SmartStep use. When the application mode is switched to SmartStep mode the operation view will automatically expand to show necessary SmartStep entries such as test switches and test limits. In engineering views there are new column sets with the suffix ?_ss? that contain the additional, relevant SmartStep entries. For example, there is both a Tuning and a Tuning_ss column set.
Upgrading to 2006.5
Users must open old ccfs in DMCplus Build and save them to enable SmartStep technology and properly prepare the ccf for online and simulation use.
Keywords: DMC, Smartstep, testers, control, view, pcws
References: None |
Problem Statement: I would like to install Aspen DMCplus Controller V8.0 on my Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2. | Solution: APC Online V8.0 minimum requirements show that the only platform supported is Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition (64-bit), therefore Aspen DMCplus Controller V8.0 cannot be installed on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2.
A workaround, would be to upgrade your OS to Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition (64-bit).
Keywords: V.8
Windows Server 2003 R2
Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition (64-bit)
APC
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can the CCF Switcher be configured to simultaneously work with two different Cimio Logical Devices? | Solution: It is not possible to add references to multiple cimio logical devices when using CCF Switcher. However, the following workarounds are available if it is necessary to use CCFSwitcher with multiple controllers with their feed switches on different DCS and therefore different Cimio devices:
1. Move/Copy the feed switch tags (no other tags) for all controllers to a single DCS so that they can be accessed using the same Cimio device. Note that the controller tags themselves would still be obtained from different cimio devices.
2. Keep the Switch tags on the respective DCSes and use Get Transfer feature in IP21 (on the AW machine) to read these values into IP21 records. CCF Switcher can then be configured to read the values of the switches from IP21 instead of going to the DCSes.
3. Move the controllers that need to use CCF Switcher (with different Cimio devices) to separate DMC/Online machines. This way you can configure a CCF Switcher for each one without any problems.
Keywords: CCF Switcher
Logical Device
References: None |
Problem Statement: The number of messages configured for Advanced Control Onlines is frequently conservative, since the problems caused by too few messages will be less than problems if more messages are configured than can be handled by the resources of the computer. Sometimes, there will be circumstances (many controllers, or different kinds of problems) where it is desirable to have more messages saved than the default. How can they be configured without stopping and re-starting Advanced Control, which would take down running controllers. ( | Solution: 103670 tells how to configure messages after shutting down Advanced Control)
Solution
For this process, we used mpf_manage and to get a usage menu, simply type mpf_manage without any parameters.
Also note that when this procedure is completed, all the messages that are currently in the message queue will no longer be available, so we saved them with the command:
>mpf_manage msglist -r -o <filename>
to save them to a file in case we needed them later.
To see a listing of the mpf regions that are in use we used the command:
>mpf_manage list
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\AC Online\bin>mpf_manage list
0: P IMSGFILE 229376 11:45:40 Thu Feb 15 2007
1: P IQP_DIRECT 73728 13:03:54 Wed Feb 21 2007
2: P SMST_DIRECT 12288 13:04:10 Wed Feb 21 2007
3: P SMST_00001 1003520 10:22:35 Tue May 29 2007
4: P IDB_00001 4096 10:22:35 Tue May 29 2007
5: P DMC_DIRECT 16384 13:03:21 Wed Feb 21 2007
6: P DMC_00002 2338816 10:16:23 Fri Feb 22 2008
7: P IDB_00002 20480 10:16:23 Fri Feb 22 2008
8: P DMC_00001 1384448 08:38:20 Thu Jan 03 2008
9: P DMC_00003 1413120 14:51:28 Wed Sep 19 2007
10: P IDB_00003 4096 14:51:28 Wed Sep 19 2007
11: P CLP_00002 16384 14:51:28 Wed Sep 19 2007
12: P IDB_00004 4096 08:38:20 Thu Jan 03 2008
14: P DMC_00004 1413120 14:51:34 Wed Sep 19 2007
15: P IDB_00005 4096 14:51:34 Wed Sep 19 2007
16: P CLP_00003 16384 14:51:34 Wed Sep 19 2007
17: P IDB_00006 4096 15:10:08 Fri Aug 17 2007
18: P IQP_00001 208896 15:10:08 Fri Aug 17 2007
19: P DMC_00005 1519616 11:05:31 Wed Jan 02 2008
20: P IDB_00007 4096 11:05:31 Wed Jan 02 2008
21: P CLP_00004 36864 11:05:32 Wed Jan 02 2008
Note that IMSGFILE appears in the list. In this case it is the zeroth entry. It might be anywhere in the list.
Now to delete the queue (imsgfile), we issue the command:
>mpf_manage delete imsgfile:
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\AC Online\bin>mpf_manage delete imsgfile
imsgfile deleted
Then as a curiosity we might list again to see the results:
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\AC Online\bin>mpf_manage list
0: P **INVALID** 229376 11:45:40 Thu Feb 15 2007
1: P IQP_DIRECT 73728 13:03:54 Wed Feb 21 2007
2: P SMST_DIRECT 12288 13:04:10 Wed Feb 21 2007
3: P SMST_00001 1003520 10:22:35 Tue May 29 2007
4: P IDB_00001 4096 10:22:35 Tue May 29 2007
5: P DMC_DIRECT 16384 13:03:21 Wed Feb 21 2007
6: P DMC_00002 2338816 10:16:23 Fri Feb 22 2008
7: P IDB_00002 20480 10:16:23 Fri Feb 22 2008
8: P DMC_00001 1384448 08:38:20 Thu Jan 03 2008
9: P DMC_00003 1413120 14:51:28 Wed Sep 19 2007
10: P IDB_00003 4096 14:51:28 Wed Sep 19 2007
11: P CLP_00002 16384 14:51:28 Wed Sep 19 2007
12: P IDB_00004 4096 08:38:20 Thu Jan 03 2008
14: P DMC_00004 1413120 14:51:34 Wed Sep 19 2007
15: P IDB_00005 4096 14:51:34 Wed Sep 19 2007
16: P CLP_00003 16384 14:51:34 Wed Sep 19 2007
17: P IDB_00006 4096 15:10:08 Fri Aug 17 2007
18: P IQP_00001 208896 15:10:08 Fri Aug 17 2007
19: P DMC_00005 1519616 11:05:31 Wed Jan 02 2008
20: P IDB_00007 4096 11:05:31 Wed Jan 02 2008
21: P CLP_00004 36864 11:05:32 Wed Jan 02 2008
And we see that the entry where imsgfile existed has become *invalid*.
Now we create the new message system with a larger message queue:
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\AC Online\bin>mpf_manage msgcreate 10000
Message system created with 10000 messages
And do another list to see the results of our command:
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\AC Online\bin>mpf_manage list
0: P **INVALID** 229376 11:45:40 Thu Feb 15 2007
1: P IQP_DIRECT 73728 13:03:54 Wed Feb 21 2007
2: P SMST_DIRECT 12288 13:04:10 Wed Feb 21 2007
3: P SMST_00001 1003520 10:22:35 Tue May 29 2007
4: P IDB_00001 4096 10:22:35 Tue May 29 2007
5: P DMC_DIRECT 16384 13:03:21 Wed Feb 21 2007
6: P DMC_00002 2338816 10:16:23 Fri Feb 22 2008
7: P IDB_00002 20480 10:16:23 Fri Feb 22 2008
8: P DMC_00001 1384448 08:38:20 Thu Jan 03 2008
9: P DMC_00003 1413120 14:51:28 Wed Sep 19 2007
10: P IDB_00003 4096 14:51:28 Wed Sep 19 2007
11: P CLP_00002 16384 14:51:28 Wed Sep 19 2007
12: P IDB_00004 4096 08:38:20 Thu Jan 03 2008
13: P IMSGFILE 1523712 10:20:16 Wed Feb 27 2008
14: P DMC_00004 1413120 14:51:34 Wed Sep 19 2007
15: P IDB_00005 4096 14:51:34 Wed Sep 19 2007
16: P CLP_00003 16384 14:51:34 Wed Sep 19 2007
17: P IDB_00006 4096 15:10:08 Fri Aug 17 2007
18: P IQP_00001 208896 15:10:08 Fri Aug 17 2007
19: P DMC_00005 1519616 11:05:31 Wed Jan 02 2008
20: P IDB_00007 4096 11:05:31 Wed Jan 02 2008
21: P CLP_00004 36864 11:05:32 Wed Jan 02 2008
And see that the new IMSGFILE has been created in region 13, which was the first non-used region in the previous list. Notice also that the new size of the file has gone from 229376 to 1523712.
