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Problem Statement: Where can I find the Aspen Process Control Web Server What-If simulation files? | Solution: Go to :\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Performance Monitor\App\AppName folder where a *.ccf and a *.mdl file are listed*.
* The paths are for a Windows 2008 64-bits Server. If other OS is used follow the equivalent path.
Note: The What-If Simulation feature is available only for Aspen DMCplus controller applications and Aspen Process Controller (APC) applications that use the FIR model type.
The screenshots below are of an APC FIR application.
Go to :\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Performance Monitor\App\AppName\WhatIfSim folder where a *.ccf and a *.mdl file are stored, as well as, *.txt files (such as: ConstraintReport.txt, DEPdata.txt, FMOV.txt, INDdata.txt, PFMDEP.txt, PSSDEPdata.txt, etc).
If an error (The requested task failed) occurs a WIS_ERROR.txt file will be created.
Keywords: Aspen Process Control Web Server, PCWS, DMCplus, Aspen Process Controller, APC, Aspen Adaptive Modeling, Calibrate.
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are some considerations when configuring an online server using a Process Data connection? | Solution: The Aspen Process Controller can read/write plant data using either Cim-IO, OPC-DA, or Process Data.
For Process Data to work properly, someone needs to logon to the APC online server as an administrative user (not a normal user) and configure the Process Data source (using the ADSA Client Config Tool). The Protocol needs to be Web Service (not DCOM, or it won't go through firewalls) and the data source needs to be defined in the list of Public Data Sources (or APC won't see it).
IP.21 data sources should be configured with these three services (at a minimum):
* Aspen DA for IP21
* Aspen Process Data (IP.21)
* Aspen SQLplus service component (use the InfoPlus.21 host name and port 10014)
Each service should specify the IP.21 machine name if a machine name is required.
The ADSA Service should be restarted after a new data source is added.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: If you have both Aspen Simulation Workbook and PI Datalink software (version 3.x or earlier) installed at the same time, then date values retrieved by PI Datalink software from Excel can sometimes become corrupted. | Solution: Upgrade the PI Datalink software to version 4.x or later. This will resolve the conflict.
Keywords: PI Datalink Software Conflict
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the best way to move or rename a simulation model associated with Aspen Simulation Workbook? | Solution: When a simulation variable is added to ASW, the choice of which simulation is associated with that variable cannot be changed.
If you delete the associated simulation from Variable Organizer, then the variable link to the simulation will permanently be lost and cannot be re-established.
Even if you later re-add the same simulation or a similar simulation then you can never re-establish the connection.
If you want to change the location or a simulation, then you need to change the 'filename' property of the simulation in Variable Organizer, without deleting the simulation.
In order to demonstrate what can and can't be done with simulation links, consider the following three scenarios:
-----------------------
Setup: You are connected to a simulation named s1 and you copy a variable v1 from that simulation to ASW...
-----------------------
Scenario #1 - You want to move your simulation s1 to a new location on your hard drive:
CorrectSolution Move the s1 file to its new location, then in variable organizer, select the simulation from the simulation list and change the filename property to point to the new s1 file location.
Do NOT delete the simulation from the simulation list or else you will permanently lose the link to the simulation and it won't be recovered.
----------
Scenario #2 - You want to rename your simulation file from s1 to s2:
CorrectSolution Rename and/or your S1 simulation file, then open Variable Organizer and go to the simulation list.
Select the S1 simulation and then change the ?filename? property to point to the new s2 simulation name.
Do not delete the s1 simulation from the Variable Organizer simulation list or else the simulation link to the variable v1 will be broken and cannot be re-established.
----------
Scenario #3 - You have two versions of your simulation that you want to try to run from the same ASW workbook (e.g. s1 and s1_NewConfig):
CorrectSolution We are assuming that you have a simulation called s1_NewConfig that is very similar to s1.
You should select the s1 simulation link in Variable Organizer and then change the filename property to point to the new s1_NewConfig simulation file on your hard drive.
Note: If you try adding s1_NewConfig as a new simulation in Variable Organizer and then deleting the s1 simulation then all existing variable links will be invalid.
Keywords: copy, move, rename, attached simulation, ASW, workbook, simulation
References: None |
Problem Statement: When we install Aspen Process Controller Builder (APC Builder) using a stand alone license file for DMCplus desktop tools, we will be requested to install IP.21 client softwares and CIMIO as follows:
Aspen APC Builder requires Aspen Calc
Aspen APC Builder requires Aspen Calc Service
Aspen APC Builder requires Aspen Cim-IO
Aspen APC Builder requires Aspen Process Data for InfoPlus.21 and Setcim
Aspen APC Builder requires Aspen SQLplus Client
Can we install APC Builder without Aspen Calc, Cim-IO and SQLplus Client license? | Solution: We can install APC Builder using DMCplus desktop tools stand alone license without Aspen Calc, Cim-IO and SQLplus client licenses.
Keywords: APC Builder, installation, Aspen Calc, Aspen SQLplus, Aspen Cim-IO, Aspen Process Data
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I correct the runtime error 462 while simulating CCF and why do I get runtime error 462 (Remote server does not exist or is unavailable) while validating CCF file in Aspen DMC plus Builder?
In some situations, DMCINI Failed error-15122 also appears while validating CCF.
Or | Solution: In CCF file, the tag name is more than 16 characters. In such situation, we get the Run time error 462.
Also, in few scenarios, we may get a message Error DMCINI failed-15122.
To avoid/ overcome this problem, the length of the tag name should be kept within 16 characters.
Keywords: Run time error
Error 462
Error DMCINI failed-15122
Error 15122
Remote server
References: None |
Problem Statement: Missing results variables are a common source of problems in ASW. This can be especially confusing because the symptoms of this problem (unpredictable behavior by ASW) don't always make it obvious to many users that the results variables are the cause of the problem. | Solution: Results variables can cause problems because they don't always exist in a simulation.
When you run a simulation, a new set of variables is added for the simulation run results (e.g.output_temperature).
You can then add links to these variables in Variable Organizer.
If you then re-initialize the simulation or if you close your simulation without re-saving and then later try to re-establish a link to the simulation, then it is possible that the simulation variable that your ASW variable is linked to does not exist anymore. This will cause problems and could cause unpredictable behavior in ASW.
If you run into these problems, open the simulation in its native application (e.g. Aspen Plus), run the simulation, then resave the simulation. This will save the results in the simulation.
To avoid these problems:
(1) If you run a simulation in ASW and then add variables linked to simulation results variables, be sure to save the simulation by clicking the Show Simulation button and then saving the simulation in the its native application (e.g. Aspen Plus).
(2) You should not re-initialize simulations from ASW if you have ASW variables linked to results variables. In that case, it is best to click the 'View Application' button and then re-initialize and re-run your simulation from the simulation application (e.g. Aspen Plus).
Keywords: results, missing results, reinit, reinitialization, re-intialization
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the pressure drop, mass transfer coefficient, heat transfer coefficient, interfacial area and hold up methods used when Sulzer packings are used in Rate-based simulation? | Solution: When Sulzer is selected as the Vendor in the Pack Rating Specification input form, the pressure drop is automatically defaulted to Sulzer's proprietary calculation. It is not necessary to select the pressure drop correlation and neither can it be over-written by other methods.
In Aspen Rate-based distillation, the Bravo and Fair correlation is used for mass transfer coefficient and interfacial area calculation using the Base width, side dimension and Height parameters on the Pack Rating Rate-based, Bravo-Rocha-Fair input page. These parameters are proprietary information from Sulzer, therefore, the values are not revealed and the word Confidential is displayed instead.
The Chilton and Colburn heat transfer coefficient method will be used.
Details of the correlations can be found in the online Help. From Aspen Plus, menu Help -> Help topics -> Aspen Plus
Keywords: Sulzer, packings, correlation, interfacial
References: -> Unit Operation Models Reference Manual -> Chapter 4: Columns -> Radfrac Reference -> Rate-Based Distillation -> Built-In Correlations. A page on the Bravo et al. Correlation (1985) is attached to the |
Problem Statement: When trying to add more output variables unto an existing table in Aspen Simulation Workbook, the finish button disappears. | Solution: The reason why the Finish button gets disabled is because there are conflicts in the table range in which the new variables would go. When adding more variables to a table, ASW checks to see if there is enough empty space on the spreadsheet to add these variables. If there isn't enough space it issues an error which can be seen on the Table tab of the table wizard.
The user can then choose an override option, to either override the existing cells, shift the rows, or shift the columns.
So the user would need to either choose an acceptable override option, or move whichever other table is intersecting the current table and causing a conflict. After the conflict is resolved, the user will be able to add more variables to the table.
Keywords: Finish button, disabled, ASW, variables, table, spreadsheet, table wizard.
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to substract a transformed Vector in DMCplus Model? | Solution: When one tries to substract a transformed vector in DMCplus Model, one can see that the calculation is not done as expected. this is a a by-design behavior reported in CQ00564963
Why is not the calculation executed?
Transformation vectors are calculated on the fly for display purposes. Transformation feature functions as designed and has been functioning in this way for a long time. The transformation is a calculation that applied on top of an existing vector data. It therefore does not directly influence the original vector data itself. See diagram below:
Original Vector --> Transform --> Transformed data for viewing, modeling and predictions.
Also, when you export a vector that has a transform applied to it, the exported vector file will have the data for the original vector and not the transformed data.
If you wish to find the log transform of a vector, create a new vector and use the log formula to define the calculation.
This being said, if you wish to create a vector with new values, you have to create a calculated vector and not use transforms.
Keywords: Calculation, Transformed vector, DMCplus Model
References: None |
Problem Statement: Jump Start: Aspen Simulation Workbook in Aspen Plus V8 | Solution: Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW) is a powerful tool that allows Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus simulation experts to easily create a clean user interface for their models in Microsoft Excel. This makes it easy for other users to manipulate complex Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus simulations without being intimately familiar with the models themselves, or even the software used to create them. Using Aspen Simulation Workbook allows different members of the design team to communicate effectively, without complex technology barriers. Ultimately, this results in more efficient use of time for the entire team.
This guide will walk the reader through the most common progression of how an Aspen Plus simulation designer will
create a workbook with ASW and how an end user will manage the workbook.
Keywords: Aspen Plus, Aspen Simulation Workbook, V8
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why do I get Error (-1) saving CCF to disk, while saving a controller configuration file (CCF) using Aspen DMCplus builder when selecting the option to not validate using DMCplus Simulate? | Solution: This error is related to permission of the folder C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Online\app\controller folder, where the CCF is always placed for loading a DMC plus controller online. The ProgramData directory in Windows requires that the user writing to this directory has Administrator privileges.
Hence, if you require saving the CCF without validating using Simulate, there are two options:
1. Launch Aspen DMC plus Build using Run as administrator. Navigate to File-> Open-> CCF name. Before closing, select No for validation with DMC plus Simulate. This time CCF can be saved without any problem.
2. Copy the CCF from C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Online\app\controller folder and place it in any other folder. In this case, saving the CCF without validating using DMC plus Simulate will also save the CCF without any errors.
Keywords: Error (-1)
DMCplus Simulate
DMCplus Build
CCF error
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to import an existing DMCplus Model DPP file into APC Builder? | Solution: Currently there is no direct way of importing a DMCPlus Model project file (.dpp) into an APC builder project. Here is a list of recommended steps for converting a DMCPlus project file into a APC builder project.
1. Export items from a .dpp file and then import them into a APC builder project. The following list is the recommended items to be transferred from .dpp file to APC builder:
· Vectors
· Vector Lists
· Cases
· Models
· Global Slices
2. Manually Duplicate any calculated vectors along with any transformations. All such data would be lost on import.
3. Re-run all the imported cases.
4. Rebuild the master model with the appropriate curves from various cases manually.
5. Verify the rebuilt model by comparing it to the imported DMCplus model.
Keywords: APC Builder
DMCPlus .dpp
References: None |
Problem Statement: Sometimes, a user has distillation columns in Aspen HYSYS model, and need a way of checking the convergence status of columns from Aspen Simulation Workbook. Is there an indicator of convergence status for Aspen HYSYS subflowsheet? | Solution: For a column subflowsheet, you can access its Boolean attribute CurrentStatus from ASW Variable Browser. When a column is converged, its CurrentStatus has a value of 0 and status of Calculated. If a column is unsolved, the value is 1 and status is Calculated.
In the attached screen shot, the CurrentStatus for column T-100 has a Value of 1 and Status of Calculated. HYSYS solver has made a attempt to solve the column, but a convergence is not achieved.
Keywords: Subflowsheet convergence, distillation convergence, column convergence, convergence status
References: None |
Problem Statement: How is the Error vector calculated when running Predictions in an Aspen DMCplus Model? | Solution: The Prediction Error vector that is calculated by DMCplus Model is the differentiated version of the CV prediction error (Prediction - Raw Data). The Prediction Error vector there therefore represents the change in the prediction error with each passing cycle.
Most APC engineers called the difference between CV and CV Prediction as Integrated Prediction Error (IPE). In case the actual CV prediction error is desired, this information can be created in DMCplus Model using a calculation formula called Integrate - IPE Simple. The input vector to the formula being the prediction error vector calculated in DMCplus Model. A comparison of such a calculation with a calculation for the difference between the prediction vector and the raw data vector will reveal the exact match between the two quantities\trends.
Keywords: DMCplus Model
Prediction Error
IPE
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to preserve the case references/links in the model file edited using SmartAudit? | Solution: DISCLAIMER: ThisSolution requires a modification to the standard files created by the DMCplus products, which, of course is not officially supported. Please use this program at your own risk and keep a backup copy of any files modified.
This software is not supported by AspenTech. Please perform your own testing before implementing the output from the software to a production system. AspenTech is not responsible for any problem resulting due to this software.
The output of the SmartAudit is entirely based on the initial model that is imported into the tool for repair. The final output from SmartAudit therefore contains the references to the individual responses in the original model file and adds a gain scale curve operation for the repaired curves. In short, the output from SmartAudit points to the model curves and not the case curves.
In order to preserve the references to the cases, it is necessary to edit the output obtained from SmartAudit manually before importing it into DMCplus Model. This can be automated using a courtesy Excel/VBA spreadsheet provided along with thisSolution. Please note that this tool should be used after the gain repair had been performed using SmartAudit. The following files are needed in order to use the spreadsheet-
1. The original model file (unrepaired) from DMCplus Model exported in the DPA format.
2. The repaired model file from SmartAudit saved in the DPA format.
The instructions on using the spreadsheet are provided on a separate Instructions page in the attached Excel file.
Keywords: SmartAudit
DMCplus Model
Case
References: s |
Problem Statement: What is the dot on the Aspen DMCplus model frequency domain uncertainty plot? | Solution: The dot shown in the Aspen DMCplus model frequency domain response uncertainty plot is an X-axis (frequency) indication for the first-order time constant, roughly 63.2% of the step response gain.
The time to 63.2 % of the step response is the time constant of first order response.A
The dot is the rough estimation of the time constant of the response.
Keywords: Frequency Domain Uncertainty
References: None |
Problem Statement: The reinstall repeats itself several times before the Office document
(in this case, Excel) finally opens. | Solution: Update Microsoft Office 2003 at support.microsoft.com and install kb907417 or click on the link below.
This update fixes a problem that may prevent managed add-ins, smart documents, and smart tags that are created by using Visual Studio 2005 from working in Office 2003.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=1B0BFB35-C252-43CC-8A2A-6A64D6AC4670
Keywords: SLM
INSTALL LOOPING
ASW
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen DMCplus Modernization and Streamlined Workflow | Solution: V7.2 delivers full Aspen DMCplus Controller functionality in the new .NET control environment.
Drag and Drop Models (with transform information) directly from Aspen DMCplus Model
For large applications, Aspen DMCplus Model is still the recommended environment for building and archiving controller models. Models can now be easily dragged from Aspen DMCplus model directly into the new .NET desktop environment.
Import an existing Aspen DMCplus Application (.ccf)
Existing Aspen DMCplus applications can be imported directly into the new environment and are fully compatible. The new .NET control environment uses the exact same Aspen DMCplus engine as the traditional toolset.
The user simply selects the ccf they wish to import and the entire application is imported including:
Model Curves
Variables
Subcontrollers
Test Groups
All tuning
Transforms
Calculations
Connections
Once imported the application is ready to deploy. All the user has to do is configure the server for the online machine
Subcontrollers and Testgroups
Subcontrollers and Aspen SmartStep Testgroups are now supported in the .NET control environment.You can configure these using modern, intuitive dialogs.
Calculations
The new environment now uses Aspen Calc scripts for calculations. This language based engine is a richer environment for creating calculations and provides more readable scripts.
CCF calculations get converted when they are imported. This is achieved by a library of single line Aspen Calc functions that mimic exactly the behavior of CCF calculations. The original CCF calculations are maintained in the scripts as comments so that if the user exports the ccf file the calculations can be exported in their original format.
There is no Aspen Calc to CCF calc conversion on export. The export simply uses the commented line from the calculation in the ccf file:
The ability to export .ccf files from the new environment is made available purely for clients who have developed tools that utilize the ccf file format. There is no specific requirement for the ccf file for controllers deployed within the .NET control environment.
Aspen Calc allows the use of wildcards to apply the same calculation to all variables of a particular type (e.g. independent variables). The scripting also allows complex calculations to be written in a much more readable form:
Modern, Intuitive Guided Workflow
The workflow in the new .NET control environment guides the user through the process of building a control application providing wizards, intelligent defaults and automation were necessary. The workflow steps are:
Model import or identification
Configure prediction error filter (bias update)
Configure steady state / economic optimizer
Configure dynamic optimizer (simulate controller)
Configure I/O
Deploy
In the traditional toolset these procedures would be carried out in separate software packages (e.g. DMCplus Model, Build, Simulate, Manage). In the new environment this is a single workflow within a single modern environment:
Simulation
Powerful yet easy to use simulation capability is available directly within the new desktop. The engineer can tune controllers using grid displays, trends or a combination of both.
Steady state and dynamic simulations are available with many useful features:
Ability to pause simulations
Ability to save simulation cases as datasets back into the desktop workspace
Faster than real time simulation (simulation runs as fast as possible)
Feedforward disturbances
Plant/Model mismatch
Plant model can be any model in the desktop workspace (including nonlinear models)
?Preview dynamics? simulation designed for tuning step responses
Drag and drop trends
Application Differencing
A powerful tool for comparing controller applications so that any changes can be easily detected is available. This is particularly useful when the engineer is about to redeploy a controller and enables them to be confident they are fully aware of all changes that have been made to the application.
You can compare any application to any other - including Aspen DMCplus controller applications to Aspen Nonlinear Controller applications
Deploying Controller Applications
Once deployed, an Aspen DMCplus Controller is viewed and behaves in exactly the same way it would had it been deployed via the traditional method.
Converting Applications to Different Formulations
Any control application can be converted between any of the three supported formulations (DMCplus (FIR), Nonlinear (MISO), Linear State-Space (MIMO)) at any time.
To do this the engineer simply right clicks on the application and selects ?Convert to? and then selects the formulation they wish to convert to.
During conversion, any information not relevant to the new formulation is lost (e.g. converting a nonlinear model to a linear model will lose any of the nonlinear steady state maps associated with that model.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: What does the following error message mean, and how do I resolve it:
a??Build Error (-1) saving *.ccf to disk. Check the file and folder permissions as well as disk space. Try saving to a different file name or running this program As Administrator. Also make sure the file is not write protected or in use by another program.a?? | Solution: This warning message appears in V7.3 CP4 and V8.0 when there are saving issues.
Check the permissions on the individual files as well as the directory folder (right click Properties, then General and Security tabs).
Windows 2008 allows you to set the privilege level for programs to have them Run as Administrator. By right clicking on the DMCplus Build program and selecting a?? Run as administratora?? or selecting Properties, navigate to the Compatibility tab and select the checkbox in the Privilege Level section that says a??Run this program as administratora?? (this box is unchecked by default).
Keywords: DMCplus Build, Permissions, Saving
References: None |
Problem Statement: What to do when DMCplus Model gives the warning message: Unacceptable system date formate. Use application default format? | Solution: DMCplus Model is particular about the format of the system date format. You can check the system date format in Region and Language settings from Control Panel.
It is suggested to use the default setting, which is the following:
In the case where the message is entered, the default time format of Model is used instead of the system time format, therefore this message is just a warning.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: This MS installation is smart and will install these components to the drive which has larger available space.
DMCPlus builder is the one need VBA and MS office component. This happened on AMS products which need VBA component. | Solution: the workaround could be either
1. Make your c drive's available space bigger than others and install Aspen software.
2. Delete MS office component in other drive, make drives which has more available space then C drive to read-only, run DMCPlus builder. Then the office component will install to C Drive.
Keywords: Office component
VBA
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to add ascii strings in the DMCplus Calculations Section? | Solution: No, the DMCplus Calculation engine does not support strings (text) in the calculations.
The following message error can appear when saving the ccf:
Checking the CCF with DMCplus Simulate.
Error in formula: Character variable not allowed: {variable type:variable name
Preceding error occurred in this Statement
{variable type:variable name|entry} = {variable type:variable name|entry}
Error. DMCINI Failed - 50
----- Simulate Validation Finished. Possible errors detected. -----
Keywords: DMCplus Build, Calculations, String, DMCPlus Simulate, DMCINI Failed - 50
References: None |
Problem Statement: SharePoint Foundation 2010, a free download from Microsoft, is a prerequisite for installing aspenONE.
SharePoint has its own prerequisites which are automatically downloaded if your server has internet connection.
The aspenONE installation and configuration guide provides a method to do the SharePoint Prerequisite installation on a server without internet connectivity.
This method includes writing a script which is executed during the installation. | Solution: You can download the script from thisSolution.
Keywords: aspenONE SharePoint prerequisite installation internet
References: None |
Problem Statement: The interface for setting design specifications in Aspen Plus is different than for other types of variables. For a particular Aspen Plus object, the user can set none, one, or many design specifications. It is not obvious how to successfully set these design specifications from Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW). | Solution: There are two scenarios that can be considered:
(1) There is a set group specific design specification values that you are going to be modifying from ASW
For example, consider if you want to change the mole purity of a column. In this case you need to:
(A) In Aspen Plus, add a Design spec to the column (this will now be designated as Design Spec 1 by Aspen Plus).
(B) Set the Type of the Design Specification in Aspen Plus (select Mole Purity from the design specification type dropdown list).
(C) Save and close the simulation.
(D) Connect to the Simulation with ASW. Make the simulation visible.
(E) In the Aspen Plus interface, right-click on the value text box for the column design specification (the value control, not the type selector control), and then select Copy. Then paste the variable into the ASW Variable Organizer. The design specification value will now be linked to ASW.
Note: The value in ASW will be linked to the first design variable specification value in Aspen Plus. It will not be explicitly linked to the Mole Purity design specification. You cannot go back to Aspen Plus and change the type variable to another type of design specification, or else your value link will point to another variable.
Basically, the procedure is to first setup all your design specifications in Aspen Plus, and then you add links to the value variables for each design specification in ASW.
(2) You want to change both the types and values of the design parameter values which are being set from ASW
In this case you are changing not only the value of a design parameter from ASW, but also which parameter you are setting. For example, you might be switching between setting the Mole Purity of a column and the Mass Purity.
This scenario is more difficult to achieve from ASW. Basically, what you will have to do is to setup a design parameter in the Aspen Plus simulation, copy both the type variable (dropdown control value) and the value variable from Aspen Plus and paste them into ASW. To change a design specification from ASW you change the 'type' and then the corresponding 'value' variables. You cannot change the number of design parameters from ASW. You can only change the type and value of an existing Aspen Plus design specification. Furthermore, if you are switching from one design parameter type to another then both types must be defined by the same types of values, or else it will not work.
There are a few more things to know about:
(A) Name slightly different - Design specification type names listed in the Aspen Plus interface do not match directly with the names shown in ASW. This is because Aspen Plus uses a different descriptive name for each type. For example, Storage Temp is Aspen Plus is known as Temp in ASW. To be sure you know the correct name for a particular design specification type, you can select the variable in Aspen Plus and then see the corresponding name that is set for the variable in ASW.
(B) Variable Order in ASW - When you add the design Type and Value variables to ASW, you need to add the Type variable before the Value variable. The Type variable must be listed before the corresponding Value variable in Variable Organizer. This is necessary so that when the values are sent to Aspen Plus then the Type of design specification type is set first and then the Value is set after that.
(C) Description not valid - One other very minor point is that if you add a link to ASW of the Design Specification description text that is listed in Aspen Plus, then that description text does not update when you change the design specification type.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I enable GMULTs for APC Builder controllers? | Solution: Follow this procedure:
- Right click on Model block and select Edit | Gain Multipliers to open the Edit Gain Multipliers window.