Note that the old *INVALID* entry might remain until the next reboot, but it causes no problem.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: When a new datasheet is opened, all numerical fields display 2 decimal places. Is there a way to change this default? | Solution: The default formatting of a real number is done using the locale settings of the operating system.
To modify it go to the Control Panel/Regional and Language Options, then click on the Customize button on the Regional Options tab, and on the Customize Regional Options dialog, select the Numbers tab and change No. of digits after decimal.
Keywords: Decimal places
References: None |
Problem Statement: Which ODBC drivers are compatible for my Oracle database? | Solution: Users are advised to use the drivers stated below:
Oracle 8.0.5 -- ODBC driver version 8.0.5.8.0
Oracle 8.0.5 ---ODBC driver version 8.0.5.10.0
Oracle 8i --- ODBC driver version 8.1.7.5.0
Oracle 9i -- ODBC driver version 8.01.07.00
Keywords: Zyqad, Relational Database, Oracle, Driver
References: None |
Problem Statement: The error message AT Master BEDD Template not found is generated when starting a workspace. | Solution: When upgrading custom library to the version 7.1, it is necessary to make sure that the template AT BEDD Template is included. You need to copy the file AT Master BEDD.ztf from the standard templates directory and paste it into your custom directory.
Keywords: Templates
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to specify an Alias for a User Account | Solution: In Aspen Zyqad 12.1, an Alias for a user can be specified through the Administration tool. First, select a Workspace in the left hand side of the Administration window, and the Workspace is loaded. Select the sub-folder Users, where user properties are defined, double-click on a specific user and the following window will appear at the screen:
The Display Name is an alias which will be used to identify this user account in the Workspace. The user properties data are stored in the file privileges.xml located in the Workspace directory. The Display Name defined in the Administration window will overwrite the Display Name defined in the Windows user account.
If a user is not added explicitly to the Workspace but as part of a group, it is possible to define an Alias using a parameter in the file Workspace.cfg. However, the code defined in the file DocumentManagement.kbs will need to be changed. You can download from thisSolution a new version of this kb which can handle a parameter called Alias::Parameter.
You need to define the parameter in the Library Set file or in the Workspace.cfg with the following format:
Alias::Parameter =UserAccount1=Alias1, UserAccount2=Alias2, UserAccount3=Alias3
Keywords: User Account
Alias
Administration
References: None |
Problem Statement: Unchecking the Emphasize Modified Values option did not change the field font color to black. It is still red. How can I change the color? | Solution: 1. Click on Datasheet | Option from toolbar while you have datasheet open in a workspace.
2. From drop down box under colors option select modified field.
3. Select the color button next to drop down box, it will open color selection window.
4. Select black color. Click on Ok in Color window.
5. Click on ok again in Options window.
6. Notice that font color has been changed to black. Please refer to screenshot below for more detail.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is RGA and how is it related to Multi-variables Process Control (MPC)? | Solution: RGA stands for a Relative Gain Analysis.
It is used to analyze the controllability of a MIMO (Multiple Inputs, Multiple Outputs) system. RGA is a normalized form of the steady state gain matrix that describes the impact of each inputs on the output, relative to other inputs' impact on other variables.
The RGA matrix is the transpose of the inverse steady state gain matrix.
- The sum of any row or column of the RGA matrix should be 1
- If lij = 0 The manipulated variable (xj) will have no effect on the controlled variable (yi)
- If lij = 1: The manipulated variable xj affects the output yi without any interaction from the other MVs
- If lij < 0: The system will be unstable whenever xj is paired with yi, and the opposite response in the actual system may occur if other loops are opened in the system.
If 0 < lij < 1: This implies that other variables (xj- yi) are interacting with the manipulated and controlled variable control loop.
Three different relationships based on l=0.5 imply different interpretations of pairing and the RGA:
If lij = 0.5: This MV/CV pair effect is equal to the retaliatory effect of other MV/CV pairs.
If lij < 0.5: The other MV/CV pairs are influencing this MV/CV pair, and the influence from those pairs are greater than the influence from this pairing.
If lij > 0.5: This means that the MV/CV pair has a greater influence on the system than the other MV/CV pairs.
If lij >1: The open-loop gain of the MV/CV pair is greater than the gain with all other MV/CV pair closed. The positive value of RGA indicates that the MV/CV pair is dominant in the system, but the other pairs are still affecting the MV/CV pair in the opposite direction. The higher the value of lij, the more correctional effects the other MV/CV pairs have on this pairing.
To calculate RGA for a DMCplus model, Smart Audit is the tool that AspenTech provides. Moreover, Smart Audit can fix any ill-conditioned matrix for stable control.
Keywords: RGA, DMCplus model
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to run calibrate in the Aspen Production Control Web Server | Solution: Starting with V7.3 CP3, the control engineer has the option to put any online DMCPlus controller in 'Calibrate' mode from the Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS) to identify new DMCplus Model. Calibrate mode is essentially a multi-step test with closed loop controller. You can determine how much 'testing' vs 'controlling' can be done by setting the calibration ratio (STCTLSTRATIO). It can be between 0.0 (no testing) and 1.0 (full testing).
In order to enable CALIBRATE mode, the AMENB flag (accessible in Build/Configuration) has to be set to one. In addition, all the tunings for regular DMC control (such as move suppressions, ranking, ECEs, transition zones) have to be set in order for the control part to work properly.
CALIBRATE uses data collected in the AspenWatch server. So any data that are not related to the DMCplus controllers but will be used in the identification progress needs to be added to the AspenWatch server as either PID loops or miscellaneous data. The identification subroutine will also be ran from the AspenWatch server so loading of that server should be taken into account. We are recommending the ApsenWatch server to have the fastest CPUs, maximum memory, as well as ample disk spaces. This should be the workhorse server on your Process Control Network (PCN).
Of course you can always collect data manually using DMCcollect or IQ Data Collect (DC) module. You can set up the tag list, extract the data, and run Model manually just like you would in any conventionally step test.
Once everything is setting up properly, you can active the 'Calibrate' mode on the PCWS by changing the controller mode to Calibrate. Notice your test groups would go to CONTROL mode when that happens and there is no other options available. Thus if you need take any test group off CONTROL, you have to turn the associated Sub-controller OFF (Hopefully you have sub-controllers that mirror your test groups).
At this time, the controller is optimized and muti-step at the same time. You then set up a identification case by going to the Model tab in the PCWS and click on the Modeling button.
A pop-up window shows your list of existing cases. Click on the new button allows you to set up a new case. Currently the adaptive modeling on PCWS only cases in the sub-space identification method.
Then you can set up the details of your case. The default for IND and DEP list are the current controller structure but you can Add and Remove any variables to one particular case.
If the check box 'Schedule case to run' then you can specify when the case will be run.
After the case is ran, you can take a look at the log file. The log file will contain summary of the case as well as sliding information. Calibrate will slide data based on a sophisticated algorithm using the data and status that are collected during the interested period.
You can review the raw data used for identification, view the result, assemble the model and download the .mdl file to your computer.
Keywords: Calibrate, adaptive modelling
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I manage the acpafc.tmp file that is nearly filling the hard disk? | Solution: There is code used to capture the output from Manage commands issued through Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS). It appears that under some circumstances the files stay open and continue to grow. The files are found in the c:\windows\temp directory. They differ in filename, always starting with acp and ending .tmp.
To minimize the impact, it is recommended to restart the data services, Aspen APC DMCplus Data Service, Aspen APC Inferential Qualities Data Service, and the Aspen APC Nonlinear Controller Data Service. Just restarting the data service will not impact any running online applications. If, for instance, the Aspen APC DMCplus Data Service cannot be stopped using the Control Panel->Services applet, kill the dmcp_datapump.exe and dmcp_dataworker.exe processes using Task Manager and then start the service again. There is a datapump and dataworker for both AspenIQ and Nonlinear Controller. Delete the offending .tmp file from the c:\windows\temp directory.
This issue will be addressed in future versions of the APC software.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to make back-up files of a great amount of Workspaces automatically? | Solution: There is a command which can be used from the ‘cmd.exe’ (command prompt window). Below you can find the procedure and the command used for such end:
1. Open cmd prompt in administrator mode:
2. Navigate to the workspaces folder, for example: cd C:\AspenZyqadServer\Basic EngineeringYY.Y\Workspaces
Note: Remember that in folder ‘Basic Engineering YY.Y’, the YY.Y represents and depends on the version installed on your machine, for example: Basic Engineering 17.1.