- Enable the check mark on the Use gain multipliers option located at the bottom-left of the window.
- Enable the check mark on the required columns and configure the gain multipliers as needed.
The associated GMULTxxx are automatically created in Controller block, Edit Calculations, User Entries tab.
- Redeploy the controller.
- If you navigate to PCWS, Online tab, <ControllerName>, Model, MV/CV model curve the related Gain Multiplier can be seen.
Note: In case a particular enabled GMULT for a given MV/CV model curve doesn’t show properly in PCWS, make sure the DefaultIOFlags are IsInput, IsTuningValue (as seen in the image above).
Keywords: APC Builder
GMULT
Gain Multiplier
PCWS
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I install and configure Aspen Remote Simulation Service for version 2006.5? | Solution: Quick Guide for installing Aspen Remote Simulation Service 2006.5
1. Installation
Please run the installation from DVD1 as with other Aspen Products.
When selecting the installation mode, choose standard installation.
Select Aspen Remote Simulation Service from the Products listing.
Please remember that all sub-features are to be installed. See below:
Next Click to Install
The installation process will ask for Username, password and Domain. Fill this in and click next to proceed.
Click on the Install button to continue and finish up the installation.
Domain name and hostname
In this example, the local admin or domain admin can be used, as well as the domain of the company. E.g. The Domain used here is testserver, which is part of testserver.daniel.com
Note: Username must be part of the Administrators group, in order for the service to run.
Also please check for the hostname of the machine first by typing cmd at Windows->Start-> Run and then type in hostname. In this example, the hostname is aspentec-server
Aspen Remote Simulation Service Interface
After the installation is completed, run Windows-> Start -Programs-Aspentech-Aspen Engineering Suite-Aspen Remote Simulation Service Status to launch the status window
The first thing is to select the server by adding using IP address or hostname.
The default port is 8086 and localhost is set as default.
If you are connecting to another machine, please get its hostname. See Domain name and hostname
The active cases or simulations will be listed under the panel in the interface window, and it can be stopped by choosing the case and clicking on stop case.
To run Aspen Remote Simulation Service on any machine, just install it for the machine which needs to run the monitoring server and select this interface.
This example shows that it is connecting to aspentec-server as its hostname and using port 8086 as default.
It is shown as connected to server aspentec-server on another machine.
The log messages will be displayed in the last panel.
Using Remote Execution- Aspen Simulation Workbook allows you to run simulations remotely over a network on a dedicated simulation server. Aspen Simulation Workbook must be installed on the client (end-user) computers. Aspen Remote Simulation Service and the simulation applications must be installed on the simulation server computer.
Please download the full documentation- Quick Guide for Installing Aspen Remote Simulation Service 2006_5.doc for explanation of configuring ASW to use the Remote Simulation Service.
Keywords: Aspen Remote Simulation Service, Version 2006.5, Configuration of Aspen Simulation Workbook, Remote Service
References: None |
Problem Statement: Where are simulation files uploaded to the aspenONE Drive saved? Are these files saved on a server located in the user’s network or on a server provided by AspenTech? Can anyone else outside the company access to these files without the users authorization? | Solution: The simulation files are saved through the aspenONE Web Server environment (it has to be installed on any PC/server on the network, accessible via URL) which is a unified web and mobile environment for searching, sharing, viewing, interacting, and collaborating using the content produced by AspenTech’s Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain products. Shared users receive an email containing a link to the model on aspenONE Drive where they can search for models, download models to their desktop (if enabled) or view and run models on the web.
Only users in your company will have full control of these uploaded files on the server. These cannot be shared with another company or third party users. Also, the company’s users will connect to the server address through a specific URL which has to be put on the following box, as the screenshot below shows:
Keywords: AspenONE Drive, AspenONE Web Server environment, URL
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen Simulation Workbook add-in defines two methods that can be invoked from your VBA code to run the simulation linked to ASW. The synchronous version, ASWRunSynchActive, will hold the execution of the calling thread until the solver finishes the calculations, while ASWRunActive will return control immediately. Whether you want to run your code asynchronously or just gain more control over the thread execution, this | Solution: illustrates how it can be done. The example code refers to Aspen HYSYS but the concept is analogous in Aspen Plus as well. Solution
There are two options to check if the HYSYS case linked to ASW is still solving: using “SolverIsRunning� property directly from the ASW simulation object (OSESimulation.SolverIsRunning) or getting a reference to underlying HYSYS case and use SimulationCase.Solver.IsSolving. When the underlying HYSYS case is exposed, if you activate the solver by setting “Solver.CanSolve = True� this should lock execution on the server side until the solver stops, unless CalculationTimeOut has been changed (seeSolution http://support.aspentech.com/webteamasp/KB.asp?ID=143228).
The procedure requires to put the thread in a busy loop checking for the solver status in order to re-synchronize with the simulation server.
A reference to ASW COM server, HYSYS COM server and AspenSimulationWorkbook.xla are required:
Dim ASWsim As AspenOSEWorkbook.OSESimulation
Dim hyCase As HYSYS.SimulationCase
‘Option 1:
Call GetASWActiveSimulation(ASWsim) ‘gets the ASW simulation object
ASWStopActiveSimulation ‘'holds solver
‘Enter specifications
‘…
ASWRunActiveSimulation 'Runs solver
‘do stuff
‘…
‘busy loop waiting for solver
Do While ASWsim.SolverIsRunning = True
Dim counter as long
counter = counter + 1
Application.Wait (Now + TimeValue(0:00:01))
Loop
'Check results
‘Option 2:
Call GetASWActiveSimulation(ASWsim) ‘gets the ASW simulation object
Set hyCase = GetObject(ASWsim.FullPath) ‘gets a reference to the linked HYSYS case
hyCase.Solver.CanSolve = False ‘holds solver
‘Enter specifications
‘…
‘hyCase.Application.CalculationTimeOut = 0.01 ‘small value if async run preferred
hyCase.Solver.CanSolve = True ‘runs solver
‘do stuff
‘…
‘busy loop waiting for solver, only necessary if CalculationTimeOut has been modified
Do While hyCase.Solver.IsSolving = True
Dim counter as long
counter = counter + 1
Application.Wait (Now + TimeValue(0:00:01))
Loop
'Read results
Keywords: ASW, VBA, Aspen HYSYS
References: None |
Problem Statement: I cannot click the Enable button because it is grayed out. Why? | Solution: If the Enable button is not available and the Organizer button is, this means that you do not have a Workbook open in your Excel Spreadsheet.
You need to have a Workbook open in your Excel Spreadsheet before the Enable button will become active.
To open a Workbook select the New command from the File menu.
Keywords: enable, unavailable
References: None |
Problem Statement: Failed to commute license SLM_XXX_XXXX because of error 77. Not enough commuter licenses available at this time to check out the requested keys. | Solution: Verify if the LServOpts environment variable -com percentage option is set and if the setting is preventing the user from commuting a license.
Commuter licensing uses the same license strings as other network licenses. To ensure that not all licenses are used up by commuters, the -com percentage option is set. Set this option to the percentage of licenses you want used for commuter licensing. Once that proportion of license are used up, no more will be made available to commuters until commuter licenses are returned.
Keywords: commuting, error 77, SLM, commute, license, key, LServOpts, option
References: None |
Problem Statement: This Knowledge Base article provides steps to resolve an issue where a non-Admin IE user gets a white screen (Home tiles are not shown) when accessing aspenONE Process Explorer.
Details:
IE experiences an Access Denied when our aspenONE Process Explorer (A1PE) scripts access Local Storage by a non-Admin user causing the remaining Java Scripts (JS) not to be loaded; aspenONE Process Explorer does not crash, IE just stops loading A1PE JS before Process Explorer is completely loaded. Chrome users do not have this problem. | Solution: The issue is caused by a problem with the settings on the C:\Users\username\Appdata\LocalLow folder in the user profile.
Each folder on your computer has an integrity setting. More information about the purpose of this setting is here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb625964.aspx
The integrity setting on the AppData\LocalLow folder (and its subfolders) in each user's profile is supposed to be set to Low (hence the name). The problem described above occurs when the integrity level is not set correctly on this folder. To rectify the problem, run the following command in a command prompt window:
icacls %userprofile%\Appdata\LocalLow /t /setintegritylevel (OI)(CI)L
(If there is more than one user account on the computer and the other users are having the same issue, the command needs to be run under each affected user's account.)
As for how this setting got changed in the first place? The issue may be caused by some sort of a customization of a Windows OS or by the use of a system cleaner utility.
Keywords: blank screen
blank page
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I use conditional formatting in Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW)? | Solution: One example user can use conditioning formatting in ASW is to automatically set the user specified value as blue color. Here are the procedures:
1. Procedures to create tables are described inSolution 135936.
2. Once the table has been created, go to Home ribbon, and under Conditioning Formatting, select New Rule.
3. Select Use a formula to determine which cells to format
A A A A A A A A A A A A
4. Select the cells where the values are going to be formatted. In example below, cell B2.
Under Format values where this formula is true, select the Status column, cell D2.
The formula specified should be: =$D$2=Specified
A A A A A A A A A A A
5. Click on Format button, then select the color
A A A A A A A A A A A A A
Keywords: Conditioning formatting, ASW
References: None |
Problem Statement: I have selected a few variables from the Aspen Simulation Workbook to create a table. I have then tried to insert a row on the spreadsheet inside the table using the Excel Insert row command. After the change, the variables are no longer connected to the simulation. | Solution: You may only modify the Aspen Simulation Workbook table using the right mouse click menu, Simulation Workbook Tables. If you attempt to modify the table not using that command while Aspen Simulation Workbook is enabled, you will get the following notice to inform that the table is disconnected.
If the Aspen Simulation Workbook is not enabled, you will not get such notice, but nonetheless the table will be disconnected.
The only way to modify the table is to enable the Aspen Simulation Workbook and use the right mouse click menu as shown below.
As it is admittedly more tedious to modify the tables using such menu, we suggest the following approach to easily layout the variables on the different worksheets. Create a few tables with the input and results on a worksheet (which you could hide before delivering the spreadsheet to the final users) and use Excel formula to copy the values from that worksheet to the display worksheet (for the results) or vice-versa (for the inputs). Note also that Aspen Simulation Workbook is more efficient at transferring data when there are a few large tables compared to many smaller tables.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: User has installed Aspen HYSYS V8.3 and would like to use the corresponding version of Aspen Simulation Workbook. | Solution: There is no Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW) V8.3. The users can use the ASW V8.2 with HYSYS V8.3. In order to use ASW V8.2 with HYSYS V8.3, users need to download and apply the patch ASW V8.2 CP1 fromSolution ID 137887.
Keywords: Aspen Simulation Workbook, ASW V8.3.
References: None |
Problem Statement: What's the meaning of the APC User Defined Entries Default IO Flags? | Solution: Find below further information:
DefaultIOFlags
IsInput
If true, the entry value is refreshed from an IO tag (if one is configured) at runtime. IsConstant and IsInput cannot both be true.
IsConstant
If true, the entry is not changeable at runtime. Can be used in conjunction with IsPublish. IsConstant and IsInput cannot both be true.
IsReadOnly
If true, the entry value is not changed by the application at runtime. Can only be true if IsInput is true.
IsReadWrite
If true, the entry value may be changed by the application at runtime. Note: IsReadWrite is not used by this version of the software*.
LogChange
If true, a message will be logged whenever the entry is changed by a user at runtime.
IsPublish
If true, the entry value will be written to the IO Source (if there is an IO tag configured) at runtime. Can only be true if IsConstant is true.
IsHistorized
If true, the entry will be connected to a local history store at runtime.
IsTuningValue
If true, the entry will be replaced when the application is redeployed. IsTuningValue and IsOperating cannot be both be true.
IsOperatingValue
If true, the runtime entry value will be preserved when the application is redeployed. IsTuningValue and IsOperating cannot both be true.
IsIoTagRequired
If true, the application configuration software may require an IO tag be configured for this entry.
IsConnectedDCSRead
If true, the entry is connected to an IO Source tag for reading. This flag is automatically set or reset at runtime.
IsConnectedDCSWrite
If true, the entry is connected to an IO Source tag for writing. This flag is automatically set or reset at runtime.
IsConnectedHistory
If true, the entry is connected to a local history store. This flag is automatically set or set at runtime.