3. Type the following command and click ‘Enter’ key: SET EXTE=.azbkp
4. Then type the following command and click ‘Enter’ key: FOR /D %G in (*) DO C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Basic Engineering V8.X\DataServices\x64bin\AZ171Backup.exe /Backup /WorkspaceLocation %G /BackupFileLocation %G-copy%EXTE%
Note: Remember that in folder ‘Basic Engineering V8.X’, the X represents and depends on the version installed on your machine, for example: Basic Engineering V8.8.
5. Now the backup of all the WS with the .azbkp extension will be saved in the original workspace folders.
Keywords: Workspace back-up, cmd, Automation.
References: None |
Problem Statement: The Client will not launch for a particular workgroup. You receive the following Warning Dialog Box:
Workgroup is in use by another Schematex.exe.
:\Program Files\AspenTech\Working Folders\Aspen Zyqad 10.3\projects\az103\az103.pid Indicates start time as (date time).
This is a new process that was initiated in 10.3, SP4 that prevents the server from having multiple Schematex.exe's launched for a particular workgroup. | Solution: Please check the following items:
Check the Task Manager of the server and see if there are any Schematex.exe's running. If so, end the Schematex.exe process from the Process tab. This is not likely if you have already re-booted the server. You may not be able to kill the schematex.exe from the task manager if the server is running as a system service. We think it should be possible to kill the schematex.exe by starting and stopping the server service. Note: Stoping the server service will kill all schematex.exe for ALL workgroups. If stopping the server service does not kill the schematex.exe then the server machine must be re-booted. This will require all workgroups on the srever machine to be shut down.
Beware: If there is more than one workgroup on a server, does the running schematex.exe belong to the bad workgroup? It is possible to determine the process ID of a schematex.exe for a specific workgroup using the active.log of the workgroup in question.
Delete the *.pid file that is located in the project directory in which you are working. (:\Program Files\Aspentech\WorkingFolders\Aspen Zyqad 10.3\Projects\az103\az103.pid) This file logs the time and date that the project was started.
Once the problem is corrected, by checking the above items then restart the project. There are a couple of circumstances that could result in the PID file hanging around.
If you terminated the program in an unusual manner (i.e. end task, powered down w/o closing Zyqad first, etc.)
A network problem.
Keywords: Schematex.exe
PID
References: None |
Problem Statement: If you are using Oracle version 8i and attempt to load an RDB workgroup that was created before Aspen Zyqad 10.3, SP8 you will encounter a dialogue box containing an error message similar to the following:
Error: PoQuery failed with result #x80040E14
Interface: IID_ICommand
Result: 80040e14 = DB_E_ERRORSINCOMMAND
IErrrorInfo: [S0022] (null)
Query Type: Read
SQL: SELECT COUNT(*) FROM tblZDependencies WHERE Function = ''''$$DEMON-XXX''
(See attached RDBError.pcx) | Solution: This problem is due to the way that Oracle 8i handles case sensitivity of table and column names. To alleviate this issue, Oracle have added a ''workaround'' feature to the setup of datasources in later versions of the ODBC driver. Without this later patch installed, Oracle assumes all table and column names to be uppercase unless they are enclosed in double quotes. This causes the ''modified'' calls to access tblZDependencies (from s0021.fsl) to fail. For more information, please see the attached Oracle ReadMe file (odbcrelnotes.wri). To correct the problem, please follow the steps below: (Please NOTE that RDB projects created after 10.3 sp8 do not need this setting applied; however, it will not hurt them if you do.)
Install the Oracle driver patch for Oracle 8i the required patch is 8.1.6.3.0 (or higher) Attached you will find the 8.1.6.4.0 patch (ora8164.exe) or you may download this patch from Oracle''s support website. For installation details, follow the instructions that come with the Oracle patch.
To make ''pre 10.3 SP8'' projects work, you need to reconfigure any datasources/databases that were created with the earlier version. The Oracle datasource configuration dialog looks different from the original 8i version and includes new options (See attachment NewOptions.pcx). The reconfiguration required is to set the Set Metadata Id Default to SQL_TRUE flag. To do this, select the datasource from the existing list (Control panel|Datasources) and choose the Configure... option.
Next time you restart the project everything should be fine.
Keywords: RDB
Oracle
8i
Error
s0021.fsl
s0021
References: None |
Problem Statement: When I try to connect to different server using Edit server option in the Aspen Zyqad Administration tool, I get an error message Unable to connect to Broker on Server | Solution: Please check following.
1. On your original server, what is the logon identity of the AZ151Broker service. To check this, from the desktop, select My Computer and RMB (Right Mouse Button) for Manage. Navigate to services and check the log on for AZ151broker.
Most likely it is either Local System or a local account such as .\AZ_SHMIA. If this is the case, then your broker will not be able to authenticate on the remote machine.
2. If its a local system or local account, you will need to change the log on identity to be a domain account. Select the AZ151Broker, RMB for properties, select the Log On tab, and setup a domain account as shown in the attachment.
3. Make sure that the domain account is a ZyqadAdministrator on the target machine.
4. Once you have done both of these, please try the Edit Data Servers again. Once you changed your broker to a domain account, you should be able to connect to another broker as long as your broker ran as a domain user that was an Aspen Zyqad Administrator on the target machine
Keywords: Broker service, Edit data server, connect to different server
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the significance of the IPXNCI message displayed during Aspen DMCplus Controller runs? | Solution: Some times a DMCplus controller execution when run online or using Aspen DMCplus Simulate results in a message related to IPXNCI. For example:
Adjusted steady state step to 10.0*(IPXNCI/30)*MAXMOV SSSTEP = 0.4
This message indicates that DMCplus reject the user defined value of the maximum steady state step size parameter (SSTEP) for the particular MV and reset it to a value based on the internal constraint for the SSSTEP parameter. The allowed range for the maximum steady state step size being given as-
0.0 < SSSTEP <= 10.0 * (IPXNCI / 30) * MAXMOV
If a user specifies a SSSTEP value outside the above defined range, DMCplus will automatically correct the value by clamping it to the violated limit.
IPXNCI- Number of coefficients used in the model for this DMC plus controller
MAXMOV- he largest change (in engineering units) the controller is allowed to make in the manipulated variable setpoint in one cycle.
Keywords: IPXNCI
SSSTEP
MAXMOV
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can the same service port numbers be used across all the computers when an IP.21 Server is communicating with multiple separate Cim-IO servers?
Is it possible to put the same service entries in the Services file on the IP.21 Server and each of the Cim-IO Servers?
(see example below, where Store & Forward is used)
ServiceName
PortNumber/tcp
CIMIODDE00
11000/tcp
CIMIODDE0001
11001/tcp
CIMIODDE00_SC
11002/tcp
CIMIODDE00_ST
11003/tcp
CIMIODDE00_FW
11004/tcp | Solution: Yes, the same service port numbers can be used across all computers if each Cim-IO server is running the same type of Cim-IO interface.
The fact that multiple Cim-IO servers are trying to feed the same IP.21 server through the same TCP ports will not create any communications problems.
In fact the node name is the differentiating factor in this case and the TCP port numbers on the client side are unique as required.
This is convenient since a user would only have to remember a limited number of service port numbers - the same for all the computers - rather than using dedicated service port numbers and names on each computer.
Moreover, such a configuration does not create particular performance issues such as bottle-necks on the IP.21 Server.
For example, in the case of 5 Cim-IO servers, the cimio_logical_devices.def file would then contain entries as follows:
LogicalDeviceName
NodeName
DLGPServiceName
IODevice1
Node1
CIMIODDE00
IODevice2
Node2
CIMIODDE00
IODevice3
Node3
CIMIODDE00
IODevice4
Node4
CIMIODDE00
IODevice5
Node5
CIMIODDE00
Keywords: multiple Cim-IO servers
tcp ports
cimio_logical_devices.def
services
References: None |
Problem Statement: When an ABE user tries to access a Workspace using the Datasheet Definer Tool from an ABE Server (Windows 2008 R2), the system indicates the following error message after clicking the Open button in the login dialogue: | Solution: The problem is caused by the Regional Settings in the server configuration. The language set by default is English (US). Switching the regional settings to the Windows OS System predefined language, e.g.: German, the error message will not appear again.
Keywords: Error Message, Regional Settings, Windows Server 2008 R2.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to get the Workspace name using a KB script. | Solution: The Workspace name can be retrieved using a Configuration Parameter. Find below an example of rule which display the Worspace Name.
[?Interactive=True?]
AZRule GetWorkspaceName()
sWorkspaceName = Server.ConfigParams.Param(workspacename)
server.sendwarningmessage The Workspace Name is & sWorkspaceName
End AZRule
Keywords: KB
Rules Editor
References: None |
Problem Statement: When the user tries to access an existing or creates a new workspace because the server service does not start, the system indicates that the account that is used to start the server service is not correct, producing this error message:
<AZError Desc=The server process could not be started because the configured identity is incorrect. Check the username and password. Src=CMainFrame::OnFileOpenWorkspace HR=0x8000401a />
<AZError Desc=The server process could not be started because the configured identity is incorrect. Check the username and password. HR=0x8000401a File=MainFrm.cpp Line=401 />
<AZError Desc=The server process could not be started because the configured identity is incorrect. Check the username and password. Src=AZWorkspace::Connect Activity=Connecting to Workspace HR=0x8000401a />
<AZError Desc=The server process could not be started because the configured identity is incorrect. Check the username and password. Src=AZCWSpaceSvr::Connect-URL HR=0x8000401a />
<AZError Desc=The server process could not be started because the configured identity is incorrect. Check the username and password. Src=AZCBrokerSvcs::Connect Activity=Authenticating user HR=0x8000401a />
<AZError Desc=The server process could not be started because the configured identity is incorrect. Check the username and password. Src=AZBrokerSvcs::CreateSession HR=0x8000401a File=AZBrokerSvcs.cpp Line=79 />
<AZError Desc=The server process could not be started because the configured identity is incorrect. Check the username and password. Src=AZBroker::CreateLocalDBSession HR=0x8000401a File=AZBroker.cpp Line=1030 />
<AZError Desc=The server process could not be started because the configured identity is incorrect. Check the username and password. Src=WorkspaceCollection::Connect HR=0x8000401a />
<AZError Desc=The server process could not be started because the configured identity is incorrect. Check the username and password. Src=WorkspaceEntry::Connect Activity=Launching new Workspace Server instance HR=0x8000401a File=WorkspaceEntry.cpp Line=159 />
<AZError Desc=The server process could not be started because the configured identity is incorrect. Check the username and password. HR=0x8000401a /> | Solution: As the error message indicates: ‘The server process could not be started because the configured identity is incorrect. Check the username and password’. Hence, in order to avoid this set the AZServer.exe the same identity as for the AZBroker.exe.
The identity should be set in component services control panel as the screenshot below shows:
Keywords: Error Message, Server Service, AZServer.exe, AZBroker.exe.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I change the database location of a workspace from the SQL Server specified to another Server? | Solution: When the entire installation of ABE is on a single machine including the SQL server database, it is possible to have the database on a different server without having to create a new workspace. Hence, the user can change the server to be used for a WS.
In order to do that, go to the workspace directory C:\AspenZyqadServer\Basic Engineering17.1\Workspaces\’Name of the WS’ and double-click on the ‘Worspace.udl’ file. Hoving done that, the Data Link Properties window will open:
In the highlighted box, the user can change the name of the server to be used with this particular workspace.
Keywords: Server, Workspace, Change Server, .udl file.
References: None |
Problem Statement: Unable to installl Service Pack 3.
The following error message may be encountered when trying to run a Aspen Zyqad 12.1 feature:
Component 'COMCTL32.OCX' or one of its dependencies not correctly registered: a file is missing or invalid | Solution: This is caused by the fact that Microsoft file comctl32.ocx has not been installed on your machine. The file should be located in the system32 directory, and registered in the registry.
If you have encountered this problem, please download the comctl32fix.exe. Running the executable file will install and register comctl32.ocx. Note that this can be done prior to or after the installation of Service Pack 3.
Keywords: Installation, Service pack
References: None |
Problem Statement: It is possible to calculate an average in three different ways in Aspen SQLplus: select the values and calculate the Average using the Calculate syntax; select the Average directly using the Average Set function; select the Average from the Aggregates table using the Average column. How do these different approaches compare to one another?
Below is a comparison of Calculate, AVG Set function and Aggregates AVG in Aspen SQLplus. | Solution: When the Calculate syntax is used, all the specified values are selected and the arithmetic Average is returned at the bottom.
When the Average Set function is selected, the arithmetic Average is returned without the select values.
When the AVG column from the Aggregates table is selected with Request = 0, the arithmetic Average is returned.
When the AVG column from the Aggregates table selected with Request = 1 which is the default, the Integral or time-weighted Average is returned.
Note that the first three all return the exact same value because they use the same Value algorithm to calculate the Average. The Value method adds up all the actual history values from disk for the period specified and divides by the number of values found. The fourth one, the Integral or time-weighted average, uses a different algorithm that performs an integration under a curve based on the actual history values saved to disk for the tag being averaged. Because two different algorithms are used the average values will differ slightly. See KB article 114322 for a detailed description of the algorithms. KB article 113259 goes into considerable detail about the algorithms used in the Aggregates table.
When data compression is applied to a tag the Integral or time-weighted method is always recommended.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why we get error massage Could not connect to the Business server: when connecting to a server using TCP/IP port 2223 for V7.1 | Solution: Aspen basic engineering v7.1 uses server connection TCP/IP port 2224. Port 2223 is used in v7.0 and older.
Keywords: TCP/IP, 2224, 2223
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the maximum no. of CVs, MVs and DVs possible in Aspen DMCplus? | Solution: Due to the naming convention used in DMCplus (VARxxx, where xxx is a 3 digit number as variable index), the maximum number of any type of variables cannot exceed 999.
And, the answer to the question is
Maximum number of dependent variable (CV) : 999
Maximum number of independent variable (MV+DV) : 999
Keywords: CV
MV
DV
dependent variable
independent variable
References: None |
Problem Statement: ?]`??I????'out of service'?I???DEPW??DEP?I?l???U?E?e?B | Solution: ???e?I`z?e?E?e?I???i?????BDEPW?Ivalidation??calc??ZA?s????? ???ADMCplus?I?vZZ?G???W???E`??c?e?e?l?????B?>?I?????I?I???I?o`O?E???e?U?E?e?U???B?I????'out of service'?I???DEPW?I?E?i?????A?I?????l???????E???????E?A`S?E?l???Y?e???e?U???B?i?a???I?E?I?G???W???I?S?~?b?g?????????A?A'out of service'?I?I???????a?E?e?????^?|?E???????E???U???B?j?@???????A?A?ADEPW?I?R???g???[???I?G???W???ESO???IZg?p?????DEPA?AVINDA??Zg?|?U???B
Keywords: DEPW
out of service
DEPA
VINDA
JP-
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I insert an image into my PFD drawing? | Solution: Currently, the only way to embed images is by using a symbol or label.
1. Open the Graphic Definer. User does not need to connect to a Workspace.
2. Click File->New Symbol? and specify the symbol definition location in the appropriate folder in the symbol library
3. Click File->Document Properties and set the Symbol Type to Annotation.
4, Click Insert->Object? select the image to be inserted and position it
5. Click the Set Datum toolbar button and set the position of the anchor point for the symbol (optional)
6. Click File->Save
The image is ready to be inserted in any drawing in the project. Note the client machines will need to install an application capable of rendering the embedded file.
See the attached symbol as an example containing a jpg file.
Keywords: image, drawing editor, pfd, insert
References: None |
Problem Statement: The default function Dimension set available on the Datasheet menu changes the unit''s field only on the active datasheet. | Solution: The rule attached to this document gives the possibility to the user to change the dimension set on all documents existing in the workgroup instead of proceeding one by one.
Installation:
1 - Install the attached rule file (global-units-change102 or global-units-change101) in the directory \librairies\kbs. There is a compiled file for Aspen Zyqad 10.1 and a separate one for Aspen Zyqad 10.2.
2 - Write the name of the rule file in the section KBS of the configuration file .Zyqad.
The rule will be available the next time that the workgroup is open. The user have to select on the menu the function Run=>rule and Change Dimensions on All Current Documents.
Keywords: Datasheet
Dimension set
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to find out if an object has clones and how to retrieve them. | Solution: Cloned objects are exact matches of the original object, in which some or all the attributes are shared with the original. The attributes that are marked as ?Clone fixed? in Class Library Editor for the class are linked.
The below Query Editor Script shows how to find out if an object has clones and how to retrieve them.
<%
'this object was previously cloned, e.g., set clone = obj.clone
set obj = ObjectStore.FindObject(113)
if obj.HasClones then
response.write obj.DisplayName & has clones: & vbcrlf
for each c in obj.Clones
response.write c.DisplayName & vbcrlf
next
end if
%>
Keywords: Clones, cloned objects.
References: None |
Problem Statement: Do not use the SQLServer option Import data to import an Access database file (*.mdb) into an empty SQLServer database. If this operation is performed, the database tables will not have all the information necessary for a correct Zyqad operation. | Solution: The recommended procedure to transfer an Access Workspace into SQLServer is to use the AZBackup tool (i.e AZ131Backup) located in the directory D:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Zyqad 2004\DataServices\bin. Find below the procedure to transfer an Access Workspace into SQLServer.