Keywords: Aspen Process Controller, User Defined Entries, Default IO Flags
References: None |
Problem Statement: APC Builder slices vs. DMCplus slices. What are the differences in each software? | Solution: Aspen Process Controller Builder (aka APC Builder) is the newest interface and technology developed by AspenTech. APC Builder wraps up legacy DMCplus products (Such as Model, Build, Simulate, Smart Audit; along with Extract and Collect commands and APC Manage for online deploying), making this product a single environment.
APC Builder differs from the DMCplus legacy products in several features. In this article we will discuss the differences in the slicing feature for each product.
APC Builder has two types of slices: Dataset and case slices.
· Dataset slices are defined at the dataset level in the main dataset viewer. If a section of the vector's data is marked bad in the dataset viewer, then that section will be bad for all cases. A dataset slice can either be applied to a single vector or to all the vectors (a so-called global slice).
· Case slices are defined at the case level in the case dataset viewer. To access this viewer, you select the Variables tab for a case and then select a dataset and click on view. If a section of the vector's data is marked bad here, it is only bad for this case. Like dataset slices, a case slice can either be applied to a single vector or to all the vectors.
DMCplus Model only has dataset slices, but it has the concept of a good slice. You could select which slices should be used in the identification. This concept of a good slice has been replaced by the concept of a case slice in APC Builder. The case slice allows for more flexibility as well as some improved visualization. Auto-slicing is also available on the case dataset view.
Keywords: APC Builder, DMCplus Model
References: None |
Problem Statement: Which EPA regulations are Pharmaceutical MACT equations based on? | Solution: Pharmaceutical MACT equations are based on subpart 40 CFR 63.1257(d)(2)(i), this section last 7 pages Here is break down of each equation with a more detailed subpart specification in the federal register. The pharma MACT is in the same subparts of the regulation, and each Batch Plus equation is correlated to the following:
(A) MACT Displacement
(B) MACT Purge
(C)(1) MACT Heat 1
(C)(2) MACT Heat 2
(C)(3) MACT Heat 3
(D)(4) MACT Depressurization 1
(D)(8) MACT Depressurization 2
(D)(10) MACT Depressurization 3
(E) MACT Vacuum Systems
(F) MACT Gas Evolution
(G) MACT Air Dry
Keywords: MACT
EPA
Emission
References: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;sid=28e9ba1927a29a1a903cb4d5bed4085d;rgn=div6;view=text;node=40%3A11.0.1.1.1.3;idno=40;cc=ecfr
If the link is not available, go to http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov and look for Title 40, then part 63, subpart GGG. |
Problem Statement: User variables are missing when imported to Aspen Simulation Workbook. | Solution: To display User Variables in Aspen Simulation Workbook follow the steps below.
1. Create a spreadsheet in the HYSYS case.
2. Import the User Variables using the drag and drop method in the spreadsheet.
3. You can then copy the User Variables from the spreadsheet and paste them in Aspen Simulation Workbook organizer.
Keywords: User variables, spreadsheet, Aspen Simulation Workbook
References: None |
Problem Statement: While installing aspenONE, the installation is interrupted by a Microsoft Windows warning dialog “Close Programs to prevent information loss – Your computer is low on memory. Save you files and close these program:”, followed by a list of programs. | Solution: Open the task manager to check how much physical memory is available. The hardware requirements to install aspenONE call for a minimum 8GB of memory.
If there is enough available memory, the memory dialog also appears when Windows detects that a program is using too much memory or it thinks it has a memory leak.
This dialog can be disabled to allow the installation to complete as follows:
1. Click Start, click in the Start Search box, type gpedit.msc, and then press ENTER. MMC will start with the Local Group Policy Editor open.
2. In the navigation tree, expand Computer Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, expand System, expand Troubleshooting and Diagnostics, and click Windows Resource Exhaustion Detection and ReSolution.
3. In the console pane, double-click Configure Scenario Execution Level.
4. On the Configure Scenario Execution Level dialog, select Disabled, and then click OK.
There is no need for a reboot after doing this. Click Cancel on the Microsoft Windows warning dialog to continue the installation, or stop and restart the installation.
Keywords: aspenONE, install, memory
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I add a description column or customize column when creating table in Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW)? | Solution: 1. Click on Column Customization in the Aspen Simulation Workbook Organizer
2. A Customization table will appear and user can select the Description column header to be added in the table by dragging and drop beside the other column header.
3. User can also remove the header by dragging the parameter name from the group to the customization list.
Keywords: Customize table, ASW
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I restart the Adaptive Modeling processes when showing Queued for a case?
Background
Adaptive Modeling uses IP.21 External Tasks TSK_ADAP, TSK_ADM1 and TSK_ADM2; each one runs a separate AutoModeling.exe process. Their associated IP.21 Definition Record is AW_ADAPMgmDef, which consists of sub-records ADAP_IDMQCASE_MGM (TSK_ADAP, IP21 record to process the ADAP ID/MQ Cases), ADAP_MASTER_MGM (TSK_ADM1, IP21 record to process the ADAP AutoID Cases) and ADAP_MONITOR_MGM (TSK_ADM2, IP21 record to process the ADAP AutoSlicing Cases) are found.
If Test Agent is enabled for a given controller, the IP.21 Definition Record AW_AdaptCaseDef shows I<ID>_AUTOID and I<ID>_AUTOSLICE, where <ID> is the ID number of the controller (it can be seen in Watch Maker).
If custom Identification and/or Model Quality cases are set up, those appear as: I<ID>_ID<Name> and Q<ID>_MQ<Name>, where <ID> is the ID number of the controller in Aspen Watch Maker. | Solution: The following procedure is to perform a “clean restart” of the Watch (IP.21) processes related to Adaptive Modeling.
1. On the Watch server open InfoPlus.21 Manager.
2. In the Running Tasks section (bottom left) locate TSK_ADAP and stop it using the Stop Task button. Repeat for TSK_ADM1 and TSK_ADM2.
Make sure via Windows Task Manager that all AutoModeling.exe processes are gone; if not, force kill them (End Task) through the Task Manager window.
3. Open InfoPlus.21 Administrator, navigate to AW_AdaptCaseDef. Locate the case that is stuck in “Queued” status, select it. On the right panel locate AW_RUN_STATUS and use the drop-down menu to change this status from “Queued” to “None”, press the Enter key to confirm the change.
Repeat for all the cases with Queued, Running or Failed status.
3a. In case of recurrent “Queued” status
Go to C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Performance Monitor\App\<CtlName>\IDCASES, if AUTOID and AUTOSLICE are showing Queued move the folder AUTOID and AUTOSLICE contents (files) to another (backup) location. If the custom cases are showing Queued move the folder ID<Name> and/or MQ<Name> contents (sub-folders) to another (backup) location.
3b. The name of a non-scheduled MQ custom case can be up to 24 characters. The name of a scheduled MQ custom case can be up to 12 characters (the length has been increased in V8.7 CP2 and later, CQ00571346).
4. Navigate to AW_ADAPMgmDef, check ADAP_IDMQCASE_MGM, ADAP_MASTER_MGM and ADAP_MONITOR_MGM AW_RUN_STATUS. If “Queued”, Running or Failed appears, change it to “None”.
Close InfoPlus.21 Administrator.
4a. In case of recurrent Queued status
Go to ADAP_IDMQCASE_MGM and check ACTIVATE_RECORD. That field shows the current ID / MQ case; the notation is I for Identification, Q for Model Quality, and ## for the controller ID (the number ca be translated to the controller name checking Watch Maker).
Via PCWS, Modeling page check the particular ID or MQ case settings, eg: if the case is no longer current it might be best to turn it Off (or un-Schedule it).
5. Go back to InfoPlus.21 Manager, from the Defined Tasks list (top left), locate TSK_ADAP and start this task with Run Task. Repeat for TSK_ADM1 and TSK_ADM2.
Via Windows Task Manager confirm there are three AutoModeling.exe processes running.
6. Go back to the PCWS Modeling page and re-run the Adaptive cases to confirm if it works.
Miscellaneous:
· For a DMCplus controller make sure that the CCF loaded in Watch Maker is the same running in APC Manage. In case of recurrent Queued status, even if the Watch Maker Auto-Update flag is enabled, do a manual update of the controller in Watch Maker: copy manually the current ccf/mdl from the Online server to the Watch server; via Watch Maker, select the controller, Actions menu, Update.
· If the controller has been updated importantly (adding / removing MV’s , CV’s, different TSS, etc.) run the cases with a time stamp that covers a period after the changes; if it runs in a period that has a mixture of old and new configuration, the processes could go into an improper state and show “Queued.”
Keywords: Adaptive Modeling, Queued Cases, Freeze
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do you use automation in Aspen SImulation Workbook (ASW)? | Solution: Attached is a guide to using automation in Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW).
Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW) enables you to create an Excel interface to your simulations. With ASW you can run your simulation, get/set variable values in Excel cells, and more. In some case, you might want to add some additional custom automation of your simulation. ASW has several options to let you do that. This document explains and gives examples of these automation options.
There are three types of automation possible with ASW:
1. UDF's - User Defined Functions (UDF's) are custom Excel functions to retrieve information from your simulations:
Require no programming
Simplest form of Excel automation
2. Action Macros - These are a series macros delivered with ASW for completing common tasks:
Most commonly used type of automation
Can be run from a workbook without writing code
Can also be called from within custom VBA code written by the user
3. ASW COM Automation - ASW exposes an interface that allows users to write custom VBA scripts to further control their simulations
Most complicated method of automation
Only accessible via VBA code
Use for tasks not covered by other automation methods (e.g. setting simulation path)
Probably won't be used as often as the other methods
The first two automation methods (UDF's, Action Macros) are delivered in the form of XLA files that ASW opens when enabled. The ASW COM automation is enabled by a series of COM libraries installed and registered on your system by ASW.
In this document we describe how to use these different types of automation. We also show some examples of common automation tasks.
Automation Files Installed with ASW
Before understanding the different methods of automating ASW, it is useful to know what files are delivered with ASW that support automation. There are two types of files that ASW uses for automation: Excel XLA files, and Active X COM DLL files.
When the ASW Excel add-in loads, besides adding the ASW custom ribbon tab to Excel, the add-in also adds two XLA files. These files can be seen if you enter the Excel Visual Basic for Applications Editor (Developer Ribbon Tab ->Visual Basic). The names of the two files are:
AspenOSEWorkbook.xla
AspenSimulationWorkbook.xla
These files are essentially the same. The reason that we deliver these two files, instead of just one, is that Aspen Simulation Workbook previously was named Aspen OSE Workbook. The AspenOESWorkbook.XLA file is continued to be delivered for the sake of backwards compatibility.
These two XLA files are VBA code files. When you use ASW UDF's or Action Macros then the functions that they are calling are within these XLA files.
The second type of automation files that are installed with ASW is an ActiveX COM DLL that is an automation interface to ASW. These are automatically registered during the install process. This can be used to directly control ASW objects such as workbooks via custom code that you write in VBA or other languages that support ActiveX. The VBA code in the previously mentioned XLA files all use this file to control ASW.
If you are writing custom ASW VBA automation code, then you must add a reference to these classes (to be described in more detail in the ASW VBA Automation section). The display name of the library is Aspen Simulation Workbook - VX.X (where X.X is replaced by the version of ASW).
In the attached document the three types of ASW automation will be described, and some code samples will be shown.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I select which Aspen Plus version to use with Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW)? I have multiple versions of Aspen Plus in my PC and I would like to select which one to use when running a simulation from the ASW. | Solution: From Aspen Simulation Workbook, one can control the version of the simulator to be launched.
Please go to the Aspen ASW Add-in in Excel and open the Organizer; then go to Configuration | Simulations. From Version Option in the pane on the right, it is possible to specify (please see the print-screen below):
`Any Version?: for allowing to open the default simulator version;
`Minimum Version?: for specifying a minimum version of the simulator to be used;
`Exact Version?: for specifying the exact version of the simulator to be used.
The specification of the Minimum or Exact Version is possible from the Version String field. See the following examples for setting the Version String:
For Aspen Plus V8.0, set 27.0;
For Aspen Plus V7.3.2, set 26.0;
For Aspen Plus V7.3, set 25.0;
For Aspen Plus V7.2, set 24.0.
So, in case one wants to launch specifically Aspen Plus V7.3.2, the proper settings are shown in the image below (Version Option: `Exact Version?; Version String: ?26.0?). Please note that the simulation should not be Active when changing these options.
For checking the Version String of the simulator version, one can see the Build number of Aspen Plus that can be found:
For V7.3 or lower versions, from the toolbar Help | About Aspen Plus;
For V7.3.2 or higher, from the toolbar click the File button and then click About.