1- Backup the Access Workspace using the AZBackup tool
2- Create a new SQL Workspace with the Zyqad Administration tool. 3- Restore the backup file into the new SQLWorkspace using the AZBackup tool.
Keywords: Access
SQLServer
Administration
References: None |
Problem Statement: CCF filename with a space or exclamation mark or other invalid characters cannot be loaded online.
On APC Manage window the following message would be displayed when trying to load a CCF file with a space in the name-
Failure from ccf_read for controller XXX where XXX is the controller name.
The following message is displayed in Aspen Production Control Web Server while loading a ccf file which has a filename with space or invalid character. | Solution: You may only use valid special characters like hyphen or underscore when naming a CCF file.
Keywords: CCF filename
Naming convention
naming restriction
special characters
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why does Aspen plus Dynamics show error messages while working with the Aspen DMCplus controller example?
Clicking OK gives message - Please check if the ACO Utility server service is started and controller files are in correct location. | Solution: This article describes about the steps to be performed in case of the above error with respect to Aspen DMC plus controller, in Aspen plus Dynamics.
There can be two most probable reasons for the error:
1. The ACO Utility server service is not running.
In this case, the ACO utility server needs to be started from windows services panel. This service runs the Aspen DMC plus engine.
2. The DMC plus controller files (configuration file and model file) are not placed in the correct location.
In this case, the controller configuration file and controller model file should be placed in C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Online\APP\<controller name>
If the problem still persists after following both steps mentioned above, please contact Aspen Technical support.
Â
Keywords: DMC plus
Decomposition
Aspen plus dynamics
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is there any impact of changing the IP address of APC servers? | Solution: There is not a problem if you decide to just change addresses in your servers. It's just necessary to double check the following:
· Check in the Configuration tab of PCWS the Online hosts list. If using the IP address instead of the Online hostnme, then it's necessary to update those lines. Else, you can use the hostname. Either way, PCWS would need to refresh its DNS resolver cache to be able to find the Online server. Running IPCONFIG /FLUSHDNS from an administrator cmd window will do this.
· The ADSA information needs to be updated for IP21 and Aspen Watch servers, just in the case the IP Address is also used.
Keywords: Change IP address, APC, Aspen Watch, APC, DMCplus, PCWS, Online
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen Adaptive Modeling V7.2 | Solution: Aspen Adaptive Modeling was released in January 2010 (v7.1) for use on traditional DMCplus Controllers. V7.2 sees the release of Adaptive Modeling for use on DMCplus applications running in the new .NET control environment.
Adaptive Modeling Workflow
Aspen Adaptive Modeling is a supplementary tool to Aspen SmartStep Automated Tester and Aspen Watch Performance Monitor for enhanced sustainment of advanced control applications.
Aspen Adaptive Modeling is used in conjunction with Aspen SmartStep Automated Tester in order to detect, diagnose and repair deterioration in APC controller model performance.
Online Model Performance KPIs:
Prior to generating an Online Model Performance test, an automated step test (using Aspen SmartStep Automated Tester) to the process is initiated. This automated testing uses the Aspen DMCplus Controller engine in order to maintain the process within constraints during the test.
The Online Model Quality Assessment Case can be configured and scheduled directly within the Production Control Web Viewer:
? Once the test is completed, an Online Model Quality test is scheduled and performed. Several tests are performed and generated:
Gain Multiplier Test: A GMULT is calculated for each model. If the GMULT is close to or equal to 1 then the current gain of the model is consistent with the new case data. The model is declared good for the GMULT Test.
Model Uncertainty Test: A model uncertainty test is also performed. If the model uncertainty test indicates high model certainty then the model is labeled as good or bad. If the model uncertainty test indicates high model uncertainty then the model quality is labeled as Unknown.
Independent Variable KPIs (e.g. Oscillation detection; stepsize; limit tests etc.)
Dependent Variable KPIs (e.g. On/Off Status; Prediction Error test; limit tests etc.)
The Model Quality Assessment Logic is as follows:
If the calculated GMULT (after applying the GMULT used in the online controller) is within 0.8-1.2 AND the uncertainty bounds is at least 50% away from the sign change line, the KPI is Good.
Otherwise, if the GMULT is between 0.5-1.5 AND the uncertainty bounds are at least 50% away from the sign change line, the KPI is labeled Fair.
Otherwise, if the GMULT is <0.5 or >1.5 AND the uncertainty bounds are less than 50% away from the sign change line, the KPI is labeled Bad.
Otherwise, the KPI is labeled Unknown (The GMULT and Uncertainty results are not consistent which may be due to poor signals, such as signal/noise ratio too small or heavy correlation).
Once the test is completed the resultant KPIs are displayed in an easy to view Carpet Plot (the arrows represent the sign of the gain for that particular curve):
The operator or engineer can place the mouse over the variable index to see the variable name displayed as a tooltip.
Auto data preprocessing
Model Quality Assessment and Model Identification data can be manually cleaned directly within the Production Control Web Viewer interface or via automated data slicing calculations:
Online model identification
A Subspace Model Identification Case can be created, scheduled and executed directly within the Production Control Web Server.
An identification case can be scheduled to run directly after the completion of an Aspen SmartStep step test in order to ensure maximum model fidelity.
Online model viewing and export
Once the identification case has run, the identified models can be viewed within the web viewer. The new model can be overlaid directly with the current model being used by the online controller.
Model Fidelity Test (Bode Plot)
A Bode Plot can be generated within the web viewer for each identification case in order to examine the model fidelity and to assess whether or not the model certainty is sufficient. The plot provides uncertainty bounds for specific frequencies and an indication of signal to noise ratio.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why does a user entry need to be updated with a calc? | Solution: A user entry needs to be updated with a calc, because there is nothing in the controller that sets the value or resets the value of a user defined variable, so it retains whatever value it has from the previous cycle.
After a load of the controller the User defined variable has the value that was assigned from the ccf file.
If there is a write failure of the list that contains the user defined variable , it has a value of Bad value.
The only mechanism we have to reset this value in the controller is through the use of user calcs.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: The interface package between DeltaV and DMCplus controller from Puffer-Sweiven controller requires a second confirmation after the appropriate MVs are put in RCAS mode when the controller/subcontroller is turn ON. If the interface was working at one time but now seemingly broken, the DMC blocks associated with the sequence logic are out of sync. | Solution: If the DMCplus controller/subcontroller is turned ON but the PID loops refuse to go to RCAS mode or go to RCAS mode for 10-20 seconds but shed out of RCAS mode, it is possible that the DeltaV DMC Blocks in the sequence logic are out of sync. There will be a DMCplus message about the controller not turn ON because too few MVs for control.
To resolve the problem, re-download all the DMC Blocks for MVs from the server.
Keywords: DeltaV
RCAS
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I see the OID of an object in Drawing Editor? | Solution: There is no such function in the Drawing Editor. However, user can run a Method against the object he wants to display the OID. An example code is attached below:
[?Class = Drawingitem,
DisplayName=DisplayOID,
Secure=false,
Interactive=true?]
AZMethod DisplayOID()
Server.SendWarningMessage OID is & self.OID
End AZMethod
Keywords: Drawing Editor, object, OID, display
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to update records whose record names are variables? | Solution: Update the definition record with a 'where' clause restricting the name.
I.e. To update the value in every discrete record run the following query in the Aspen SQLplus query writer:
FOR select name from IP_DvDef do
Update IP_Dvdef Set Value=0 where name=local.name END
Keywords: variable
update
where
References: None |
Problem Statement: After manual installation of patch 134112 the error Specified Driver could not be loaded due to system error 193: (AspenTech SQLPlus, C:\Windows\system32\ip21odbc.dll) is reported when trying to connect using the Tag Browser.
The patch installation states you should install using install_IP120326Y.exe, this places a 64bit libc21.dll file in the location: C:\Program Files\Common Files\AspenTech Shared. If you manually overwrite the 32bit libc21.dll file in C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\AspenTech Shared with the 64bit dll file you will see the issues noted. | Solution: Do not interfere or manually make changes to the file locations. The 64bit libc21.dll file is placed in the correct 64bit part of the OS and should be left in place. Ensure you have administrative rights when you launch the patch installation and reboot after the patch install.
Keywords: Specified Driver could not be loaded due to system error 193
C:\Windows\system32\ip21odbc.dll
SQL Plus
64bit
References: None |
Problem Statement: Troubleshooting an Aspen DMCplus controller that will not start | Solution: There are number of reasons why a DMCplus controller will not start: a service not running, no valid license key, cimio issues, controller configuration issues, software defect.
There should be some messaging from DMCplus Manage that indicates why the controller did not start.
In the event no messaging is generated, the following should be considered:
Set the SIMSWC parameter on this controller
Reset this at a later time so that it does not take up resources unnecessarily.
The parameter in the ccf looks like this:
.SIMSWC~~~LOCAL~~~I4~~~0~~~
Let change it to
.SIMSWC~~~LOCAL~~~I4~~~1~~~
and start the controller.
You use DMCplus Build to modify this parameter. It is in the General section. Change the default value to 1 instead of 0.
Reload and Start the controller.
A file should be created in the aconline/app/controller folder controller.dbg
***************************************
Use DMCplus Build to set DYNOPT to 1
There is a known issue with this option. The defect is against the DMCplus calculation engine.
With DYNOPT=3 ,there is a defect in the code that does not handle the case where there are no active MVs
(DMCplus)
This switch determines if time-varying dynamic equal concerns will be used.
0 Do not use time-varying ECEs
1 Use time-varying ECEs
2 Do not use time-varying ECEs and use advanced move plan
3 Use time-varying ECEs and advanced move plan
Reload and Restart the controller and then check the controller.eng file in the aconline/app folder.
****************************************
Look in the Event Viewer / Applications
Look for events for ACOD_SERV, particularly, ACOD_SERV access denied -- control.exe failed
This could be the result of scanning software that is preventing the startup an exe.
It has been observed that McAfee installed after controllers are running, will allow the running controllers to continue but will deny access to additional control.exe process being started. McAfee should be stopped, the controller started and McAfee restarted.
***************************************
Confirm the ACOD_SERV -- The Aco Utility Server is running. This can be found in Services.
IF acod_serv.exe is not running
Go to the Task Manager and in the process window, check for the acod_serv.exe, go to the Services panel and start the Aco Utility Server
*************************************
Try loading the CCF and MDL into Aspen DMCplus Simulate and see if it will run there.
When messaging is available from MANAGE consider researching the following:
Look in the aconline/app/controller folder for the .eng file.
This file contains all the messages generated for the running controller.
You should be messages that indicate the controller was started.
You will also find license messages here, if a valid license could or could not be acquired.
In the event the controller is not able to get a valid license key - Confirm license key, stand alone or network, proper installation of key, SLM server configured in SLM Configuration wizard, does key for SLM_DMCplus_Control exist in the license file, are buckets configured / used, how many controllers are configured to run at one time.
If the .eng does not provide enough information, it is recommended to generate DMCplus Diagnostics. In DMCplus Build modify the CCF and set the PRTSWC to a positive number, save the CCF, reload the application and restart. A .prt file will be written to the aconline/app/controller folder and will provide additional information, particular errors are listed at the bottom of the .prt file. Additional information regarding PRTSWC is available from the DMCplus Help at Start / Programs / AspenTech / Aspen Manufacturing Suite / DMCplus Desktop Tools / DMCplus Online Help.
*******************************************
Check the Valid.err log, found in aconline/etc, this file provides all validation errors for the entire control system. You may also see cimio messages, perhpas pcs_get and pcs_put or timeout messages.
In the event of cimio messages found in the valid.err file, check the cimio_msg.log file found at Start / Programs / AspenTech / Aspen Manufacturing Suite / Cimio / Log.
Cimio_msg.log will confirm if the interface is running, check cimio configuration, the logical_device.def file, the services file, do the same services on both machines use the same port number, is there a space at the bottom of the services file, in the case of an opc server, was it added to OPCProperties
*******************************************
If it is still necessary to solicit assistance from support, be sure and collect the relevant log files, the ccf and mdl files and a good description of the topography of the control system, operating systems and the version of the control.exe file found in the aconline/bin directory.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: The following warning message is generated when opening drawing.
Updating ConnectPoint(ServerID=????) No attach data for the connect point | Solution: This report is generated when the Drawing Editor find ConnectorFeature objects which are not connected to anything in the drawing. The drawing editor will take the action to delete these objects and the report will not be generated the next time the user opens the drawing. This report is only to warn the user and will not cause problem in the drawing itself.
Keywords: Drawing Editor
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the syntax to collect digital points (Ascii or enumerated data types) from Honeywell TDC3000 APPNODE using Cim-IO for OPC? | Solution: Test API would be able to get data for such tags when using source data type as ASCII and the device data type as Enumerated. However, DMCplus collect cannot recognize and collect ASCII / Enumerated data. The data for such tags can also be accessed using Cimio in form of integers, which would also DMCplus collect to recognize and collect such data points. In order to access these tags as integers, the user needs to add an .internal extension to the actual tag name.
For example, in order to acces the data in tag ABCD123.PV in integer format, the user would have to refer to the tag as ABCD123.PV.internal. This is also the case when testing connections using Test API. When using Test API on tags with a .internal extension, the user will need to specify the source data type as Ordinal and the device data type as Short Integer to perform a successful get data on the tag.
Similarly, when setting up the collect file, the user needs to add the .internal extension to such tags and specify the source data type as ORD in order to successfully collect data.
Keywords: Honeywell TDC3000
Digital Points
DMCplus Collect
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I set the SQLPlus Web Service timeout value? | Solution: Change SQLPlus Web Service timeout value by editing the SQLPlus Web Service configuration file [wwwroot\aspentech\sqlpluswebservice\web.config]. Find the string CommandTimeout and enter a new timeout value in seconds. The default value is 60 seconds.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do we redirect the output of Aspen SQL plus query to a text file? | Solution: This KB article describes about an example query, which can be used to save the data from Aspen InfoPlus.21 database, in a text file called IP21data.txt .
SET OUTPUT 'C:\IP21DATA.TXT';
SELECT
NAME
IP_TREND_VALUE
IP_TREND_TIME
FROM
IP_ANALOGDEF
WHERE
IP_TREND_TIME
BETWEEN
'15-MAY-16 00:00'
AND
'25-MAY-16 00:00';
Note: IP21.txt is the example text file that will store the Aspen IP21 data fetched through Aspen SQLplus query writer..
There are few recommendations, while using the above (or similar) query to save data from Aspen IP21 to a text file, using Aspen SQplus query.
Recommendations:
1. Keep the time duration for 'BETWEEN' command as 10 days. This will help into faster execution of the command.
2. Create separate output files for every 10 days so that it will avoid increasing size of a single output file and also save the file from corruption, due to very large size.
3. To create separate files, you will want to change the file name in 1st line of the command (IP21DATA.TXT is the example output file name).
Keywords: SQL plus
IP21 data in Text
References: None |
Problem Statement: There may be a situation in which one would like to find out what records are triggering the generation of a report via COS (Change of State). However adding a SQLplus Script section with the following SQL statements does not result in the expected output.
!MACRO trigger = ACTIVATION_RECORD;
LOCAL recName CHAR(20);
recName = *ACTIVATION_RECORD;
WRITE recName; | Solution: ACTIVATION_RECORD and ACTIVATION_FIELD cannot be utilize with the SQLplus Script section in this case. When an automated report that gets generated through Change Of State (COS) is created, a record is created in the Aspen InfoPlus.21 database defined by SqlReportDef. This record will store the configuration information with which the automated report is generated through schedule or change of state.
In this case, it is the report that gets activated and the SQLplus Script section of the report is being run. As such, using either ACTIVATION_RECORD or ACTIVATION_FIELD function will simply return a NULL value.
In order to find out which record causes the report to be generated, the follow steps can be taken instead:
1. Create a new QueryDef record that will output the name of the record which activated it.
MACRO trigger = ACTIVATION_RECORD;
WRITE *ACTIVATION_RECORD;
2. Instead of filling in the Change of State for the SQLReportDef record when automating the report in Aspen SQLplus Reporting, fill in the QueryDef record create in Step 1.
3. Set #OUTPUT_LINES to 1.
4. When automating the report, in the Change of State tab, fill in the newly created QueryDef record name and the LAST_EXECUTED field.
5. In order to display the record which trigger the generation of the report, select from the #OUTPUT_LINES of the QueryDef record.?
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When accessing data via SQLPlus you get the error ERROR [01000] [Microsoft][ODBC Driver Manager] The driver doesn't support the version of ODBC behavior that the application requested (see SQLSetEnvAttr). | Solution: This error could occur if you are using a different version of Aspen SQLplus or Microsoft ODBC driver.
To resolve this issue you will need to use ODBC 2.x and same version of Aspen SQLPlus.