Keywords: Aspen Plus Version Selection
References: None |
Problem Statement: When changing the application mode of a DMCplus controller to Calibrate you might encounter one of these messages:
On the Online tab of PCWS: Test Agent Not available. Add this application on Aspen Watch to enable advanced features.
On the History tab of PCWS: “Application name” Does not support Adaptive Modeling | Solution: 1. Open your ccf with Aspen DMCplus Build/Tools/Options and confirm that you have the STSTENB, AWENB and AMENB entries selected:
2. Go to APC Manage and view if the last time you loaded your controller it contained the above options if not you will need to reload your controller.
3. Confirm if you have the same ccf and mdl files on the online and Aspen Watch server. On the online server you should have a folder with the controller name under “C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Online\app” and “C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Performance Monitor\App” on the Aspen Watch server.
4. The test agent and calibrate mode are only available if you have token-based licensing. Open WLMAdmin and confirm if you have the following keys available:
- SLM_APC_SS Smart Step key
- SLM_APC_AM Adaptive Modeling key
- SLM_APC_MV MV usage for APC applications. The token consumption for each “Manipulated Variable” is different for each application; please viewSolution 134973 for more information.
If you don’t have WLMAdmin on your server followSolution 117747 to install this tool.
5. The SLM_APC_AM key is the enable switch for adaptive modeling features while token count available , SLM_POOL, controls in what extent, size or scale, the expected feature could be used. (How many MV’s does your controller use?)
6. Calibrate does not consume any additional licenses of its own, however, you must be licensed for DMCplus, SmartStep, AspenWatch and Adaptive Modeling. Not only is it necessary to be licensed for the mentioned applications, Adaptive Modeling must be enabled in the CCF, AMENB = 1. It is the AspenWatch application that does the license checking / acquisition for Calibrate.
7. If you have tokens available, the correct entries on your CCF and you can’t clear the error messages, please restart the Aspen APC Performance Monitor Data Service this will force AWMaker to re-check the licenses for your application.
Additional note:
If you don’t want to keep using your controller on calibrate mode and you want to release the tokens for other applications you will need to:
1. Stop collection in Aspen Watch Maker
2. Stop application in Aspen APC Manage
3. Restart the application in Aspen APC Manage with Adaptive Modeling disabled (the parameter AMENB = 0)
4. Restart the collection in Aspen Watch Maker.
Keywords: Test Agent
Calibrate
Smart Step
Aspen Watch
PCWS
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I resolve the error message ‘Select one of the cells in the existing scenario table to run all active scenarios’? | Solution: This error message appears when user clicks on the Control Button Macro set up to run scenario table.
To resolve this error, user needs highlight a cell in the scenario table to be run before clicking to the Macro Control Button.
Keywords: Scenario table,ASW, Macro, Control Button, cell
References: None |
Problem Statement: A backup feature is available in ASW V7.1 with CP2 or 2006.5 with CP5. This feature will allow user to save a backup file of the current working links. In the cases of unexpected loss of links, this backup file can be used to re-establish the links between ASW and the simulator, such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS.
How can I access the backup feature? | Solution: First, make sure that the proper accumulative patch is installed for the ASW installation your computer.
A couple of options are available for backing up your work in Excel. A convenient tool button is available in Aspen Simulation Workbook Design menu group. A user can save the current work by clicking on the Save Backup of Workbook Now button, and manually control the backup process.
A user can activate the automated backup process based on user specified time intervales. After opening Excel and Enable ASW, select Aspen menu group and followed by Aspen Simulation Workbook and Edit Workbook Backup Settings:
The Workbook Backup Settings comes out as shown below. During the backup procedure, the data links can be validated by checking the Serialization Validation check box. By default, Automatic Backup Settings are not activated.
By proper use of the backup features, the significant lose of user's valuable design and implementation of businessSolutions can be avoided.
Keywords: backup, serialization, validation
References: None |
Problem Statement: Changes in Process DataA IO source for Aspen Process Controller V8.0. | Solution: Starting V8.0 there has been changes in the connection options for Process Data.
Here is a brief explanation for those changes:
A? Connect as
Here you choose to connect to the Process Data server anonymously (by selecting Local system account), or as a particular userid (by selecting This account).
The Connect as userid must be a member of the local Administrators group on the online server machine. If it is not a member of the local Administrators group, then it will not be able to communicate with the Process Data server at all (because a secure context will not be able to be established).
Some Process Data servers, particularly those serving IP.21 databases, are configured to restrict access to certain user accounts; for those servers you will need to select This account and provide a valid userid (in the form DOMAIN\USERNAME) and password.
Many Process Data servers allow anonymous access; for those you do not need to supply a user account and can select Local system account.
A? Access as
If the Access as userid is not specified, then access to the data through the IO Source will impersonate the Connect as userid.
If the Access as userid is specified, then access to the data will impersonate that userid; the access permissions of the Connect as user will not affect the access permissions of the Access as userid a?? so the Connect as userid could have only read access and the Access as userid could have read and write access and will be able to write values to the IO Source. Unlike the Connect as userid, the Access as userid does not have to be a member of the local Administrators group.
Note: The Access as userid depends on a Process Data API that is only known to work with IP.21 Process Data connections.
Keywords: APC Builder, APC Online Server, Process Data
References: None |
Problem Statement: Getting error message 'Failure to connect to Simulation', when activating Aspen Plus Simulation in Aspen Simulation Workbook | Solution: This issue can come up if multiple version of Aspen Plus is installed on your machine. Please follow the steps below to successfully activate the Aspen plus simulation in Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW). There two parts to check this and activate the simulation.
Part I:
1.First of all try to open the Aspen plus simulation in standalone Aspen Plus window to check the simulation loads and runs fine.
2. If it can not be opened in Standalone window or unable to run in standalone environment, then it may not be possible open and connect in ASW environment. So fix the Aspen Simulation, so that it loads up and runs fine standalone version.
3. If it loads up and runs fine, then the issue will be in ASW and follow Part II to successfully activate the simulation.
Part II
1. From the start menu go to Programs | AspenTech | Aspen Engineering Suite | Aspen Plus 2006 (for example) | Aspen Plus Registry Fix Utility and select the version of Aspen plus that this file can be opened and click OK. if it is v7.0, then from the start menu go to Programs | AspenTech | Process Modeling v7.0 | Aspen Plus | Aspen Plus registry fix utility and select the version and click OK.
2. Open a blank Excel sheet and enable the Aspen Simulation Workbook and go to Organizer.
3. On the organizer window go to Configurations | Simulations | and click the configuration button on the right side of the window.
4. Click the Add button and navigate to the Favorites folder of installation directory for Aspen Plus and select Test Prop.bkp file and click open.
5. Then click the activate button to connect the test problem, if it is successfully connected, then open up your ASW file and connect it with your simulation.
6. In version 2006.5 and v7.0 ASW has an additional feature, where you can specify the version of Aspen Plus you would like to use. So if you are using v2006.5 or v7.0, then on the configuration window, change the version type to Exact version and type the version number under version string as 2006.5 or v7.0. then the aspen simulation will be opened with the version chosen.
7. After testing the testprob.bkp file, open your ASW file and activate the simulation, this should fix the error failed to activate simulation.
Keywords: Failed to Activate simulation, ASW, Connect simulation
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I see the online calculations for an APC application? | Solution: There is a known issue with the ReturnValue parameter in the input / output calculations. ReturnValue should only be used in formulas since the validation silently fails if you are using this parameter on the calculation or mapped to an entry. “CQ00504292 Calculations do not appear online� is targeted for a future release and will not allow the user to bind an entry to the ReturnValue.
In order to see your calculation on Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS) you have two options:
1. Create a formula, here the ReturnValue won’t fail. Then use the formula in the input/output calculation.
2. Do not bound the result to the ReturnValue on the input/output calc. Bound the result to a user defined entry instead.
If you still have problems after the above suggestions, right click your project on the APC Workspace and export the application. This will generate a *.apcapplication file. Please send it to Aspen Tech Support along with a description of the calculation that is failing.
Keywords: APC Builder
PCWS
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the significance of ECE in Engineering Units parameter for MVs in an Aspen DMCplus controller? | Solution: MV External Targets (ET) have ranks and ECEs just like CV ETs. The ECE and Rank parameters for an MV are only applicable when an ET is specified for the MV.Â
In case of an infeasibleSolution where the DMC engine is unable to meet an MV ET, the DMC engine uses the MV Rank and ECE to determine the extent of steady state give-up for the MV from its ET.
MV and CV ECEs for external targets are handled the same. MV Ranks and ECEs only affect the steady stateSolution of the controller and do not play any role in the dynamic optimization.
Keywords: DMCplus
ECE
Steady state tuning
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I add a prop-set variable into Workbook Organizer?
What is the easiest way to add a variable or prop-set variable into Workbook Organizer in Aspen Simulation Workbook? | Solution: Copying the results of a variable, including prop-set variable, from the stream results and pasting it in the Workbook Organizer is the easiest way.
To include prop-set into stream results in Aspen Plus, go to Setup || Report Options || Stream (tab)|| Property Set (button) || take the prop-set(s) to the right hand side box. Run the file. The prop-set properties will be reported at the bottom of the stream results.
To copy, click on a number (variable result) || right click, Copy (or, Ctrl+C). You don't have highlight or select the whole number, just put the cursor on the number and copy.
To paste in the Workbook Organizer in Simulation Workbook, right click || Paste from Clipboard.
Keywords: Workbook Organizer, prop-set, prop-sets, variable, add
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the procedure to disable Test Agent on select variables in the controller? | Solution: Aspen DMC3 allows users to automatically monitor step test for the controller and generate alarms, reports and build model for the variables configured in Test Agent. By default, the software automatically selects all variables in the controller when Test Agent is enabled. However, if in the course of step test it is desired to disable automated reporting and modeling for select few variables, the user may do so using the step below-
1. Open the Test Agent configuration page by clicking on the Test Agent link on the main Online view for the controller.
2. Click on Select Variables link at bottom of the page.
3. Unselect variables that need to be excluded from analysis in Test Agent. Click OK to accept settings.
Please note that in this situation, the controller will keep all variables in Calibrate mode and will step test all variables. However, Test Agent analysis/calculations will only be performed on the variables selected in the Test Agent setting.
Keywords: Test Agent
Disable
Customize
References: None |
Problem Statement: Running a Pressure Relief simulation I get the following error:
Pres-Relief PR-1
*** SEVERE ERROR
THE COMPONENT NAMED AS THE PAD GAS COMPONENT
CANNOT BE THE ONLY COMPONENT IN THE VESSEL
*** SEVERE ERROR
PRESSURE RELIEF ABORTING BECAUSE OF INVALID SPECIFICATIONS. | Solution: For a pressure relief you cannot have a single component that is both the vessel content and also the pad gas.
To avoid this error use a different component as the pad gas, such as Nitrogen
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: How are the Advanced Vapor Emission Model entries used in the Vapor Emission Model? | Solution: The three entries on the Advanced Vapor Emission Model tab are used as follows:
'The leak rate': This is only used by the Vacuum Operations or Vacuum Systems models and allow the user to specify the air leak rate into the system. The specification of leak rate in any other model will not result in any change to air emissions.
'The additional vessel volume is' : This field is only used when the vessel free space is used in emission calculations. This includes heating, evacuating, and empty vessel purge.
'The additional sweep' : This is used in automated systems that control gas sweep in the equipment and is a way to calculate emissions from gas sweep without having to specify a start sweep operation. The way it is implemented is to add the sweep amount specified to whatever sweep already exist on the vessel. If a sweep is not specified on the vessel, the default sweep gas specified in preferences is assumed.
You view the on-line help on this by go to click Advanced button, then either press Help or F1.
Keywords: vapor
emission
advanced
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to create a custom table template in Aspen Simulation Workbook? | Solution: Aspen Simulation Workbook allows to create quick table based on customized pre-configured template. Follow the steps given below to create your own template:
1. Open the Organizer, and then click Create Quick Table button
2. Select <Manage Templates...>
3. Click New on the Manage Table Templates form
4. Give a name for the new template
5. Use the Table format to set the format of this template
6. In the Columns tab click Add button to add the desired Attributes, such as Value, Units
To apply the custom template, click the Create Quick Table button in the organizer and choose the template you have already created.
Note that the templates are saved and accessible within the current ASW file only. If you want to use the custom templates, these must be exported with .ASWTT extension and imported in the new ASW session.