Keywords: SQLPlus
Error 01000
ODBC
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does the Gain spreadsheet input format in Smart Audit work? | Solution: Smart Audit is a tool that analyzes the steady state gain matrix of the controller to determine any collinearity issues in the model. While it is standard practice to import a MDL file (steady state + dynamics) into Smart Audit for analysis, this is not required. Smart Audit can work with just the gain matrix as well. The Gain spreadsheet input format in Smart Audit expects the user to provide the gain matrix for the model to be analyzed in the form of a TXT file. The format of the TXT file is very simple and can be automatically generated from the model in the DMCplus Model project. The user may open the model to generate the gain matrix/spreadsheet for and choose Edit (menu) | Copy Steady State Gain and paste it in a Notepad/TXT file to generate the desired format. The desired format essentially has the Dependent variable name specified in columns, the Independent Variable names specified in rows and the corresponding steady state gain in the appropriate intersection/matrix node.
Keywords: Gain spreadsheet
Smart Audit
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to add new units of measure into datamodel? | Solution: Yes it is. Please follow the directions below:
To add user's unit to the Unit of Measure, you will need to do add it in your datamodel. What you need to do is
1. Load your azcl file. Select the Quantity Type tab.
2. Expand Quantity Types. Select Quantity type and r-click to Insert Quantity Type
3. Enter Quantity Type Properties. Enter Name and Base type (if any)
4. In the same dialog, select Add to add your desired Unit of Measure. Enter the relevant Name, Formula, Offset, Factor etc. Click OK.
5. Add more Unit of Measure as desired per step 4.
6. Go to UOM Display Order. Click New(Insert) button to insert the newly added Units of Measure. Arrange the display order as desired using the Up and Down arrows.
7. Go to Unit set defaults. Double click on the relevant Unit Set and select default UOM from list. Click OK.
8. Click OK in the Quantity type properties dialog when done.
9. You can now use the UOM as desired in your attribute definitions.
10. Save the azcl and compile to make class store.
Keywords: quantity type, units, unit of measure
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the syntax, when using T-Api, for looking at information in the DMCplus Context? | Solution: View Function
Keywords:
References: Most of the View functions take an argument named api_tag. This is a character string of the form
M ctlname paramname VALUE index
where
ctlname the name of the controller (e.g. COL5X3)
paramname the name of the controller parameter (e.g. VIND, or UVLIND)
index the index of the MV or CV.
If the parameter is not related to a specific MV or CV (e.g. ONREQ), then do not specify and index. For example,
M COL5X3 ONSTS VALUE
is the ONSTS of the COL5X3 controller, and
M FRAC LOOPST VALUE 3
is the LOOPST of the 3 independent variable of the controller named FRAC. |
Problem Statement: Aspen Zyqad US customers would like to see border templates that are in American paper sizes. | Solution: ThisSolution will provide the following standard United States Paper Sizes in Inches,
Name
Size
ANSI A
8 1/2 x 11
ANSI B
11 x 17
ANSI C
17 x 22
ANSI D
22 x 34
ANSI W
34 x 44
Installation of New Border Labels:
Save the attached border labels ( *.sym files) to the appropriate location (i.e. ...\AspenTech\Working Folders\Aspen Zyqad 10.3\projects\libraries\symbols\Labels\Borders\).
Then you must open each of the border labels with the label definer and save them one at a time. This will essentially compile the lable and place a corresponding border template file in the ...libraries\templates directory.
Then you may start using the new border labels.
Note: These border labels were made using the standard 10.3 prototype store. If you have made any modifications to the Document class --> issue-history you may need to make some modifications to the data fields on the labels.
Keywords: ANSI
Paper
Sizes
A
B
C
D
E
PFD
RAD
Label
Labels
References: None |
Problem Statement: I need to write all the tags contained in my InfoPlus.21 snapshot onto a text file. How can I do it? | Solution: SQLplus can be used to write the list of tags contained in a snapshot.
SET OUTPUT 'C:\Tag_name.txt';
SELECT Name FROM ALL_RECORDS
This query will write all tag name onto a text file called Tag_name.txt
Keywords: SQLplus
InfoPlus.21
References: None |
Problem Statement: What format is used to declare a local variable or function in an Aspen SQL Plus Query? | Solution: Local variables and functions must be declared prior to being used. The formats for declaration of Local VARIABLES and FUNCTIONS are listed below.
A local VARIABLE is declared using the format
LOCAL variable_name data_type
A local FUNCTION is declared using the following format
LOCAL function_name(parameter_list)
Keywords: Aspen SQL Plus
Local variables
VARIABLES
Local
FUNCTIONS
References: None |
Problem Statement: Users can monitor the processing of an external task by right clicking on the external task record in InfoPlus.21 and selecting properties. The External Task tab lists fields for the record currently processing and the record to be processed next. Normally, these fields are blank because the external task can execute processes very quickly. However, if the process is taking longer to execute than the update frequency of the tab, the record name will be displayed. If the record processing is taking enough time that a queue has formed, then the name of the record next in line to process will also be displayed.
However, there are certain circumstances when these two fields will display misleading results. This can be frustrating for administrators attempting to troubleshoot external task record problems. | Solution: The problem can arise when using the /m switch in the command line parameters of an external SQLplus task record (like TSK_IQ1). This switch will allow for a sort of multithreaded environment in which the external task record is able dequeue the next activation while processing the current query. It should be noted that this is not a true multithreaded system because it will only work for queries that contain a WAIT statement.
Under these conditions, the Currently Processing and Next to be Processed fields are not as useful because the Currently Processing field can actually show the record which was next in line to be processed. As mentioned above, this can be misleading for users.
Keywords: currently processing
next to be processed
References: None |
Problem Statement: 2004, 2006 and later version | Solution: Clone function can be disabled by adding the following parameter in the library configuration file or in the Workspace.cfg file.
DisableClones = true
Keywords: Clone
Library
References: None |
Problem Statement: In version 2006, DMCplus has been augmented to allow Controlled Variable (CV) Costs to drive the Steady State Optimization. This Tech Tip describes how to use CV Costing. | Solution: Technical Description
In version 2006, the Steady State Optimization Objective Function for DMCplus was augmented with the ability to use CV Costs. Prior to this the LP Steady State Objective Function took the form:
Phi = (Sum over Cost MV's( DeltaMV(i)* CostMV(i)) + Sum over MinMove MV's( Abs(DeltaMV(j))* CostMV(j)) +
Sum over Rank 1000 Constraints ( epsilon (k) * Weight(k))
Augmenting this objective function with CV Costs was simply a matter of adding one more summation:
Sum over CV's (DeltaCV(l) * CVCost(l))
Equivalent changes were made to the QP Objective function.
How to use CV Costs
Prior to version 2006, costs on CV's had to be reflected into the MV's using the gain between the economic CV and the MV. While this was straightforward, the resultant cost values were hard to interpret.
Now, those CV's that have an economic impact can carry their actual cost and the MV's can carry their actual costs. MV's that do not have an intrinsic cost can have a zero cost, e. g. reflux. Economic dependent variables that are not to be controlled are still modelled and can now be included in the controller but use wide limits, unimportant CV Ranks and enormous Equal Concern Errors (ECE's). In other words, keep it out of the control problem as much as possible.
Set Operator and Engineer Upper and Lower limits to the same as the Validity limits.
Set the Steady State (SS) Upper and Lower Limit Ranks to 1000.
Set the SS ECE's to 999,998.
Set the Dynamic ECE's to 1e6 (i.e. 1,000,000).
An Example
For example, let's look at a simple distillation column with analyzers measuring impurities in the top and bottom product streams.
For control purposes, it might be a 4 independent (3 MV's and 1 FF) x 2 CV controller:
MV's
ColumnPressure
RefluxFlow
BottomTrayTemperature
FF's
FeedFlow
CV's
TopImpurities
BottomImpurities
However, the process doesn't make money based on impurity measurements, instead it makes money by 1) increasing flow through the pipes which leads to increased product sales, and 2) decreasing reboiler steam usage which leads to lower utility costs. To put these economics into the controller, identify models to the economic dependent variables using the same list of independent variables:
MV's
ColumnPressure
RefluxFlow
BottomTrayTemperature
FF's
FeedFlow
Economic Dependent Variables
TopProductFlow
BottomProductFlow
ReboilerSteamFlow
In versions prior to 2006, the gains from these economic variable models are then used offline (in Excel or an external program) to reflect the economic variable's costs into MV Costs for the online controller. We would then type in these arbitrary looking costs into the MV Cost tuning parameters for the controller. This leads to correct economic running of the controller (and therefore the process), but it it hard to document the specific product prices used by the online controller and it's difficult to update the economic driving forces as product and utility prices change.