Keywords: Quick Table, Custom Template
References: None |
Problem Statement: Sometimes, a user need to determine if an Aspen HYSYS solve has completed. How can this be done? | Solution: There are three cases to consider:
(1) Performing a Standard Aspen HYSYS Solve (not involving HYSYS Optimizer)
Use the ?SolverIsRunning? property of the simulation object to determine when the solve is completed.
See attached code for examples of how to do this: DetectWhenHysysSolveDone_20110228a.xls (V7.2 ASW Workbook), modCheckWhenHysysSolveDone.bas (code only for earlier versions)
(2) Performing an Aspen HYSYS Optimization Run (V7.2 Aspen HYSYS and earlier)
There is no simple way to find if an optimization has completed. In the attached spreadsheet, you will find the VBA macro IsActiveHysysCaseConverged(). This function polls the active HYSYS simulation and returns when it completes the optimization. The function returns a value of true if the case is converged, and false if some error happened.
A second VBA macro is also presented, IsActiveHysysCaseConverged2(timeOutSeconds As Long, ByRef errorMsg As String). In addition to the above features, this macro will let the user to set a timeout limit on HYSYS optimization, and returns a text description when an error happens.
Attached workbook/code: Hysys_Poll_for_finish_optimize_20110223a.xls (V7.2 ASW Workbook), modFindWhenHysOptimizeDone.bas (code only for earlier versions).
(3) Performing HYSYS Optimization Run in Aspen HYSYS V7.3 or Later
Starting in Aspen HYSYS V7.3, a variable is exposed that describes whether the Aspen HYSYS Optimizer is currently running. The path to this new variables is:
?Top.appmodel.variables.Case Optimizer.Optimizer Is Running?
The value of this variable can be polled to test when the optimization has completed.
Keywords: HYSYS, solve, optimization
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why does importing an Aspen DMCplus application (a .ccf file) into Aspen APC Builder V8 generate errors, but not from Aspen DMCplus Builder? | Solution: While importing a ccf, to APC Builder V8, the following errors were generated:
Error 1 --
This is remedied by declaring the variable in the ccf,
added the following line to the CCF under [IND:42FC201SV]:
.GMULT038~~~LOCAL~~~R4~~~1.0~~~
Error 2 --
There is no error when saving the .ccf in V8.0
After clicking YES, validation proceeds successfully.
This is a warning and not an error. APC Builder does not allow inputs and outputs to have the same name, this is allowed however, in DMCplus Builder. The software is offering to append an X to the name of the outputs so that the CCF may be imported. If you let the software do that, the application is imported correctly.
To summarize and confirm:
1. Not defining a variable inside the original ccf file is actually an error although there is no error coming up with the validation of DMCplus Builder.
2. There is no way to make inputs and outputs to have the same name inside APC Builder.
3. Appending an X to the name of the outputs inside APC Builder will result in the following:
A A A A A A A A A A A The variables' names shown by PCWS will be different from the original.
A A A A A A A A A A A The original Shed logic inside DCS could be used directly without need to do any change.
A A A A A A A A A A A The variable names shown on the customized DCS displays could be the same as before the migration job.A
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: What does the value (-9999) Bad Values - too long for interpolation mean in the Aspen Adaptive Modeling Bad Slices Summary log? My graphs seem to be okay. | Solution: To prevent this message, the data available for the Adaptive Modeling must be verified. Please refer to KBSolution 122675: Is there a way to generate a CLC or extract a list of vectors from Aspen Watch?
If the extraction is successful and shows data available for the period of time, the quality of that data has to be analyzed.
The Start/End time and sample period for the SQL extraction are found in the first section of the log (previously specified by the user in the Adaptive Modeling).
If the vectors extracted show an INDSTA of -1, which indicates that it is BAD, that data won?t be used by the Adaptive Modeling.
The INDSTA definition can be found in DMCplus Help File (found in AspenDMCplus Build / Help Menu / DMCplus Entry Dictionary).
Keywords: Adaptive Modeling, Production Controller Web Server, Aspen Watch, Bad Value
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to export future MV moves calculated by the engine for APC Builder applications? | Solution: It is not possible to look up the parameters associated with the future MV moves directly in APC Builder interface. However, it is possible to see the calculated values by generating a debug print file (.PRT) or using the PCWS plots when the controller is online.
This applies to all three types of APC Builder applications including non-linear applications, DMCplus applications and SSC applications.
Please see a screenshot of the PRT file showing the future MV moves for a MISO (non-linear) application below.
Note- Since the internal engine parameters associated with the future MV moves cannot be accessed using the APC Builder interface, the future move parameters cannot be used in the Custom Internal Calculations in the APC Builder interface nor can they be written out to the DCS.
Keywords: Future moves
MV trajectory
References: None |
Problem Statement: We have an Aspen Plus model that uses a .dll file (via an opt file specification in the .bkp file).
Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW) can never find the .opt (or the .dll) file since they are not part
of the embedded .bkp file. How does one do this? | Solution: Embed the compound file (.apwz) when the Aspen Plus bkp model requires external files such
as Fortran objects (.obj), DLLs (.dll), apmbd (binary embedded component from Excel calculator
blocks), and exchanger design EDR files. The Aspen Plus compound file should have embedded
all the necessary files to run (dll, opt, etc). See Figure 1.
Figure 1. Embedded file on Aspen Plus compound library file ammonia.apwz
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Plus V7.3\GUI\App\Ammonia
When compound files are run locally with ASW, the embedded files into compound file are
extracted into a temporary folder under your profile when the simulation is activated in ASW.
The simulation runs in this temporary directory. The embedded file is updated at the end of the run.
Temporary files are deleted when the simulation is deactivated.
See attached example built with the library model ammonia.apwz that works in ASW following the
above methodology.
Keywords: External files, dll, opt, apmbd, EDR, apwz.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do you import a dataset, in a text file format, to DMC3 Builder? | Solution: In order to import data from a text file in DMC3 Builder you have to put the information in a tab delimited format. The information in the text file should follow the following order:
(1) In the first line you can put a description of the data set.
(2) In the second line the name of the vectors (time and name of the tags).
(3) In the third line a brief description of the tag.
(4) In the fourth line the engineer units.
Note the time format should follow mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss format.
Attached to thisSolution is a fire heater data set example so you can import it in DMC3 Builder. Note that if you have the information in Excel you can save the file as Text(Tab delimited)(*.txt) format.
Then open a new project and follow this steps to access the import text file dialog:
1
In the Datasets view go to the top left menu.
2
Click Import | Dataset. In the Import Dataset dialog, change the format to Text Files (*.txt) and select the text file with the data.
3
In the Import TXT File menu review the number of tags, sample period and data range.
4
If the Interpolate bad/missing samples checkbox is selected the import operation will use the desired interpolation span.
You can verify the information in the import text file dialog correspond to the information you introduced in the txt file.
Then hit the import button and start the interpolation. You will have the new data set in the project, select the tags to display in the workspace. At this point you should be able to plot the data.
Keywords: DMC3 Builder
Dataset
TXT file
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the behavior of the Save changes options available in the Configuration Workbook section of ASW organizer? | Solution: The behavior is the following:
1. Save Changes to Embedded Simulation Cases and Save Changes to Linked Simulation cases save automatically bkp, apw, apwz, hsc, etc., right before deactivating the simulation.
2. Since embedded simulations become part of the workbook, when saving ASW file, the changes are also saved in the embedded file, even if the simulation is not deactivated.
3. For linked cases, these will never be saved if the ASW file is saved while keeping the simulation active. Only when you click on the Activate/Deactivate button changes are saved in the simulation file.
If you require your changes in ASW file to be made when saving the file without the need to deactivate then you should be using the embedded file instead of the linked case.
Keywords: Linked, Embedded case, Save changes, Aspen Simulation Workbook, Organizer.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to change the version of the simulator application (e.g. Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS) that is to be used by Aspen Simulation Workbook to open a model? | Solution: ASW by default will open latest version of simulation that you have installed, but if you have multiple versions of Simulation software (Aspen Plus or Aspen HYSYS) then you can decide which version of simulation you want to open by setting up an option in ASW Organizer.
You should change the value for ?Version option? and ?Version String? as shown in screen shot below from Configuration | Simulation option in Organizer window for ASW V7.3.
In the example below, we are using ASW V7.3 which will open aspen plus file version V7.2
You can refer to below table for ?Version string value? for older versions.
Version number
Version String Value to be used
For 2006.5 version
2006.5
For version V7.1
V7.1
For version V7.2
V7.2
For version V7.3
V7.3
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: What does Path Substitution mean in documentation What's New in V7.3? | Solution: Go to the Model Variables page, and click on column customization. You will see the customization list pop up at the bottom. Look for ?Path?, select and drag it place on the column.
Refer to Knowledge BaseSolution 135937 to customize column in ASW.
Under Path, you will see Top.appModel.FlowSheetObjects.Stream.SWEET GAS.Phase - Pressure.Overall. You can change the path, for example change the stream from Sweet Gas to Acid Gas. Modify the name to Acid Gas.
Sample file is included for reference only.
Note: This will only work if the Hysys file is linked with ASW.
Keywords: Path Substitution
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is there a simple way to add variables from Custom Tables to Aspen Simulation Workbook? | Solution: Variables selected in Aspen Plus Custom Table will not appear when the user wants to link these to Aspen Simulation Workbook after copying and pasting to the Organizer Table.
There is also the case when the user will select variables from the Browser in the ASW Organizer and notice that where a value was expected only the path to the value is displayed.
To include the variables in the Organizer the user should select all variables, from the original location (Inputs or results folders), as it was done when they created the Custom Table.
From within version V8.4 the information of the custom table can be exported to ASW by clicking on the “Send to Excel” button(as shown below) and then the highlighted dialogue below will appear:
Select the highlighted option to export the link information with tables in order to access these in the Organizer panel in ASW.
Keywords: ASW, Custom Tables, Organizer
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I assign a macro in Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW) to run a Scenario Table? | Solution: User can set up a Macro in ASW to automatically run a scenario table when clicked. The steps below illustrate how to set up such a Macro.
1. Set up the scenario table in ASW. Refer to KbSolution ID 129929
2. Go to the tab for Developerà Insertà select the form Control Button
3.Place the Control Button in the spread sheet.
4. Right click on the Control Button and select the option to assign Simulation Workbook Macro.
5. Choose one of the two options available to Run all active scenario or to Run Selected Scenario.
When this is done, whenever the Control Button clicked the Scenario run will be executed
Keywords: Macro, Control Button, Scenario, Simulation Workbook, ASW , Scenario Table
References: None |
Problem Statement: Jump Start: Aspen Simulation Workbook in Aspen HYSYS V8 | Solution: Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW) is a powerful tool that allows Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus simulation experts to easily create a clean user interface for their models in Microsoft Excel. This makes it easy for other users to manipulate complex Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus simulations without being intimately familiar with the models themselves, or even the software used to create them. Using Aspen Simulation Workbook allows different members of the design team to communicate effectively, without complex technology barriers. Ultimately, this results in more efficient use of time for the entire team.
This guide will walk the reader through the most common progression of how an Aspen HYSYS simulation designer will create a workbook with ASW and how an end user will manage the workbook.
Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Simulation Workbook, V8
References: None |
Problem Statement: I have created a design spec which is using some fortran statements to evaluate the target value. How can I display the value of the intermediate variables used in my fortran code? | Solution: You can add a WRITE statement in the fortran code to write the value to the control panel, i.e.:
C12345*
WRITE(*,*) X, Y, Z
This will write the values of X, Y and Z to the control panel. If you want to make the message more user-friendly, you can use a format Statement
C12345*
WRITE(*,10) X, Y, Z
10 FORMAT(' X = ', G12.5, /, ' Y = ', G12.5, /, ' Z = ', G12.5)
If you have installed a fortran compiler (Intel), you can of course use all the instructions of the fortran language and take the time to read the language reference.
If you need to see the value of the intermediate variables at the final iteration, only of integer or double precision type, you can also declare them as local-params on the Define form of the design spec. You will see the value of the variables in the Results form of the design-spec.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: I would like to review the NIST experimental data used to regress the NIST-TRC databank. Is it possible to do so from Aspen Plus? | Solution: The data used for the NIST-TRC databank is provided in the NIST ThermoData Engine (developed by the NIST Thermodynamics Research Center). AspenTech has provided the parameter regression results for much of this data in the NIST-TRC databank. However, users can use the experimental data to regress their own parameters for the temperature and pressure ranges of their interest.
If you want to review the data, you can run TDE from Aspen Plus, by following this procedure:
1. Open Aspen Plus and go to Components | Specifications.
2. Add the component of interest.
3. Click on the TDE button in the menu bar
4. Select the component in the dropdown list and click on Evaluate now.
A window with the results will show up. Select the desired property and click in the Experimental data tab. You can review the data used for the regression there.
From the Experimental Data tab, you can plot the data, reevaluate the results or save to do regression inside Aspen Plus.
Keywords: National Institute Standards Technology properties database
References: None |
Problem Statement: I have a Dry step that is not calculating the emissions out of the condenser correctly. I would like to use the MACT Air Drying model. When I choose this model, I get the uncontrolled emissions coming out as the total amount of liquid dried off, as expected. However, the amount coming out of the condenser is either the same value as the uncontrolled stream, or it is zero for all chemicals - what is wrong with this model? | Solution: In general, the air dry models should not be used with control devices. The reason being that the emission models are not based on the saturation of non-condensables, but are instead a simple mass balance of the initial an final contents. The idea of a drying emission model based on mass balances comes from the 1978 CTG and 1994 ACT guidance documents, but in actuality the MACT regulation never mentions this as an acceptable emission calculation method.
The MACT air dry model has remained in batch plus only for consistency with the other emission model types. For uncontrolled emissions, all the air dry models are calculated with exactly the same procedure. The difference in the emissions after the control devices is because we had a request to allow a controlled emission calculation method to the air dry model. Since the earlier guidance documents (CTG & ACT) allowed for more interpretation, a method was implemented for calculating controlled emissions for the air dry emission model in one of the 11.1 updates. It was not implemented for MACT air dry since the model doesn't have a regulatory basis to begin with. This procedure back calculates the MINIMUM non-condensable gas that must be flowing out of the vessel to result in a saturated stream large enough to remove the solvent amount calculated by the uncontrolled emission stream. This will result in the flash based control devices (condensers and vacuum pumps) having a MAXIMUM possible efficiency.
We suggest that instead of using the MACT air dry model you use the MACT Purge emission model for estimating emissions. To do this you need to have either a gas sweep operation on the vessel before the drying operation, or specify the sweep flow rate in the advanced dialog for the MACT Purge emission model. This will use the vessel temperature and pressure along with the specified flow rate to calculate the uncontrolled and controlled emissions. You should verify the uncontrolled emissions match the amount of solvent loss during the dry operation. The reason this is a better way to accurately calculate controlled emissions is that it takes into account the reality that during air drying operations the exit gas steam is not going to be near saturation. This will amount to greater emissions, but the calculation procedure will better match measured values.
In verifying this procedure works, we noticed that you should make sure the drying vessels temperature and pressure are set before the drying operation as the MACT purge emission model uses the initial conditions in the vessel.
Keywords: vapour emissions
MACT
MACT air dry
MACT purge
References: None |
Problem Statement: When trying to edit the attribute SFRAC for a stream containing polymers, the following message is displayed:
`Cannot create spot to store value?.
The same problem occurs when trying to edit the attribute SFLOW.
How to avoid this problem? | Solution: The problem is caused by incorrect component specifications. You should first define the segments in the Components | Specifications tab before trying to enter the Component Attributes of the process streams. The segments in the Data browser | Components | Specifications | Selection should be specified as 'Segment' for component type.
You should also complete in the Components | Polymers | Characterization tab to specify the type of each segment.
Once this is done, the component attributes can be specified in the input data of the streams.
Note that you should delete any stream in which you have attempted to enter the attributes before having correctly specified the segments as explained above.
The work flow has been modified in versions v7.3.2 and higher to prevent this issue.
Keywords: SFRAC, SFLOW, Cannot create spot to store value
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to check the simulation time in Aspen Plus? | Solution: One way you can check the simulation time is by going to the History file. Go to the main menu and click on View/History or press Ctrl+Alt+H:
If you scroll down on the history file you will find the time it took for the simulation to run:
Keywords: CPU, model
References: None |
Problem Statement: Which physical and chemical solvents can be used for CO2 removal modeling in Aspen Plus? | Solution: Physical solvents
Methanol (Rectisol?)
DEPG (dimethyl ether of polyethylene glycol) (Selexol?)
NMP (N-methyl 2-pyrrolidone) (Purisol?)
PC (propylene carbonate)
Corresponding example files are available in below path
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Plus V7.X\GUI\App\Physical solvents
? Chemical solvent systems
AMP (2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol)
DEA (Diethanolamine)
DGA (Diglycolamine)
DIPA (Diisopropanolamine)
MDEA (Methyl-Diethanolamine)
MEA (Monoethanolamine)
TEA (Triethanolamine)
NAOH
NH3
PZ (piperazine)
K2CO3
Mixed chemical solvent systems
DEA + MDEA
MEA + MDEA
PZ + MEA
Corresponding example files are available in below path
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Plus V7.3\GUI\App\Amines
Keywords: CO2 removal, Physical Solvents, Chemicals Solvents, Amines etc;
References: None |
Problem Statement: Do we still publish the OLI documentation PDFs anymore? | Solution: No, the updated version of the content from these files exists in the Aspen OLI help file. The help is provided with the accompanying product from OLI when users install it. Alternatively, it can be downloaded fromSolution 132795.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: VB6 is being phased out from the AspenTech products. Does this have implications for the Excel VBA interfaces built as interfaces for Aspen Plus and ACM models? Will automation for V7.2 and beyond still support Excel VBA? | Solution: Not to worry, VBA and VB6 have very different applications.
All VBA scripting and automation will continue to run and continue to be supported.
In Aspen Plusr, we only support VB6 forms for customizing native Aspen Plus models.
In Aspen Custom Modeler (ACM), custom user forms using VB6 will not be officially supported in V7.2 and higher, although it is likely they will keep working fine, especially on 32 bit platforms. Customers who have developed Aspen Custom Modeler custom forms using VB6 should convert them to Visual Basic .NET 2008 or later. Subject to restrictions described in the ACM help, ACM custom forms are supported in Aspen Plus, so it is possible for Aspen Plus to display VB.NET forms.
In ACM V7.2 help, see Exporting Models to Aspen Plus and HYSYS | Creating a Unit Operation Model for Aspen Plus and HYSYS | Custom Forms for the restrictions, and How To | Reviewing Results | Work with Custom Controls for the information on how to create the VB.NET custom forms for ACM.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: There is no emission given even when the organic solids is heated over the melting point It is possible to calculate air emission for solids heated over the melting point? | Solution: Generally Batch Plus operations do not handle phase transitions. Therefore, even though the solid is heated over the melting point, the phase for the compound is still remains as solid. To workaround this, either change the Availability Conditions in the Pure Component dialog to Liquid, or specify that the solid is dissolved in the operations.
Keywords: Emission
Solid
References: None |
Problem Statement: How is Available Phase for certain component determined? | Solution: There is Available Phase data under Availability Conditions in Pure Component Dialog. Before you bring any component into a Batch Plus project, this field is blank. You can confirm this by selecting a certain component and clicking the Info button to view the information. Once the component is added to a Batch Plus project, the Available Phase is set.
From version 11.1, the following enhancement was added regarding the Available Phase. First, if the component is from the pure component databank or inorganic databank, its default is liquid; If the component is from the solid databank, its default is solid.
Second, if the normal boiling point and/or normal freezing point information is available that temperature is compared to the default available temperature and the phase is assigned appropriately (i.e. Avail.Temp> BP => Gas, Avail. Temp < FP =>Solid, etc.)
Keywords: Phase
Availability
References: None |
Problem Statement: What will Dis | Solution: in React operation do to solids in feed and products?
Solution
DisSolution in React affects materials that are either in the reactor or are fed to the reactor during the reaction. It does not dissolve products from the reaction. That is, solids fed to the React operation can be dissolved while solids produced in the operation will not be dissolved.
Keywords: Reacton
Dissolve
References: None |
Problem Statement: Selected utility for emission control condenser, get warning about the utility not cool enough or temperature cross over. | Solution: The emission control condenser is assumed co-current, so to avoid the warning or error, the utility outlet temperature has to be below condenser outlet temperature - Delta T. Delta T is the temperature difference defined in the Preference/Global Default.
Keywords: Condenser
Utility
Emission Control
References: None |
Problem Statement: I often lose track of how many Data Browser forms are open. Is there a way to show a tab for each one similar to Excel? | Solution: Use Workbook mode to help organize all of your open windows.
In Workbook mode, each window has a tab that appears at the bottom of the screen. This makes it easy to see which windows are open.
To use Workbook mode:
From the Window menu, click Workbook.
In V7.2, the following options are included in the Window menu:
Close Open Forms - This closes all windows except the process flowsheet
? Close Current Form - This option just closes the currently active window
(and is available by shortcut key CTRL+F4).
Keywords: Window, Workbook, Close Open Form, Close Current Form etc;
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I report a property-set in the profile results of blocks such as RPlug, Pipe and RadFrac? | Solution: To report a property as a profile variable you will need first to define a property set within the Prop-sets folder and then reference it on the appropriate block. The procedure is outlined below:
Navigate to Properties | Prop-sets folder within the data browser. Define a new property set by clicking the new button and providing a name i.e. PS-1.
From the physical properties drop-down list, choose the property or properties you want to display as a profile. For easier searching, click on the search button at the bottom of the form.
On the Pipe block go to Setup/Flash options and select profile property set you want to include:
f you are using a RadFrac or RPlug block, navigate to the Report form.
On the Properties sheet, add the Prop-set defined above to the Selected property sets area:
Run the simulation and review these property results on the Properties sheet of the Profiles form.
You can find more information on how to add properties for the RadFrac block inSolution 3217. See also the two examples attached for blocks Pipe and RPlug.
Keywords: Report, profile, variables, property-set
References: None |
Problem Statement: Sometimes there are multiple standard statements corresponding to one Batch Plus operation. For example, Charge operation might correspond to Visual Inspection, Weighing the Material and Charge. In such case, what modification can the user do to prevent the page break in Microsoft Word to break in between of those consecutive statements? | Solution: Clear the allow rows to break across pages box in Table | Properties | Row dialog, for each table in each standard statement.
If you highlight rows of a table and check Keep With Next in the Format | Paragraph... dialog, Word will keep those sets of multiple rows on the same page.
So, if you edit each standard statement, highlight the rows in the statement and check this paragraph format property for a group of rows you want to keep together.....Word will make sure that the group of rows are never split between pages.
Do not turn on Keep With Next for the last row of your standard statements (or the last row in the part of a standard statement whose rows you don't want broken across pages), so you don't run the risk of trying to force too many rows to stay together.
How can you tell which rows (or paragraphs) have this property set? A: When you check Tools | Options | View | Formatting Marks | Paragragh (or just click the backwards P button in the Standard toolbar), a little square does shows up at the bottom left end of the row.
Keywords: Operating Instruction
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can Not Create New Project. | Solution: Check the following:
1. Is the working directory read-only? If it is, remove the read only status, if you still have problem go to next step.
2. Under Aspen Batch Plus install directory (by default, it is C:\Program files\AspenTech\Aspen Batch Plus 2004.1), there is a bin folder which store all the binary files. Make sure this is folder and all the files underneath it are not read-only, if you still have problem go to next step.
3. Sort the files in the bin folder by type. Look for .tmp files. Those are template files which Aspen Batch Plus uses to create new project and step. There are 4 of them prior to 2004, after 2005, there are 5 of them. If you do not have those, please either copy those from your colleagues machine, or call Aspentech support to get those. Those files are MS Access files, they stay the same between full install major releases. We have seen IS department in certain companies uses cleanup utility to delete files with tmp extension. If this is the case, please notify your IS department that, it is very dangerous practice to delete files from Program Files folder.
Development is looking into the possibility of changing the file extension from tmp to something less confusing, it is undetermined if this enhancement will be in version 2006.
Keywords: Create
Project
tmp
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why is the molecular weight of my stream containing a polymer or oligomer component calculated as if it only has one unit of monomer? | Solution: The Average MW displayed in the Stream Results is calculated from the parameter MW. The actual value can be reported by adding a Property Set with the property TRUEMW.
This will report the correct molecular weight considering the number of segments in the oligomer or polymer.
Keywords: segment, monomer
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does the Energy Map button in the ConSep(Shown below) model work and when can we use this feature?