With the addition of CV Costs beginning with version 2006, there is an alternative available. The economic variable models can be added into the online controller as actual CV's. In our example, this would lead to a 4 independent (3 MV's and 1 FF) x 5 CV controller:
MV's
ColumnPressure
RefluxFlow
BottomTrayTemperature
FF's
FeedFlow
CV's
TopImpurities
BottomImpurities
TopProductFlow
BottomProductFlow
ReboilerSteamFlow
These new economic CV's should be configured as indicated above (wide limits, unimportant CV Ranks and enormous ECE's) to keep them out of the control problem as much as possible. However, this allows typing in actual economic costs into the online controller. In our example, all of the MV Costs would then be 0, and only the 3 new CV's would get their actual prices typed into the CV Cost parameters.
Try this in the simulator first. You'll find that you get the same Steady State targets, we've just shifted the economic driving force from MV-only tuning (MV Costs with arbitrary looking numbers) to CV tuning (CV and MV Costs) when the economic benefits are dependent on the MV's.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Deleting class in a DataModel can generate integrity problem if instances of this class has been created in a Zyqad Workspace. | Solution: It's not recommended to delete class in a DataModel used by an active Workspace.
If a Zyqad Administrator decide to delete a class in a data model, he must make sure that no instance of this class has been created in Workspace which used this data model. This can be done using a script like the one below.
'Script used to find instance of a specified class
Set objClass = classstore.findclass(MyCustomClass)
Set clsInstances= objClass.Members
For Each obj in clsInstances
response.write Object OID is & obj.OID
response.write vbCrLf
Next
Keywords: Class
DataModel
ClassStore
Integrity
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to send email from the Zyqad Server | Solution: A KB script (Rule, Method, Event,...) can be used to send an email. The email will be sent on behalf of the account used to run the AZ Broker (e.g. AZ151Broker). No popup window must be launched by the email application when accessed by the Zyqad server.
The attached example used a MAPI session scripting object and has been tested on Outlook. The subroutine used to send the email is:
Sub MySendMail(recipient,msg,subject)
Dim objSession, oInbox, colMessages, oMessage, colRecipients
Set objSession = CreateObject(MAPI.Session)
objSession.Logon Outlook
Set oInbox = objSession.Inbox
Set colMessages = oInbox.Messages
Set oMessage = colMessages.Add()
Set colRecipients = oMessage.Recipients
colRecipients.Add recipient
colRecipients.Resolve
oMessage.Subject = subject
oMessage.Text = msg
oMessage.Send
objSession.Logoff
Set objSession = nothing
End Sub
Keywords: email
script
KB
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen DMCplus V7.1 / Aspen Process Controller V7.1
Error when trying to Create from DMCplus Application in Aspen Process Controller Builder. | Solution: The behavior is reproducable v7.1. This problem has been fixed in v7.2.
The problem is that INDSTA is not in the CCF. A value of -9999 is assumed by the DMCplus engine in that case and the logic is not handling that. A good workaround would be to open the file in DMCplus Build and include INDSTA in the CCF by changing the keyword from None to Local.
An alternative to using DMCplus Build (a little tedious to do in this case) would be to search for .IREVRS in the ccf and insert the following line for each MV and DV:
.INDSTA~~~LOCAL~~~I4~~~0~~~
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Guidelines for changing the user / password of the logon account associated with AspenTech services. | Solution: The best practice is to use an account with a password that never expires; however, in some cases because of IT policies that cannot be accomplished. If that’s the case please review the following guidelines:
Change Passwords:
1. Change the user / password.
Stop all online applications:
2. AspenTech Production Control RTE Service (APC Builder apps): Stop all APC Online applications from the APC Builder Online Applications window.
3. DMCplus Controllers: If the ACO Utility Server service uses Local System, then skip this step. If it is running under a specific (Log On As) using the affected user account, then stop all the relevant DMCplus, Aspen IQ and Nonlinear Controller applications. If Composite and/or CCF Switcher are running, stop them too.
4. Watch Data Collection: If Aspen APC Performance Monitor Data Service is run under a specific (Log On As) using the affected user account, stop Watch controller data collection, also shutdown the InfoPlus.21 (Watch) database.
5. If Cim-IO Interface Manager configured the Logical Devices and those use explicitly that account, stop these communications as well.
Change User / Passwords from the Windows Services panel:
6. In each Aspen server (Online, Watch, Web) modify (type) manually the Log On As user / password for the relevant services from the Windows Services panel.
Restart the services:
7. Restart each of relevant services (and their dependent services), don’t forget AFW Security Client Service, DMCplus Context Service and DMCplus CCFSwitcher Service (where applicable).
Note: AFW Security Client Service will also stop and restart the following services: Aspen APC Web Data Provider Service, and AspenTech Production Control RTE Service (if applicable).
Restart applications:
8. Restart the Cim-IO Interface Manager Logical Devices (if applicable).
9. Restart the APC Builder (RTE) applications (if applicable).
10. Restart the DMCplus, Aspen IQ and/or Nonlinear Controller applications (if applicable).
11. Restart InfoPlus.21 (Watch) database (if applicable) and the Watch controller data collection.
Keywords: Password update,
Change User
log on as
References: None |
Problem Statement: What happens when a controlled variable (CV) is taken out of service? | Solution: When a CV is taken out of service, the following happens.
- The prediction for the CV is still being calculated based on all the Independent movements but the predictions are not corrected by field measurement of that CV.
- The CV is not a part of the steady state optimization nor dynamics move-plan calculation.
- When the CV is put back in service, there is no initialization of that CV. What it means is that the prediction of the CV will continue from the its value before the CV was put back in service, but from this point onwards the predictions will be updated by the field measurement of that CV (feedback).
The implication is that if there are MV movements when the CV is out of service, it is possible that the CV predictions might be in an undesirable state, which would cause the controller to take sudden action when the CV is put back in control. In order to achieve bumpless behavior, the variable needs to be initialized either manually or by an input calculation.
Keywords: CV
out of service
initialization
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to use Sub Space ID
The attached document to this | Solution: contains a Tutorial and Application Tips.
It is divided into 3 parts:
Progress in Model Identification from FIR to Subspace Methods
Getting Familiar with the DMCplus Model User Interface and Subspace Identification Parameters
Special Issues and Handling TipsSolution
Download attached doc
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: *How do I disable the splash screen from coming up when loading a Zyqad application?* | Solution: User can do so by unregistering the AspenSplash.exe from the command prompt. In the command prompt, type and enter
_C:> C:\Program Files\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\AspenSplash.exe /unregserver _
This will unregisters the Splash Screen server.
However, do note that this has the below side effects -
1. No AspenTech product will display a splash screen.
2. No AspenTech product will appear in the Aspen One toolbar (most recently used list etc.)
Keywords: application, splash screen, disable
References: None |
Problem Statement: Getting the error Cannot connect to Business server when attempting to log onto workspace. | Solution: First:
1. Check that this is not a license problem. If you need help on this please contact AspenTech Systems Support.
2. Check and ensure that the AZ141Broker.exe service is running on your machine.
Then
If neither of the above is the issue, download the attached diagnostic zipped and user manual files. Run diagnostic file as instructed in the User Manual and send the report to [email protected].
Keywords: install, connect, broker, diagnostics
References: None |
Problem Statement: User is not able to select the unit for a link to define what unit is being read from Excel because it is not available. The unit dropdown list is missing from the Links properties dialog. | Solution: User needs to install Cumulative Patch 7(CP7) available at http://support.aspentech.com/webteamcgi/SolutionDisplay_view.cgi?key=116384.
Keywords: Bridge, Links, Unit
References: None |
Problem Statement: Need instructions to setup Oracle as a Zyqad workspace database | Solution: Please download the attached document for full instructions
Keywords: Oracle, setup, database, configuration
References: None |
Problem Statement: User is unable to Add Radio Button to the datasheet in the Datasheet Definer. | Solution: Check the name of the Radio Group used. Please ensure that the names contains alpha-numeric characters only. User can rename the Group or create a new Group according to the naming restriction.
Keywords: Radio button, Datasheet Definer
References: None |
Problem Statement: Would a dual processors, dual CPU or dual core server, improve the performance of Aspen Zyqad? | Solution: Duel processors have a great performance improvement for Aspen Zyqad on the Server, particularly for a 2-tier (Zyqad Server and Database on the same machine) configuration. There is less benefit for duel processors on a client machine.
Keywords: installation configuration
References: None |
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