Is this option also available in the ConSep block in the new interface for versions V8.X? | Solution: The Energy Map button allows the user to select how to calculate the enthalpy of the lumped feed when component mapping is defined. It affects the quality of the lumped feed, and therefore the design results.
The quality of the lumped feed is defined as:
quality= (feed_enthalpy - v_enthalpy)/(l_enthalpy - v_enthalpy)
There are four options available for mapping the stream:
If the user selects Preserve Feed Quality (q), then the temperature and enthalpy of the lumped feed will be re-calculated so that the quality of the original feed is preserved.
If the user selects Preserve Feed Enthalpy (energy/mole), then the quality of the lumped feed will be re-calculated so that the enthalpy of the original feed is preserved.
If the user selects Saturated Liquid Feed (q=1), or Saturated Vapor Feed (q=0), then the enthalpy of the lumped feed will be re-calculated based on q = 1 or q = 0.
The Energy Map button is not accessible to the user in V8.0 or later versions because the UI was redesigned and the ConSep block was changed into a built-in Aspen Plus block.
Keywords: Energy Map, ConSep, Conceptual design
References: None |
Problem Statement: Very large file crashes when opening in some machines. | Solution: It is possible that there are not enough resources.
By default Windows does not allocate enough resources, so some registry settings have to be modified. Here's a link to the article from Microsoft support:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=126962
Here are the steps to fix the problem (BE SURE TO REBOOT AFTER CHANGING THESE SETTINGS):
To correct this problem, increase the size of the desktop heap:
1. Run Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).
2. From the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE subtree, go to the following key:
\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\SubSystems Select the Windows value.
3. From the Edit menu, choose String.
4. Increase the SharedSection parameter.
For Windows NT:
SharedSection specifies the system and desktop heaps using the following format:
SharedSection=xxxx,yyyy
Add ,256 or ,512 after the yyyy number.
For Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003:
SharedSection uses the following format to specify the system and desktop heaps:
SharedSection=xxxx,yyyy,zzzz
For 32-bit operating systems, increase the yyyy value to 12288; Increase the zzzz value to 1024.
For 64-bit operating systems, increase the yyyy value to 20480; Increase the zzzz value to 1024.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: What Intellichem Synthesis Version Does Aspen Batch Plus Intellichem Interface Support? | Solution: Version 3.60 and 3.65.
The Interface format AspenTech and Intellichem has agreed upon is that
For recipes, it is BatchML
For materials, Aspen Batch Plus uses Intellichem's format.
AspenTech has been issuing Aspen Batch Plus/Intellichem interface according to this format from version 12.1. Intellichem supports this format with versions 3.60 and 3.65. Versions 4.0 and 5.0 of Intellichem Synthesis do not currently support the intermediate format used for transfer to Batch Plus. Therefore, Batch Plus Intellichem interface cannot be used yet with versions 4.0 and 5.0.
We will update this document once Intellichem finishes their updates.
Keywords: intellichem
interface
References: None |
Problem Statement: The outlet stream mole flow is in lbmol/hr. Instead, I want mol/sec. My input for the stream mole flow is in mol/min, but I don't see a way to change the outlet stream mole flow units. | Solution: Follow the below steps to change the units of the outlet stream mole flow. This will change the units for ALL stream and block output.
1. Navigate to Data/Data Browser/ Setup/ Units-Sets, and double click Units-Sets folder.
2. Click New button to create a new set.
3. Enter an ID (Set1) and click OK.
4. Click yes to make Set1 the global unit set.
5. Confirm that ENG is entered in the Copy from field.
6. Change the Mole flow to mol/sec.
7. Reinitialize and run your model.
You will get the Mole flow reported on mol/sec.
Keywords: Outlet stream units, units, customize, mole flow.
References: None |
Problem Statement: I have a simulation that is not using any external subroutine, however, after running I see the following error and the simulation stops.
*** SEVERE ERROR (FPFNDI.1) COULD NOT RESOLVE USER OR IN-LINE FORTRAN SUBROUTINE(S): SUBROUTINE ZZSENS IS MISSING
How can I solve this error? | Solution: This error happens in two situations:
i) If there is Fortran syntax inside a calculator block, design spec or a sensitivity analysis that cannot be interpreted by the engine, or
ii) If the program is forced to write all inline code in an external subroutine to be compiled.
The engine creates simple statements for calculator blocks, design specs or sensitivity analysis. This normally does not require you to have a Fortran compiler and linker and the program is able to interpret this code. If this error appears:
1) In the Simulation environment, go to Setup | Calculation Options | System
2) Select Interpret all inline Fortran statements at execution time for the Fortran compilation options.
Keywords: Fortran subroutine, design spec, calculator block, sensitivity analysis.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can a user access pre-defined petroleum Property Sets in Aspen Plus? | Solution: When opening a new simulation, select to open the Petroleum with Metric Units or Petroleum with English Units templates.
The templates can also be imported into an existing Aspen Plus simulation by going to File | Import. The templates can be found in the following directory:
C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\Aspen Plus V8.8\GUI\Templates\Refinery
Make sure that the file type Templates (*.apt) is selected.
Keywords: Aspen Plus, Petroleum, Property, Sets
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I delete a molecular structure in the Pure Components dialog after it had been accidentally imported from a *.mol file? | Solution: Since this is a situation rarely encountered, there is no Undo or Delete key available. The Delete button in the Pure Components dialog will actually delete the entire record of a given component.
To delete the molecular structure only, use Notepad (or any other editor of your choice) and create an emtpy *.mol file. For example:
empty.mol (size: 0 bytes)
Importing this file will delete the old structure.
Note: In Route Selection (Chemist View), there are dedicated buttons for importing and deleting the structure of any new intermediate.
Keywords: pure component
molecular structure
mol file
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I change the color of the unit operations in Aspen Plus? | Solution: There is no way to change the color of the unit operations that are already added to a simulation. To change the color of the icon you need to create your own icon library.
To create an icon library in Aspen Plus, go to the Library menu and click New. This will display a window to enter the library name and the path you want to save your library in and click on Create:
After entering the library name and the path go to the Library menu again and select the name of the newly created library. Click on the library name and select the option Edit. Add the unit operation you wish to change by dragging it from the model library in Aspen Plus to the new sheet. The following window will show up:
Click on next, enter a category. Click on next again (leave all the default options) and finally click on Finish. This will add the selected block to the new category you created:
Right click on the newly added icon and select the option Edit Current Icon. This will take you to the Icon Editor window:
Click on the icon to select it and then move to the left side and select the color you want your icon to have. Choose the color you want and the icons borders will be changed to the color you selected:
After changing the color to the icon go to the Icon menu and select Update Icon.
Go back to the Process Flowsheet Window and on the Model Library tab you will see your created Library. Open the libray, select the icon you just created and add it to the PFD:
If you want the icon to be filled in, select one of the filled in options on the model libraries and do the same procedure:
Keywords: Model library, icon, icon editor
References: None |
Problem Statement: What operations use use or change Particle Size Distributions (PSD) in Batch Plus? | Solution: Most of the secondary operations use or manipulate the particle size distribution:
Mix
Classify (separation)
Screen (separation)
Granulate (produce solid)
Mill (reduce size)
Pulverize (reduce size)
High-shear-Granulate (produce solid)
Extrude (produce solid)
Roller-Compact (produce solid)
Also, the following unit operations will produce a cake in which users can specify the PSD:
Filter
Filter-In-Place
Centrifuge
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to navigate through the MS Access results database to find the material components (pure components and pre-defined mixtures) that make up the contents of a vessel at the end of each operation | Solution: When you open up the Microsoft Access database from the Results Menu/MS Access, there are 45 tables to choose from, and each one contains cross-refrences to one or more other tables.
To find the material components of a vessel at the end of an operation:
Start with EquipmentContents table. Within the EquipmentContents table, find the operation of interest in the OperationName column. This column lists all of the operations in the step. Within that same row, make note of the EquipmentID number and the ContentsID number.
Go to the EquipmentSummary table to see what piece of equipment the EquipmentID references. This will be the equipment that appears in the column BPTag on the same line as the noted EquipmentID number.
Open the ThermodynamicPhase table and cross reference the ContentsID with one or more PhaseID's. The type of phase (gas, liquid 1, etc.) is listed under the Phase column. This table also lists the mass, mole, and volume fraction that each phase comprises. For exampe, if PhaseID=67, Phase=liquid 1 and Mole Fraction=0.75, then the first (or only) liquid phase in this vessel makes up 75 mole percent of the entire contents.
Go to the PhaseComponents table and match up the PhaseID with one or more ComponentID's This table also lists mass, mole and volume fractions. In this case it is the fraction that each component makes up in that particular phase. For example, it may tell that ComponentID 10065 makes up 50% by weight of the gas phase.
To find what material each ComponentID represents, open the PureComponents table and reference the MaterialID's (MaterialID=ComponentID) with the MaterialName.
Keywords: Equipment Contents, MS Access, Results, EquipmentContents, EquipmentID, ContentsID, EquipmentSummary, ThermodynamicPhase, PhaseID, PhaseComponents, ComponentID, Pure Components, MaterialID, MaterialName
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the effect of the Use the liquid reference state Checkbox on the Properties form in terms of Routes, Methods, and Models? | Solution: The route for DHL is set to DHL09 - no other changes take place.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Could not lock file error message occurs when opening project. | Solution: It is common practice that a company restrict the normal user from accessing certain directories in the computer such as the drive where the application is installed. This might cause problems when opening a Batch Plus project.
This problem can be verified by:
Checking the attributes for the Batch Plus\bin folder by right-mouse clicking on the folder and selecting Properties | General. See if the Read Only box is checked.
-Or-
Asking a system administrator to open the project since Admin has read and write access.
If your problem is indeed caused by restricted access to the bin directory, please try the following workaround:
Ask the system administrator to change the Bpv01.bp file in the Batch Plus\bin directory to read only.
Log in as normal user.
The Bpv01.bp file serves as a flag to Batch Plus signaling that the directory is read only. If so, Batch Plus will copy all the temporary files into Windows temp file directory.
Keywords: read-only
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between On Demand and Automatic run? | Solution: On Demand runs are similar to Normal Interactive runs , with one main difference: In On Demand mode, you can run the simulation even when the flowsheet is not complete, as long as some part of the flowsheet is fully specified, and Aspen Plus will run the fully specified part.
In On Demand mode, Aspen Plus will run all blocks whose flowsheet connectivity and block input are complete, and whose inlet streams are specified, estimated, or provided by another complete block. If the block was previously run, it is only re-run when connectivity, block input, or inlet streams change. Aspen Plus will also flash any unconnected streams with complete input.
In Automatic run mode , Aspen Plus will perform On Demand runs each time a new portion of the flowsheet becomes fully specified.
Keywords: On demand, automatic, run
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can the insertion error polymerization kinetics be tracked in a simulation? | Solution: Insertion errors can be attributed from stereoisometric insertion and backwards monomer insertions.
Aspen Polymers does let you track atactic fraction (e.g., stereoisometric insertion errors) and head-to-head versus head-to-tail insertion (for monomers like styrene where the insertion can be backwards).
To record insertion error, please select component attribute ATFLOW/ATFRAC (atactic segment flow and fraction) and HTHFLOW/HTHFRAC from the attribute list in Aspen Properties > Polymers > Characterization > Polymers tab
Key Words
Polymer, Attributes, Insertion Error, Atactic
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Total Volume is an attribute of a few equipment classes, such as tank, reactor, fermentor and crystallizer. Is the value used in simulation? How different is Total Volume from Capacity? | Solution: Tank, Reactor, Ferment, Crystallizer and Column equipment classes have an attribute called Total Volume. This attribute is interpreted to mean the sum of the capacity and the head volume.
IF it is non-NULL;
THEN it is used in the emission calculations;
Else IF this value is NULL;
THEN the attibute Capacity will be used instead;
Else IF the equipment class selected does not have the Total Volume attribute,
THEN its attribute Capacity will be used instead.
Please also refer to the Batch Plus on-line help, Models | Vapor Emission Models | True Volume in Emission Calculations.
The attribute Capacity in an equipment class is used to determine the utilization of a vessel. It is an attribute to almost every equipment class except a few such as Inventory Location and Generic - Batch. You will receive a warning message if you are filling the vessel with liquid and solid over its capacity. Capacity is also used in Scale up calculations. Please note that capacity is calculated by attribute Capacity multiplied by Maximum Fill Factor, which is again, an attribute to almost every equipment class in Batch Plus
Keywords: Volume
Fill Factor
References: None |
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